Upper Onion Creek Campground
4.3822 reviewsMoab Field Office, 82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT 84532, USA
Upper Onion Creek Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
$20/night. Payment accepted in cash or check only. Pay at campground.
About this campground
Perched above the winding Onion Creek, this intimate campground serves as your gateway to some of Utah's most dramatic desert landscapes. Wake up to panoramic vistas of towering red rock cliffs and distant mountain peaks, where the Colorado River has carved its ancient path through layers of sandstone. This pristine, primitive camping experience keeps things simple with vault toilets and no running water, allowing you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the high desert.
Upper Onion Creek Campground caters to primitive tent campers, RV users, and groups. It offers 14 individual and 2 group sites, all of which are first-come, first-serve except for the group sites that can be reserved.
Historical SignificanceYour campsite lies in the shadow of the legendary Fisher Towers, where ancient Wingate sandstone pinnacles have stood sentinel for millions of years. These iconic formations have drawn adventurers, photographers, and rock climbers from around the globe, serving as both a geological wonder and a testament to the erosive artistry of wind and water across the ages.
Weather and SeasonsTime your visit for the magical shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when crystal-clear skies frame perfect 70-degree days and wildflowers paint the desert floor. Summer transforms the canyon into a sun-drenched furnace that challenges even seasoned desert dwellers, while winter brings a stark, crystalline beauty alongside temperatures that can plummet below freezing after sunset.
ElevationNestled at high desert elevation, the campground offers that perfect balance of accessibility and mountain proximity, where the thin, clear air enhances every sunrise and sunset.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to a landscape that seems lifted from another planet – crimson cliffs and chocolate-hued mesas stretch toward the snow-capped La Sal Mountains, creating a stunning contrast of desert and alpine environments. Spring brings unexpected bursts of color as cacti bloom and wildflowers carpet the sandy washes, while the mighty Colorado River glimmers like a jade ribbon far below, its patient work visible in every carved canyon wall.
Geological RegionSet within the heart of canyon country, where the Colorado River meets the ancient sandstone layers of the Colorado Plateau, this campground places you at the intersection of multiple geological wonders. Massive red rock cliffs rise like natural cathedrals, punctuated by slender spires and balanced rocks, while the La Sal Mountains provide a dramatic alpine backdrop – a rare laccolith formation that pushed through the surrounding sedimentary rock millions of years ago.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly noted. The remote, rugged surroundings and lack of paved pathways may pose challenges for some visitors.
Sites SizeSites are gravel/dirt with enough room for a tent, a picnic table, and a fire pit. They are spacious but exposed to wind and offer limited shade.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites are wide open, offering limited privacy. "Very wide open, so not a ton of privacy," noted one user.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive before noon to secure a site during busy seasons.
Best CampsitesCampsite 11 mentioned in a user review as particularly beautiful.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 nights within a consecutive 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limited to 10 people and two vehicles per site.
Groups
The campground features two reservable group sites (Upper Onion Creek Group Sites A and B). Details on maximum group size or vehicle allowances for these sites are not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout14 individual campsites and 2 reservable group sites. Sites are dirt/gravel with picnic tables and fire pits.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but seasonal conditions such as flash floods may affect usability.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov (only for group sites)
Walk-in AvailabilityIndividual campsites (14 total) are first-come, first-served. Arriving early in the day is recommended as the campground can fill quickly.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available for individual sites. Group sites can be reserved through Recreation.gov, and cancellation policies for Recreation.gov apply.
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
Upper Onion Creek Campground is an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include hiking, off-roading, and camping under remarkable night skies. The surrounding area features the Fisher Towers and trails leading to the La Sal Mountains.
Hiking
The proximity to trails like Fisher Towers and Onion Creek four-wheel drive road makes this location ideal for hikers. Specific difficulty levels and trail lengths are not mentioned, but the variety of terrain provides opportunities for both casual and more adventurous hikers.Wildlife viewing
The remote and rugged surroundings offer chances to observe wildlife, although specific species are not detailed in the source materials.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described specifically, but the rugged location may attract off-road winter vehicle enthusiasts.Water Sports
Water sports are not available due to the absence of a lake or river within the campground itself.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires permitted only in designated fire pits.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal rains can cause flash floods, and there is no cell service, so navigational tools are essential.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.6 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Emergency services available in Moab, approximately 40 minutes away, including hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesSpring and fall seasons are likely peak based on weather trends and reviews.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews or official sources.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near the Colorado River with no direct water access within the campground.
Common complaintsLimited shade, exposure to wind, limited privacy due to close proximity of campsites, and lack of water amenities.
Campground Map
Moab Field Office, 82 East Dogwood, Moab, UT 84532, USA
Driving directionsFrom the junction of Hwy. 191 & Hwy 128, drive east 22 miles along the Colorado River. Turn left (across from the "Fisher Towers" sign) and drive 1.5 miles up the gravel road.
Access road is gravel, and seasonal rains may cause flash floods. It is well-situated 0.7 miles off SR 128, providing direct access to the Onion Creek four-wheel drive road.Nearby places
Moab (40 minutes, approximately 22 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies and essentials available in Moab, including dining, shopping, and camping gear.
Camper Reviews
4.4
22 reviews
Upper Onion Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users widely praised the campground for its breathtaking views, cleanliness, and convenience for various outdoor activities. However, some users pointed out the lack of shade, privacy, and cell service as potential drawbacks. Overall, the sentiment is positive, with an average rating of 4.27 out of 5 for campground-specific experiences.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers frequently mentioned the stunning views of mesas and red rock formations, the peaceful atmosphere, and clean facilities. One user wrote, "I cried it was so beautiful!" Another praised,...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most common complaints revolved around the limited shade, exposure to wind, and the lack of cell service. A reviewer noted, "Not much shade, and some sites may be more exposed to the wind."...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a site as the campground fills quickly. Prepare for sunny conditions by bringing shade if possible. Users also recommend having a compass or offline navigation tools due to the...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Busy during peak weekends and Jeep/RZR seasons. Summers may be less comfortable due to the heat and limited shade.
Based on 22 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautiful views, clean campsites, and the commode is open to the stars," one reviewer noted. Another wrote, "Not much shade, so don't hang around on a hot day, but the scenery seriously can't be...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 11 was specifically lauded for its beauty. One reviewer noted, "I cried it was so beautiful! We had campsite 11." Another described the sites as generally "gravel/dirt with plenty of room."
Based on 22 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is not frequently mentioned in reviews, but the remote and rugged conditions may not be ideal for all visitors.
Based on 22 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is described as pet-friendly, though limited shade and wind exposure may affect the comfort of pets.
Based on 22 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025