Is Cowboy Camp Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cowboy Camp Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Cowboy Camp Campground?

Cowboy Camp Campground is open Cowboy Camp's group camp site is open to vehicles and horses from the 3rd Saturday in April through the 3rd Saturday in November.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cowboy Camp Campground?

Cowboy Camp Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cowboy Camp Campground have?

Cowboy Camp Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Cowboy Camp Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cowboy Camp Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cowboy Camp Campground?

Cowboy Camp Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Cowboy Camp Campground

4.55

49 reviews

Top 8% in UTFall

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Featured in:Camping Near Arches National Park#3 Tent Camping Near Moab Camping Near Moab

Quick Facts

6,138 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Cowboy Camp's group ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

6,138 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Cowboy Camp's group ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Cowboy Camp Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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Provider

(435) 259-2100utmbmail@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Cowboy Camp Campground

38.5606, -109.7937

Nearby places

Moab (~18 miles, ~25 minutes drive).

Weather at Cowboy Camp Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cowboy Camp Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather for exploring mesa-top trails and nearby 4WD routes—expect daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F—so long rides and long hikes are more enjoyable than in summer heat. Biking and hiking are at their peak with stable weather, excellent light for photography across the canyons, and generally lower summer crowds though weekends remain popular. You’ll still have access to the full range of nearby attractions (Canyonlands, Dead Horse)— Peak months: October, September, April, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 8% in UT

Identified as 'best season' with comfortable temps and prime biking/hiking conditions.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Cowboy Camp's group camp site is open to vehicles and horses from the 3rd Saturday in April through the 3rd Saturday in November.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Cowboy Camp Campground

Cowboy Camp Campground sits on BLM land near Moab, offering mesa-top views and primitive tent-only sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. The small campground attracts visitors seeking a quiet base for fall biking, hiking, and exploring nearby 4WD routes. Sites fill quickly, and the no-trailer policy keeps the atmosphere low-key.

Cowboy Camp Campground accommodates primitive tent camping with no reservations required, serving as overflow for nearby parks.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather for exploring mesa-top trails and nearby 4WD routes—expect daytime highs in the 60s–70s°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s°F—so long rides and long hikes are more enjoyable than in summer heat. Biking and hiking are at their peak with stable weather, excellent light for photography across the canyons, and generally lower summer crowds though weekends remain popular. You’ll still have access to the full range of nearby attractions (Canyonlands, Dead Horse)— Peak months: October, September, April, May

Elevation6138 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryFrom this ridgeline perch, the landscape unfolds in layers of exposed geology: canyon walls striped with millions of years of sediment, mesas stretching toward Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point. The mesa-top position delivers sunrise light across red rock formations and sunsets that reviewers describe as spectacular. At night, the lack of nearby development makes for clear stargazing. The elevation provides cooler temperatures than the valley floor, though you're still in high desert terrain.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations or cabins are available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No explicit stay limit mentioned.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to 10 people per site and two vehicles per site.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot reservable; only payable at the self-service fee station.

Site SizeThe campground contains seven individual sites with a maximum capacity of 10 people and two vehicles per site.

PrivacyMultiple user reviews highlight the campground's adequate spacing between sites, ensuring privacy for visitors.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesSites have fire rings and tables but lack water and trash services. Reviewers recommend caution regarding the twisty unpaved road.

Amenities available

Drinking water and electricity are not available at the group camp site. The group camp site has parking for fire pits, parking for horse trailers, and access to four vault toilets (two are located in the upper parking area and two are located in the middle of the group camp site).

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Cowboy Camp Campground

Cowboy Camp Campground is surrounded by recreational opportunities including mountain biking routes and 4WD roads, making it a prime location for adventure seekers. Proximity to famed Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park also offers hiking and stunning vistas.

Hiking4.0/5

Near Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point with numerous trails and mesa-top access.

Biking4.0/5Top 17% in Utah

Area offers several mountain-biking routes; fall biking is a highlighted activity.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Described as providing excellent opportunities to observe local wildlife.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Sunrise/sunset light across layered geology and mesas is repeatedly praised by users.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault-style toilets are present but lack roofing as noted by one user review.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

Rate Cowboy Camp Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.6

49 reviews

Top-Rated

Cowboy Camp Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews emphasize the campground's scenic location, quietness, and proximity to national parks, but also note its limited facilities and frequent over-occupancy.

Review Summaries

Based on 49 reviews

What Campers Love

Users have praised the spectacular views, peaceful atmosphere, and convenient location. "Great dry camping with no trailers permitted... Awesome views and sunset," noted Bill Westervelt. Amber Diaz...

Based on 49 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on the lack of water, limited trash service, and vault toilets described as both full and roofless by Amber Diaz: "No roof on a pit toilet isn't the total deal breaker for me, but...

Based on 49 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific site numbers were reviewed as better or worse.

Based on 49 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend arriving early to secure a spot due to the high demand. Bringing all necessary supplies, including water, is essential since the campground lacks these amenities.

Based on 49 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that summer months may be ideal due to clear skies and stunning sunsets, but the campground's lack of water makes preparation crucial.

Based on 49 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Seven camp sights. Much quiet. Much beauty." - Brett Potter. "Watching them try to navigate the twisty, rutted unpaved road in their humungous RVs provides the nightly entertainment." - Priscilla...

Based on 49 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features or experiences.

Based on 49 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews indicate the campground is pet-friendly as long as dogs remain on a leash. "Dog-friendly campground but dogs have to be on leash," noted Janice Lee.

Based on 49 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Cowboy Camp Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(435) 259-2100utmbmail@blm.gov

Go if

You want a quiet, tent-only base for fall hiking and biking with sweeping canyon views.

Skip if

You need RV hookups, guaranteed site availability, or well-maintained restroom facilities.

Nearby Campgrounds

Highly Popular

4.4

(190)

Horsethief Campground

82 East Dogwood Avenue, Moab, UT, 84532, USA

Horsethief Campground sits on BLM land near Moab, offering tent, RV, and primitive sites within striking distance of Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands. The high-mesa setting delivers red-rock vistas and dark skies for stargazing, with spacious sites spread across a large footprint. Fall brings the most comfortable conditions for biking and photography, with crisp nights and daytime temperatures that make exploring the surrounding terrain a pleasure.

Cowboy Camp Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Cowboy Camp Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Cowboy Camp Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cowboy Camp Campground

Planning Tips

About Cowboy Camp Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Cowboy Camp Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Featured in these camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Cowboy Camp Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cowboy Camp Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Cowboy Camp Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews