Mason Draw Campground
3.946 reviewsMason Draw Campground is located just off the La Sal Loop Road near the Castle Valley Overlook.
Mason Draw Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Campsites are self-pay at $10 per night. Campers with the 'America the Beautiful Senior Pass' pay $5 per night instead, as stated by user reviews.
About this campground
Escape to this hidden gem nestled high in the La Sal Mountains, where simplicity meets natural splendor. This intimate, first-come, first-served campground offers a refreshing retreat from the crowds at just $10 per night. Each campsite comes equipped with the essentials: a sturdy picnic table for outdoor dining, a campfire ring for evening gatherings under starlit skies, and clean vault toilets nearby. While you'll need to bring your own water, the peaceful atmosphere and stunning surroundings more than compensate for the basic amenities.
The campground offers primitive camping with five first-come, first-serve campsites suitable for tents and small RVs. No group sites or luxury camping options are available.
Weather and SeasonsWhen summer heat grips the desert floor below, this mountain sanctuary provides sweet relief with naturally cooler temperatures that draw savvy campers seeking respite. As seasons shift, the campground transforms—autumn brings a spectacular golden display, while winter blankets the area in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the adventurous. Throughout the year, temperatures dance between crisp mountain mornings (12-37°F) and comfortable afternoons (26-56°F), offering diverse camping experiences for every season.
ElevationPerched high above the desert floor near the breathtaking Castle Valley Overlook, this lofty campground offers a dramatic change in both temperature and terrain. The elevated position in the La Sal Mountains provides commanding views and a true alpine camping experience, where the air is crisp and the night sky seems close enough to touch.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted forest where thousands of quaking aspens create a living cathedral of white-barked pillars and shimmering leaves. This massive aspen grove transforms with the seasons—from the fresh green canopy of spring to the legendary golden spectacle of fall. Visitors consistently describe the setting as 'absolutely beautiful,' and once you witness the way morning light filters through the trembling leaves or hear the gentle rustle of the forest's namesake trees, you'll understand why this place captures hearts.
Geological RegionTucked within the diverse ecosystems of the Manti-La Sal National Forest, this campground occupies a special corner of Utah's geological wonderland. The La Sal Mountains rise like islands from the surrounding red rock desert, creating a unique alpine environment. Here, near the Castle Valley Overlook, ancient geological forces have crafted a landscape where mountain meadows meet massive aspen groves, offering campers a front-row seat to nature's grand design.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeSites are described as accommodating tent or small RV camping, with no further mention of size variations.
Sites PrivacySites are located within an aspen stand, which may offer some privacy.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended for campers seeking a quiet, less crowded experience among aspen groves.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No official time indicated.
Check-out
No official time indicated.
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit indicated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit guest limit stated.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout5 sites are spread out in a small area; described as "remote" but with a busy trailhead nearby.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, though weather may restrict access.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 5 sites are first-come, first-served as per official data.
Cancellation PolicyNon-reservable; cancellation policies do not apply.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground supports basic outdoor activities such as picnicking. There are no detailed mentions of hiking, fishing, or other recreational activities directly available at the campground.
Winter Activities
No information provided about winter activities.Water Sports
No information provided about water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire rings are present at each site.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention eroded spots on some Forest Roads. Vault toilets may have issues with flies during summer.
Weather forecast
66
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are likely accessible in Moab, approximately 25 minutes away, including medical facilities and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates indicated.
Trash and recyclingNo information provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresNo specific water features nearby.
Common complaints"Bathrooms were very full of living and dead flies," as noted in user reviews.
Campground Map
Mason Draw Campground is located just off the La Sal Loop Road near the Castle Valley Overlook.
Driving directionsFrom Moab, go south on US 191 about 7 miles until you get to the Ken’s Lake/La Sal Mtn. Loop Road turn off and turn left onto the county road. Turn right at the T-intersection less than a mile ahead and continue on the La Sal Loop road for approximately 18 miles past both Oowah Lake and Warner Lake campground turnoffs. Mason Draw Campground is about 5 miles from the Warner Lake turn off on the right side of the La Sal Loop Road just after the Castle Valley Overlook.
"The road from the street was well maintained," according to user reviews, but Forest Road access may have eroded spots. Access may be weather-dependent as per official information.Nearby places
Moab, approximately 25 minutes (18 miles) away.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies such as groceries, camping essentials, and fuel are available in nearby Moab, approximately 25 minutes away.
Camper Reviews
3.9
6 reviews
Mason Draw Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe Mason Draw Campground as a small, remote, and quiet site with basic amenities. Common themes include its scenic location, proximity to trailheads, and the lack of potable water and cleanliness issues with vault toilets.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlight the quiet, scenic location in an aspen stand, proximity to the Castle Valley Overlook, and the campground's suitability for those seeking solitude. One user praised the...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the poor maintenance of the vault toilets ('very full of living and dead flies') and the lack of potable water. Other reviewers mentioned the campground's small size and...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing your own water and being prepared for very basic amenities. The campground is described as cooler than nearby Moab, making it a more comfortable summer option.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews note the campground's relative emptiness even on weekends and its cooler temperatures compared to Moab.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Only 5 spots, but well enough off the beaten path that it was nearly empty on a summer Saturday.' - Chris Kaplan
2. 'The site is in the middle of a massive aspen stand. Absolutely beautiful.' -...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers are highlighted in reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility are available.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025