MileHacker Logo
Where to Stay in Arches National Park

Where to Stay in Arches National Park

Arches National Park Utah, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Hotel & Motel Choices

  • Budget Stays

    Chain motels like Super 8 or Motel 6 are readily available.

  • Mid-Mid-priced Options

    Independent hotels and well-known brands like Holiday Inn Express.

  • Upscale Properties

    Some boutique properties feature enhanced amenities. Visit IHG Hotels for luxury stays.

  • Outdoor Enthusiast Amenities

    Many hotels feature pools, hot tubs, or bike wash stations.

Camping & Unique Lodging

  • Devils Garden Campground

    Located inside Arches NP. Reservations are highly competitive.

  • BLM Campgrounds

    Numerous primitive and developed sites surround Moab. Some are first-come, first-served.

  • Private RV Parks

    These generally come having complete hookups, showers, and laundry. Search on Booking.com for options.

  • Glamping Sites

    Unique desert lodges occasionally provide a luxurious outdoor experience.

Neighborhood Guide

Select a location based on park proximity, amenities, and desired atmosphere.

Within Arches NP

Benefits
  • Unmatched access to park trails.
  • Direct experience with dark skies for stargazing.
  • True full engagement with the surrounding nature.
Limitations
  • Primitive camping only (Devils Garden).
  • Reservations are very difficult to obtain.
  • No services beyond the Visitor Center.

Moab City Center

Benefits
  • Central location.
  • Close enough to walk to restaurants and shops.
  • Closest amenities to the park gate.
Limitations
  • Can be noisy along Main Street.
  • Hotels might be older or more expensive.
  • Traffic and action are present.

North/South US-191

Benefits
  • Often quieter than downtown.
  • Many more modern hotels featuring pools.
  • Relatively close to park entrance.
Limitations
  • Driving needed for restaurants and boutiques.
  • Fewer amenities within walking distance.
  • Less immediate access to city services.

Safety & Location Notes

Safety Information

Moab and its surrounding areas generally possess a very safe environment. No specific neighborhood safety concerns go beyond standard travel precautions. Always lock your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables exposed, notably at trailheads.

Proximity to Attractions

Moab lodging is the closest base for Arches National Park, generally 5-10 minutes drive to the entrance. Moab acts as a central hub for exploring Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park.

Booking Strategies

Advance Booking by Season

  • High Season (Spring/Fall): Book 6+ months ahead. Timed Entry reservations also book well in advance.
  • Shoulder Season (Nov, Feb, early Jun, late Aug): Book 2-4 months ahead. Well-liked choices fill up.
  • Low Season (Winter/Summer): You often find availability 1-2 several months beforehand, or last minute in winter.
  • Summer travel, despite heat, sometimes sees moderate to high prices due to family trips.

Trusted Booking Platforms

  • For Hotels/Motels: Use Booking.com, Expedia, or Agoda. Booking direct with the hotel might sometimes be better.
  • For Vacation Rentals: Airbnb and VRBO serve as main platforms.
  • For Devils Garden Campground & BLM: All reservations process through recreation.gov.
  • For Hostel Stays: Find options on Hostelworld.

Additional Booking Notes

Negotiating Rates
  • Negotiating walk-in rates for hotels is not usual, especially during peak season.
  • Online booking typically provides the best prices and availability.
Policies & Prices
  • Down payment and cancellation rules differ; always review before confirming.
  • National Park campground reservations sometimes have strict cancellation rules.
  • Prices for lodging are notably higher during spring and fall peak seasons.
  • Winter usually has the rock-bottom prices.

House Sitting Alternatives

Explore TrustedHousesitters

A platform for house and pet sitting exchanges.

Community Connections

Some visitors discover unique stays through straight to the community networks.

Cost-Effective Stays

These options can sometimes provide a budget-friendly lodging alternative.

Accommodation Recommendations

General accommodation recommendations cater for various travelers.

Budget & Mid-Range Stays

Budget-Friendly Picks

Devils Garden Campground is a top choice for an unique, affordable stay if a booking is obtained.

  • BLM campgrounds also offer cost-effective options.
  • Budget motels in Moab like Super 8 or Motel 6 are good for indoor stays.
Mid-Range Comforts

Many chain hotels in Moab provide comfortable stays with standard amenities.

  • Holiday Inn Express.
  • Hampton Inn.
  • Best Western.
  • Independent hotels also fit this category.

Family & Solo Traveler Options

For Families

Hotels with pools are very popular, particularly in warmer months.

  • Vacation rentals with multiple bedrooms.
  • Kitchen facilities provide space and convenience.
  • Camping could also be a very family-friendly option.
For Solo Travelers

Youth hostels in Moab, though limited in options, offer cost-effective stays.

  • Budget motels serve solo adventurers well.
  • Devils Garden Campground provides an unique and affordable experience.

Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Vacation Rentals

    Ideal for longer stays, offering more space, kitchens, and a living area.

  • Extended-Stay Hotels

    Certain accommodations in Moab cater to longer visits.

  • Home-Away-From-Home

    Rentals provide a home-like feel for groups or families.

  • Booking Flexibility

    Many platforms support multi-week or monthly bookings.

Unique & Historical Stays

  • Modern Focus

    Most places to stay in Moab are modern, built for outdoor tourism.

  • Natural Landscape

    The region's historical significance lies mainly in its natural landscape and the town's origins.

  • No Landmark Hotels

    No specific hotels hold deep cultural or historical significance on their own.

  • Glamping & Desert Lodges

    These offer a blend of unique experience and comfort, often reflecting the desert aesthetic.

Planning Ahead

Early Booking

Book early, especially for peak seasons (spring and fall), to guarantee your preferred lodging.

  • Availability quickly decreases during busy times.
  • Better rates are often available with early reservations.
  • Popular options fill months in advance.
Matching Your Style

Select an accommodation that matches your budget and travel preferences.

  • Consider proximity to attractions and services.
  • Select from an immersive nature stay or town convenience.

Homestay Information

Limited Homestay

Homestay options are not a prominent appear in the Moab area.

Tourism Focus

The local tourism industry mainly focuses on traditional lodging and outdoor adventure activities.

Alternative Stays

Vacation rentals and glamping sites sometimes offer a more personalized experience.