Trying to decide where to stay in Moab?

From upscale resorts and spacious bungalows to highly rated inns, hotels, and campsites, Moab offers something for every travel style and budget.

We’ve visited Moab four times, using this small town as our gateway to the stunning landscapes of southeastern Utah. Surrounded by dramatic red rock formations and mesas, Moab is an adventure hub and the perfect base for exploring the nearby national parks of Arches and Canyonlands, as well as Dead Horse State Park.

In this article, we’ve factored in price, quality, and location to help you choose the best place to stay in Moab. Let’s get started.

Where to Stay in Moab: Our Top Picks

If you want to skip the geography lesson and the overview of locations in and around the park, here is a list of our top picks:

BEST VIEW: Red Cliffs Lodge is one of the highest-rated properties. It is located just outside of Moab and each room has a view of the river. There is also a restaurant, a pool, and even a winery.

BEST FOR FAMILIES: Our top pick is 57 Robber’s Roost. We stayed here on one of our first visits to Moab and it was great having an apartment with multiple bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living area. Moab Springs Ranch is another good option.

BEST GLAMPING: Under Canvas Moab. This property is located 12 miles north of Moab, but it is one of the most popular places to stay in Moab. There are several “room types” to choose from, ranging from a small tent to a tented suite complete with a living room.

BEST BUDGET OPTION: The Rustic Inn is located in Moab, has an outdoor pool, and gets fantastic reviews.

BEST LUXURY OPTION: Hoodoo Moab. We stayed here on our most recent visit to Moab. This is a gorgeous hotel in the heart of Moab.

Tim on the White Rim Road Moab

Tim in Canyonlands, at the top of Shafer Canyon Road

Best Places to Stay in Moab

We’ve organized our list of hotels in Moab by their price range, starting with upscale hotels and ending with those that are more budget friendly.

Hoodoo Moab – Upscale Hotel in the Heart of Moab

The Hoodoo is one of the newest hotels in Moab and this is where we stayed on our most recent visit. It is a member of the Curio Collection by Hilton.

The location is great, right in the heart of Moab with a walk or short drive to most restaurants. The hotel is gorgeous. The décor and the layout are impeccable and our room was very comfortable. However, the walls are paper thin. We could clearly hear our neighbor’s conversations and they weren’t being overly loud. If you are a light sleeper, you might want to consider staying in a different hotel. But if a little bit of noise doesn’t bother you, and you want to stay in an upscale hotel in Moab, stay at the Hoodoo.

Hoodoo Moab Hotel

Hoodoo Moab | photo courtesy of Hoodoo Moab, Ben Garret Photography

Hoodoo Moab, Curio Collection by Hilton

Hoodoo Moab | photo courtesy of Hoodoo Moab

57 Robber’s Roost – A Great Option for Families

We stayed here on one of our first visits to Moab (Tyler and Kara were teenagers at the time) and had a fantastic experience.

This small property features spacious two and three-bedroom apartments, equipped with a full kitchen and washing machine. It’s clean, it’s quiet, and it has a great location in Moab. Like some other properties on this list, it gets poor scores for its WiFi, but overall it is one of the highest rated properties in Moab.

57 Robbers Roost, Moab, Utah

57 Robber’s Roost | photo courtesy of Moab Utah Properties

Robbers Roost Moab Hotel Room

57 Robber’s Roost | photo courtesy of Moab Utah Properties

Red Cliffs Lodge – Riverside Property Just Outside of Moab

This property gets wonderful reviews. Every room has a patio with views of the river. Onsite is a restaurant, bar, pool, tennis courts, winery, museum, and horse corral. Overall it’s a great place to consider, just be aware that they get terrible reviews for their WiFi.

Red Cliffs Lodge is located outside of Moab, on Highway 128, in a beautiful setting along the Colorado River. It’s just a short drive into town and Arches National Park.

The Gonzo Inn – Popular Mid-range Hotel in Moab

This highly rated inn is popular for its convenient location in South Moab, cleanliness, and a helpful staff. Take your pick from a range of suites and studios, each with balconies and more space than a typical hotel room. Unwind by the pool and socialize by the firepit while enjoying some beautiful mountain views.

Gonzo Inn Moab
Gonzo Inn
Gonzo Inn Bedroom

Photos courtesy of Gonzo Inn

Moab Springs Ranch – Bungalows & Townhouses

Moab Springs Ranch is your “home away from home” while visiting Moab. Rent either a bungalow or a townhouse for the night, each offering plenty of space and a cozy vibe. All townhouses come equipped with a kitchen, washing machine, a private patio and a balcony. A vast majority of their rooms can fit 4 to 6 people, making this a great location for families and large parties.

Guests rave about this property, highlighting the cleanliness and amenities offered in the rooms, to the friendly and professional staff.

Moab Springs Ranch is located about a mile north of Moab, so you will have to drive into town for dinner. You are, however, closer to Arches National Park than if you were staying in Moab.

Element Moab – Modern Hotel with Outdoor Pool

This is a newer hotel that’s located just north of Moab and gets great reviews. Having opened in 2021, rooms are modern and clean, and guests also have access to their large outdoor pool area, along with a hotel gym and restaurant. Element Moab is a mile north of Moab, making for a very quick drive into town.

Hyatt Place Moab – Popular Hotel on the North Side of Moab

This is another new hotel in Moab and very highly rated. It is located on the north end of town, so from here, it is a very quick drive to enter Arches National Park. Rooms range from standard rooms to casitas, which are small multi-bedroom houses perfect for families or small groups of travelers.

Gravity Haus Moab – Modern Hotel with Lots of Amenities

Gravity Haus Moab strikes the perfect balance between modern comfort and rugged, outdoorsy vibes. The rooms are clean, comfortable, and modern, with plenty of space for couples or families. Guests will find a beautiful outdoor leisure area, including a pool, jacuzzi, and firepit. Plus, guests get wall-racked bike storage in their room, perfect if you’re mountain biking around the area or riding through town. They also offer ADA options for all of their room models.

Gravity Haus Moab is located in South Moab, a short walk from Main Street and the top restaurants.

Rustic Inn – Highly Rated Budget Hotel

This budget-level inn is geared toward those looking for a quieter, cozy experience. You can book anything from a standard Queen room to an apartment featuring a living area and a kitchen. Although rooms are a bit dated, guests still say it’s a comfortable and clean stay. There is also a small, heated pool located on the site. The Rustic Inn is a great choice for those who want to travel on a budget but still stay within downtown Moab.

MainStay Suites Moab – Good Budget Option for Families

Rooms come equipped with a kitchenette. Some suites can accommodate up to six people, so this is a great budget choice for families.

Julie in Arches National Park

Julie in Arches National Park (at the Twisted Doughnut viewpoint of Delicate Arch)

Campgrounds in and around Moab

For cheaper accommodation both in and around Moab, consider spending your nights at a campground. Pick from commercial campgrounds, which offer amenities such as bathrooms, running water, and are often reservable, or a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) campground, which offer fewer amenities and are first-come first-serve, but are often cheaper.

Commercial campgrounds around Moab will generally feature amenities such as bathrooms with flush toilets and hot showers, running water, and even Wi-Fi. Some campgrounds are tent-only, while others also offer RV hookups, small cabins, and even glamping opportunities. We recommend making your reservations ahead of time, especially during Moab’s high season between April and October.

Below we’ve listed some of our top recommendations. For the full list of commercial campgrounds around Moab, click here.

Up the Creek Campground – BUDGET

This tent-only campground is a top pick for those who want to save money and still stay within Moab. Up the Creek Campground is located just two blocks from Main Street, so you’ll stay right by the action. Since this is a tent-only site, cars and RV’s will have to be left in a separate parking area which lies only a few hundred feet away. This campground features a bathhouse, sinks, and grilling stations.

Note that sites here are limited (there are only 15 reservable sites), so make sure to book way in advance.

Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown – BUDGET

For a blend of camping, close proximity to Moab, and a wider range of amenities, consider staying at Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown. This campsite is in south Moab on the outskirts of town, just a 15-minute walk from the town’s center. Guests will find tent sites, RV hookups, and small cabins, and the price will differ depending on which you book. There are also more amenities featured here than Up the Creek Campground, including Wi-Fi, fire pits, and a small playground for children.

Please note that for campsites you are required to book at least 8 hours in advance, and at least 2 days in advance for the cabins. No walk-ups are allowed.

Under Canvas Moab – Glamping in Moab

Under Canvas Moab is for those who want the secluded camping feel while still enjoying modern amenities. Guests can choose from sleeping under the stars in anything from a small tent to a tented suite featuring a full-on living room. All tents are clean and comfortable, with plush bedding and beside charging for your devices. You can even pay extra to have a tent with a private bathroom.

Under Canvas Moab is 12 miles north of Moab. You’ll have to drive into town for dinner, but it’s hard to beat a quiet night in the desert. This campground is up the road a few miles from Arches National Park, and slightly closer to Canyonlands and Dead Horse State Park than if you were staying in Moab.

There is one campground inside of Arches National Park, the Devils Garden Campground. There are no RV hookups and no cellular service. From March 1 to October 31, sites can be reserved 6 months in advance (highly recommended) and outside of this window, campsites are first-come first-served.

In Canyonlands, there are campsites at Willow Flat Campground in Island in the Sky and the Needles Campground in the Needles.

Dead Horse Point State Park is located next to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park. It will be a short drive into Canyonlands, but a 40-minute (30-mile) drive to Moab and a 30-minute (26-mile) drive to the entrance of Arches National Park.

In Dead Horse Point, there are two campsites, the Kayenta Campground and the Wingate Campground. For something unique, sleep in a yurt! Get the full details in our guide to Dead Horse Point State Park.

Dead Horse Point State Park

Alternatively, consider staying at one of the 26 campgrounds around Moab managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). These campgrounds are your cheapest option for accommodation but offer fewer amenities than the commercial campgrounds listed above. There are vault toilets but drinking water is not available.

The BLM campgrounds are great for those looking to keep prices low and enjoy a more rugged camping experience. All sites are first-come, first-serve, except for Ken’s Lake and Courthouse Rock, which are reservable. All sites cost $20 a night. One of the top spots is Goose Island Campground due to its close location to Moab and riverfront access but be prepared for spots to fill up fast.

For the full list of BLM campgrounds, click here.

Tyler on Whale Rock

Tyler on Whale Rock (Island in the Sky) on one of our first visits to Moab

How Much Does it Cost to Stay in Moab?

Prices can vary widely depending on season. Peak season prices can be quite expensive, with mid-range hotels averaging $300 per night and budget hotels averaging $100 to $200 per night. Campsites are much less expensive.

How Far in Advance Should You Make Your Reservation?

Plan on making your hotel reservations at least 3 months in advance, although even earlier is better. If you wait to the last minute, particularly during high season, you run the risk of top-rated properties being either sold out or having sky high prices (even higher than what is listed above).

Mesa Arch

Mesa Arch, Canyonlands

Planning Your First Trip to Moab?

We have visited Moab multiple times, as part of several different road trips through the American Southwest. Moab is our home base for exploring Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, unless we are camping in the national park (we have camped along the White Rim Road; seeing the stars at night was spectacular!).

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK: Get started with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Arches. Learn how to hike the Devils Garden Trail, the best hike in the park. We also have detailed guides on How to Visit Delicate Arch plus the best way to spend One Day in Arches.

CANYONLANDS NATIONAL PARK: We LOVE this park! The Island in the Sky is the best district to visit if you have just a day, but if you have more time, or are looking for a real adventure, visit The Needles and hike the Chesler Park Loop, drive the Shafer Canyon Trail, or drive the amazing White Rim Road.

NEAR MOAB: Also not to be missed are Dead Horse Point State Park and Goblin Valley State Park, which are located near Moab.

If you keep scrolling down this page just a little more, we have many more great articles to share with you, not just about Arches and Canyonlands, but for many more places to visit in Utah.

Utah Travel Guide

See all of our articles about Utah


This concludes our list of places to stay in Moab. If you have any questions, let us know in the comment section below.

Where to stay in Moab, Utah to visit Arches and Canyonlands National Park, plus Dead Horse Point and Goblin Valley. Best hotels, campsites, and glamping resorts organized by budget.

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Tyler

About Tyler

Tyler enjoys pushing the limits of his comfort zone through new thrill-seeking activities, such as scuba diving with sharks, cliff jumping, rock climbing, and skydiving. He is currently competing as a semi-elite triathlete and has excelled in this sport, qualifying for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships. Tyler is a recent graduate from the University of Maryland, having received a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. You will see articles from Tyler from trips we have taken as a family and from solo travel around the world.

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