Camping with the Kids in Moab, Utah

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It’s springtime here in the Colorado Rockies, and that means it’s time to break out our family’s pop-up camper! Traditionally, we make spring trips to Moab, Utah, where the desert temperatures just get too hot in the heart of summer. April, May and September are fabulous times to visit.

Last weekend we camped with friends at the Sand Flats Recreation Area, very close to the world-famous Slickrock mountain-biking trail. Our campsite in the “D” section was right near a main road, and we heard plenty of 4-wheelers first thing in the morning. But the campsites we secured (thanks to friends who scouted them out Thursday night, before the weekend crowds descended) were spacious, with lots of space for the kids to play in the sand.

We were also close to a deserted hiking trail that led up to some awesome sandstone formations. The kids (ages five to eight) were troupers as we bushwacked off the trail on our hour-long excursion (all the better for Mama to work off two nights’ worth of s’mores). Here are a couple more photos:

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May 24, 2008 | Filed Under Family Travel 

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10 Responses to “Camping with the Kids in Moab, Utah”

  1. Jamie says:
    May 24, 2008 at

    MM:
    My favorite camping trip of all time was to Moab (in May, and it’s worth noting that at midday I was pretty sure we were going to spontaneously combust from the heat).

    We scored a spot in the Devil’s Garden campground, and I’ve never been able to forget it. The scenery was so otherworldly and wonderful that I was even able to overlook the lack of showers (!).
    –Jamie

  2. MountainMama says:
    May 24, 2008 at

    Yes! I would love to stay in Arches’ Devil’s Garden. Our friends tried to secure some of the first-come/first-serve spots, but they were all filled for the night by 7:30 a.m.

  3. Melanie says:
    January 11, 2009 at

    do you think going the 3rd week of April w/ 2 kids, ages 4 and 7 would be too cold at night/in the morning for camping? Please advise on going at this time of year.

    Thanks!
    Melanie

  4. MountainMama says:
    January 11, 2009 at

    Hi Melanie –

    You didn’t leave an email address, so I hope you are reading this! Third week of April you should enjoy EXCELLENT warm temperatures during the day– think sunny and 70s. Since you’re in the desert, it will dip to 40s at night. Just bundle up and bring toasty sleeping bags and fleece for early mornings! We visit often in spring and fall — summer is too darn hot. I wouldn’t hesitate to bring my two kids (6 & 8) camping then.

    Good luck w/ your travels!
    Kara

  5. Luxurious, Old West Accommodations at Sorrel River Ranch in Moab, Utah says:
    April 8, 2009 at

    [...] family regularly visits Moab in the spring or fall, and when we’re traveling with the kids we’re either camping or [...]

  6. Guam-Hotel.Net » Blog Archive » Interview with a Traveling Mama - Nancy Solomon says:
    April 20, 2009 at

    [...] Traveling Mamas adore and support our travel blogging bretheren. From camping to cruising, there are as many types of travel writers as there are types of travel – there’s [...]

  7. Katie Sturm says:
    June 15, 2009 at

    Hi, just bought a fab pop-up camper and the kids are anxious to hit the road. We live in Durango, CO. Do you have any recommendations for campgrounds in UT? We have 4 kids, ages 4,5,7,9. Anything with bike riding or creek is a plus. Thanks

  8. MountainMama says:
    June 15, 2009 at

    I recommend the Sand Flats Recreation Area, as described above in Moab – VERY close to bike trails. I also recommend Big Bend campground in Moab.

  9. Camping Ideas says:
    August 12, 2009 at

    Your kids are amazing. I am just planning to take my little ones for camping this summer.

  10. Jillian says:
    October 6, 2009 at

    Glad to find your website.

    There is a whole contingency of us up here in Aspen that crave Utah’s spectacular hikes and scenery at this time of year.

    Call me crazy, but I am planning to go away next Wed – Sat alone with my three young boys.

    Since our usual spot is up Sand Flats Road I was thinking of going a little further like Goblin Valley. Does anybody have suggestions of a great camping spot with great hiking nearby?

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