2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Near La Sal, Utah, horse camping is primarily available through dispersed sites on forest service and BLM land, as established campgrounds have no dedicated equestrian facilities such as corrals or wash racks. Dispersed camping provides the space equestrians need for horses and trailers, with tent and RV sites at places like Oowah Lake Campground and Ken's Lake offering picnic tables, vault toilets, and fire rings as nearby options. Campers must follow forest regulations regarding containment of horses, manure management, and minimum distance requirements from water sources when creating temporary horse enclosures at dispersed sites.
The extensive trail systems in the area connect riders to scenic mountain terrain and high-elevation routes suitable for day rides. During summer months, the higher elevation areas provide cooler temperatures ideal for horse camping, with abundant wildflowers and aspen groves visible from horseback. Riders frequently encounter wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, and cattle grazing on open range. When planning equestrian camping trips in this region, proper feed storage is essential as local regulations prohibit grazing on forest service lands. Trailer access improves significantly on maintained forest roads, though some dispersed areas require high-clearance vehicles. Most dispersed horse camping locations lack amenities but offer privacy, stunning mountain views, and direct access to riding trails throughout the La Sal Mountains.
"Across our site over the road was a view of the La Sal mountains and the valley floor. Behind us was a very large sandstone rock formation so you really feel secluded."
"Despite “FULL” indicators at the park and campground entrances, I drove through and noticed a couple of sites open (cancellations)."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $250 / night
"You can't beat the scenery in Utah!"
"Very quiet and nice scenery (Utah mountains) Great place for a hike and or swim in the lake! Moab is just 20 minutes drive away 👌🏻"
Available next weekend
from $125 / night
"No place to easily turn around though, so we’ll back up our class C to Flat Iron road - those towing might have more challenge. The primitive camping was great though."
"The review by the other gentleman had the wrong location which was actually public utility land. About a mile down the road you'll see a sign that says public land."
"Close to arches, canyonlands and dead horse. Nice for a free campground to have portapotties spread out along the road. People tended to share camp spots when I was there."
"Tons of access to mountain bike trails in the area as well. Fire bans were in place at the time through summer to Nov 1st."
"I highly recommend hiking to Clark Lake as well to get some stunning Mountain View’s! Clean bathrooms, good signage, and a manageable road. Tons of stunning wildflowers and aspens!"
"Hikes, dirt biking, mountain biking, ATV / 4wd trails everywhere. 45 miles to Moab, but a world away."
from $38 / night
"It is lifted and all wheel drive. You kind of need it here. If you want to get away from it all. This is your place"
"It’s BLM dispersed camping about 2-3 miles from the Canyonlands Needles entrance. Dirt road in leads past Hamburger Rock Campground. Keep going and you’ll start seeing sites on the sides of the road."
"I chose this site for proximity to the parks, as well as the lovely geological backdrop."
"Location is key with this site. You are 10 minutes from Arches National Park. You are also close to the state highway, train tracks, and powerlines. I didn’t mind the train."
"Great spot for unstructured camping (no sites, just a large dirt parking lot) surrounded by sagebrushy land. We landed a spot right across from Courthouse Rock (see photo)."
"Horse corrals are offered here and space for horse trailer parking. About 1 mile from hwy 191 on gravel road. Great cell signal."
Available next weekend
from $20 / night
GuideAn amazing place with great views from almost every spot. Quite each night. It is at the very end of the Arches drive which in some ways is great. The sites have pretty level concrete pads (they run a little down hill but not a big deal). Great separation for other sites
TravelerWow I’m in a small motorhome. It is lifted and all wheel drive. You kind of need it here. If you want to get away from it all. This is your place
GuideLarge gravel lot with huge back in sites. No shade, primitive shelter over pit toilet. The dinosaur fossil trail is a beautiful scenic mile walk down the road and it’s really neat. Dino tracks are stones throw from actual campground. Not a lot of privacy but it’s near all the attractions around here. $20 a night, $10 with our access pass.
GuideWe visited the campground to check the access road before bringing in our 25' Airstream. The campground itself looked beautiful, but the sandy wash section of the road was too deep for us to safely tow our trailer, likely due to recent heavy rains. We decided not to risk getting stuck or causing damage. If the sandy section could be graded or flattened after storms, it would improve accessibility for travel trailers and RVs. We'd love to return in the future.
ScoutWe were not able to get back to campsites. Drove down the very rutted road 10 minutes to find a wet and muddy place that covered entire road. Not willing to risk it with our campervan. There were a few cool campsites next to rock formations (as pictured on this listing) but they now have no camping signs posted
ScoutThese sites are now part of Utahraptor state park. As we don't have 4WD we thought to do a primitive campsite within the park. It is $30! Ridiculous.
RangerThis lake is nice along with the stream that runs into which has hikes up it to the waterfalls. Not much trees for shade at this campground but other than that we’ve really enjoyed it here.
TravelerThe review by the other gentleman had the wrong location which was actually public utility land. About a mile down the road you'll see a sign that says public land. The road turns into an easily passable dirt road that ascends up into the hills. There's some scrub brush and several areas to turn off with disturbed areas from previous campers.
The one I'm at tonight overlooks the valley with a beautiful view in all directions and some shade trees around.
TravelerWanted a quiet place out of the desert for the night and this place was perfect. Large gravel area that was likely a parking lot- we camped just east of this off the road- found a level spot for our tent. There are no amenities so bring water and plan on packing out all garbage/waste.
Manti-LaSal National Forest near La Sal, Utah sits at elevations between 7,000-12,721 feet, creating dramatic temperature differences between the forest and nearby desert areas. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 70-85°F at higher elevations, dropping to 40-50°F at night. Horse riders can access over 100 miles of trails through alpine terrain, aspen groves, and meadows filled with wildflowers during July and August.
Explore dinosaur tracks: Near Courthouse Rock, visitors can hike to see preserved dinosaur prints within an easy distance from the campground. "Rustic toilet facilities, trash bin even a paddock for those who brought horses. Dinosaur prints within an easy hike," notes Elizabeth S.
Visit mountain lakes: The higher elevation lakes provide relief from summer heat and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. At Manti-LaSal National Forest Oowah Lake Campground, campers can "swim, kayak, and hike in! Many established little areas with fire rings and picnic tables. I highly recommend hiking to Clark Lake as well to get some stunning Mountain View's!" according to Ruby W.
Mountain biking: The area offers extensive trail networks for cyclists of all skill levels. A camper at Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites mentioned, "Slightly rough road to get into the campsite plenty of places to choose from... Verizon had full bar coverage and you're close to Arches and Canyonlands."
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevations of La Sal provide escape from summer desert heat. At CR 0083, campers appreciate that it's "high elevation so it's good and cool at night," as Jordan W. reports.
Wildlife viewing: The mountains support diverse wildlife that regularly visit camping areas. Jennifer R. observed at CR 0083: "We saw probably 30 deer, multiple cows, a whole group of wild turkeys, and lots of different kinds of birds. Our dogs were thrilled to run around the large site and up and down the hill adjacent."
Night skies: The remote location offers exceptional stargazing conditions. At Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab, Adria K. shared, "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."
Road conditions: Many camping areas require travel on unpaved roads of varying quality. Spencer B. noted about Cotter Mine Road: "The road here is bumpy but manageable for most stock vehicles. We found a campsite that wide open, flat and had incredible views at night."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping lacks amenities. At Devils Garden Campground, Chris P. reported, "$25/night gets you flush toilets, drinking water, dishwashing sink, fire ring, picnic table and picturesque views of the La Sal Mountains and rock formations."
Wildlife precautions: The presence of wildlife requires proper food storage and awareness. Aric O. described CR 0083: "We watched two separate flocks of turkeys and a large head of deer with our morning coffee and breakfast... Absolutely zero noise, beautiful scenery and milkyway clear skies."
Choose campgrounds with amenities: For families with young children, established campgrounds offer necessary facilities. Melody Z. recommends Kens Lake Group Sites: "Clean facilities and well kept sites, perfect place to get some distance but not TOO much!"
Consider weather protection: The mountain area experiences rapid weather changes and strong winds. Angela G. warns about Lone Mesa Group Campground: "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."
Plan for temperature swings: Pack clothing for both warm days and cool nights, especially at higher elevations. Bailey A. notes about dispersed camping: "We tent camped here in mid December and it was cold at night, but nothing too terrible if you have the right sleeping bags."
Size restrictions: Many forest roads aren't suitable for larger RVs. Grace V. cautions about Cotter Mine Road: "Definitely good for car/tent camping and vans. Do not drive a big trailer or camper down this road. I wouldn't take this road in a sedan either. Narrow rough road with steep drop off with jeeps and rtvs whipping around."
Consider equestrian-friendly sites: For horse camping near La Sal, Utah, look for sites with adequate space. At Courthouse Rock, Elizabeth S. notes there's "even a paddock for those who brought horses" making it suitable for equestrian camping.
Check elevation gains: Forest roads can involve significant climbing. At 3 Step Hideaway, JDavid R. describes it as an "Off grid, peaceful retreat" with "old western town vibe" that offers "Hikes, dirt biking, mountain biking, ATV / 4wd trails everywhere."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near La Sal, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near La Sal, UT is Devils Garden Campground — Arches National Park with a 4.7-star rating from 97 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near La Sal, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near La Sal, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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