Jaycee Park Campground

Star4.40
11 reviews
82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA
Jaycee Park Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$20 per night per site. Payable at a self-service station at the campground.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$20.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(435) 259-2100utmbmail@blm.gov

About this campground

Tucked away in the dramatic Colorado River canyon, Jaycee Park Campground offers an intimate escape for tent campers seeking adventure without the crowds. This hidden gem welcomes visitors to its walk-in sites nestled beneath a canopy of cottonwoods and willows—a rare oasis of shade in the desert landscape. While you won't find running water or electrical hookups here, you'll discover something far more valuable: direct access to the legendary Wall Street climbing area and the breathtaking Portal Hiking Trailhead. Clean vault toilets and the peaceful ambiance make this the perfect basecamp for climbers, hikers, and anyone craving a genuine connection with Utah's red rock wilderness.
Jaycee Park Campground is primarily designed for walk-in tent camping with limited facilities.
Historical SignificanceThis modest campground sits at the crossroads of climbing history, where generations of rock climbers have gathered before tackling the iconic routes of Wall Street. The area has evolved from a local secret to an internationally recognized climbing destination, yet the campground maintains the authentic, grassroots spirit that first attracted adventurers to these canyon walls. The nearby Portal Trail follows ancient paths once used by indigenous peoples and later by miners and settlers, connecting the river corridor to the high country above.
Weather and SeasonsDesert sunshine and starlit nights define the climate at Jaycee Park, where the Colorado River canyon creates its own microclimate. Summer days bring the intense warmth typical of southern Utah's slickrock country, making those shady campsites especially precious. As autumn arrives, crisp mornings give way to perfect hiking weather, while winter offers mild temperatures ideal for year-round climbing adventures. Spring transforms the canyon with wildflower blooms and comfortable conditions that draw outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.
ElevationNestled deep within the Colorado River canyon, the campground rests at the river corridor's elevation, where towering sandstone walls create a natural amphitheater. This lower elevation provides a welcome respite from the higher desert plateaus, offering warmer winter temperatures and a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. The dramatic vertical relief between the campground and the canyon rim creates stunning light displays at sunrise and sunset.
Natural Features and SceneryA verdant ribbon of green follows the Colorado River through this red rock wonderland, and Jaycee Park claims one of the most scenic spots along this corridor. Massive cottonwoods and dense willows create an unexpected forest floor, their leaves rustling with canyon breezes and providing blessed shade rarely found in this arid landscape. Towering sandstone cliffs painted in shades of crimson and amber rise directly from the campground, while glimpses through the canyon reveal the snow-capped La Sal Mountains floating like islands above the desert. The interplay of water, stone, and vegetation creates a microhabitat teeming with bird life and offering photographers endless compositions.
Geological RegionSet within the heart of the Colorado Plateau's canyon country, Jaycee Park showcases millions of years of geological history written in stone. The campground lies where ancient sand dunes hardened into the Wingate and Navajo sandstone formations that now tower overhead, their crossbedded patterns telling stories of prehistoric winds and seas. The Colorado River continues its patient work of canyon-cutting below, while above, the La Sal Mountains—formed by igneous intrusions—provide a dramatic backdrop of a completely different geological origin. This convergence of river canyon, desert towers, and alpine peaks creates one of the most geologically diverse vistas in the American Southwest.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessibility details are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeMost sites have plenty of room, but they are not secluded from each other. 'Sites are not secluded from each other, so you'll be able to see almost all other tents from your site' (user review).
Sites PrivacyCampsites are visible to each other, offering limited privacy.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews suggest sites offer varying levels of proximity to the road and shade, but specific recommendations on individual sites are not provided.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsites are highlighted as the 'best' sites.

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 nights in a 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limited to 10 people per site.
Groups
There is no indication that group sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground is small with only 7 sites, all walk-in and tent-only. Sites are not secluded from each other and are close to the parking area (10–100 steps).
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground's availability is not specified to vary by season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not accepted at this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 7 sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reviews mention that the campground can fill quickly during busy periods.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not applicable; all sites are first-come, first-served. Cancellation policies are therefore not relevant.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Jaycee Park Campground offers hiking opportunities and is situated near popular climbing areas.
Hiking
The Portal Hiking Trailhead is near the campground, providing access to spectacular views of the Moab Valley and the La Sal Mountains. However, the trail features a 1000-foot elevation gain, which may not be suitable for all campers.
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.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Fire pits are provided at each site. Specific fire regulations are not included in the source.
  • Quiet hours are not specified, but highway noise is mentioned as a potential disturbance.

Hazards

General hazardsPotential hazards include proximity to the highway (noise and possible safety concerns) and the absence of water at the campground. Wildlife encounters are not mentioned.
Active alertsNo active alerts are mentioned for this campground.

Weather forecast

53
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 45%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 1.1 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Closest emergency services are likely in Moab, including medical facilities and police services (specific details not provided).

Good to know

Peak season datesPeak season dates are not specified in the source.
Trash and recyclingA dumpster is available for trash disposal, according to reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground does not have direct access to the Colorado River or other water features.
Common complaintsHighway noise is a recurring issue mentioned in reviews. Some visitors also noted that the vault toilets had a strong odor. The lack of water availability is another common concern.
HostNo information about campground hosts is provided in the source.

Campground Map

82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA
Driving directionsFrom the center of Moab (at Center St. and Main St.) head north to Hwy 279, which is just south of the Arches National Park entrance. Turn left (west) on Hwy 279 and drive 4 miles. The campground is on the right.
The campground is accessed via paved roads. Seasonal closures or major challenges accessing the campground are not noted in the source materials.
Nearby places
Moab is approximately 4 miles away, taking less than 10 minutes to drive.
Nearby supplies
Nearest locations for groceries, camping supplies, or fuel are likely in Moab (4 miles away). Specific stores or services are not mentioned.

Camper Reviews

4.4
11 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Jaycee Park Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Generally positive reviews highlight the campground's proximity to Moab, Arches National Park, and climbing areas, as well as the natural beauty and shade provided by trees. However, some users have noted drawbacks like highway noise and unpleasant restroom conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the 'nearly full shade all day for all sites, a rarity in these parts,' the proximity to Arches National Park, and clean vault toilets.
Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Highway noise is a frequent complaint, with one review noting 'traffic noise from about 6am in the morning 25 yards from your tent.' Some sites experience poor restroom odors, and the lack of water...
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Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, as there is no potable water on-site. Consider earplugs if noise sensitivity is a concern. Arrive early to secure a spot, as sites are first-come, first-served.
Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews frequently mention the importance of shade due to high temperatures. Traffic noise is more noticeable during tourist-heavy months.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice small roadside campground -- we would stay here again!' (Jon Kovaciny) 2. 'Great campground for $20 a night...Picnic tables and a fire pit provided at each site.' (Violet Renna) 3. 'The...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers are highlighted as better or worse in reviews.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically mention experiences with pets.
Based on 11 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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