Lower Onion Creek Group Sites
4.5339 reviewsMOAB FIELD OFFICE, 82 E. DOGWOOD AVE., Moab, UT, 84532, USA
Lower Onion Creek Group Sites
$125.00 - $150.00 / 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$150.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Site A, B, and C each cost $150 per night. Seasonal rates range from $125 to $150 per night depending on site type.
About this campground
Nestled along the winding banks of the mighty Colorado River, Lower Onion Creek Group Sites offer the perfect basecamp for adventurers seeking to explore Utah's legendary red rock country. These thoughtfully designed group camping areas welcome families and friends to gather under expansive desert skies, where days are filled with thrilling mountain bike rides through slickrock trails, exhilarating whitewater rafting expeditions, and challenging four-wheel drive adventures through rugged canyon country. Whether you're planning a multi-generational family reunion or an outdoor adventure with your closest companions, these sites provide the ideal blend of accessibility and wilderness immersion.
Lower Onion Creek Group Sites cater to group camping, offering reservable group sites designed for gatherings of 15-30 people. The campground primarily supports tent camping and smaller RV setups, with no hookups or modern amenities.
Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate here tells its own dramatic story throughout the year. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for river activities, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll in suddenly, painting the sky with spectacular lightning displays and occasionally triggering flash floods that showcase nature's raw power. Desert winds whistle through the canyons, creating nature's own soundtrack. As winter approaches, temperatures can plunge below freezing, transforming the landscape into a crystalline wonderland. When darkness falls, the absence of city lights reveals one of the most spectacular night skies in North America, where the Milky Way stretches from horizon to horizon in breathtaking clarity.
ElevationNo elevation data provided.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be mesmerized by one of nature's most spectacular galleries. Towering red rock formations rise like ancient sentinels from the desert floor, their layers telling a story millions of years in the making. Dramatic canyons carved by time and water create a labyrinth of hidden alcoves and soaring walls, while weathered mesas and delicate spires punctuate the horizon like monuments to the Earth's artistic prowess. The Colorado River winds through this geological wonderland like a jade ribbon, its waters reflecting the crimson cliffs above. In the distance, the snow-capped La Sal Mountains provide a stunning alpine contrast to the desert landscape, their peaks often dusted with snow even as wildflowers bloom in the valleys below.
Geological RegionThis remarkable landscape sits at the heart of the Colorado Plateau's most iconic terrain, where the eternal Colorado River has carved its way through layers of ancient sandstone to create a geological masterpiece. Here, vermillion buttes and ochre mesas showcase millions of years of Earth's history in their stratified walls. Delicate spires and balanced rocks dot the landscape like nature's sculptures, while the majestic La Sal Mountains rise to the east, their volcanic origins providing a dramatic counterpoint to the sedimentary wonderland below. This unique convergence of river corridor, desert canyon country, and alpine peaks creates one of the most diverse and visually stunning geological regions in the American Southwest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the source materials. Group sites are described as spacious, which may facilitate some level of accessibility.
Sites SizeGroup sites are spacious, with capacity for up to 30 people per site. Parking is limited, accommodating up to seven sedans or equivalent spaces for smaller RVs and trailers under 22 feet.
Sites PrivacyGroup sites are reported to be relatively private, with sufficient distance separating them to reduce noise and maintain a sense of seclusion.
Total Campsites21 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroup Site A is recommended for its riverside location and natural foliage, while Sites B and C are better for larger groups needing parking.
Best CampsitesGroup Site A is praised for its proximity to the Colorado River and foliage. Group Site B and C offer parking and space but lack natural shade.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay limit of 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 30 guests allowed per group site.
Groups
Group sites A, B, and C each accommodate up to 30 people. Site A is closest to the Colorado River and features some foliage for shade, while sites B and C have a parking lot between them and the river.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutGroup sites are spaced apart, ensuring privacy. Individual sites are available first-come-first-serve.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; reservations start Jun 29, 2025, for the season Jan 1, 2025-Dec 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityOnly individual campsites (not group sites) are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 service fee applies to cancellations; late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) forfeit the first night's use fee along with the service fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee and 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
The Lower Onion Creek Group Sites offer a variety of outdoor activities, making it a versatile destination for adventure enthusiasts. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and boating. The location also provides access to multiple trails and scenic views of the Colorado River and surrounding landscapes.
Hiking
The campground is proximal to hiking trails, including those in the Fisher Towers area, which offers scenic vistas and rock climbing opportunities. Specific trail lengths and difficulty levels are not provided.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
Mountain biking opportunities abound in the surrounding area, with trails along Highway 128 offering varied terrain and scenic views.Boating
A boat ramp is available on-site, facilitating access to the Colorado River for activities like rafting, tubing, and paddleboarding. Some areas of the river feature rapids, making it suitable for both calm and adventurous water excursions.Wildlife viewing
Campers may encounter ravens, chipmunks, and other local wildlife. The area's natural landscape provides a good backdrop for bird watching and wildlife observation.Winter Activities
During the winter months, the campground is open but may experience reduced usability due to colder temperatures. Activities like snowshoeing and winter hiking are possible in the surrounding areas.Water Sports
Water-based activities such as rafting, SUPs (stand-up paddleboarding), and tubing are popular due to easy river access.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings are available; firewood is not provided, and users must bring their own.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include gusty winds, flash flooding (dry creek behind Group Site A), and wildlife such as chipmunks and ravens.
Weather forecast
95
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 18%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
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
Moab Regional Hospital (~40 minutes away in Moab), nearest police services in Moab, and the BLM Moab Field Office for ranger services.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but recycling services are not mentioned. Campers are reminded to keep trash secured to deter wildlife.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly along the Colorado River, with boat ramps and river access nearby.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of shade, issues with group site management, wind challenges affecting camping gear, and generators not adhering to quiet hours.
HostNo specific details provided about campground hosts.
Campground Map
MOAB FIELD OFFICE, 82 E. DOGWOOD AVE., Moab, UT, 84532, USA
Driving directionsFrom Moab drive north to the junction with Highway 128. Drive 22 miles on Highway 128 to the entrance to Lower Onion Creek campground, then 1.5 miles north on the gravel road. The group sites are located on the southwest side of the campground.
The campground is accessible via Highway 128 followed by 1.5 miles on a gravel road. While this gravel road is not paved, the access appears manageable for most vehicles.Nearby places
Moab (22 miles, ~40 minutes), Arches National Park (~40 minutes), Canyonlands National Park (~1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, dining options, sports rentals, and shopping are available in Moab, approximately 40 minutes away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
39 reviews
Lower Onion Creek Group Sites is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Lower Onion Creek Group Sites frequently highlight the area's natural beauty, spacious sites, and proximity to outdoor activities. Cleanliness of the facilities and the quiet, non-crowded environment are consistently praised. However, some users report management issues, such as site reservation conflicts and insufficient toilets during peak periods.
Review Summaries
Based on 39 reviews
What Campers Love
Commonly mentioned positive aspects include stunning views of red rock formations and the Colorado River, clean vault toilets, and the tranquil environment away from the highway. Stargazing and...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Key complaints include limited shade, lack of drinking water, and management challenges like site reservation mishaps. Strong winds and noisy neighboring campers were also noted as drawbacks by some...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing sufficient water and shade structures due to the lack of amenities. Visiting during weekdays is suggested to avoid crowds. Group Site A is noted as the best option due to...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are favored for camping, with reviews indicating moderate weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be uncomfortably warm, while winter may see reduced accessibility due to colder...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The views are beyond words but the seclusion and tranquility are dictated by the rafters.' - Chad Miller
2. 'Group campsite was amazing! Plenty of space for tents, great fire pit.' - Rachel...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Group Site A is often described as the best due to its location along the river and natural shade. Site C is noted for its spaciousness and proximity to the river, making it suitable for larger...
Based on 39 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are not explicitly addressed in the reviews. However, the spacious group sites may accommodate users with mobility aids.
Based on 39 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and reviews suggest that most campers found the environment accommodating for dogs. One user mentioned that their barking dogs did not disturb others significantly.
Based on 39 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025