Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway

For families who want the full desert solitude experience without the buzz of Moab's Main Street just outside their tent, Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway offers an alternative that feels more genuinely remote. Located 14 miles south of Moab on US-191, this campground sits closer to Canyonlands National Park and trades some amenities for authenticity and lower prices.

The trade-off is straightforward: you are further from downtown dining and services, but you get darker skies, quieter nights, and a landscape that has not been softened by tourist infrastructure. For families with kids old enough to appreciate the scale of the Colorado Plateau — or parents who prioritize genuine dark-sky stargazing after bedtime — this location delivers something the more central campgrounds cannot.

Site options include RV hookups and tent sites. The property is run by Sun Outdoors, which maintains reliable facilities, though this location is more stripped-down compared to their Moab Downtown or Arches Gateway properties. Check the website for current amenity listings before booking.

Families prioritizing Canyonlands National Park — particularly the Needles District — will find this campground logistically well-placed. The needle-shaped spires and slot canyons of Canyonlands reward families willing to make the drive, and shaving distance on that commute is worth something over a multi-day stay.

Plan supply runs before arriving. The camp store covers basics, but for a full family grocery load, City Market in Moab is your last reliable option heading south.