Reaching Oowah Campground requires about three miles of washboard gravel road, and while most vehicles handle the climb without issue, low-clearance cars may find the surface rough in spots. Note that the Mill Creek road access point has been closed for maintenance at times, so confirming current road conditions before departure is worth the effort. The campground sits within Manti-La Sal National Forest at elevation, which means temperatures run noticeably cooler than the desert floor around Moab. Sites run around $5 per night, and the campground provides drinking water, flush-style toilets, fire rings, grills, and picnic tables. Pets are welcome.
Oowah Lake sits at the heart of the camping area. The lake draws swimmers looking to cool down after hot days on the trail, and the surrounding terrain includes fir, aspen, and conifer cover that provides shade across most sites. Several reviewers note the sites are clean and well-maintained. Nearby, Warner Lake Campground & Cabin offers another option for campers wanting to explore this stretch of the La Sal Mountains.
Hiking trails branch out from the campground directly. The route to Clark Lake runs roughly three miles round trip and is consistently recommended by visitors who have made the walk. Bears have been reported within a mile or two of the campground, so standard food storage precautions apply. As Dalton V. puts it, it is a "great spot to escape the summer heat in Moab." The campground is open mid-June through mid-September, making it well-suited to hikers and swimmers who want a forested base during the peak desert heat season.
Description
Oowah Lake Campground sits at 8800 ft. elevation in the spectacular La Sal mountains. There are 11 tent-only first come/ first serve campsites next to the small but scenic Oowah Lake. Trailhead access from the campground includes the Clarks Lake, Boren Mesa, Moonlight Meadows, and Warner Lake trails. Hike a short distance for spectacular vistas of the Canyonlands region. There is also a day-use area with three large picnic tables.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsOowah Campground is located in Utah near Castle Valley
Directions
From Moab, go south on US 191 until you get to the Ken’s Lake/La Sal Loop Road turn off, and turn left onto county road. Turn Right at T-intersection and continue on the La Sal Loop road for approximately 10 miles. Turn right at Oowah Campground sign (onto Forest Road 076). Please drive slowly up the winding gravel road about 2.5 miles to Oowah Campground.
Coordinates
38.50257294 N
109.272177 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 42 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 3 hrs 45 min from Farmington, NM
- 4 hrs 7 min from Provo, UT
- 4 hrs 38 min from Salt Lake City, UT
