Upper Big Bend Campground

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82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA
Upper Big Bend Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$20 per night for individual sites. Payment can be made at the campground via cash or check only.
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) 259-2100

About this campground

Nestled in the heart of the Colorado River Canyon, Upper Big Bend Campground beckons adventure seekers with its dramatic red rock backdrop and world-class climbing opportunities. This intimate tent-camping destination sits just a stone's throw from the renowned Big Bend Bouldering Area, making it a coveted basecamp for climbers who can literally walk from their tent to the rocks. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach—offering essential amenities without potable water or electrical hook-ups—it rewards visitors with unparalleled access to one of the Southwest's most striking landscapes and an authentic wilderness experience.
Upper Big Bend Campground is designed for tent camping and is a first-come, first-serve facility. It specifically caters to individual site campers with no provisions for RV hookups or group camping.
Weather and SeasonsVisitors should come prepared for the canyon's dynamic weather personality, where crisp, dry air dominates the climate year-round. Winter adventurers may encounter snow dusting the red rocks while temperatures dip into truly cold territory, creating a stunning contrast against the desert landscape. The arid conditions mean you'll want to pack extra water and sun protection, as the dry air and high-altitude sun can be deceivingly intense even on cooler days.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground immerses you in a natural amphitheater of towering red rock walls that glow like embers at sunrise and sunset. The mighty Colorado River carves its ancient path through the canyon below, its waters having sculpted this remarkable landscape over millions of years. Desert vegetation dots the rugged terrain—hardy junipers, piñon pines, and resilient cacti create pockets of green against the rust-colored stone. Every campsite offers front-row seats to this geological masterpiece, where the interplay of light and shadow across the canyon walls provides an ever-changing show throughout the day.
Geological RegionUpper Big Bend sits within one of North America's most spectacular geological showcases—the Colorado River Canyon system. Here, layers of ancient sandstone reveal millions of years of Earth's history in their stratified walls, painted in hues of crimson, orange, and ochre. The rugged desert landscape tells a story of persistent erosion and dramatic uplift, creating the maze of canyons, mesas, and boulder fields that make this region a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and geology buffs alike.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the authoritative source.
Sites SizeThe campground offers 8 individual tent sites. No sizes are explicitly described.
Sites PrivacyNo information is provided about the level of privacy between campsites.
Total Campsites8 campsites

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 days in a 30-day period.
Groups
Group camping is not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot reservable, first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as the sites are first-come, first-serve.

Amenities available

Flush toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Upper Big Bend Campground offers convenient access to outdoor activities, most notably climbing at the nearby Big Bend Bouldering Area, which is a short walk from the campground. While there are no specific mentions of organized activities, the location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
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.
Winter Activities
No details about winter activities are provided.
Water Sports
No specific information about water sports is available.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsThe Colorado River has dangerous undercurrents; life jackets are mandatory for anyone entering the water.

Weather forecast

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

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 48%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 5 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

The nearest emergency services are likely in Moab, which is approximately 8 miles away.

Good to know

Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities at this campground.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly along the Colorado River.

Campground Map

82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532, USA
Driving directionsFrom the junction of Hwy. 191 & Hwy 128, drive east 8.1 miles along the Colorado River on Highway 128. The campground area will be on the left.
The campground is easily accessible via Highway 128, an 8.1-mile drive east from the junction with Highway 191. Road conditions are not explicitly noted but are presumed to be paved given the directions provided.
Nearby places
Moab (approximately 8.1 miles, 15-20 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies would be in Moab, which is 8 miles away and should have groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Camper Reviews

0.0
0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Upper Big Bend Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are provided in the data.
Review Summaries

What Campers Love

No positive highlights are available due to the absence of user reviews.

Common Concerns

No complaints are noted in the absence of user reviews.

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user-provided tips or recommendations are available.

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal trends in user reviews are available.

Camper Quotes

No direct user quotes are provided.

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific reviews for individual sites are available.

Accessibility Features

No user reviews regarding accessibility are provided.

Pet-Friendly Features

There are no reviews regarding pet policies or experiences.

Last updated November 24, 2025
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