Island In The Sky (Willow Flat) Campground
4.5643 reviews2282 Resource Blvd., Moab, UT, 84532, USA
Island In The Sky (Willow Flat) Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fee is $15 per night per site, first-come, first-served. No additional reservation fees apply.
About this campground
Perched high above the canyon country, Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground offers 12 intimate campsites where adventurers can experience the raw beauty of Canyonlands National Park. This first-come, first-served sanctuary operates year-round, welcoming those who seek solitude among the stars and sandstone. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities—a picnic table for sunset dinners, a fire ring for evening gatherings, and a protective shade structure to escape the desert sun. While vault toilets are available, the absence of running water adds to the wilderness experience, requiring visitors to arrive self-sufficient. Just moments away, the Green River Overlook awaits with its legendary dawn and dusk light shows. During peak season from spring through fall, early birds catch more than worms—they secure coveted campsites in this high-desert haven.
The Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground is a dry camping facility with basic amenities for tent and RV camping.
Historical SignificanceThis windswept plateau holds stories written in stone, where ancient Indigenous peoples once traversed the rugged terrain, leaving behind whispers of their presence in the form of rock art and artifacts. The campground sits within a living museum of time, where millions of years of patient erosion have carved one of Earth's most spectacular geological galleries. Every vista from this elevated perch reveals chapters of our planet's autobiography, from ancient seas to wandering rivers that sculpted the impossibly deep canyons below. Camping here means sleeping where countless generations have witnessed the slow, magnificent dance of geological time.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints with extremes across this high-desert canvas, where temperatures dance between dramatic highs and lows throughout the day. Spring and fall emerge as the golden seasons, offering comfortable days perfect for exploration and crisp nights ideal for stargazing. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched wonderland, though the elevation provides welcome relief from the scorching heat found in lower desert regions. Winter wraps the campground in a quieter mood, with cold temperatures and occasional snow dustings creating an entirely different desert experience. The persistent wind—a constant companion mentioned by many visitors—adds its own wild character to the landscape, making sturdy tent stakes and weighted gear essential companions for any stay.
ElevationAt 6,093 feet above sea level, this sky-high campground offers a refreshing escape from the desert's notorious heat. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where summer nights bring welcome coolness and afternoon temperatures remain surprisingly comfortable. However, this lofty position also means winter visitors should pack for alpine-like conditions, as snow can transform the red rock landscape into a stunning winter wonderland. The thin air at this elevation makes sunrises and sunsets particularly vivid, painting the canyon walls in colors that seem almost supernatural.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to a landscape that defies imagination—where the earth falls away in magnificent terraces of red and white stone, creating a maze of canyons that stretch to the horizon. The campground's high-desert setting features hardy junipers and pinyon pines that frame endless views, while the sparse vegetation allows unobstructed vistas in every direction. A short walk leads to the Green River Overlook, where the landscape opens into a breathtaking amphitheater of stone, revealing the serpentine path of the Green River thousands of feet below. Here, mesa tops serve as natural balconies overlooking one of America's last great wildernesses, where eagles soar on thermals and the silence is so complete you can hear your own heartbeat.
Geological RegionWelcome to the crown jewel of southeastern Utah's canyon country, where the Island in the Sky District rises like a massive natural fortress above the confluence of the Green and Colorado Rivers. This elevated mesa represents millions of years of geological artistry, where ancient seas, wandering rivers, and relentless wind have collaborated to create a masterpiece of erosion. The campground sits atop this sky island, surrounded by sheer cliffs that drop away to reveal layer upon layer of Earth's history—from the white rim sandstone beneath your feet to the ancient Paradox Formation hidden in the depths below. This is where the high desert meets the sky, creating a landscape so surreal it challenges the imagination while rewarding those who venture here with views that stretch across four states on clear days.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has one ADA-accessible site and paved parking spots, as mentioned in reviews.
Sites SizeSites are described as spacious with ample room for tents and RVs, as noted in user reviews.
Sites PrivacySites are somewhat close to each other, but some users note an impressive level of privacy due to the layout and natural surroundings.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early (by 10:00 AM) to secure a spot during peak seasons. Opt for sites further from bathrooms to avoid odors during windy conditions. Sites with shade structures are recommended for summer visits.
Best CampsitesNo specific site numbers are identified as best in authoritative sources. User reviews suggest sites near the Green River Overlook offer great views but caution against sites near bathrooms due to odors during windy conditions.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- First-come, first-served basis
- no specific check-in time.
Check-out
- Open departure policy
- no specific check-out time.
Stay Limit
Stay is limited to 7 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Single site occupancy rules are not specified beyond general usage.
Groups
There are no group camping sites explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground consists of 12 individual sites, including one ADA-accessible spot. Sites are equipped with shade structures, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground is open year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations needed or supported; all sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 12 sites are first-come, first-served. No reservations are accepted. Sites are frequently full by mid-morning, particularly in spring through fall.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available as all sites are first-come, first-served. Cancellation policies do not apply.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a range of nature-centric activities including hiking, stargazing, and enjoying nearby scenic overlooks such as the Green River Overlook.
Hiking
The campground is close to hiking trails, including Mesa Arch and Aztec Butte trails, which are highly recommended in user reviews.Wildlife viewing
Campers report observing ravens as part of the wildlife experience. The natural setting offers opportunities for general wildlife viewing.Winter Activities
The campground remains open during winter, but no specific winter activities are detailed.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are available due to the dry location.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include high winds, extreme temperatures, and lack of running water. Wildlife such as ravens may disturb trash if left unattended. Reports of mice or rats causing damage to vehicles were noted in one user review.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in Moab (~29 miles). Includes Moab Regional Hospital and police services.
Good to know
Peak season datesSpring through fall seasons are busiest; sites fill quickly during these times.
Trash and recyclingUser reviews mention trash facilities available, but ravens may disturb trash if not secured properly.
Proximity to water featuresNo direct water features at the campground. Green River is visible from nearby overlooks.
Common complaintsFrequent issues include sites filling up early during busy seasons, high winds affecting camping conditions, and lack of running water. Several reviews also noted difficulty securing a site due to the campground's popularity.
HostNo campground hosts are mentioned.
Campground Map
2282 Resource Blvd., Moab, UT, 84532, USA
Driving directionsTurn on UT 313, approximately 10 miles north of Moab or 22 miles south of I-70. Follow the road 22 miles to the entrance to Canyonlands National Park - Island in the Sky district. Continue on the park road approximately 7 miles. Make a right turn toward Upheaval Dome, and follow signs to the campground.
Roads are paved and accessible year-round. Visitors should plan for a roughly 29-mile drive from Moab to the campground entrance. Remote locations may make navigation difficult; ensure you have maps or GPS.Nearby places
Moab: ~29 miles (~45 minutes)
Green River: ~40 miles (~50 minutes)
Monticello: ~65 miles (~1.5 hours).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, camping equipment, and fuel, are available in Moab (~29 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.6
43 reviews
Island In The Sky (Willow Flat) Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users praise the campground for its scenic beauty, proximity to overlooks, and quiet atmosphere. However, they note the lack of water and the first-come, first-served system as potential downsides.
Review Summaries
Based on 43 reviews
What Campers Love
'One of the best dry camp camping grounds I have ever been to.' 'Beautiful location close to Arches also.' 'Great for stargazing.' 'The campground is clean, and the pit toilets are the cleanest in...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
'The campground fills up quickly, so arrive early.' 'No water on-site, so bring your own.' 'It would be better if the rangers could indicate site availability at the entrance.'
Based on 43 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
'Get there early to secure a spot.' 'Bring plenty of water.' 'Stake your tent securely as it can get windy.' 'Avoid sites near the bathrooms to prevent unpleasant smells when the wind shifts.'
Based on 43 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring to fall is the most popular time due to cooler weather and the high demand for sites. Winter offers solitude, but weather conditions can be harsh.
Based on 43 reviewsCamper Quotes
'If you are lucky enough to get a spot, it's incredible!' 'At night you can see every star you can ever imagine.' 'Super secluded camp spots with ample space.' 'Bathrooms are cleaned daily, but no...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site near the bathrooms: 'Great view but unpleasant smells on windy days.' ADA site: 'Good accessible spot with paved parking.'
Based on 43 reviewsAccessibility Features
The campground has one ADA-accessible site, which is appreciated by reviewers. However, no further details on accessibility features are provided.
Based on 43 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There is no information explicitly provided about pet policies or features for pet owners.
Based on 43 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025