About Horsethief Campground
Campsites are tucked in the pygmy pinyon-juniper forest on the mesas above Moab, yet offer great views. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground has four loops: Appaloosa, Buckskin, Cayuse, and Dapple. Appaloosa, Buckskin, and Cayuse loops have 56 campsites that can accommodate RVs. Dapple loop has 28 tent campsites with no generators allowed. There are five group campsites available for reservation through Recreation.gov. The area has many mountain bike trails and 4WD roads nearby. The campground is close to Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. Individual Sites: 83 (limited to 10 people & two vehicles per site); Group Sites: 5 (reservable); Water: No; Toilets: Yes; Hook-ups: No. (Note: this is a different recreation site from the "Horsethief Camp" located in the Needles, CA area).
How to Get There
From the center of Moab (at Center and Main) head north on Hwy. 191 to Hwy. 313. Turn left (west) on Hwy. 313 and drive 12 miles. You will see the campground sign on the right. Turn on the gravel road and you will see the campground entrance on your left.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Horsethief Campground
Heading to Horsethief Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Horsethief Campground?
Yes — reservations can be made on Recreation.gov. Popular sites fill quickly, especially weekends and holidays. Book up to 6 months in advance.
How do I get to Horsethief Campground?
From the center of Moab (at Center and Main) head north on Hwy. 191 to Hwy. 313. Turn left (west) on Hwy. 313 and drive 12 miles. You will see the campground sign on the right. Turn on the gravel road and you will see the campground entrance on your left.
How do I contact Horsethief Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: (435) 259-2100.
References & Official Resources
