Horseback riding trails near Moab follow desert canyons and mesa tops with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet. The terrain varies from sandy washes to slickrock, with most BLM areas open to horses year-round. Summer temperatures often exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for equestrian camping.
What to do
Explore petroglyphs: Visit Sego Canyon Campsite where you can access ancient rock art panels within a short hike from camp. "There are incredible petroglyphs, caves, and lots of wildlife to watch. A place to be respected, truly beautiful," notes camper Jiwon K.
Mountain biking: Find trails accessible from dispersed sites near Moab. "Nice dispersed site with easy access to great mtb trails," reports Jeff B. about the Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab areas.
Stargazing: The desert skies offer excellent night viewing. "OMG the stars. Can't wait to go back. It was active, but we just grabbed the first spot we found. Perfect place to set up shop for the night," writes Adria K. about the BLM lands outside Moab.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Devils Garden Campground, campers appreciate the site layout. "We felt like our site was really secluded and private. The bathrooms and facilities were nice and the camp hosts were great!" shares David S.
Proximity to national parks: Locations that provide easy access to multiple parks rate highly. "The sites are huge with hiking, offroad, and mountain bike trails easily accessible from the campsite. It's quiet and pristine," notes Joanna M. about Kens Lake Group Sites.
Self-contained freedom: Dispersed camping offers flexibility for those prepared to bring everything they need. "Better Moab experience. This is the best place to camp for Moab without paying because it's more fun in the desert! Anything goes, just pack out what you bring in!" recommends Brian R.
What you should know
No dedicated horse facilities: While trails exist for horseback riding around Arches National Park, no campgrounds in the immediate area have dedicated equestrian facilities like corrals or water troughs.
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to dispersed sites often require appropriate vehicles. "The road is bumpy but manageable for most stock vehicles. We found a campsite that was wide open, flat and had incredible views at night," explains Spencer B. about Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites.
Electrical hazards at some sites: Be aware of potential hazards at certain camping locations. "We pulled in moved all of our stuff from the back of my SUV, started a fire, started cooking pulled out our chairs and kept feeling weird vibrations... We were getting shocked/electrocuted! Something was going on with the power lines," warns Jennifer N. at Cotter Mine Road.
Early arrival recommended: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "If you come after 3pm a lot of the good spots are taken and then you have to squeeze in so get there early to grab a spot!" advises Tris W. about dispersed camping near Moab.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites with hiking trails: Salt Valley Dispersed Camping offers hiking opportunities directly from camp. "There are few pull offs and lots of signs for roads closed but I drove a little bit further than where there is a turn around at the top and it was gorgeous!" shares Brynn V.
Consider shoulder seasons: Visit during spring or fall to avoid extreme temperatures. "We were able to find level spot. Had one bar of cell phone reception. We had star link so didn't have to worry about that... Great for stargazing, mountain biking etc.," reports Kristi D. about dispersed camping near Moab.
Bring ample water: No water sources exist at most dispersed camping areas, so plan accordingly for horses and humans alike. This is especially important since there are no horse-specific campgrounds with water troughs near Arches National Park.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations matter: Consider your vehicle size when choosing equestrian-compatible camping near Arches. "NOT for bigger rigs! We knew better. Should not have been on that road in our fifth wheel. No turnarounds once we started on a steep, bumpy road with sharp turns. Broke a leaf spring and limped to the large, flat Mesa up top," cautions Kinnard about Salt Valley.
Research accessibility first: Before attempting access with larger vehicles or horse trailers, read recent reviews. "Hard to find. Driving after dark couldn't find it. Noticed no signs. Google Maps said 'Park on the highway and walk to the destination,'" reports Ken J. about Sego Canyon.
Dust and wind considerations: Prepare for desert conditions that can affect equipment. "Very dusty/sandy and windy! Idk if I'd stay here by choice unless I was just passing thru. Overall, a good place to stay!" notes Caleb C. about dispersed camping outside Moab.
