Oowah Campground
4.4413 reviewsnull
Oowah Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
"Easy $10 fee at the site or on Recreation.gov."
About this campground
Perched high in the La Sal Mountains at 8,800 feet, Oowah Lake Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape for those seeking solitude under canvas. This hidden gem, accessible only to tent campers, features 11 intimate sites scattered along the shores of pristine Oowah Lake. Adventure beckons from your tent flap, with multiple hiking trails beginning right at the campground, while the crystal-clear mountain lake invites anglers to cast their lines into its peaceful waters. Day-use picnic areas provide perfect spots for afternoon relaxation, all wrapped in the kind of profound quiet that only comes from being truly away from it all.
Oowah Lake Campground caters to tent-only camping with no RV, group, glamping, or cabin options due to its small size and limited facilities.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsAt nearly 9,000 feet, Oowah Lake experiences the full drama of mountain weather. Snow can blanket the campground well into late spring and return as early as September, creating a relatively short but spectacular camping season. Summer brings crisp mornings and pleasantly cool afternoons, though afternoon thunderstorms can roll through quickly. The high elevation means temperatures drop significantly after sunset even in midsummer, making warm sleeping bags essential throughout the season.
ElevationThe campground's lofty perch at 8,800 feet places visitors in a true alpine environment where the air is thin and crisp. This high-elevation setting creates a natural air conditioning system, offering refuge from the desert heat below while providing expansive views that seem to stretch forever. The altitude brings its own rewards—brilliant star-filled nights, alpine wildflower meadows, and that distinctive mountain atmosphere where every breath feels cleaner and more invigorating.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom this mountain sanctuary in the La Sal range, the dramatic red rock country of Canyonlands unfolds in a breathtaking panorama below. The small, jewel-like Oowah Lake reflects towering pines and aspens, creating a mirror of mountain serenity. Each campsite has been thoughtfully placed to maximize both privacy and connection to the natural landscape, where morning mist rises from the lake and evening alpenglow paints the surrounding peaks in shades of rose and gold. This is the kind of place where nature's quiet symphony—wind through pines, lapping water, and birdsong—replaces the noise of everyday life.
Geological RegionThe La Sal Mountains rise like islands from the surrounding red rock desert, their volcanic origins creating a dramatic geological contrast to the sedimentary landscapes below. These spectacular peaks, formed by ancient igneous intrusions, offer a completely different world from the famous canyon country at their base—a place where alpine forests and mountain meadows create an unexpected oasis in the high desert Southwest.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe campground has 11 tent-only campsites, with options for flat and well-maintained tent sites towards the end of the campground according to user reviews.
Sites PrivacySites are described as secluded, offering a quiet camping experience. Reviews praise the small number of campsites as contributing to a peaceful and private atmosphere.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Nice flat tent site options, particularly towards the end of the campground."
Best Campsites"Nice flat tent site options, particularly towards the end of the campground."
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
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Guests Allowed Per Site
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout"Lower sites are in the creek." "Only a certain available camp spots so be fast."
Open and Closed Season"Current Conditions: First come, first served campsite, snow and snow melt will affect access."
Reservation Platforms"Easy $10 fee at the site or on Recreation.gov."
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst come/first served. "Only one camp site taken on 8/28." "Only a certain available camp spots so be fast."
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Oowah Lake Campground offers outdoor activities such as fishing in the small mountain lake, hiking trails that lead to stunning vistas, and picnicking in a designated day-use area.
Hiking
Multiple trailheads are accessible from the campground, including Clarks Lake, Boren Mesa, Moonlight Meadows, and Warner Lake trails. These trails feature majestic vistas of the Canyonlands region.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at the small lake, which is described in reviews as being full of trout.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as deer is frequently spotted, with one user review noting, 'Pas eu de visites d'ours, en revanche plusieurs biches aperçues.' Bears may also potentially be in the area, as suggested by a user who advised hanging food securely.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazards"If camping at the site, be sure to bring extra rope to hang food and garbage due to the possibility of bears." "Cow manure at the site."
Active alerts"Current Conditions: First come, first served campsite, snow and snow melt will affect access."
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.8 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingThe campground lacks trash and recycling dumpsters, as noted by a user who recommended bringing extra rope to hang garbage due to the possibility of bears.
Proximity to water features"Beautiful lake full of trout." Fishing opportunities available at Oowah Lake.
Common complaints"The only cons are the excess cow manure at the site and lack of dumpster." "No water available." "Spots are not very flat anywhere."
Host"No negatives I could find." Campground appears self-service.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Moab, go south on US 191 about 7 miles until you get to the Ken’s Lake/La Sal Mtn. Loop Road turn off, and turn left onto the county road. Turn Right at the 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.
"Please drive slowly up the winding gravel road about 2.5 miles to Oowah Campground." The road is unpaved, gravel, and winding, which may pose challenges for larger vehicles. Snow and snow melt can also affect accessibility.Nearby places
Moab (approx. 10 miles from turnoff to the campground).
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.4
13 reviews
Oowah Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally praise the peacefulness, scenic beauty, and low cost of the campground. However, they note the absence of potable water, dumpsters, and the occasional nuisance from free-range cattle.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include secluded campsites, spectacular views, clean and well-maintained facilities, and proximity to hiking trails. Many reviews highlight the lake's abundant trout and the...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints revolve around the lack of potable water, trash disposal facilities, and occasional cow manure. Some sites are reported to be less flat.
Based on 13 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing potable water, extra rope for securing food against bears, and arriving early due to limited availability of campsites. Free-range cattle can be fun to watch but may...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is popular during summer months as an escape from the desert heat, with reviewers noting cooler temperatures. Snow and snowmelt can affect access during colder months, as stated in...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Nice clean not crowded at all. Decent drive up the mountain. Trout are caught in this small lake." 2. "Gr at escape from the heat in late June in Moab. Nice flat tent site options, particularly...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Users recommend tent sites towards the end of the campground for their flat terrain and privacy.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025