Best Equestrian Camping near Thompson, UT

While no dedicated equestrian camping facilities exist within the immediate Thompson, Utah area, dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land provides options for travelers with horses. Salt Valley Dispersed Camping, located near Arches National Park, offers spacious areas suitable for horse trailers and camping vehicles on flat terrain. The rough access road requires high-clearance vehicles in some sections, making it challenging but accessible for horse trailers. Primitive camping conditions mean visitors must bring all necessary water for themselves and their animals, as no drinking water facilities exist on site.

Trail access from Salt Valley connects riders to numerous backcountry routes, though riders should obtain detailed maps before venturing out. Several reviews note the isolation and excellent views from camping spots situated on mesa tops, providing scenic backdrop for equestrian activities. The terrain permits adequate space for portable corrals or highlines for horses. Riders should be prepared for potentially harsh desert conditions with limited shade and variable road quality depending on recent weather. The nearby Sego Canyon area offers additional primitive camping with access to canyon riding routes, though some visitors have reported occasional law enforcement interactions despite legal camping status in designated areas.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Thompson, Utah (13)

    1. Devils Garden Campground — Arches National Park

    94 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 719-2299

    $25 - $250 / night

    "This campground is surrounded by tall majestic rocks high in the Utah desert. Well located to visit several National parks. Toilets and water scattered around this large site."

    "Depending on how far you want to walk, there is access to several of the park's arches right from the campsite. Beware of Ravens!"

    2. Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands

    53 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (801) 538-5418

    "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."

    3. Salt Valley Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Thompson, UT
    8 miles
    Website

    "Lots of nice remote site options and trail leads you right into Arches NP (dont forget parks pass unless government is still shut down) with some fun off roading trails for capable vehicles but did see"

    "I drove through Arches National Park on Salt Valley Road, until it exited the park onto BLM Land. Took an immediate right and followed the fence of the park."

    4. Cotter Mine Road Dispersed Sites

    21 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "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."

    5. Courthouse Rock

    18 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    17 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "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."

    6. Sego Canyon Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Thompson, UT
    4 miles

    "beautiful area just past a slightly creepy near-ghost town with lost of buildings in shambles. incredible view of the stars at night. be aware of flash flooding as this is a narrow canyon."

    7. Lone Mesa Group Campground

    7 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    $150 - $175 / night

    "Great spot in the desert close to Arches, Canyonlands and Moab to camp. We very much enjoyed our time here...we were able to find level spot. Had one bar of cell phone reception."

    "A little bit off the beaten path from city center in Moab but worth the drive."

    8. Kens Lake Group Sites

    5 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    $125 / 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 👌🏻"

    9. Black Dragon Pictograph Panel Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Green River, UT
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 636-3600

    "There is quite an easy turn off right off of highway 70 (whether heading east or west, you can turn north off the highway)."

    "It's always closed to keep cows off the freeway so please close it. The area has several places to disperse camp. If you follow the road it will take you to the east entrance of the Black Dragon."

    10. Labyrinth Backcountry Campsites — Canyonlands National Park

    3 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-4351

    "went during spring break, late March. the view is so chill. next to the river, and high up away feom the mosquitoes. waking up to this campground was soooooooooo refreshing!"

    "The site itself is easy to reach (about 1-1.5 hour drive off the paved road via Mineral Road and WhiteRim Trail. The drive out is gorgeous with a few easy/medium technical areas."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Thompson, UT

1 Photos of 13 Thompson Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Thompson, UT

217 Reviews of 13 Thompson Campgrounds


  • E
    Oct. 26, 2020

    Courthouse Rock

    Open parking lot with great views

    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). Rustic toilet facilities, trash bin even a paddock for those who  brought horses. Dinosaur prints within an easy hike. Great access to bridle and atv trails, and lots of enthusiastic, friendly atv'ers, mainly in huge rvs. Rugged access road, including a sand wash section that caught a few vehicles in its grips...Close to Moab, Arches and Canyonlands.

  • J
    May. 14, 2021

    Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands

    Great free spot

    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. Perfect for car camping but you may have some loud neighbors. Great place to stay near Moab with pretty views as well. Cant get better than free.

  • Alex P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2020

    Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands

    Lots of space

    Plenty of open space and spots to choose from. 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. Make sure to only camp in designated spots, otherwise a busy place like this will be dust before you know it. Trash must be packed out, a few portable bathrooms throughout if you need it. Very close access to Arches and Moab, Dead Horse and Canyonlands not far either. A great free base camp.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2021

    Devils Garden Campground — Arches National Park

    Beautiful unique campground

    This campground is surrounded by tall majestic rocks high in the Utah desert. Well located to visit several National parks. Toilets and water scattered around this large site. Nightly seminars by park staff.

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2023

    Fluffle Group Use Campground and Satellite sites

    Fluffle Campites and Group Are

    This area is called Fluffle Campground, and the center is a large Group Are with Equestrian corral also. There are a total of 25 sites but 9 of them are in the so called group area complex. These sites are large and roomy and good for RVs and TTs. However they are close to I70 and some will have freeway noise depending on the site. One toilet is at the group areA. No dumpsters, no water, no RV dump. Cell signal is very strong. Sites all are reserved and paid for online. No FCFS but sort of a hybrid if FCFS and online pay for sites as most are open during the week. Likely alot of OHVs on weekends. Sites are $20/$10 senior with an $8 reservation online fee. 7 day camping limit

  • Greg L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 19, 2022

    Courthouse Rock

    Great for big rigs OHVs

    Nice open CG with large sites good for OHV trailer folks. 10 sites $20/$10 senior. NO Water. One older style toilet, trash dumpster. No RV dump. Horse corrals are offered here and space for horse trailer parking. About 1 mile from hwy 191 on gravel road. Great cell signal.

  • Darrin L.
    Jun. 20, 2016

    Devils Garden Campground — Arches National Park

    Amazing Campsite

    I really loved this spot. The best spots are at the very top of the hill at the end of the road. Those spots offer a 360 degree view of the desert floor to the west, and the mountains to the east. Depending on how far you want to walk, there is access to several of the park's arches right from the campsite. Beware of Ravens! They are extremely cunning and can open up food packaging and rubber maid type storage totes. I recently visited all of the National Parks in Utah & Texas and this was my favorite campsite.

  • M
    Jun. 6, 2021

    Kens Lake Group Sites

    Gorgeous Views and Quiet Nights

    You 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!

  • Christy C.
    Jun. 30, 2016

    Devils Garden Campground — Arches National Park

    Camping At Arches

    This campground was a little removed from the main interest points of the park. It was small and primitive. Not a whole lot going on in camp loop. There is a bathroom but no showers. Generator use is limited in the loop. Of the Utah parks, it was my least favorite due to lack of transportation systems. If you drive an RV and don't have a tow vehicle this can be a challenge to get around. We made the best of it and went to thors hammer, double arch, etc. and hiked. Just so you know the sun is brutal in summer so bring a hat, sunscreen and lots of water before you start walking around here.


Guide to Thompson

Utah offers stunning landscapes and diverse terrains, making it a fantastic destination for horse camping enthusiasts. With numerous campgrounds catering to equestrian needs, adventurers can explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of their horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and access

  • Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands provides numerous trails for horseback riding, allowing campers to explore the beautiful landscapes of the Moab area.
  • The Courthouse Rock campground features large spaces suitable for RVs and horses, with nearby hiking trails for additional adventure.
  • Sego Canyon Campsite is known for its beautiful scenery and petroglyphs, offering a unique cultural experience alongside horse camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Thompson, UT?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Thompson, UT is Devils Garden Campground — Arches National Park with a 4.6-star rating from 94 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Thompson, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Thompson, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.