Pitch your tent under cottonwoods along Mill Creek at this quiet, tent-only, walk-in campground located just two blocks from Moab's Main Street.
Up the Creek Campground is a dedicated, tent-only urban refuge located just two blocks from Moab's bustling Main Street at 210 East 300 South. Established in 1989, this creekside property has long served as a quiet, car-free oasis for campers seeking a developed basecamp close to the town's restaurants and shops. In 2022, a historic 500-year flood along Mill Creek significantly damaged and altered the grounds, forcing a temporary closure. The owners utilized the rebuild as an opportunity to implement more sustainable, environmentally friendly landscaping, ensuring the campground remains a resilient sanctuary in the high desert. Today, the property features 16 walk-in campsites spread beneath a dense canopy of mature Fremont cottonwoods, offering a shaded, vehicle-free environment where the gentle sound of the perennial creek replaces the noise of highway traffic.
The layout of the campground is designed to eliminate the disruptions of vehicle headlights and generator noise. Campers park in a designated lot and use provided wheelbarrows to transport their gear along a short path to their designated sites. Each site is situated on level sand, dirt, or cobble-rock, specifically arranged to protect the surrounding irrigated grass. To maintain a peaceful and safe environment, the campground enforces several strict policies: campfires are prohibited, pets are not allowed, and children must be at least three years old to stay. Each campsite is equipped with its own wooden picnic table, and guests have access to communal propane barbecue grills with fuel canisters provided, a dedicated outdoor dishwashing station with hot water, and secure bike racks for storing gear after a day on the Slickrock Trail. A charging station with electrical outlets is conveniently located next to the dishwashing area, allowing campers to power up phones and camera batteries.
A modern, clean bathhouse serves as the central amenity hub, providing guests with flush toilets, sinks, and hot showers that are particularly welcome after long hikes in the nearby national parks. The facilities close daily from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM for deep cleaning to maintain high standards of cleanliness. Operating from March through November, the campground sits directly adjacent to the Mill Creek Parkway trail, allowing guests to walk or jog along the water or easily stroll to downtown spots like the Moab Food Truck Park or Woody's Tavern. While the campground offers a quiet escape, its central location means that cell service remains exceptionally strong, and major destinations like the entrance to Arches National Park are just a seven-minute drive away.
Leave your car parked and use the campground's wheelbarrows to easily haul your gear. When you are ready for dinner, walk just two blocks to the Moab Food Truck Park or grab a local draft beer at Woody's Tavern down the street.
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