Gold Bar Group Sites
4.2939 reviewsMOAB FIELD OFFICE, 82 E. DOGWOOD AVE., Moab, UT, 84532, USA
Gold Bar Group Sites
$130.00 - $250.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$130.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Site A (max 30 people): $150. Group Site B (max 30 people): $150. Group Site C (max 90 people): $250. Group Site D (max 30 people): $130.
About this campground
Gather your favorite people and escape to Gold Bar Group Sites, where the mighty Colorado River carves through ancient desert landscapes. Perfect for everything from boisterous family reunions to educational school adventures, this riverside haven serves as your gateway to some of the Southwest's most treasured national parks. Wake up to crimson cliffs catching the morning light, spend your days exploring winding recreation trails, and end each evening sharing stories under a canopy of stars that seem close enough to touch.
Gold Bar Group Sites are tailored for large groups and tent camping, with limited accommodations for RVs and motorhomes. There are no options for individual sites, cabins, or luxury camping setups.
Weather and SeasonsDesert camping here follows nature's dramatic rhythms. Summer arrives with intensity—blazing days that can spark sudden afternoon thunderstorms, bringing spectacular lightning shows, flash floods that transform dry washes into temporary rivers, and winds that carry the scent of rain across the sand. But visit during the magical months of spring and fall, and you'll discover why seasoned campers plan their trips for these seasons: comfortable days perfect for hiking, crisp nights ideal for campfires, and reliably clear skies that showcase the Milky Way in all its glory.
ElevationNestled in the high desert country where the Colorado River has carved its timeless path, Gold Bar sits at an elevation that perfectly balances accessibility with that authentic desert camping experience. Here, the air carries just enough of that high-country crispness to remind you that you're camping in one of the American West's most iconic landscapes.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Colorado River flows past your campsite like a liquid lifeline through the desert, its waters reflecting the towering red rock canyons that rise like ancient cathedrals on either side. Massive mesas stretch to the horizon, their flat tops catching golden light at sunset, while closer to camp, the landscape reveals a surprising diversity—from smooth sandstone formations to rugged outcroppings where desert wildflowers bloom in hidden pockets after rain.
Geological RegionGold Bar Group Sites rest in a geological wonderland where millions of years of Earth's history lie exposed in layers of crimson and amber stone. The Colorado River serves as both sculptor and guide through this remarkable terrain, having carved a corridor through towering red rock canyons and beneath imposing mesas. This is arch country, where patient winds and water have created natural bridges and windows in the rock, and where proximity to multiple national parks means you're camping at the heart of one of North America's most spectacular desert landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the authoritative or user-provided content.
Sites SizeThe group sites vary in size. Site C is the largest and accommodates up to 90 people, while Sites A, B, and D accommodate up to 30 people each. Users noted that the sites are spacious, with Site C described as having "tons of room."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is moderate. Some users reported issues with "random people poaching in our reserved area" and "campers walking directly through our campsite to get to the river." However, Site D was noted for being at a distance from other group spaces.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites with shade shelters (A, B, C) for hot weather and avoid Site D if a river view is desired.
Best CampsitesSite C is praised for its large capacity and amenities, but can become crowded due to poachers.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at Noon.
Check-out
Check-out is by Noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit is permitted.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Group Site A: 30 people. Group Site B: 30 people. Group Site C: 90 people. Group Site D: 30 people.
Groups
There are four group sites: A, B, C, and D. Site C accommodates up to 90 people, while Sites A, B, and D accommodate up to 30 people each. Site B features a hammock structure and shade shelters are available at Sites A, B, and C. Site D is noted for being more suitable for motorhomes but lacks a shade shelter.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is structured with four group sites (A, B, C, D) with varying amenities. Sites A, B, C include shade shelters, while Site D is better suited for motorhomes.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round (January 1 - December 31).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; all sites must be reserved in advance.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be completed online through the Recreation.gov user account. $10 service fee applies for cancellations, and late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) incur an additional $10 fee plus forfeit of the first night's use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Gold Bar Group Sites offer a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, four-wheel drive tours, and rock climbing. The campground's location near the Colorado River allows for water-based activities such as boating and paddling. Nearby national parks and trails enhance the experience further.
Hiking
Hiking is a prominent activity, with the Corona Arch trailhead directly across the road from the group sites. Reviewers described the hike as "pretty" and "well worth it." Other nearby trails include Bowtie Arch and Jeep Arch.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Swimming
Swimming in the Colorado River is possible but not formally designated. One reviewer mentioned, "The river water is shallow, about knee to waist deep, and fun to play in."Biking
Mountain biking opportunities are abundant in the surrounding area, with numerous open trails and roads.Boating
The campground includes a boat ramp for Colorado River access, supporting activities such as canoeing, rafting, and paddling.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is frequently observed, including ravens, chipmunks, and skunks. "We saw several large skunks come through our campsite," one reviewer noted. Another advised campers to secure food due to wildlife presence.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities were mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, rafting, and paddling are supported due to the river's proximity. The boat ramp enhances accessibility.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire grates; gusty winds may require caution.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsSummer thunderstorms may cause flash flooding and gusty winds. Mosquitoes are reported to be severe during certain times of the year.
Active alertsNo current active alerts.
Weather forecast
96
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 18%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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 (~15 minutes drive), including Moab Regional Hospital, police station, and the BLM Moab Field Office.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available via a large dumpster at the entrance. No recycling services were mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAll sites are located along the Colorado River.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include severe mosquito presence, frequent noise from other campers, and groups walking through reserved campsites.
Campground Map
MOAB FIELD OFFICE, 82 E. DOGWOOD AVE., Moab, UT, 84532, USA
Driving directionsFrom Moab, drive five miles north on Hwy 191 to the intersection with Hwy 279. Turn left/west on Hwy 279 and drive ten miles to the campground entrance road.
The campground is accessed via Hwy 279, a paved road that parallels the Colorado River. The road is suitable for standard vehicles, though summer thunderstorms may cause flash flooding or gusty winds.Nearby places
Moab (~15 minutes away), Arches National Park (~10 minutes drive), Canyonlands National Park (~1 hour drive), Dead Horse Point State Park (~30 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, camping gear, and fuel are available in the town of Moab (~15-minute drive). Camping essentials like water and dump stations are not available at the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.3
39 reviews
Gold Bar Group Sites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The Gold Bar Group Sites are generally well-regarded for their scenic views, spaciousness, and proximity to recreational activities. However, common issues include the lack of potable water and showers, crowded conditions due to campsite poaching, and variable cleanliness of vault toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 39 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers praised the campground’s "amazing views" of the Colorado River and surrounding red rock canyons. The proximity to the Corona Arch trailhead and national parks was highlighted repeatedly....
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Lack of potable water, no showers, and variable maintenance of vault toilets were common complaints. Other issues include campsite poaching, poor privacy, and noise from neighboring groups. One...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own drinking water as there is none on-site. Secure food and trash to avoid attracting wildlife. Arrive early to set up, as some users noted issues with campsite poaching. A fully stocked...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer: High temperatures and lack of shade make the campground hot during the day, but the river offers some relief. Thunderstorms and flash floods can occur.
Spring/Fall: Ideal temperatures and...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The views at night when it gets so dark you can clearly see the Milky Way." "The Corona Arch trailhead is directly across the street." "Bathrooms are quite disgusting." "Several people would just...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site C is noted for its large size and proximity to the river but has issues with poachers. Site B is appreciated for its hammock structure and shade but faces privacy issues. Site D lacks a river...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed. No specific amenities for pets were mentioned.
Based on 39 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025