Moab, Utah, is one of the true outdoor adventure meccas of North America. I have many happy memories from my trips there, both as a launching pad for exploring the seemingly endless trails and national parks in the surrounding area and for the town itself, which has an eclectic mix of Jeepers, climbers, mountain bikers, and a burgeoning food scene. But Moab is growing fast. It’s no longer the sleepy gateway town it was when I first started traveling regularly to southern Utah 15 years ago. Real estate development has boomed and hemmed into its small red rock valley, and the town can feel claustrophobic during peak tourist season.

Ironically, nowhere is this more apparent than on the many hundreds of square miles of public lands around Moab. Largely managed by the BLM, much of that land is open to dispersed camping. On busy weekends, these areas can become a sea of vans stretching off into the distance as far as the eye can see. Dealing with crowds when you’re seeking solitude is a pain in itself, but the impacts on the landscape are an even bigger concern.

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The solution? When visiting the Grand Valley, I recommend saving the wild camping for wilder places. Luckily, there are more and more options for established campsites and hotels in Moab, and there’s an exciting new addition that’s opening in April of 2023.

Field Station Moab bills itself as a “modern lodging brand for the active outdoor community… [that] is upcycling existing lodging and motels in prime outdoor destinations to provide sustainable basecamps for exploring nearby natural areas.” There will be several different traditional room types, each outfitted with handy features, like in-room bike storage, and plenty of dedicated spaces for organizing and stashing grubby gear. A selection of rooms will also feature Black Diamond Portaledges offering guests “the experience of what it feels like to sleep in a hanging bed used by rock climbers on cliff faces.”

Van posts will offer hookups for travelers who prefer to snooze in their vehicles, and vanlifers can access the showers, pool, WiFi, and other amenities. In addition, Field Station Moab will offer outdoor equipment rentals and retail, educational programming, DIY or guided local experiences, an espresso cafe, and a Biergarten for socializing after a long day of adventure with all your new friends. It’s the perfect opportunity to get off the road for a couple of days and decrease the stress on Moab’s dispersed camping situation.

Field Station Moab opens in early 2023, with a similar property planned for Joshua Tree, California, in the Fall of this year. Non-peak season rates start from $159 for rooms, and the property is pet-friendly.