Dead Horse Point State Park

4.71

65 reviews

BOX 609, MOAB, Utah, 84532-0609, United States

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Canyonlands National Park#1 Camping Near Arches National Park#2 Camping Near Moab#2 +6 more

Quick Facts

5,876 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Dead Horse Point State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,876 ft

Price

$20 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens Dead Horse Point State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Dead Horse Point State Park

$20.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The entry fee to Dead Horse Point State Park is $20 for two days. Overnight camping fees vary based on the type of site. Yurts cost $50 per night,...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$50.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.71

Top-Rated

Based on 65 reviews

5124 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanwell-maintained

"User reviews celebrate the park's breathtaking views, well-maintained facilities, and recreational opportunities such as hiking and stargazing. However, the lack of showers and potable water are common complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

BOX 609, MOAB, Utah, 84532-0609, United States

Dead Horse Point State Park

BOX 609, MOAB, Utah, 84532-0609, United States

Driving directionsDead Horse Point State Park is accessible via State Route 313, located 18 miles off Highway 191 near Moab. This route provides easy access and is well-maintained.

The roads leading to Dead Horse Point State Park are paved and accessible throughout the year. However, there are seasonal considerations for weather conditions like snow or rain that may affect safe travel.

Nearby places

Moab - 32 miles (approximately 40 minutes by car).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Moab, which is 32 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Dead Horse Point State Park

The high desert climate at Dead Horse Point creates a land of dramatic contrasts throughout the year. Summer transforms the park into a sun-drenched wonderland where temperatures can soar past 100°F, making early morning and evening the prime times for exploration. Winter brings a quieter beauty, with crisp air and occasional dustings of snow that transform the red rocks into a photographer's dream. Yet it's during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when the park truly shines—these months offer that perfect sweet spot of comfortable temperatures, making them ideal for hiking the rim trails, capturing stunning photographs, or simply soaking in the otherworldly views.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.0 / 5

High-desert summers often exceed 100°F, making conditions strenuous despite park appeal.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers comfortable temps and clear skies; a popular season for visits.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in UT

Spring is most popular with comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and heavy visitation.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round but colder and quieter; occasional snow noted by visitors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season spans spring through fall, with summer offering the highest temperatures and winter being cooler with fewer crowds.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Dead Horse Point State Park is open year-round, but seasonal weather like snow or extreme heat may influence usability.

About Dead Horse Point State Park

Perched on a dramatic mesa 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point State Park delivers one of the most spectacular panoramas in the American Southwest. Here, the mighty Colorado River carves an elegant gooseneck through layers of ancient stone, creating a natural masterpiece of sculptured pinnacles and towering buttes. The park's well-appointed campgrounds blend modern comfort with raw natural beauty, featuring shaded picnic tables perfect for sunset dinners, pristine flush toilets, and level tent pads that make setting up camp a breeze. For those seeking a unique twist on the camping experience, the park's cozy yurts offer an enticing alternative—each one thoughtfully equipped with bunk beds, comfortable futons, and climate control to ensure year-round comfort under the vast desert sky.

Dead Horse Point State Park provides diverse camping options, including RV sites with electrical hookups, tent sites, and yurts. The campgrounds cater to a variety of preferences and group sizes.

Historical SignificanceThe windswept mesa of Dead Horse Point whispers tales of the Old West, where cowboys once corralled wild mustangs on this natural peninsula. According to legend, horses left behind on this isolated point met their fate here, giving the park its haunting name. Today, the visitor center brings these stories to life through engaging exhibits that celebrate the often-overlooked history of cowgirls who helped tame this rugged landscape. Interactive displays also unveil the incredible geological journey that transformed an ancient seabed into today's stunning canyon country, connecting visitors to millions of years of Earth's history.

Weather and SeasonsThe high desert climate at Dead Horse Point creates a land of dramatic contrasts throughout the year. Summer transforms the park into a sun-drenched wonderland where temperatures can soar past 100°F, making early morning and evening the prime times for exploration. Winter brings a quieter beauty, with crisp air and occasional dustings of snow that transform the red rocks into a photographer's dream. Yet it's during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when the park truly shines—these months offer that perfect sweet spot of comfortable temperatures, making them ideal for hiking the rim trails, capturing stunning photographs, or simply soaking in the otherworldly views.

ElevationRising to meet the sky at high altitude, Dead Horse Point's lofty elevation creates a unique high-desert environment that surprises many first-time visitors. This elevated perch means winter temperatures can dip lower than expected for a desert park, while summer nights often bring welcome relief from the day's heat. The thin air at this altitude makes the stars seem impossibly bright and close, creating some of the darkest night skies in the region—a celestial show that draws stargazers from around the world.

Natural Features and SceneryNature has painted a masterpiece at Dead Horse Point, where crimson cliffs plunge dramatically toward the serpentine Colorado River far below. The landscape reads like pages from Earth's diary, with each rock layer telling stories of ancient oceans, prehistoric sand dunes, and long-lost rivers. Desert-adapted plants like fragrant sagebrush and hardy junipers cling to life along the rim, while golden eagles soar on thermals rising from the sun-baked canyon walls. Lucky visitors might spot desert bighorn sheep navigating impossible-looking ledges, their sure-footed grace a testament to millions of years of evolution in this vertical world.

Geological RegionDead Horse Point stands as a crown jewel in Utah's southeastern desert, where 300 million years of Earth's history lie exposed in stunning cross-section. This geological wonderland began as ancient seas, their sediments slowly transforming into the layered rock formations visible today. Rivers and streams carved through these deposits over eons, while volcanic activity in the distant La Sal Mountains added the final dramatic touches to the landscape. The result is a natural sculpture garden of impossible scale—soaring pinnacles, graceful buttes, and fins of red rock that glow like embers in the desert sun, all testament to the patient artistry of geological time.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is not explicitly listed.

Check-out

Check-out time is not explicitly listed.

Stay Limit

Reservations are typically limited to a maximum of two nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each yurt accommodates up to families, but no specific guest limit per site was stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campgrounds are divided between Kayenta and Wingate sections, with Wingate offering larger sites and additional amenities like yurts.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through the Utah State Parks website or by calling the provided contact numbers.

Walk-in AvailabilitySpaces tend to sell out quickly, and booking ahead is highly recommended. Walk-up availability may vary.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details are missing from the provided data.

AccessibilityThe park provides ADA-accessible facilities, including picnic areas, restrooms, and trails in select locations.

Site SizeThe campsites offer standard sizes with paved driveways suitable for RVs and tent pads for tent camping.

PrivacyCampsites are relatively private, with shade shelters and adequate spacing between sites. However, some reviews note that views from campsites may include other campers.

Recommended SitesWingate Campground offers larger motorhome sites and yurts. Kayenta Campground includes shelters, grill stations, and tent pads.

Amenities available

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Dead Horse Point State Park offers a wide array of recreational activities, including hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and photography. The park's trails, such as the West Rim Trail and East Rim Trail, provide stunning views and varied challenges, while the surrounding dark skies make it a popular destination for stargazing.

HikingThe park features numerous trails, including the West Rim Trail and East Rim Trail. These trails offer views of the canyons and the La Sal Mountains, and are suitable for visitors of different skill levels. The Intrepid Trail System also includes 17 miles of single-track mountain bike trails.

BikingThe Intrepid Trail System offers 17 miles of single-track mountain biking trails, catering to various levels of difficulty. Riders can also use paved roads for cycling.

Wildlife viewingThe park is home to a variety of desert wildlife. Visitors may spot species such as bighorn sheep and birds of prey. The best times for viewing are early morning and evening.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe visitor center offers educational exhibits on the park's geology, history, and biology. Summer evening programs are also a highlight.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include unfenced cliffs, lightning, and the relative isolation of the park. Visitors should bring sufficient water and supplies due to limited resources onsite.

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

Fire PolicyFire pits are available at campsites, but specific fire guidelines were not detailed in the source materials.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are located in Moab, 32 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans and recycling facilities are available within the park, along with a dump station for RVs.

Water FeaturesDead Horse Point offers views of the Colorado River, but there is no direct access to the river from the campgrounds.

Camp HostCamp hosts are described as friendly and helpful, ensuring facilities are clean and well-maintained.

Weather at Dead Horse Point State Park

Reviews

4.7

65 reviews

Top-Rated

Dead Horse Point State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews celebrate the park's breathtaking views, well-maintained facilities, and recreational opportunities such as hiking and stargazing. However, the lack of showers and potable water are common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 65 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the incredible views, cleanliness of facilities, and well-maintained trails. Photography, dark skies for stargazing, and the unique geological features are frequently mentioned.

Based on 65 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints include the absence of showers, the need to bring potable water, and limited cell phone reception.

Based on 65 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend booking campsites well in advance, bringing plenty of water, and visiting during sunrise or sunset for the best views. Hiking the full rim loop is highly recommended for those with...

Based on 65 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are the most popular seasons for visiting, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Summers can be very hot, and winters, though quieter, may bring cold weather.

Based on 65 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Wow. This is truly one of America's hidden gems. Sunrise and sunset offer incredible photographic opportunities.' 2. 'Most sites have a shade shelter. No water fill available for RV, so make sure...

Based on 65 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

1. 'Kayenta Campground: Spacious sites with shaded picnic tables, but no potable water.' 2. 'Wingate Campground: Large, level motorhome sites, multiple tent sites, and yurts, with clean restrooms.'

Based on 65 reviews

Accessibility Features

Visitors with accessibility concerns appreciate the ADA-accessible restrooms and picnic areas, as well as the viewing platforms. The park is described as accommodating for visitors with mobility...

Based on 65 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted in the park, but must be leashed. Dogs are allowed on hiking trails but not on mountain bike trails. Moenkopi yurts allow up to two dogs for a pet fee.

Based on 65 reviews

0 review