Is Horsethief Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

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

Can I see photos of campsites at Horsethief Campground before I book?

Yes! Horsethief Campground has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Horsethief Campground?

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

Is there cell service at Horsethief Campground?

Cell phone service at Horsethief Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Horsethief Campground have?

Horsethief Campground has 83 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Horsethief Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Horsethief 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 Horsethief Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Horsethief Campground?

Popular activities at Horsethief Campground include Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Horsethief Campground

4.42

190 reviews

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

Top 7% in UTFall

Stargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Canyonlands National Park Desert Camping Utah Camping Near Arches National Park

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

83 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management (BLM)Official Website

Get Directions

Horsethief Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$20.00

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(435) 259-2100

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Horsethief Campground

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

Nearby places

Moab (12 miles

approximately 20 minutes)

Weather at Horsethief Campground

Best Time to Camp at Horsethief Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the clearest skies for exploring the red‑rock panoramas from the high mesa — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s, ideal for hiking, mountain biking and photography. Vegetation and light are excellent for vistas at Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands, and crowds thin after the busy spring shoulder months so you’ll find quieter trails and easier campsite reservations. Wind tends to calm compared with spring, and monsoon/thom Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: July, August

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 7% in UT

Fall noted as best: mild days (60–75°F), calmer winds and thinner crowds.

Planning Tips

About Horsethief Campground

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.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the clearest skies for exploring the red‑rock panoramas from the high mesa — expect daytime highs around 60–75°F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s, ideal for hiking, mountain biking and photography. Vegetation and light are excellent for vistas at Dead Horse Point and Canyonlands, and crowds thin after the busy spring shoulder months so you’ll find quieter trails and easier campsite reservations. Wind tends to calm compared with spring, and monsoon/thom Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: July, August

Elevation5900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPygmy pinyon-juniper forest grows in pockets between exposed sandstone formations, creating patchy shade across the mesa top. The plateau's edge opens to sweeping views of red rock canyons layered in bands of orange, cream, and crimson. At night, with no nearby light pollution, the Milky Way stretches overhead. Some sites sit among dense juniper clusters while others occupy more exposed ground with sandstone outcrops and sparse vegetation. The high desert landscape shifts color dramatically as the sun moves: amber at dawn, glowing red at sunset.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-like lodging, cabins, or other accommodations aside from campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are highlighted for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights in a 30 consecutive day period

Guests Allowed Per Site

Limited to 10 people & two vehicles per site

Groups

Five group sites are available for reservation through Recreation.gov.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsGroup sites are reservable through Recreation.gov only.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned, but the campground does include level spots suitable for RVs and tents.

Site SizeSites are spacious and can accommodate up to 10 people and two vehicles per site. Group sites are available and can accommodate larger gatherings.

PrivacyCampsites are generally well-spaced with juniper trees providing some privacy. However, some users noted that certain sites lack plant life or foliage, reducing privacy.

Total Campsites83 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites away from the entrance for quieter camping. Upper rows near entry road offer better cell signal. Tent campers should prepare for windy conditions.

Best CampsitesSite #40 gets mentioned specifically for its views. Sites in the upper loops near the entry road offer the strongest cell signal, which is otherwise limited or unavailable throughout the campground. Space between sites varies: some loops have good juniper screening, others are more exposed with less plant cover.

Amenities available

Horsethief Campground offers basic amenities in a scenic, remote environment. These include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. The campground lacks potable water, electrical, sewer, or water hookups, and there are no dump stations. Firewood is available for purchase at $5 per bundle, but users must bring sufficient water as none is available on-site. Trash services are limited, with large dumpsters available at the entrance, although reports mention they can sometimes be overflowing. Cell service is reportedly strongest near the upper rows adjacent to the entry road.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our 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 on-site.

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.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

190 reviews

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...

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

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

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...

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...

Based on 190 reviews