Recreational Vans
Moab sits on the Colorado Plateau, where seasons shape every mile of travel. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather with cool mornings, warm afternoons, and crisp nights. Summer often climbs well above ninety, and shade can be scarce, so plan early starts and long rest breaks. Winter offers quiet roads and empty views, but freezing nights and occasional snow will challenge both gear and driving.
Expect dry air, intense sun, and fast changing conditions. Wind can push dust across open benches, and brief storms may create flash flood hazards in normally dry washes. Always check the weather and avoid camping in low drainages when rain is possible. Cell coverage improves near town and major highways, but drops quickly once you move behind mesas and down canyons.
Inside Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, camping is limited to established campgrounds and designated backcountry zones that do not accommodate roadside van camping. For vehicle based stays, look to campgrounds in the parks or public lands outside park boundaries. Reservations for Devils Garden in Arches and Island in the Sky campgrounds are competitive in peak seasons, so book as early as possible.
Outside the parks, the Moab Field Office manages extensive BLM land with both developed campgrounds and dispersed options. Popular zones include the mesas off US 191, the highway to Dead Horse Point, and the scenic byways along the Colorado River. Many high traffic corridors near Moab now require designated site camping only, marked with numbered posts. In other areas where dispersed camping remains allowed, follow the fifteen foot from vegetation rule, use existing clearings, and respect the fourteen day stay limit within a thirty day window.
Not all desert roads are equal. Main corridors to overlooks and scenic loops are generally graded, but washboards and embedded rock can still shake gear. Sandy stretches demand momentum and proper tire pressure, while narrow two tracks often have ledges and cross ruts that favor high clearance. Scout on foot when uncertain. If the map shows a road but the surface looks chewed up, choose a different pullout rather than risk damage or recovery costs.
Good sites share a few traits. They are already established, flat enough for sleep, and far from the edge of biological soil crust. They offer some natural wind protection from rock or juniper, and they are set back from the road to reduce dust. Avoid parking on cryptobiotic crust, a living soil that anchors the desert. If unsure, stay on obvious bare rock or durable gravel.
Plan a generous water budget. Dry air can double typical consumption, and dish duty adds up quickly. Many travelers target one gallon per person per day for drinking, then add water for cooking and camp chores. Refill in town at outfitters or paid hydrants, and consider a sediment pre filter if drawing from uncertain spigots. Secure containers to prevent leaks on rough roads.
Human waste rules vary by corridor. In some high use areas, portable toilets or waste bag systems are required and enforcement is active. Pack out all trash including food scraps and micro litter. Carry extra trash bags, a dedicated container for used waste bags, and a brush or small broom to keep desert sand out of living spaces.
For restocking, Moab has grocery options, outdoor shops, auto parts stores, propane fills, and multiple fuel stations. Numerous private businesses offer dump and fill services for a fee. Expect lines during prime weekend mornings and plan your turnarounds accordingly.
Wood collection is not permitted in most areas near town. If fires are allowed, use a metal fire pan or a provided ring, keep the flame small, and pack out ash where required. Many seasons impose fire restrictions when conditions are dry. Propane stoves are a reliable alternative and minimize scarring on slickrock.
Quiet hours are not only campsite rules, they are also courtesy to the landscape and your neighbors. Sound carries in open country. Keep music and generators to a minimum and choose low draw power solutions when possible. Leave No Trace in the desert centers on staying on durable surfaces, controlling dogs, packing out waste, and protecting fragile soil crusts.
Arches has used a seasonal timed entry system in recent years to reduce congestion. That program, when active, only affects day entry by vehicle during certain hours. It does not replace campground reservations or backcountry permits. Canyonlands day use areas can fill quickly as well. Enter early, respect parking limits, and avoid blocking turnouts with extended rigs.
Dogs must remain on leash in most developed areas and are not allowed on park trails. Heat is hard on pets. Plan shaded rests and carry extra water if you bring a dog on scenic drives outside the parks. For popular arches and overlooks, choose sunrise or late afternoon visits to ease crowd pressure and enjoy softer light.
Desert driving rewards smooth inputs. Air down tires within manufacturer safe ranges for washboard, keep speeds low to prevent heat buildup, and stop often to check straps and latches. A basic recovery kit with traction boards, a shovel, and a safe jack point can solve common problems. Do not straddle deep ruts when the center berm could contact low hanging components. If the road worsens beyond your comfort level, turn around before commitment points.
Power management matters in Moab. Summer heat pushes fridges and fans. Solar performs well in clear skies, but consider a strategy for shaded parking if you rely on panels. Dust will diminish output, so wipe panels regularly. Ventilation is king for sleep quality. Pair roof venting with reflective window covers to manage heat gain.
Moab draws riders, climbers, paddlers, and sightseers. That diversity is part of the magic. Slow down near camps, wave at neighbors, and leave places cleaner than you found them. The red rock will still be there next season if we care for it now.
The desert rewards rigs that are simple, cool, and quietly capable. If you want a purpose built van for Moab, OZK Customs designs and builds adventure ready layouts that handle corrugated roads, heat, and long dry camps with confidence. Thoughtful suspension tuning, smart storage for water and recovery gear, efficient ventilation and cooling strategies, and desert friendly power systems make a long stay feel easy. Our team tests in real places, then builds clean solutions that do not rattle loose when the road turns rough.
Explore our van platforms to see how we approach travel first, then tailor the details to your routes. Whether you need a family forward layout for scenic drives or a backcountry focused build that sips power and shrugs off dust, we can shape it around how you camp.
Tell us about your Moab plans, your must have comforts, and the roads you want to explore. We will translate those goals into a dependable, comfortable van built for red rock country and every mile after.
OZK Customs designs and builds recreational adventure vans and overland upfits. Our shop in Fayetteville, Arkansas crafts complete custom builds and partial upfits for travelers who want reliable comfort in wild places. We focus on practical layouts, quiet power, storage that works, and clean fit and finish for life on the road.
Ready to build a van that handles washboard roads, summer heat, and long desert stays? Tell us how you travel and OZK Customs will design a reliable, comfortable rig for Moab and beyond. Start your build today.
Ready to build a van that handles washboard roads, summer heat, and long desert stays? Tell us how you travel and OZK Customs will design a reliable, comfortable rig for Moab and beyond. Start your build today.
ADDRESS:
6159 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701
PHONE:
(479) 326-9200
EMAIL:
info@ozkvans.com