Field notes
The 12 Best Glamping Spots in Moab, Utah
I learned the hard way that July in Moab is not for the faint of heart. My first trip, I booked a canvas tent with a swamp cooler—a laughable defense against 108°F. By noon, I was lying on the cool tile of the visitor center bathroom, reconsidering my life choices. That’s when I discovered glamping with real AC, proper insulation, and a bed that didn’t feel like a sauna. If you want to actually enjoy your desert adventure, you need the right base. To see all your options, browse all glamping stays here. After a decade of trial and error, here are my 12 favorite spots.
Under Canvas Moab
This is the gold standard for luxury glamping in Moab. Their safari tents come with king beds, wood-burning stoves for chilly nights, and a private bathroom with a rainfall shower. The restaurant serves surprisingly good bison chili. I stayed here in April and woke up to a dusting of snow on the La Sal Mountains—magical. Book the ‘Stargazer’ tent for a skylight above your bed. Downside: it’s pricey (around $350/night), and the walls are canvas, so you’ll hear neighbors. But the location, 20 minutes from Arches, is unbeatable.
Moenkopi Yurts
These are the best value in Moab. A yurt runs about $120/night and includes a real bed, AC, and a mini-fridge. The shared bathhouse is spotless, and the property sits on 20 acres of red rock. I loved sitting on my private deck at dusk, watching kangaroo rats scurry. The owners leave a binder of local hiking tips. Only issue: thin walls—I once heard a couple arguing about their GPS. But for the price, I forgive them.
Moab RV & Glamping Resort
Don’t let the name fool you; this place has deluxe cabins and teardrop trailers that feel like tiny houses. I rented a ‘Glamping Cabin’ with a queen bed, mini kitchen, and AC. The heated pool was a lifesaver after a day in Canyonlands. It’s in town, so you can walk to restaurants. The downside? You’re surrounded by RVs, so it’s less remote. But the amenities—laundry, wi-fi, fire pits—make it a solid base camp.
Devils Garden Campground
Okay, this is a traditional campground, not glamping. But hear me out: it’s inside Arches National Park, and you can rent a tent pad. If you bring your own luxury gear (like a rooftop tent or a canvas cabin tent), it’s semi-glamping. I did this in October and had the place to myself after the day-trippers left. The stars were unreal. You must book months ahead—sites sell out within minutes.
Oak Grove Campground
Up in the La Sal Mountains, this is a forested escape from the desert heat. It’s National Forest, so basic tent sites, but the elevation (8,000 feet) means temperatures are 20°F cooler. I parked my van here and set up a hammock. No hookups, no showers—but the solitude is priceless. Bring a camp stove and bear-proof food container.
Sun Outdoors North Moab
This is a full-service RV resort that also rents ‘Glamping Tents’—permanent tents on platforms with real beds, AC, and a shared bathhouse. I stayed in April and liked the proximity to the Colorado River (you can rent kayaks). The pool is heated, and there’s a restaurant. The vibe is family-friendly and a bit corporate, but the location is hard to beat. Between the river and the red cliffs, it’s a photographer’s dream.
Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground
Inside Canyonlands National Park, this is a primitive campground with 12 sites. No services, no water—bring everything. I went in March and had a panoramic view of the White Rim. It’s not glamping unless you bring your own setup, but the reward is waking up to a sunrise over the canyons. Reserve online up to six months ahead.
Kayenta Campground
This is a small, quiet campground near the Colorado River, with tent sites and a few cabins. The cabins have AC and shared bathrooms. I stayed in one of the cabins in June and appreciated the shade from cottonwood trees. The river access is a bonus for cooling off. The property is rustic but well-maintained. Only a few sites, so book early.
More Domed Dreams
Beyond these, I’ve slept in geodesic domes that feel like spaceships on Mars. One of my favorites was a dome near the Needles District of Canyonlands—it had a telescope and a skylight. For the full list of unique stays, including domes and safari tents, check out glamping in Utah. And if you’re new to the concept, my guide to glamping covers what to expect.
Final Tips from a Burnt Fool
- Avoid July and August unless your glamping site has industrial-strength AC. Even then, outdoor activities are miserable.
- Book early. The best spots like Under Canvas and Moenkopi sell out months in advance, especially spring and fall.
- Bring layers. Desert nights can dip into the 40s even in summer. I once shivered through May night because I only packed shorts.
- Check for fire restrictions. In dry summers, campfires may be banned. Many glamping sites provide propane fire pits instead.
Moab is a playground of red rock arches, canyon overlooks, and dark skies. Don’t let a bad accommodation ruin it. Choose one of these 12 bases, and you’ll wake up rested, not roasted.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to go glamping in Moab?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are ideal. Avoid July and August unless you have AC—daytime temps often exceed 100°F. If you must go in summer, book a property with strong AC like Under Canvas Moab.
How much does glamping in Moab cost per night?
Prices range from $50-$100 for basic yurts or cabins to $250-$500+ for luxury domes and safari tents. Off-season rates can be 20-30% lower.
Do glamping sites near Moab have air conditioning?
Many do, but not all. Under Canvas Moab and Moenkopi Yurts have AC. Some domes and tents rely on swamp coolers or fans, which struggle in extreme heat. Always check amenities before booking.
Can I glamp inside Arches or Canyonlands National Parks?
Inside the parks, only traditional campgrounds like Devils Garden Campground (Arches) and Island in the Sky Campground (Canyonlands) exist. For glamping, you'll stay just outside the park boundaries, often within 10-30 minutes.
What should I pack for a glamping trip in Moab?
Bring layers (desert nights can be cold even in summer), a headlamp, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and sturdy hiking shoes. Most glamping sites provide bedding and towels, but confirm beforehand.
Is glamping in Moab pet-friendly?
Some properties allow pets, but with restrictions. Under Canvas Moab and Moab RV & Glamping Resort are pet-friendly (fees apply). Always check the specific listing.
Are there glamping options with private bathrooms?
Yes. Under Canvas Moab and Moenkopi Yurts offer en-suite bathrooms. Others have shared bathhouses. Verify the listing details.