THERE ARE MORE THAN A FEW CAMPGROUNDS
in Moab, but RVers know—much like the settlers of old— that searching for the perfect site is an art. There is the practical matter of provision, and then there is the spirit of the place. Just off the beaten track of US Highway 191 is a campground that satisfies both requirements for the traveler: the OK RV Park. South Spanish Valley Drive runs parallel to US-191, just over a quarter mile east of the highway as it approaches Moab. Moving south toward the entrance of the park, open farmland rolls in hayfields to the east with red cliffs on the rise in the distance behind them. On the right, the OK RV Park’s entrance is marked by a gravel trail, the shade of trees, and a sign styled like a ranch gate—a texture of the traditional roots that the park still honors. Rolling up the gravel trail toward the front office, you’ll see a long Western building with an equally long porch with the campground name, OK RV, in bold white letters above. Inside the office, Kim runs the desk with a small general store nearby.
A local of Moab, she makes sure guests receive a smooth check-in and a nice site. The park offers traditional motifs and a spacious environment, and also a first-class glamping experience for campers, many of whom are newbies enjoying their first RV vacation. The guests come from all over the country. And here, they have options: 64 full-hookup sites, rental RVs, four basic cabins, deluxe tent sites, coin laundry, free Wi-Fi, and even tipis. And, of course, pets are welcome.
Kim, no stranger to RV life herself, understands the appeal of the park’s niceties. “We have a large site with mature trees, which provide better shade. I would say that compared to other parks we have lots of space in between sites, so it feels more roomy. We’re off the main highway, so the park’s very quiet and laid back. You don’t have any road noise. No matter what’s going on in Moab it always feels kind of quiet out here.”
And then there are the tipis—a particularly novel delight for the kids but fit with modern conveniences for the entire family. Each tipi can house up to four guests, has at least one queen bed (with two extra camp pads for the floor), an outdoor space with a patio set, fire pit, gas grill, outdoor sink, and lawn chairs. (Not to mention access to a nice clean bath house that has several showers, toilets, and sinks.) The thoughtful balance between Western tradition and modern comfort is a defining feature of OK RV Park, making it perfect for glampers and camping veterans alike. Most guests come for the national parks or to go off-roading (see Page 65), Kim says. When guests have questions about where to eat, Kim gives the sure advice of a lifelong local. With decisiveness, she shares, “The Dewey or the Trailhead.” No question about it. With the stage set and equally good direction, you’re now ready to do what you came to do: Explore the many worlds of Moab.
