Gastonia Campground – Utahraptor State Park, Utah

Gastonia Campground is the primary developed campground within Utahraptor State Park, located northwest of Moab, Utah. Unlike the nearby Fossil Flats Primitive Campground, Gastonia is designed for visitors seeking modern camping conveniences, including utility hookups, a dump station, potable water, flush toilets, and showers. With large, well-developed sites capable of accommodating everything from smaller campers to large RVs, Gastonia serves as a comfortable basecamp for exploring the park and the surrounding public lands.

Location & Setting

Gastonia Campground is located within the high desert landscape of Utahraptor State Park, near Moab and surrounded by the dramatic scenery of eastern Utah. The campground has an open, exposed setting with little natural shade from trees or surrounding terrain. During warmer months, visitors should plan for significant sun exposure during the day. While the lack of shade may be a consideration for tent campers, it is generally less of a concern for RV travelers who can rely on their vehicles and campground amenities for comfort.

Campground Overview

Gastonia Campground is the more developed camping option within Utahraptor State Park, offering a significant upgrade in amenities compared with the primitive Fossil Flats Campground. Campsites include access to hookups, making the campground particularly appealing to RV travelers who prefer a more comfortable basecamp while exploring the Moab area. Some sites include ramadas that provide shade structures, while other sites remain fully exposed to the desert sun. The campground's spacious layout and ability to accommodate large RVs make it a practical choice for extended stays and travelers with larger rigs.

Amenities

Gastonia Campground provides modern campground amenities, including utility hookups, a dump station, potable water, flush toilets, and showers. These facilities make it a much more convenient option than primitive camping areas within the park. Individual campsite amenities may vary, with some sites featuring ramadas for shade while others do not. Visitors should check current campground information when making reservations to confirm available site features. Also note, showers are reserved only for those staying at Gastonia Campground, and campers at Fossil Flats are not permitted to use these facilities.

Recreation & Camping Considerations

Utahraptor State Park offers several interesting attractions, including the Dalton Wells Quarry, the historic Civilian Conservation Corps camp, a Japanese American incarceration site, and a small museum located within the visitor center. While these historical and educational features provide worthwhile stops, one of the campground's biggest advantages is its location as a basecamp for exploring the surrounding public lands. The area provides access to numerous world-class four-wheel-drive routes, remote desert landscapes, and dinosaur track sites, making Gastonia Campground especially appealing to off-road enthusiasts and adventure travelers with larger RVs.

Summary

Gastonia Campground offers a comfortable and convenient camping experience within Utahraptor State Park, combining modern amenities with direct access to the rugged landscapes surrounding Moab. Its developed facilities, RV-friendly sites, and availability of hookups make it an excellent choice for travelers who want the ability to explore Utah's backcountry while returning to a more comfortable campground at the end of the day. For RV travelers, off-road enthusiasts, and visitors looking for a well-equipped basecamp near Moab's extensive public lands, Gastonia Campground is one of the strongest options in the park.