Kane Creek Road Undeveloped Camping - Campground of the Week for June 8-15

Moab is packed on the weekends these days. Last Friday night driving northeast along the Colorado River on State Route 128, I was rudely reminded of how busy the campgrounds around Moab are during this time of year. It was around 9PM, about as early as you can reasonably can get to Moab after working a full day in Salt Lake. As we followed the river away from town, each campground we came to was completely full. Which begs the question, where can you camp when all the developed sites are taken?

One good (legal) alternative is the undeveloped sites out Kane Creek Road. If you drive all the way out Kane Springs Road past all the BLM campgrounds and continue by Hunters Canyon, you'll eventually reach a series of "undeveloped" campsites. The sites are actually labeled and numbered by the BLM and offer fairly good alternatives to the established campgrounds, especially when they are your only option. The further you continue down the road, the closer you get to Canyonlands National Park (and this isn't the touristy part of the park). The scenery is quite spectacular as well. There are no facilities at these sites, so bring everything you'll need. And oh yeah, it's free!

Campsites, facilities: there are about two dozen sites scattered on either side of the road. There are no facilities other than fire rings and rocks to sit on. Bring your own tables, chairs, water, and any other supplies you'll want or need. The nearest toilet is at Hunter Canyon campground a couple miles towards town on Kane Springs Road.

Reservations, fees: Reservations are not accepted and camping is free.

Directions: From the intersection of Center and Main streets in Moab, drive south on Main for 0.7 mile and turn right on Kane Creek Boulevard. Stay left at the junction with 500 W and continue on Kane Creek Road for about 9-10 miles. Look for the undeveloped sites on both sides of the road.

GPS coordinates: N38 28.877' W109 36.138'

Contact: The BLM Moab Field Office 435/259-2100