The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Public lands make up about 28% of the total acreage in the United States. These lands include wildlife refuges, conservation areas, national parks, national forests, recreation areas, national monuments, memorials, historic sites, and campgrounds. Staff at the Department of the Interior (DOI) is responsible for oversight of these precious resources and public spaces. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), as part of the DOI, is actively involved in overseeing many of them. The Upper Onion Creek Campground near Moab, Utah is one of the many properties the BLM supervises. You might want to stay at this campground if you hope to spend time whitewater rafting on the Colorado River or if you want to go mountain biking in the Moab, Utah area. The Upper Onion Creek Campground also makes a fantastic stop on your itinerary if you are planning a road trip to Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, or Capitol Reef National Park.
About 0.7 miles from Utah State Route 128, you can access the multi-use Onion Creek Trail. This thoroughfare is shared by mountain bikers, horseback riders, four-wheelers, photographers, and the occasional cow. Climb to the top to be awed by spectacular views of the La Sal Mountains and Fisher Valley Ranch. Check the weather report before you go because seasonal rains in the area tend to result in flash floods that you will want to avoid. Length: 11.4 miles Intensity: Moderately challenging
Choose Fisher Towers National Recreation Trail if you are hoping to see or photograph awe-inspiring views of Book Cliffs, Castle Rock, Castle Valley, and the Colorado River basin. Some hikers think this trail is best experienced on summer nights due to the stargazing opportunities made possible by the clear night skies. Furthermore, extreme heat on summer days can make daytime hiking here uncomfortable. Length: 2.2 miles Intensity: Challenging
Kayaking, tubing, and fishing are great ways to experience the Colorado River. As you cast your line, look for fish species such as catfish, sunfish, and bass. In addition, jet boat tours are available on the Colorado River.
Epic climbing terrain is available at Fisher Towers, situated less than four miles from Upper Onion Creek Campground. There you can climb to an elevation of 4,764 feet. The easiest climb in the area, known as “Stolen Chimney,” is rated as moderate. Most of the other climbs in the area are exceptionally challenging but rewarding.
You are likely to run into various wildlife species in these Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, such as mule deer, chipmunks, desert cottontails, ravens, kangaroo rats, black bears, and mountain lions. If you want to view desert bighorn sheep, head southwest to the Island in the Sky, where you will find a herd of approximately 400 of these beautiful creatures.
Upper Onion Creek Campground offers scenic spots to enjoy a snack or picnic lunch. If you are staying at the group site, BLM staff has provided nearly everything you might need, including campfire rings, fire pits, picnic tables, covered picnic shelters, and grills. Just pack your charcoal and food to enjoy a meal in nature!
Group Campsite A at Upper Onion Creek Campground is intended for guests staying with horses. Facilities at this campsite include a horse corral, and there are equestrian trails nearby.
Whitewater rafting on the Colorado River is one of the most popular aquatic activities in this area of Utah. You can give it a try even if you don’t have the required gear for rafting! Equipment rentals are available, and it’s possible to sign up for a river tour to have a guide take your group out on the water.
The single campsites at Upper Onion Creek Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis. They offer no-frills RV camping near Moab, Utah, and they are worth stopping at if you are hoping for affordable accommodations with incredible views. Toilets are available here, but water and hookups are not. Fees for individual Upper Onion Creek campsites are $20 per night and are payable on-site by check or cash. These sites are limited to 10 people and two vehicles each. If you are bringing more than 10 people on your adventure, opt for one of their group campsites instead. Group campsites at Upper Onion Creek Campground are available by reservation. They do not have electricity, showers, or dump stations. Campers must also bring sufficient drinking water because potable water is not provided here. Nightly rates for group sites are between $100 and $125. Whether you are staying at an individual or group campsite, feel free to bring your pet.
Bureau of Land Management free camping is not available at Upper Onion Creek Campground, but it is possible at other locations near Moab, Utah. If you hope to score a truly free experience, try a dispersed campsite in the Manti-La Sal National Forest along the La Sal Loop Road or search "BLM camping near me" for possible options.
The most important essentials to bring when you visit Upper Onion Creek Campground include water, food, charcoal, suntan lotion, comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and a snakebite kit. Since there are so many things to do in the Moab, Utah area, other items to include on your packing list will vary depending on your intended activities. If you plan to spend time fishing, whitewater rafting, or paddling, bring personal flotation devices for your entire crew. Take your fishing gear and plentiful bait if fishing is an activity on your itinerary. If you’ll have downtime in the evenings, bring star maps and binoculars to facilitate nighttime stargazing sessions. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When you use BLM land, it is vital to leave that land exactly as you found it, which is the guiding principle of the "Leave No Trace" program. To help you do this, trash collection services are provided at Upper Onion Creek Group Campground. Remember to clean up after your pets and deposit all your garbage, including food waste, in the appropriate on-site trash receptacles.
The Upper Onion Creek Campground is approximately 24 miles northeast of Moab, Utah. To reach the campground from Moab, take Highway 128 northeast for about 22 miles, and be on the lookout for a “Fisher Towers” sign. Turn left onto the gravel road across from this sign and drive about a mile and a half until you reach the campground. Latitude/Longitude: 38.43353, -109.20704 Ready to visit the Upper Onion Creek Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
