Data Disclaimer: Water level data is provided by USGS and NOAA for informational purposes only. Verify conditions on-site before any water activities. Learn more
Access Site UT

Big Bend Recreation Site

Colorado River

Source: state_of_utah Updated 1 year ago

City: Castle Valley, UT
County: Grand County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 38.64861996, -109.48187478
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Live webcam view
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Whitewater Runs on Colorado River
20 runs (5 nearby)
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site: Put-in at this location This location is on the run Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The Big Bend boat ramp and access site on the Colorado River in Castle Valley, Utah, offers a convenient launch point for kayakers, canoeists, and other boaters. The two-lane boat ramp is located within a man-made lagoon, which helps shelter it from the river's current. This is a free public access point, with nearby parking available.

The Colorado River is a major waterway, flowing over 1,000 miles from its headwaters to the ocean. At this location, the river has an average flow of around 14,300 cubic feet per second and a gradient of 8.7 feet per mile, making it a popular destination for paddling and boating. Upstream and downstream, the river winds through the stunning canyon landscapes of Moab and Grand County.

The Big Bend site also features a sandy beach, picnic tables, and three reservable group campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Nearby, visitors can explore hiking and mountain biking trails, as well as other recreation areas along the Colorado River. Whether launching a kayak, canoe, or motorized boat, the Big Bend access point provides a great starting point to experience this iconic western waterway.
Federal Facility Information
435-259-2100 Free Access Reservations Available

Overview
Families and large groups will enjoy the three reservable group sites at Big Bend. Group sites A and B are located within the main campground along the Colorado River. Group Site C is located across SR 128 and up a small canyon offering a more secluded location. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and four-wheel drive tours in the...

Overview
Families and large groups will enjoy the three reservable group sites at Big Bend. Group sites A and B are located within the main campground along the Colorado River. Group Site C is located across SR 128 and up a small canyon offering a more secluded location. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, and four-wheel drive tours in the surrounding parks and public lands. The town of Moab is approximately 30 minutes away and has dining, shopping, sports rentals, tour companies and museums.
Recreation
Big Bend Campground is a great base camp for mountain biking, hiking, rafting, rock climbing, taking scenic tours, and exploring the area's backcountry roads. Those looking to relax enjoy sitting under the cottonwoods at the group site or on the small beach nearby.
Facilities
The Big Bend group areas have fire rings with grates, picnic tables, vault toilets, shade shelters, and trash removal. Sites A and B are near the river. Site C is in a side canyon, allowing for privacy. Water, dump stations and electricity are not available. Trailer and RV parking is limited. (Multiple trailers and RVs can be accommodated at the Lone Mesa Group Sites along SR 313.) Please call the Moab Field Office for more information on vehicle limitations 435-259-2100.
Natural Features
Big Bend group sites A and B offer shade and access to the Colorado River. Site C is across SR 128 and in a side canyon with no river access. All three sites have spectacular canyon views.
Nearby Attractions
Big Bend is near Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, and Dead Horse Point State Park. The "daily" section of the Colorado River offers half and full day river activities suitable for the whole family. The Manti-La Sal National Forest and the La Sal Mountain Loop Road provide cooler explorations during the hot summer months. Charges & Cancellations
You may contact the BLM Moab Field Office for assistance with changes and cancellations at 435-259-2100. 
Changes
You can make changes to a reservation through your online Recreation.gov user account any time prior to the arrival/first date of the reservation.

There is a $10 change fee If you wish to change to dates entirely outside of the original reservation dates.
There is no change fee if you wish to extend or shorten the original reservation dates as long as the changes include dates from the original reservation.  
There is a $10 change fee if you wish to change to another group site within the Big Bend area.  
You cannot make changes to your reservation after the arrival/first day through your Recreation.gov account. However, the BLM Moab Field Office may be able to assist you, 435-259-2100.   
For reservations with dates at the end of the available booking window (a.k.a. sliding window), you will not be able to make changes or cancellations until the site has been available to the general public for four days.   

Cancellations
Please cancel your reservation if you do not plan to use it. This opens highly sought-after campsites for others to reserve. 
You can cancel your reservation online through your Recreation.gov user account or through the call center (call center incurs an additional fee). You may also contact the BLM Moab Field Office for assistance. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation.  
Late Cancellations 
A late cancellation occurs less the 14 days before the arrival/first date of the reservation (a.k.a. cut-off window).
Late cancellations will incur a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. 
Early Departures
If you spend at least one night and then leave prior to the scheduled departure check-out date, please contact the BLM Moab Field Office (435-259-2100) to open the remaining nights for others to use. You will not be able to cancel these nights through your Recreation.gov account.
You will be eligible for a partial refund of the nights AFTER you depart that you did not use. If you depart after the facility check-out time, you will not be eligible for a refund for that night 
No-Shows
A No Show occurs if you do not arrive at your campsite or cancel your reservation by check-out time (Noon) on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (Noon) on the day following the arrival date. 
No-shows are assessed a $20.00 Recreation.gov service fee and forfeit the first night’s recreation fee. 
Refunds
You can submit a refund request through your Recreation.gov account within 7 days of the departure/end date of your reservation.

Applicable fees, such as the Recreation.gov reservation fees, service/cancellation fees, lottery application fees, and change fees, are non-refundable.
Refunds cannot be issued to any card other than the one used to pay. 
In the event of an emergency closure, all fees will be refunded. Attempts will be made to notify you using the contact information within your Recreation.gov customer profile. 

Interagency Pass Discounts
Interagency Pass discounts do not apply to group campsite reservations.

Read More Read Less
Nearby Campgrounds (3 within 10 miles)
King's Bottom Campground
On-site
Lower Onion Creek Campground
On-site
Sand Flats Recreation Area Group Campsites
On-site Reservable
Nearby Recreation Areas
Portal Trail Located within
Moab Field Office (BLM) Located within
Grandstaff Canyon Located within
Moab Rim Trail Located within
Amenities
parking
restrooms