Explore Moab: A Vanlifer’s Guide to the Best Spots
Moab, Utah might be the ultimate destination for vanlifers. With stunning desert scenery, famous national parks, dog-friendly hiking trails, and plenty of budget-friendly campsites along the Colorado River, it’s a place that makes you want to stay a little longer. It’s got a strange and unreal beauty. It feels like a postcard.
Until it’s 97 degrees and you realize, wait, this is one of the reasons we are living in a van. We can go where the weather is nice! We arrived in September, spent one day sweating it out, and fled to cooler elevations in Durango. But once the temps dipped, we came back and we’re so glad we did.
Moab in summer is packed and sizzling. In the fall, however, it’s absolutely dreamy, especially for a vanlifer. Here’s your vanlife Moab Guide: everything you need to know to plan your own vanlife adventure in Moab; with tips on where to camp, hike, work out, and let your dog live his best life in the red rocks.
🌄 Why Vanlifers Love Moab
Moab is a vanlifer’s paradise.
Here’s why:
- Endless free boondocking and BLM camping
- Affordable riverside campgrounds with epic views
- Two national parks: Arches and Canyonlands
- Nearby: Dead Horse Point State Park (dog-friendly!)
- Super cute and walkable downtown Moab
- Pet-friendly trails, spring water, and free RV dumps
We stayed along the Colorado River Scenic Byway (UT-128). Hands down the most beautiful road we’ve ever driven. Campgrounds like Goose Island, Granstaff, and Big Bend are all dreamy, affordable, and right on the river.
And yes, you really can fill your water at a mountain spring… right next to an actual dinosaur footprint. Only in Moab.
🛻 Where to Stay: Best Moab Campgrounds for Vanlife
🏕️ Big Bend Campground (our favorite)
- $20/night
- Van parking + a private trail to the river
- Hidden sandy beach = dog heaven
- Pit toilets + dumpsters
- No hookups, but who needs ’em with a view like this?
🌄 Goose Island & Granstaff Campgrounds
- $20/night
- Stunning views of Arches National Park’s rock walls
- Easy access to the Moab Canyon Pathway (bike/run trail to Arches)
- Great for morning walks with the dog
🔌 RV Parks in Moab
If you need hookups or are visiting in summer, there are plenty of RV parks in Moab. We didn’t stay at one, but the options are solid and they have showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi.
🆓 Boondocking & BLM Land
Moab is surrounded by BLM camping. Free spots can be found with a little driving and some good apps (we use iOverlander and Campendium). Perfect if you want more privacy and don’t mind a dusty road.
💪 Staying Active: Gyms, Showers & Yoga
Moab Recreation and Aquatic Center
- $77/month for two people
- Small weight room with all the essentials
- Nice showers = vanlife luxury
- Indoor treadmills for rainy days
- Great value for long stays
🧘 Yoga in Moab
There are a few studios (including heated classes), but honestly? I just rolled out my mat next to the van. Desert yoga > studio yoga.
🥾 Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in Moab
Most national parks are off-limits to dogos but Moab has a TON of dog-friendly trails in and around town. Bernie-approved.
🏞️ Grandstaff Canyon Trail
- 4 miles, moderate
- Unreal red rock views
- One of our all-time favorite hikes
🏜️ Corona & Bowtie Arch
- 2.5 miles round-trip
- Includes two arches and a ladder (which you can walk around!)
- Dog-friendly, but bring water and sunscreen
🌊 Mill Creek Waterfall Trail
- 1.8 miles
- Water crossings + waterfall swimming hole
- Petroglyphs and lots of splashy fun
We stayed along the Colorado River Scenic Byway (UT-128). That beautiful road. Campgrounds like Goose Island, Granstaff, and Big Bend are all dreamy, affordable, and right on the river.
🦕 Dinosaur Tracks Trail
- Short and sweet
- Dinosaur footprints + ancient petroglyphs
- Great for kids, dogs, and dino nerds
📍 Dead Horse Point State Park
- Dog-friendly trails
- Unbeatable canyon views
- $20 entry fee — worth it
🏞 Arches National Park Tips
- $30 entry or FREE with the America the Beautiful Pass ($80/year)
- Dogs not allowed on trails
- Timed Entry Program: From April–early July & late August–October, you’ll need to sign up for a $2 reservation to enter between 7 am and 4 pm
- Enter before 7 am or after 4 pm = no ticket needed
Even if you can’t hike with your dog, the scenic drive through Arches is amazing and if your van has AC like ours, your pup can chill in comfort while you explore.
🛒 Groceries & Food in Moab
- Mooonflower Community Co-op – Great for organic/vegan options
- City Market & Village Market– Full grocery stores in town
- Plenty of local cafes and restaurants downtown, we mostly cooked
- Coffee shops- quite a few in Moab
- Más Café makes REALLY good oatmilk drinks, no seating but good for grab and go
- Bonjour Bakery and Cafe has French style food, good drinks (we didn’t eat any food) and outdoor seating = dog friendly
🗺️ Map
Map of all the spots mentioned
TL;DR?
Moab is magic.
Just bring water, shade, and a sense of humor when you roll through in warmer months. It’s wild, dusty, gorgeous and full of places to hike, splash, stretch, and eat quinoa from the comfort of your bougie van.
