Goose Island Group Sites
4.3977 reviewsMOAB FIELD OFFICE, 82 E. DOGWOOD AVE., Moab, UT 84532, USA
Goose Island Group Sites
$125.00 - $175.00 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Site A accommodates up to 25 people for $125/night, while Group Site B accommodates up to 40 people for $175/night. Additional fees include a $10 change fee and $10-$20 cancellation fees.
About this campground
Nestled along the Colorado River, Goose Island Group Sites serve as your gateway to the legendary landscapes of Moab, where adventure meets comfort under towering cottonwoods. This riverside retreat puts you minutes from the otherworldly arches of Arches National Park and the dramatic canyonlands that have drawn explorers for generations. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with fire grates for evening gatherings, sturdy picnic tables for outdoor meals, and protective shade shelters that offer respite from the desert sun. Modern vault toilets ensure convenience without compromising the natural setting. Whether you're planning dawn hikes through slickrock trails, afternoon mountain bike expeditions, or sunset rafting adventures on the Colorado, this campground positions your group at the heart of Utah's outdoor playground.
Goose Island Group Sites cater to group camping, with designated areas for large groups. There are no individual or primitive sites available.
Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate here tells a tale of extremes that shapes every adventure. Summer transforms the canyon country into a blazing furnace where temperatures regularly soar past 100°F, accompanied by afternoon winds that sweep through the canyons like ancient spirits. These hot months occasionally surprise visitors with dramatic thunderstorms that can trigger flash floods through narrow washes—nature's reminder of water's sculpting power in this arid land. When winter arrives, the landscape takes on a different character entirely, with temperatures plunging below freezing and delicate dustings of snow creating ethereal contrasts against the red rock walls. Spring and fall offer the sweet spots, with comfortable temperatures perfect for exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Colorado River whispers past your campsite, its life-giving waters nurturing a ribbon of green through the desert—a corridor of massive cottonwoods that cast dancing shadows and provide blessed shade. From beneath these ancient sentinels, you'll gaze up at canyon walls that rise like natural cathedrals, their layers telling stories millions of years in the making. As evening approaches, watch the red cliffs of nearby Arches National Park transform into a canvas of fire, glowing with an intensity that seems almost supernatural in the golden hour light. This dramatic interplay of water, stone, and sky creates a landscape that feels both intimate and infinite.
Geological RegionYour campground sits at the heart of the Colorado River Corridor, where eons of patient erosion have carved one of Earth's most spectacular geological galleries. Here, the river has sliced through layer upon layer of ancient sediments, exposing a timeline written in stone—from Jurassic sand dunes frozen in time to Triassic mudflats that once teemed with prehistoric life. The surrounding red rock canyons stand as monuments to deep time, their Entrada and Navajo sandstone formations sculpted by wind and water into impossible shapes. To the north, the striking cliffs of Arches National Park rise like a natural fortress, harboring over 2,000 documented stone arches within its boundaries—the densest concentration of natural arches on the planet.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features were not explicitly mentioned in the source information.
Sites SizeGroup Site A allows up to 25 people, and Group Site B accommodates up to 40 people.
Sites PrivacyThe group sites are located near the road and tend to be less private. Some users highlighted that people often walked through their sites, mistaking them for picnic areas.
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite B is better suited for larger groups and those requiring vehicle access. Site A offers a quieter tent-only experience.
Best CampsitesSite B is favored for vehicle accessibility and larger capacity. Site A is recommended for tent camping with shade.
Reserving a campsite
Check-out
Noon
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Site A allows up to 25 guests
- Site B allows up to 40 guests.
Groups
Group Site A can host up to 25 people and is tent-only, while Group Site B can accommodate up to 40 people and allows motor vehicles.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutGroup sites are located at the far end of Goose Island loop, beyond individual campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen for reservations from January 1 to December 31 each year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or by contacting the BLM Moab Field Office.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit information provided on walk-up availability for group sites.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee and additional charges for late cancellations or no-shows. Refunds exclude reservation fees. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) forfeit the first night’s 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
Goose Island Group Sites offer a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can hike, bike, explore scenic drives, and enjoy photography. The campground's proximity to the Colorado River also provides opportunities for river-based activities.
Hiking
The area is close to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, which offer numerous hiking opportunities. Trails range from scenic overlooks to more challenging routes.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.Biking
A paved bicycle trail connects the campground to Arches National Park, the Bar M Mountain Bike Trailhead, and the town of Moab.Boating
The Colorado River provides opportunities for boating, though there are no specific docking facilities at the campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as ravens and chipmunks frequent the area. However, reviewers warn against leaving food unattended due to these animals.Water Sports
Opportunities for water sports such as rafting and kayaking are available on the nearby Colorado River.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed; users must adhere to regional fire bans.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent gusty winds, flash flooding risks during summer storms, and wildlife (ravens and ants). Ant infestations reported by multiple users.
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 include hospitals and police stations in Moab, UT (~2 miles away). For camping-related issues, contact the BLM Moab Field Office at 435-259-2100.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but some users reported issues with overflowing garbage bins during peak times.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Colorado River, offering scenic views and limited river access.
Common complaintsReports of site poaching, overflowing garbage bins, and inadequate parking. Ant infestations are a recurring issue.
HostPositive feedback for hosts Sean and Angie, described as friendly and helpful.
Campground Map
MOAB FIELD OFFICE, 82 E. DOGWOOD AVE., Moab, UT 84532, USA
Driving directionsFrom Moab, drive north on Highway 191 to the junction of State Route 128. Drive two miles on SR 128 to the entrance to Goose Island campground. The group sites are at the far end of the campground.
The campground is accessed via paved roads; no seasonal closures or challenging terrain are noted.Nearby places
Moab (2 miles, ~5-minute drive), Arches National Park (10 minutes), Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park (30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries, fuel, and camping equipment are available in Moab, UT (~2 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.4
77 reviews
Goose Island Group Sites is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Goose Island Group Sites receive mixed reviews. Positive aspects include the scenic location along the Colorado River and proximity to Moab and Arches National Park. Negative reviews highlight issues like cleanliness, limited amenities, and noise from nearby roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 77 reviews
What Campers Love
Users consistently praised the beautiful setting along the Colorado River, the proximity to major attractions like Arches National Park, and the helpfulness of the camp hosts.
Based on 77 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include the lack of water and showers, cleanliness of vault toilets during peak times, noise from the nearby road, and the occasional presence of non-reserved vehicles in group sites.
Based on 77 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend securing reservations well in advance due to high demand. It is also suggested to bring plenty of water and to be aware of potential windstorms.
Based on 77 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is most popular during spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Summer reviews mention extreme heat, strong winds, and limited shade.
Based on 77 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The vault toilets are filled to the brim by the end of summer.'
2. 'Amazing location that is very close to town, and far away enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re cramped.'
3. 'Beautiful,...
Based on 77 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Group Site A is tent-only and accommodates up to 25 people, while Group Site B allows up to 40 people and motor vehicles. Specific reviews mention parking limitations and cleanliness issues in both...
Based on 77 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews on accessibility for people with disabilities.
Based on 77 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is pet-friendly, but users recommend keeping pets leashed due to the proximity of a busy road.
Based on 77 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025