Hittle Bottom Campground

Description

The campgrounds closest to Moab fill first. If Goose Island is full, you continue to Granstaff. If Granstaff is full, you drive to Drinks Canyon, gradually pushing farther east up UT 128. Few people drive all the way to Hittle Bottom Campground, a good option if you’re looking to escape the Moab crowds.

Campsites are spread along the banks of the Colorado River and are first-come, first-serve, except for a group site that you can reserve in advance. Cottonwood trees provide shade, and you can see landmarks like Fisher Towers, Richardson Amphitheater, and the Castle in the distance. The campground is also the trailhead for the Amphitheater Loop Trail, a 3-mile hike that features broad vistas of the Colorado River Valley.

In addition to the campground and trail, Hittle Bottom Recreation Area has a popular boat launch. Private boaters and local river companies start their trips here, floating the popular “Moab Daily” stretch of river from Hittle Bottom to Takeout Beach.

Note: Hittle Bottom has no water. You can fill your water jugs at Lions Park (intersection of Hwy 191 and UT 128) near the pedestrian bridge dedication plaque, or at Gearheads Outdoor Store in downtown Moab.

Amenities

• Pit toilets
• Picnic tables
• Fire pits
• Trash collection

Directions

From the visitor center in Moab, Utah, drive north on Hwy 191 for 2.5 miles. At the junction with UT 128 at Lions Park, turn right and follow the Colorado River northeast for 23 miles. Turn left into the campground where you see a Hittle Bottom Recreation Area sign.