Dispersed camping for horseback riders near Castle Valley requires planning for proper containment systems. Temperatures in this high desert area can range from 90°F during summer days to below freezing in winter nights. The red rock terrain surrounding Castle Valley sits at approximately 4,500 feet elevation, with variable conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Trail riding access: Several campgrounds provide proximity to riding trails. At Devils Garden Campground, "hiking paths to several arches are a convenient walk from camp. This made exploring easy," notes Stacie H. The campground is located at the end of Arches National Park, approximately a 30-minute drive from the entrance.
Dinosaur tracks exploration: Near Sego Canyon Campsite, you can discover prehistoric sites. Jiwon K. mentions, "cool petroglyphs, caves, and lots of wildlife to watch." The area features "incredible view of the stars at night" but requires awareness of "flash flooding as this is a narrow canyon."
Swimming opportunities: After a day of riding, cool off at water features. Ken's Lake offers refreshment during hot days, with Peter D. reporting, "Great place for a hike and or swim in the lake! Moab is just 20 minutes drive away." Equestrians often appreciate water access for both riders and horses after dusty trail rides.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many riders value separation from other campers. At Moab Overlook Dispersed Site, Jess G. found "so many spots you could pick and it was super private." This free dispersed camping area provides "incredible views" with enough space for horse trailers.
Shade availability: Limited but valuable at certain sites. Devils Garden Campground offers some relief from the desert sun, with Bryan K. noting his site "was huge with large boulders for some shade early in the day." Shade is particularly important for horse owners during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Accessibility to National Parks: Equestrian campers appreciate proximity to protected lands. Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites provides "location is key with this site. You are 10 minutes from Arches National Park," according to Tom G. While noting nearby infrastructure like "train tracks and powerlines," he found the site workable for overnight stays.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access varies significantly between sites. Salt Valley Dispersed Camping has challenging terrain where one camper "broke a leaf spring and limped to the large, flat Mesa up top; waited for repair guy." Another notes "there are some great spots that can be reached by most trailers/vans/cars," making this an option for equestrians with appropriate vehicles.
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds require advance booking. At Devils Garden Campground, Patrick P. suggests, "It may say it's full but always check." Another camper warns it's "by appointment" and "you must sign up for a spot far in advance as they fill up quickly."
Water access limitations: Most dispersed sites lack water sources. Bailey A. reports at Sovereign Lands dispersed camping, "Bring your own firewood, because all that is around the area are juniper trees. Junipers take extremely long to grow, so please don't use the branches to burn." Horse owners should plan to bring all required water for their animals.
Tips for camping with families
Group site options: Lone Mesa Group Campground accommodates larger parties with horses. Preston G. found "the space was huge and spaced out from the other sites. The location is just about in the middle of Arches and Canyonlands." This provides families with multiple riders a central base camp.
Safety considerations: Weather can impact camping conditions rapidly. One reviewer at Lone Mesa noted, "BE MINDFUL OF WIND! These group sites are very exposed and have little to no cover and can be extremely dangerous on a windy day/night."
Educational opportunities: The region offers natural and historical learning experiences. At Sego Canyon, Jenn & Garrett W. suggest to "Plan to spend a couple of days exploring the area, and you will be glad you did! Up above there is an incredible overlook (but you need high clearance to get to it) and there is also a ghost town up the canyon a bit!"
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Large horse trailers face restrictions at some sites. Courthouse Rock offers "rustic toilet facilities, trash bin even a paddock for those who brought horses," according to Elizabeth S., though she notes it has a "rugged access road, including a sand wash section that caught a few vehicles in its grips."
Leveling challenges: Many horse camping areas have uneven terrain. At Salt Valley Dispersed Camping, Rory R. simply states "pick your spot and live it up!!" while another camper warns it's "NOT for bigger rigs!" Identifying level spots for larger horse trailers requires scouting ahead.
Cell reception variability: Important for emergency contact. Curtis notes Salt Valley has "Limited AT&T service" while at Sovereign Lands dispersed camping, Yasmeen A. found "Decent T-Mobile reception" with "wide open spaces and amazing star gazing!"
