Horsethief Group Sites
4.53107 reviewsMOAB FIELD OFFICE, 82 E. DOGWOOD AVE., Moab, UT 84532, USA
Horsethief Group Sites
$100.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group sites charge $100 per night for up to 20 people. Additional fees include a $10 cancellation fee, and late cancellations forfeit the first night's use fee.
About this campground
Welcome to Horsethief Group Sites, where memories are made under starlit skies and adventures begin around crackling campfires. Perfect for reunions, retreats, and gatherings of 10-20 people, these thoughtfully designed sites offer everything your group needs for an unforgettable outdoor experience. Each site comes equipped with protective shade shelters, fire rings complete with cooking grates, sturdy picnic tables, and convenient access to vault toilets. Choose between Group Site #39, nestled within the bustling main campground atmosphere, or escape to the tranquil, tent-only sanctuary of Sites A, B, C, and D, where canvas walls and campfire stories reign supreme.
Horsethief Group Sites is a designated group camping area ideal for tent and van campers. It serves as an excellent base for outdoor recreation and exploration of nearby national parks.
Historical SignificanceYour basecamp at Horsethief sits at the crossroads of adventure and ancient history. From here, you're perfectly positioned to explore the geological wonders of Canyonlands National Park and the breathtaking precipice of Dead Horse Point State Park—landscapes that have witnessed millions of years of Earth's story and thousands of years of human heritage. The legendary White Rim Trail beckons mountain bikers and four-wheelers from around the globe, following routes once traveled by cowboys, outlaws, and the indigenous peoples who first called these canyons home.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the refreshing mountain climate where summer days bring welcome relief from desert heat, thanks to our elevated perch above the valley floor. Nature puts on dramatic displays here—watch afternoon thunderheads build into spectacular light shows, though be prepared for the occasional flash flood that reminds us of nature's power. The mesa's notorious winds add character to your stay, whistling through the junipers and carrying the scent of sage. When winter arrives, it transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland, occasionally dusting the red rocks with snow and creating a photographer's paradise.
ElevationPerched at 5,500 feet above sea level, this mesa-top retreat offers a refreshing escape from the desert heat of Moab below. Here, the air is crisp and clear, temperatures drop by precious degrees, and the views stretch endlessly across a canvas of canyons, mesas, and distant mountain ranges. This elevated vantage point transforms every sunrise and sunset into a private light show across the Colorado Plateau.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover your high desert hideaway among ancient pinyon pines and gnarled juniper trees that have weathered centuries on this windswept mesa. As daylight fades, the campground transforms into nature's amphitheater, where sunsets paint the sandstone cliffs in impossible shades of orange, purple, and gold. The 5,500-foot elevation creates a unique microclimate where desert meets mountain, offering cool mornings perfect for coffee contemplation and comfortable evenings ideal for stargazing. From your campsite, watch as shadows dance across distant canyon walls and golden eagles ride the thermals above.
Geological RegionSituated on a commanding mesa west of Moab, this campground occupies a front-row seat to one of Earth's most spectacular geological theaters. Ancient pinyon and juniper forests frame panoramic vistas of layered sandstone formations that tell the story of prehistoric seas, windswept dunes, and violent uplifts. At 5,500 feet, you'll camp atop the Kayenta and Wingate formations, where every rock face reveals millions of years of geological drama. The cooler temperatures at this elevation create perfect conditions for exploring the surrounding slickrock wilderness, where erosion has carved a masterpiece of arches, fins, and secret alcoves waiting to be discovered.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible parking areas, picnic shelters, walkways, and fire rings are available. Vault toilets also feature accessibility designs.
Sites SizeThe group sites can accommodate 10-20 people and a maximum of six sedans or small vans.
Sites PrivacySites are spaced among juniper trees, providing moderate privacy. Several reviews note that the sites are tidy and well-maintained, and the presence of natural features enhances the sense of seclusion.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroup Site C is highly recommended for staging multi-day activities like the White Rim Trail ride. Sites have shade shelters, fire rings, and ample tent space.
Best CampsitesGroup sites A, B, C, D, and #39 are well-rated, with Group Site C praised as the ideal staging area for the White Rim Trail.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is at Noon.
Check-out
Check-out is at Noon.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum group size of 20 people.
Groups
Each group site accommodates up to 20 people and six vehicles (sedans or small vans). No trailers or RVs are allowed.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutGroup Site #39 is located in the main campground, while Sites A, B, C, and D are tent-only and situated in an adjacent area.
Open and Closed SeasonGroup sites are reservable from February 13 to December 1, with no bookings allowed from July 7 to August 27 and December 1 to February 12.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by contacting the BLM Moab Field Office at 435-259-2100.
Walk-in AvailabilityGroup sites are reservable only. Individual campsites in the main Horsethief campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled online through Recreation.gov for a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Early departures may qualify for partial refunds if notified to the BLM Moab Field Office.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Horsethief Group Sites supports a wide variety of activities, particularly outdoor adventures such as hiking, mountain biking, and scenic photography. The proximity to Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park enhances opportunities for exploration, with trails accessible directly from the campground.
Hiking
Hiking trails are abundant in the surrounding area, leading to canyons, vistas, and scenic overlooks. Proximity to Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point State Park provides additional trail options.Biking
Mountain and road biking are prominent activities, with trails such as the MAG 7 in the vicinity. User reviews specifically praise the variety and challenge of the trails, making it a favorite for intermediate to advanced bikers.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as ravens and chipmunks frequent the area. Some reviews mention observing animal tracks, including mountain lion tracks.Winter Activities
Winter camping is possible at Horsethief Group Sites, but the higher elevation exposes it to colder temperatures and windier conditions, as noted in user reviews.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing are not applicable to this dry mesa location.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pits are provided at each site. Wood scavenging is prohibited, but firewood can be purchased on-site.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsWind gusts can destabilize tents, and summer thunderstorms may cause flash flooding. Wildlife like ravens and chipmunks can be troublesome around food.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services, including hospitals, are located in Moab, approximately 25 minutes away.
Good to know
Peak season datesFebruary 13 to July 7 and August 27 to December 1.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, including a dumpster near the campground entrance. Recycling options are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Gemini Bridges Road and the Mineral Bottom Boat Ramp but lacks direct water features on-site.
Common complaintsSome visitors mentioned difficulty staking tents due to rocky ground and issues with windy conditions.
HostReviews highlight helpful and accommodating campground hosts who enforce rules effectively and ensure a clean, well-maintained environment.
Campground Map
MOAB FIELD OFFICE, 82 E. DOGWOOD AVE., Moab, UT 84532, USA
Driving directionsFrom Moab, drive 9 miles north on Highway 191, turn west on Highway 313. Drive 12 miles and then turn right and drive in the short entrance road to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, but the gravel entrance road may be challenging during wet conditions. Reviews mention muddy and rutted access roads during heavier rains.Nearby places
Moab (25 minutes, approximately 18 miles)
Arches National Park (15-minute drive)
Canyonlands National Park (15-minute drive)
Dead Horse Point State Park (15-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
For groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, visitors need to drive to Moab, which is 25 minutes away and has shops, dining, and rental services.
Camper Reviews
4.5
107 reviews
Horsethief Group Sites is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, clean facilities, and excellent location of Horsethief Group Sites. The majority of feedback is positive, emphasizing the campground's suitability for group activities and outdoor adventures.
Review Summaries
Based on 107 reviews
What Campers Love
Frequent mentions of clean and well-stocked vault toilets, proximity to biking and hiking trails, spacious group sites, and stunning natural views.
Based on 107 reviewsCommon Concerns
Lack of water, strong winds, and rocky ground making tent staking difficult. Some users also noted the limited shade and challenges with parking space for larger vehicles.
Based on 107 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring sufficient water supplies and secure tents against strong winds. Arrive early to secure a site. Consider the season when planning your visit for optimal weather.
Based on 107 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Warm weather seasons are popular but can bring gusty winds and high temperatures. Winter visits require preparation for colder, windier conditions.
Based on 107 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Bathrooms were well kept. Rain and sun pavilion was great. Direct access to mountain bike trails from the campground." – Adam C.; "We arrived to the site just before sunset, which was AMAZING across...
Based on 107 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Group Site C praised for its spacious layout and convenience as a staging area for activities on the White Rim Trail.
Based on 107 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible facilities such as parking areas, picnic shelters, and vault toilets received positive mentions.
Based on 107 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but users should be mindful of wildlife and leash requirements.
Based on 107 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025