Horsethief Campground

Star4.46
190 reviews
82 East Dogwood Avenue, Moab, UT, 84532, USA
Stargazing

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management (BLM) site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Horsethief Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fee is $20 per site per night payable at a self-service fee station with exact cash or checks only.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$20.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
(435) 259-2100
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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 190 reviews

267 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspaciouslocation

Some mention

noisecrowdeddusty

"Horsethief Campground is highly rated for its proximity to Mountain Biking trails, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point State Park. It is described as clean, quiet, and spacious with basic but well-maintained amenities. However, the lack of water and reservations can be drawbacks for some visitors."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Horsethief Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom the center of Moab (at Center and Main) head north on Hwy. 191 to Hwy. 313. Turn left (west) on Hwy. 313 and drive 12 miles. You will see the campground sign on the right. Turn on the gravel road and you will see the campground entrance on your left.
The campground is accessed via a gravel road off Highway 313. The road is described as intimidating when soaked but generally firm and navigable. Reviews mention the gravel road being lengthy. Some mention the risk of muddy and rutted conditions during wet weather.
Nearby places
Moab (12 miles
approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The Chevron gas station in Moab offers showers for $10 and has potable water and a dump station for RVs. Firewood is sold onsite at the campground entrance for $5 per bundle.

Best Time to Camp at Horsethief Campground

The high desert climate here dances between extremes, keeping visitors on their toes throughout the year. Spring and fall bring crisp, invigorating air punctuated by notorious canyon winds that can test your tent stakes and send tumbleweeds racing across camp. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-baked wonderland where shade becomes precious and early morning adventures are rewarded with comfortable temperatures. Winter occasionally dust the pygmy forest with snow, creating a magical contrast against red rock formations while temperatures can plunge below freezing, turning breath into clouds and water bottles into ice.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Very hot with little shade in summer; seasonally less comfortable.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is a top season: crisp air and active trails though windy at times.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring is busy and favorable for visits, though canyon winds are common.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Cold temperatures and possible snowfall; requires preparation for winter camping.

Planning Tips

    About Horsethief Campground

    Nestled among ancient pygmy pinyon and juniper trees, Horsethief Campground offers 83 individual sites across four distinct loops, each with its own character. The Appaloosa, Buckskin, and Cayuse loops welcome RV adventurers with full amenities, while the serene Dapple loop provides a generator-free sanctuary exclusively for tent campers seeking tranquility under the stars. Five spacious group sites accommodate larger gatherings by reservation. Adventure beckons just beyond your campsite, with mountain biking trails carving through red rock terrain and rugged 4WD roads leading to hidden desert treasures. Gateway to both the otherworldly landscapes of Canyonlands National Park and the dramatic cliff-edge vistas of Dead Horse Point State Park, Horsethief serves as your basecamp for exploring Utah's most iconic wilderness.
    The campground provides a mix of individual and group sites suitable for tent and RV camping. It is primitive in nature, with minimal amenities and no hookups.
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    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    14 nights in a 30 consecutive day period

    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Firewood available
    Vault toilets
    Group Sites

    Activities you can enjoy

    Visitors can enjoy mountain biking, hiking, and stargazing. The area features numerous biking trails such as the MAG 7, suitable for intermediate to advanced bikers. The remote location offers excellent opportunities for observing stars at night, while its proximity to Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park makes it a convenient base for exploration.
    HikingHiking opportunities include trails within the campground and nearby areas. Specific trail details are not provided, but many visitors highlighted the easy access to various trails.
    BikingThe campground is surrounded by mountain biking trails such as MAG 7, which are rated as fun and challenging, especially for intermediate and advanced bikers. Dual suspension bikes are recommended for these trails.
    Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is possible, though specific species are not mentioned. The remote location is ideal for appreciating nature.
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsWindy conditions are common, which may affect tent camping. The dry desert environment requires visitors to bring their own water, as none is available on-site. Cacti may pose hazards to pets.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

    Weather at Horsethief Campground

    Reviews

    4.5
    190 reviews
    Recommended
    Recommended
    Horsethief Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Horsethief Campground is highly rated for its proximity to Mountain Biking trails, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point State Park. It is described as clean, quiet, and spacious with basic but well-maintained amenities. However, the lack of water and reservations can be drawbacks for some visitors.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 190 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Many users praised the campground's clean facilities, spacious sites, and excellent location for exploring nearby parks and trails. Stargazing and peacefulness were also frequently mentioned as...
    Show more
    Based on 190 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Common issues include the lack of potable water, occasional overflowing dumpsters, and windy conditions. Some users reported noise from generators and underage drivers causing a disturbance.
    Based on 190 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring plenty of water as there is none on-site. Arrive early to secure a spot as the campground fills up quickly, especially in peak seasons. For mountain bikers, dual suspension bikes are...
    Show more
    Based on 190 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    The campground is busiest during spring and fall. Summer can be very hot with little shade, while winter camping requires preparation for cold temperatures and potential snowfall.
    Based on 190 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    1. 'The stars are amazing, so bright!' - Ada Vermeulen; 2. 'The trails were fun, great for intermediate to pro level bikers.' - Tommy Buck; 3. 'Wide open spaces and you can see for miles...Extra...
    Show more
    Based on 190 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Site-specific details include reports of #40 offering amazing views. Some users noted that group sites are spacious and private.
    Based on 190 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No specific reviews address accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
    Based on 190 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Users cautioned about cacti near campsites potentially harming animals.
    Based on 190 reviews

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    Last updated January 13, 2026
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