Gold Bar Group Sites

Show on map435-259-2100blm_ut_moabgroupsite@blm.gov
MOAB FIELD OFFICE, 82 E. DOGWOOD AVE.
Moab, UT 84532

Overview

The four group sites at Gold Bar are located along the Colorado River and are ideal for large gatherings such as school groups or family reunions. Within close proximity to national parks and open space, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and four-wheel drive tours in the surrounding area. The town of Moab is approximately 15 minutes away and has dining, shopping, sports rentals, tour companies and museums.

Recreation

There is a boat ramp located at Gold Bar giving access to the Colorado River. The group sites are close to the trailhead for Corona Arch and numerous hiking and four-wheel drive roads. Both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are nearby.

Facilities

Group areas have fire grates, picnic tables, vault toilets and sites A, B, and C have shade shelters. Site B has a hammock structure that can accomodate numerous hammocks. Site D does not have a shade shelter, but is ideal for groups with motorhomes. The group sites do not have water, dump stations or electric hook-ups. Trailer and RV Parking is limited as sites are meant for tent camping.

Natural Features

The group sites at Gold Bar are located on the Colorado River and provide for striking views of the red rock canyons and mesas.

Nearby Attractions

Scenic Highway 279 parallels the Colorado River. There are numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and four-wheeling. Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and Dead Horse State Park are nearby as well as the Manti-La Sal National Forest and the La Sal Mountain Loop Road, which offer cooler temperatures.

Charges & Cancellations

Please contact the BLM Moab Field Office for assistance with changes and cancellations at 435-259-2100. 

Changes

You can make changes to a reservation through your online Recreation.gov user account any time prior to the arrival/first date of the reservation.

  • There is a $10 change fee If you wish to change to dates entirely outside of the original reservation dates.
  • There is no change fee if you wish to extend or shorten the original reservation dates as long as the changes include dates from the original reservation.  
  • There is no change fee if you wish to change to another group site that is the same price with the same reservation dates within the Gold Bar area.  
  • You cannot make changes to your reservation after the arrival/first day through your Recreation.gov account. However, the BLM Moab Field Office may be able to assist you, 435-259-2100.   
  • For reservations with dates at the end of the available booking window (a.k.a. sliding window), you will not be able to make changes or cancellations until the site has been available to the general public for four days.  

Cancellations

Please cancel your reservation if you do not plan to use it. This opens highly sought-after campsites for others to reserve.     

You can cancel your reservation online through your Recreation.gov user account or through the call center the (call center incurs an additional fee). You may also contact the BLM Moab Field Office for assistance. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation.  

Late Cancellations 

A late cancellation occurs less the 14 days before the arrival/first date of the reservation (a.k.a. cut-off window).

Late cancellations will incur a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. 

Early Departures

If you spend at least one night and then leave prior to the scheduled departure check-out date, please contact the BLM Moab Field Office (435-259-2100) to open the remaining nights for others to use. You will not be able to cancel these nights through your Recreation.gov account.

You will be eligible for a partial refund of the nights AFTER you depart that you did not use. If you depart after the facility check-out time, you will not be eligible for a refund for that night 

No-Shows

A No Show occurs if you do not arrive at your campsite or cancel your reservation by check-out time (Noon) on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (Noon) on the day following the arrival date. 

No-shows are assessed a $20.00 Recreation.gov service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee. 

Refunds

You can submit a refund request through your Recreation.gov account within 7 days of the departure/end date of your reservation.

  • Applicable fees, such as the Recreation.gov reservation fees, service/cancellation fees, lottery application fees, and change fees, are non-refundable.
  • Refunds cannot be issued to any card other than the one used to pay. 
  • In the event of an emergency closure, all fees will be refunded. Attempts will be made to notify you using the contact information within your Recreation.gov customer profile.

Interagency Pass Discounts

Interagency Pass discounts do not apply to group campsite reservations.

Camp site features

Across 4 camp sites:

  • Fire pit: all 4 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 4 sites
  • Group sites: all 4 sites
  • Longest rig: 50 ft
  • Largest party: 90 people

Fees

Group Site A (max 30 people): $150 Group Site B (max 30 people): $150 Group Site C (max 90 people): $250 Group Site D (max 30 people): $130

Directions

From Moab, drive five miles north on Hwy 191 to the intersection with Hwy 279. Turn left/west on Hwy 279 and drive ten miles to the campground entrance road.

Stay Limit

Check in from 12 PM, check out by 11 AM.

Reviews

42 reviews
5 stars
21
4 stars
8
3 stars
8
2 stars
1
1 stars
4
Derek P
Loop:Gold Bar
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
I reserved this site for a large youth group to camp overnight prior to a river trip…and it was great. The pavilion had many tables to set up for meals, the campsite itself was flat and had ample space for multiple tents. The best part was the scenery…classic red rock canyons on all sides. Very satisfied. Only slight complaint was that the garbage bins on site were completely full and overflowing.
Patrick S
Loop:Gold Bar
Site:
Reviewed 3 months ago
Everything about the site is fantastic and the maintenance of the vault toilet was great. The disappointing piece of the trip was that in Memorial Day weekend the trash dumpster was overflowing and people then threw their refuse/garbage bags on top. This made for something unsightly and attracted unwelcome visitors to the area. Raccoons … hoping there would be better planning for a long holiday weekend. Maybe a second dumpster for these occasions.
Jonathan L
Loop:Gold Bar
Site:
Reviewed 5 months ago
Lots of sun so prepare shade. It was nice being by the river but don't forget that brings the wind.
Michael W
Loop:Gold Bar
Site:
Reviewed 9 months ago
Our stay at the recreation campsite along the Colorado River in Moab was absolutely wonderful. The location was stunning—nestled between towering red rock cliffs and the peaceful flow of the river, it felt like a true escape into nature. The campsite was clean, quiet, and well-managed, with easy access to hiking trails, scenic drives, and nearby national parks. We especially loved waking up to the sound of the river and watching the sunset paint the canyon walls each evening. It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to relax, explore, and soak in the beauty of southern Utah. Highly recommend this site to fellow campers and outdoor lovers. We’ll definitely be back!
Sandra S
Loop:Gold Bar
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
I was not a fan of this campground for the amount of money paid. The neighboring campgrounds did not follow the quiet hours rule. The smell from the bathroom lingered to the tent area. The garbage cans were full when we arrived. Overall disappointed with my stay.
Jaclyn R
Loop:Gold Bar
Site:
Reviewed a year ago
We had planned to use this as a river takeout. Nothing indicates that isn’t possible. The river is 1/4 mile from the camp and the takeout was closed. Luckily, we took out in Moab, but we didn’t use our rather expensive camp. I do NOT recommend this camp!
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in August, when about 10% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 10 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds