Community Forums

mxgeezer · 06-02-2016, 08:06 PM

On our way home from Yellowstone to Texas in late June we'd like to take a Saturday morning to drive the Arches Scenic road. Since there are no Walmart's in Moab I'm wondering if there's a safe parking lot to sleep overnight Friday and leave the bus and take the toad for a quick run thru the park. Didn't really want to take the time to find a park, check in(spend $), etc. If not, what's a good local RV park?

KarenS144 · 06-02-2016, 08:20 PM

Just one night?? Are you sure that's all you want to stay and do? Canyonlands is right there as well as Dead Horse Point State Park which has a spectacular sunset on the point. Then there is Moab that deserves a few hours at least.

As far as a free place to stay, there isn't as far as I know but there is a place to park near the intersection of 128 & 191(or was a few years ago). There are some BML CGs along 128 though. We stayed in Big Bend but there are only a couple of sites for a big rig and there are no hookups. Another BML CG is Horsethief which is on the way to Canyonlands & DHPSP. There maybe some boondocking places too and there are several "resorts" in Moab.

rarebear.nm · 06-02-2016, 08:51 PM

There are many free BLM campsites in the Moab area. Check out this link: BLM Campgrounds surrounding Moab, Utah. We spend two weeks there last spring and could have spent more time.

twogypsies · 06-02-2016, 08:53 PM

According to the Moab Field Office for BLM free camping, there are now very limited sites to do so due to visitation of approximately 2 million per year. Moab is a very busy place and has many restriction on where you can camp. The free spots would probably not be good for your 37' MH and not worth trying for only one night. Why not plan to spend a couple nights in a campground at least and explore the area. How often will you return?

The campgrounds in the link posted by RareBear.nm are not free. There is a charge and they're first come.

mxgeezer · 06-02-2016, 09:27 PM

We have to be back home on Sunday after spending 5 days in Yellowstone. Moab will be kind of a "recon" mission for next trip. Jobs and real world wait.

Busskipper · 06-03-2016, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mxgeezer

On our way home from Yellowstone to Texas in late June we'd like to take a Saturday morning to drive the Arches Scenic road. Since there are no Walmart's in Moab I'm wondering if there's a safe parking lot to sleep overnight Friday and leave the bus and take the toad for a quick run thru the park. Didn't really want to take the time to find a park, check in(spend $), etc. If not, what's a good local RV park?

Here's the issue - HEAT in late JUNE - lot's of places to stay - Rt 128 along the Colorado River is full of spots, but I would look to get some elevation and some coolness to sleep in. Maybe Manti-La Sal National Forest, they might have some dispersed sites that would be cooler (Have never stayed there so?)

We have stayed in a Passport America site in the Summer there a few time, cheap and easy, and has electric so you can sleep - Don't forget Canyonlands and Dead Horse State Park (Think they have electric sites but no water) then be sure to drive Rt 128 along the Colorado River just a Beautiful drive.

How will you exit Moab to get back to Texas?

I'd suggest - for a fun and Beautiful drive to head out rt 128 to I-70 into Colorado then down the 550 to Montrose/Ridgway SP area, Ouray - Telluride - 4X4 trails to die for and Cool Crisp Nights, just my favorite area in the US.

Then maybe across to Salida and out to Texas.

BOL,

scrapperjohn · 06-03-2016, 08:20 AM

Arches takes 1 to 2 days MINIMUM to see much of anything!!!
Lots to see & do in Moab & area.

mxgeezer · 06-03-2016, 12:15 PM

Because of work schedules we have very limited time to do more than Yellowstone this trip. I thought I'd swing thru Moab and show the wife a little of what it's like by driving the 18 mile scenic road. That's why a Walmart parking lot would have been ideal for the "in and out": spend the night, get up early and drive the route, load toad back up and hit the highway. We'd love to take a more scenic route home but time is an issue, so probably 191/491/i40.

twogypsies · 06-03-2016, 12:20 PM

A drive-through Arches is better than not seeing it at all.

I wouldn't give up your plan but I would spring for a RV park with hookups. You will want a good night's sleep before taking off for your journey in the morning and yes, it will be very hot there so your air conditioner will be welcomed. You can then dump and clean your tank out, if necessary, get groceries and perhaps as a last big night on the road, take yourselves out for dinner.

Hope it works out for you.

HR2004 · 06-03-2016, 12:57 PM

We stayed at Spanish trail rv park in Moab in April.. decent park. nothing is going to be dirt cheap but we stayed 3 nights just to get a taste of the Arches and Canyonlands NP's.. Branding Iron Steak House across the hwy had great burger.. unlimited refill on fries...

dexters · 06-03-2016, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mxgeezer

On our way home from Yellowstone to Texas in late June we'd like to take a Saturday morning to drive the Arches Scenic road. Since there are no Walmart's in Moab I'm wondering if there's a safe parking lot to sleep overnight Friday and leave the bus and take the toad for a quick run thru the park. Didn't really want to take the time to find a park, check in(spend $), etc. If not, what's a good local RV park?

There is a park south of Moab I overnight ed in. It has a rest room. Other 18ers and RVs were there. Look on a map for the location.

TonyMac · 06-03-2016, 02:59 PM

I stayed and the Portal RV Resort (they call anything a resort) and was very unimpressed. Right next door was the Slick Rock Campground, which looked better. Gotta eat at the Jail House for breakfast, ride your bikes everywhere.

mxgeezer · 06-03-2016, 05:43 PM

Just pulled the trigger on one night at the Slickrock campground. The bacon at the Jailhouse Cafe looks terrific! Arches here we come. This is going to be an epic 10 day adventure. Thanks everyone!