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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-Range Options

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

  • Upscale Properties

    Some boutique properties feature enhanced amenities. Visit IHG Hotels for premium 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 with full hookups, showers, and laundry. Search on Booking.com for options.

  • Glamping Sites

    Unique desert lodges sometimes offer 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 immersion in the natural environment.
Limitations
  • Primitive camping only (Devils Garden).
  • Reservations are very difficult to obtain.
  • No services beyond the Visitor Center.

Moab City Center

Benefits
  • Central location.
  • Walking distance to restaurants and shops.
  • Closest amenities to the park entrance.
Limitations
  • Can be noisy along Main Street.
  • Hotels might be older or more expensive.
  • Traffic and activity are present.

North/South US-191

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

Safety & Location Notes

Safety Information

Moab and its surrounding areas typically have a very safe environment. No specific neighborhood safety concerns go beyond standard travel precautions. Always lock your vehicle and avoid leaving valuables exposed, especially 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. Popular options fill up.
  • Low Season (Winter/Summer): You often find availability 1-2 months out, 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 uncommon, especially during peak season.
  • Online booking typically offers the best prices and availability.
Policies & Prices
  • Deposit and cancellation policies vary; 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 lowest prices.

House Sitting Alternatives

Explore TrustedHousesitters

A platform for house and pet sitting exchanges.

Community Connections

Some travelers find unique stays through direct community networks.

Cost-Effective Stays

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

Accommodation Recommendations

General accommodation recommendations cater to various travelers.

Budget & Mid-Range Stays

Budget-Friendly Picks

Devils Garden Campground is a top choice for an unique, affordable stay if a reservation 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, notably during warmer months.

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

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

    Some properties 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 accommodations 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 desired 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.

  • Think about proximity to attractions and services.
  • Choose between an immersive nature stay or town convenience.

Homestay Information

Limited Homestay

Homestay options are not a prominent feature 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.