Are you looking for a place to stay in Monticello with your horse? It's easy to find Monticello campgrounds for horse camping with The Dyrt. These scenic and easy-to-reach Utah campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.
Right Outside the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park The campground is OPEN MARCH 1st - November 30th Monday-Saturday 9 am-6pm The store opens March 15th. CLOSED SUNDAYS August-September Canyonlands Needles Outpost is a campground at the entrance of the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park in southeast Utah that combines the fun of rustic camping spots with a few modern conveniences.
$30 / night
The Ken's Lake Group Sites are ideal for those wishing to be close to Moab, but away from the local highways. The lake offers swimming, paddle-boarding, limited boating (electric motors only), and fishing. Hiking, equestrian, and 4WD trails are accessible from the campground. The group campsite A has corrals. Within close proximity to national parks and open space, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, and four-wheel drive tours in the surrounding area. The town of Moab is approximately 15-20 minutes away and has dining, shopping, sports rentals, tour companies and museums. The Ken's Lake group campsites are available by reservation only through Recreation.gov. Reservations can be made the day of, up to 6 months in advance from anywhere service is available. This is the only option, cash and check payments are NOT available onsite. There is cell service for most providers at the campground entrance. Please contact the BLM Moab Field Office with questions by email: blm_ut_mb_mail@blm.gov or phone: 435-259-2100.
The town of Moab is a hub for recreation. Tour operators offer guided hikes, rentals and evening entertainment. The area abounds with trails, dirt roads and canyons waiting to be explored.
Situated near Ken's Lake, these group sites offer beautiful views of the Moab Valley and access to nearby swimming, boating and hiking opportunities. From the group sites, it is a short hike over to the lake or up to a man-made waterfall. Hiking trails from the campground and nearby four-wheel drive roads allow visitors to explore the beautiful red rock canyons.
Arches and Canyonlands National Parks and Hovenweep and Natural Bridges National Monuments are nearby. Also in the area are the Manti-La Sal National Forest and the La Sal Mountain Loop Road, which provide interesting exploration opportunities and cooler temperatures during the summer months.
You may contact the BLM Moab Field Office for assistance with changes and cancellations at 435-259-2100. Changes You can make changes to a reservation through your online Recreation.gov user account any time prior to the arrival/first date of the reservation. There is a $10 change fee If you wish to change to dates entirely outside of the original reservation dates. There is no change fee if you wish to extend or shorten the original reservation dates as long as the changes include dates from the original reservation. There is a $10 change fee if you wish to change to another group site within the Ken's Lake area. You cannot make changes to your reservation after the arrival/first day through your Recreation.gov account. However, the BLM Moab Field Office may be able to assist you, 435-259-2100. For reservations with dates at the end of the available booking window (a.k.a. sliding window), you will not be able to make changes or cancellations until the site has been available to the general public for four days. Cancellations Please cancel your reservation if you do not plan to use it. This opens highly sought-after campsites for others to reserve. You can cancel your reservation online through your Recreation.gov user account or through the call center the (call center incurs an additional fee). You may also contact the BLM Moab Field Office for assistance. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Late Cancellations A late cancellation occurs less the 14 days before the arrival/first date of the reservation (a.k.a. cut-off window). Late cancellations will incur a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Early Departures If you spend at least one night and then leave prior to the scheduled departure check-out date, please contact the BLM Moab Field Office (435-259-2100) to open the remaining nights for others to use. You will not be able to cancel these nights through your Recreation.gov account. You will be eligible for a partial refund of the nights AFTER you depart that you did not use. If you depart after the facility check-out time, you will not be eligible for a refund for that night No-Shows A No Show occurs if you do not arrive at your campsite or cancel your reservation by check-out time (Noon) on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (Noon) on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed a $20.00 Recreation.gov service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee. Refunds You can submit a refund request through your Recreation.gov account within 7 days of the departure/end date of your reservation. Applicable fees, such as the Recreation.gov reservation fees, service/cancellation fees, lottery application fees, and change fees, are non-refundable. Refunds cannot be issued to any card other than the one used to pay. In the event of an emergency closure, all fees will be refunded. Attempts will be made to notify you using the contact information within your Recreation.gov customer profile. Interagency Pass Discounts Interagency Pass discounts do not apply to group campsite reservations.
$125 / night
Free dispersed, also known as primitive, camping is allowed at the Monticello Field Office, Manti-La Sal National Forest, and Bears Ears National Monument except where posted. Any in-canyon camping on Cedar Mesa requires a permit, available at recreation.gov. For dispersed camping, remember the following regulations: • There is a 14-day camping limit while occupying any campsite on BLM-managed lands. • Only travel on designated routes. Off-road driving is not permitted. • The best campsites are found, not made. Do not create new campsites or alter existing ones. • Use existing fire rings or use a fire pan. Collect only dead and down wood; do not cut limbs. • Don’t leave fires unattended. Remember to drown and stir campfires before you go to bed or leave your site. • Be aware of any current fire restrictions. • No dispersed camping in the vicinity of developed recreation sites such as picnic areas, campgrounds, or trailheads. • Find an even site to camp on without trenching, digging, leveling, or trimming tree limbs to fit your tent or trailer. • Be courteous of other campers. • Pack it in, pack it out, including human waste.
Car camping on top of Cedar Mesa and in many of the surrounding areas is a great way to experience the high desert. Cedar Mesa has plenty of primitive, dispersed campsites. No fee is required to park and camp along dirt roads managed by the Bureau of Land Management on Cedar Mesa, Comb Wash, Arch Canyon, or in Butler Wash. There is a 14-day limit at all campgrounds and at dispersed camping sites. Camping is only allowed in well-established campsites.
No new campsites may be created. Visitors must practice Leave No Trace techniques and Visit with Respect. All trash (including toilet paper) must be packed out. Human waste must be packed out or buried six to eight inches deep, 200 feet from all water sources. Bring all the water you will need for your trip. Outside of seasonal and local fire restrictions, campfires are allowed but must be contained in a metal fire pan. Camping inside the canyons of Cedar Mesa requires a backpacking permit. For visitors hoping for more camping comforts, campgrounds at Goosenecks State Park, Natural Bridges National Monument, and on US Forest Service land generally have pit toilets, tables, and fire rings. Private campgrounds may be available in surrounding towns.
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. "Dispersed camping" is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest outside of a designated campground, and is generally allowed anywhere unless posted otherwise. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find spots that meet the needs for their camp.
Dispersed camping may mean no toilet facilities or treated water are located nearby. Typically, dispersed camping is not allowed near developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas or trailheads. Some dispersed sites are provided with fire rings and in those cases please use them as they are designating that area as the spot to safely have a campfire. Finally some dispersed sites have a designated footprint for use. If you see a site with any type of barriers or fencing please respect these areas by not pulling motor vehicles or OHV’s around them. They are there to preserve the surrounding forest making it enjoyable for all for years to come.
Regulations
Follow these general guidelines to help ensure these dispersed camping areas will be enjoyed by future generations of campers:
Camping is limited to 14 days. The campsite must then be moved a minimum of ten miles. Camping is restricted to 28 days in any 60-day period.
All dispersed campers should follow the ideals of Leave No Trace and practice the concept of Pack It In - Pack It Out.
The Motor Vehicle Use Map only allows for motorized vehicles to be parked 150 feet off of any authorized forest service road.
Dispersed camping is prohibited in areas such as developed trailheads and picnic sites.
Choose sites that are already established.
Find camping spots that allow for water to shed naturally. Digging ditches around tents or trailers is not permitted.
Dispose of human waste properly (200 feet from water, in an 8 inch deep hole).
Please do not carve or chop into tree trunks—this can eventually kill the tree.
Ranger
Way up there where it's hard to breathe! Had to do things slowly and deliberately but a beautiful setting. No way to get to Bears Ears National Monument unless I had a 4x4 and I have a Subaru outback. Found a great spot that was completely quiet and perfect for stargazing. No bear issues but no facilities of any kind whatsoever. Go prepare!
Guide
When we arrived it was howling wind and blowing sand. We worried the side of our van would be nothing but primer in the morning. Fortunately by the morning it was sunny and calm with stunning vistas. The area is exposed with few secluded opportunities. Despite mid week in May, many spots were taken. That said, it was so beautiful we would not hesitate to visit again.
Traveler
Amazing hosts, fantastic meals available. Old western town vibe. Dark skies. Hikes, dirt biking, mountain biking, ATV / 4wd trails everywhere. 45 miles to Moab, but a world away.
GuideThe valley of the gods is astoundingly, beautiful and spending the night in the valley was near perfection.
Scout
We adored it here. Came thru with two adults and two girls in a van on way from Taos New Mexico to Moab. Loved meeting Amber and Oscar. Wonderful rocks to climb for a sunset view.
LegendGeneral: Privately owned campground just outside Canyonlands National Park. Caleb and Amber purchased the campground in 2017 and are working to keep it maintained and update it as time and funds allow. You can reserve and pay ahead of time, but site selection is first come, first served, starting at 11 am. We arrived at 3:30 pm and there were about four sites left to choose from. Small and large group sites are available as well as a couple of teepees. No hookups at all.
Site Quality: All are red clay dirt and of varying levelness and length. Sites come with a picnic table and a fire ring. IMO, even though our site was not completely level, we ended up with a great site as we could sit up on the rocks above our campsite and watch the spectacular sunsets. I would definitely choose this site again!
Bath/Shower house: Flush toilets and running water. Soap and paper towels were provided. Showers are $3 for 5 minutes for campers ($10 for non-campers). Didn’t use the shower so cannot comment on how well they work.
Activities/Amenities: Enjoy spectacular sunsets. Caleb encouraged us to climb up on the rocks. Site 12 had a nice flat spot that was easy to climb (we easily brought our camp chairs) and great for viewing the sunsets and also for yoga. WiFi is available for $10 per device per day but we didn't take advantage of this. Other than that, there is zero cell service. There is a small store that has ice cream, a welcome treat after a Canyonlands hike! It is a short drive to the visitor center and to various trailheads. You are closer to the Needles District.
It had been 35 years since we had been at Canyonlands, so we looked forward to returning. Caleb and Amber’s warm welcome, the fabulous sunsets, and the quiet vibe of the campground quickly won us over. Just make sure you look out for red ants; we had an industrious group in a large ant hill at our site. We would definitely return!
GuideUnique location right next to the national park. Loads of gekkos. Very quiet. Very simple camping with limited services. The Norwegian forest cat Oscar is keeping guard
Travelerbuddy and I just pulled off the main road to sleep for the night, there was only one other car at the site and e didn’t get a chance to explore but it was beautiful
Legend
Snow Flat Rd is rough in a few places for a non-high clearance vehicle, but it's worth it. This site was really good for my campervan, but I don't recommend the drive to this spot for larger campers. The site was large & relatively flat. Had a clean rock fire ring. Private area nearby for toilet setup. Wonderful view from the top of this mesa. Wildflowers were blooming at the site. Site was well off the road. There were a handful of offroaders passing by on their way to/from Comb Wash. Otherwise, very quiet & peaceful. No amenities. No T-Mobile nor AT&T service.
LegendThe ride on Lower Butler Wash Road to reach this site was no problem for our campervan. Crossed 2 dry washes; took it slow. One of several dispersed sites along road. The site is well off the road. Flat, level spot. It has a rock fire ring. Along side Butler Wash which was nearly dry at the time. Beautiful views all around. Very quiet & peaceful. Only 2 other vehicles drove down Butler Wash Rd. Ground cover & juniper provided some privacy. No AT&T nor T-Mobile service.
Guide
The sites are huge with hiking, offroad, and mountain bike trails easily accessible from the campsite. It's quiet and pristine. We just happened upon this campground and were so fortunate a first come first serve site was available. Highly recommend!
Ranger
We stayed here for 2 nights. Easy to get to. Dirt road that is a little bumpy at times. Don't need high clearance.
Traveler
There are 6 campsites up a dirt road off the main road. Two are suitable for small RVs. The photos on The Dyrt must be very old. This place is run down and filthy. The "chuckwagon" is an antique, and I would never consider using these facilities to cook a meal. The shower house is 0.13 miles up a dirt road up a short hill. There was a nice view from the campsite, however. Very disappointed for a $50/night minimum 2-night stay. We left as soon as we could after the first night.
TravelerWe found an untapped, tent camping gem in Sand Canyon. We were the only tent campers there over Memorial Day Weekend and it was wonderful. Jessica and Joe have an incredible spot for campers, walking distance to Canyon of the Ancients trails and Sutcliffe Vineyards. Their space is set up to host school groups, so there's water, a toilet and shower, a camp kitchen area, pavilion and fire pit. Joe helped us with some car troubles and had awesome recommendations. We would've went for a horseback ride but they were all booked for Memorial Day Weekend. Highly recommend this spot, $35 per tent site, two night minimum. Can't beat the location and perfect balance of dirt bag lifestyle and comfort of this place. Don't sleep on Canyon Trails Ranch- it was a slice of heaven.
TravelerNice camp. Rain makes roads very soft. General store has gas and few items. It's near the needles and entrance to Canyonland. Good hikes and showers. Views are awesome.
LegendThe Ken's Lake CG complex includes two group areas..A and B. They have to be reserved online.
TravelerYou can't beat the scenery in Utah! Beautiful views of the mountains, clear open skies, trails and hiking options for beginners and avid hikers alike, close enough to Moab to visit but separated enough you can forget it's even there. Clean facilities and well kept sites, perfect place to get some distance but not TOO much!
GuideNice area right off town. Many people come heute to take a dip in the water. Can be muddy at times in the dry season but overall a nice place to camp. Very exposed unless you're lucky enough to catch a site by the trees.
GuideThis is an oasis for sure. Closest gas station is an hour away, so this campground sells emergency gas at a premium, which to me is super important considering how many miles of exploring there’s to do. They’ve even got Wifi for a charge. Showers and flush toilets on site make this campground a step up. Someone else commented their showers needed paint, but it looks like they tiled it all recently. There’s a giant rock backdrop to the campsites. Most of the sites seemed spacious and far enough apart to give some privacy. If your main destination is the Canyonlands, this is probably your most comfortable place for camping right next to the park.
Ranger
A stunning area to camp, rest, 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! Clean bathrooms, good signage, and a manageable road. Tons of stunning wildflowers and aspens!
TravelerThis campground has amazing views and you can do fun scrambling and bouldering right on the grounds. It’s right outside of Canyonlands national park. The bathrooms were super nice and there’s a little store. Some sites are right under the rocks which is the best.
ScoutThis is a private campground right outside of the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park. There are some really wonderful sites with a bit of privacy and great views. Access to fantastic hiking and climbing. Showers are available and flush toilets. On the down side there is little shade. The only thing wrong with this campground is that it closes too early in the fall.
Utah offers stunning landscapes and diverse terrains, making it a fantastic destination for horse camping enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds that cater to equestrian needs, adventurers can explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of their horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Monticello, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Monticello, UT is Needles Outpost & Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Monticello, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Monticello, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
