Courthouse Rock Campground

Star4.29
9 reviews
82 E. Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532
Courthouse Rock Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$20 per site per night plus a reservation fee. Payments onsite by cash, check, or through Recreation.gov mobile app.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$20.00

Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider
435-259-2100blm_ut_mb_mail@blm.gov

About this campground

Nestled in the rugged landscape 16 miles north of Moab, Courthouse Rock Campground offers an authentic high-desert camping experience beneath the watchful presence of its namesake rock formation. Ten spacious campsites accommodate RVs and trailers among a sea of aromatic blackbrush and sagebrush, where the stark beauty of exposed rock formations creates a dramatic backdrop against endless Utah skies. Adventure seekers will find themselves at the gateway to thrilling OHV trails, while history enthusiasts can explore nearby equestrian facilities and fascinating paleontological sites that tell stories millions of years in the making.
Courthouse Rock Campground offers a mix of first-come, first-served sites and reservable sites designed for different types of campers, including equestrian users.
Historical SignificanceStep into history at this time-honored waystation, where centuries of travelers have sought respite in the shadow of Courthouse Rock. Once a vital camping ground for Old Spanish Trail traders navigating between precious water sources, these grounds have witnessed the passage of Native American peoples and welcomed weary Elk Mountain Mission visitors in 1885. Today's campers continue this legacy, finding the same reliable shelter that has drawn desert wanderers to this strategic halfway point for generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the desert's dramatic seasonal shifts at Courthouse Rock, where crisp winter nights from October through March often dip below freezing, perfect for cozy campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched playground, with temperatures soaring between 95°F and 100°F from June to August – ideal for early morning adventures and late afternoon explorations when the rocks glow golden in the setting sun.
ElevationPerched at high desert elevation, where the thin air carries the scent of sage and the landscape stretches endlessly toward distant mesas and canyons.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a photographer's paradise where ancient rock sentinels rise from rolling hills of blackbrush and silver-green sagebrush. The imposing Courthouse Rock presides over the campground, while the whimsically named Monitor and Merrimac formations create a geological gallery sculpted by millions of years of wind and water. Just minutes away, the Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite and Dinosaur Bone Trail offer glimpses into prehistoric worlds, where massive creatures once roamed these now-silent lands.
Geological RegionDiscover the heart of Utah's iconic red rock country in the greater Moab region, where eons of geological drama have created a masterpiece of stone and sky. This remarkable landscape showcases nature's artistry through sweeping vistas of blackbrush-dotted hills punctuated by towering sandstone monuments. Ancient seabeds and river channels have left their mark in the form of world-class paleontological treasures, making this region a living museum where every rock formation tells a story spanning hundreds of millions of years.

Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as ample and capable of accommodating large RVs and trailers.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy appears to be minimal, as the campground is described as "basically a big gravel lot" with limited separation between sites (Review by Becky Cheff).
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsites 5 and 6 are recommended for equestrian users as they have horse corrals and trailer parking.
Best CampsitesCampsite 6 for horse users, campsite 4 for scenery, and campsite 9 for proximity to dinosaur footprints.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum group size: 10 people.
Groups
Group camping details, such as capacity or specific accommodations, are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layout10 campsites grouped in an open layout with gravel parking areas.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round from January 1 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or via the Recreation.gov mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites 1-4 and 7-10 are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment via cash, check, or Recreation.gov app onsite is required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled online through Recreation.gov or via the BLM Moab Field Office. A $10 service fee applies for cancellations, and the first night's use fee is forfeited for late cancellations. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's use fee.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Courthouse Rock Campground provides access to a variety of recreational activities. Campers can enjoy hiking trails, mountain biking, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails. Additionally, the campground offers unique paleontological experiences with the nearby Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite and the Dinosaur Bone Trail. Equestrian activities are supported, with dedicated sites for horse riders. The proximity to Moab offers further recreational opportunities, including guided tours and entertainment.
Hiking
The Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite and Dinosaur Bone Trail are easily accessible from the campground. Both offer interpretive panels and a chance to see dinosaur tracks and bones embedded in rock. "The dinosaur footprints right by the campground were so cool!" (Review by MARY N, May 2023).
Biking
Numerous mountain biking trails are available in the immediate vicinity of the campground. "Nicely located between a bunch of trails" (Review by BrokenFish, March 2021).
Wildlife viewing
Campers may encounter local wildlife such as ravens and chipmunks. "Ravens, chipmunks and other wildlife frequent the sites; NEVER leave food or trash unattended." (Official Source).
Cultural and Educational Programs
The nearby Mill Canyon Dinosaur Tracksite and Dinosaur Bone Trail feature interpretive panels that educate visitors about the area's paleontological history.
Winter Activities
Winter camping may be challenging due to freezing temperatures, with lows below freezing reported from October to March.
Water Sports
Non-motorized or motorized water sports are not mentioned as available activities.

Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires allowed within designated fire rings.
  • Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Hazards

General hazardsFlash flooding during storms, gusty winds, and wildlife like ravens and chipmunks that may steal food or trash.

Weather forecast

60
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 93%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 7.2 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Overcast
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

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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

BLM Moab Field Office (82 E. Dogwood, Moab, UT 84532); nearest hospital and police station located in Moab.

Good to know

Peak season datesJanuary 1 to December 31 (year-round peak pricing).
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available within the campground.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features within the campground; nearest water sources are the Colorado River and Floy Wash, historically used by travelers.
Common complaintsSome reviews complain about lack of privacy and proximity to neighbors ('Basically a big gravel lot with a few camp spots' - Becky Cheff, 2021). The outhouse cleanliness was also noted as an issue ('The bathroom was dirty, so bad it couldn’t be used during our stay' - Brad P, 2023).

Campground Map

82 E. Dogwood, Moab, UT, 84532
Driving directionsTake Highway 191 North out of Moab for approximately 16 miles. Turn left onto the graveled Mill Canyon Road for approximately one mile. Turn left at first 'Y' in the road and then the next right into the campground.
Accessible via paved Highway 191 and gravel Mill Canyon Road; suitable for large RVs and trailers.
Nearby places
Moab (16 miles, approximately 20-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Moab (16 miles away) for groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials.

Camper Reviews

4.3
9 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Courthouse Rock Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's proximity to trails, equestrian facilities, and paleontological sites as major positives. However, some reviewers criticized the lack of privacy and the condition of the vault toilets. The campground is generally viewed as a functional but basic place to stay.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

"Quiet, clean camp area..SOO many trails from camp for hiking, bike riding, horseback riding (there are a couple corrals) & ATVs!!!!" (Review by Lesley Felts, April 2023). "The dinosaur footprints...
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Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Several reviewers mentioned the lack of privacy and the campground's gravel lot design. "Basically a big gravel lot with a few camp spots." (Review by Becky Cheff). Vault toilet cleanliness has also...
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Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own water as potable water is not available. Additionally, securing tents and camping gear is recommended due to gusty winds. "Consider always leaving something at...
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Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter camping may be less desirable due to freezing temperatures. Summer months may be challenging due to extreme heat, with highs exceeding 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring and fall appear to be the...
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Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Quiet, clean camp area..SOO many trails from camp for hiking, bike riding, horseback riding (there are a couple corrals) & ATVs!!!!" (Review by Lesley Felts). "The dinosaur footprints right by the...
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Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 6 received a review mentioning the vault toilets: "The bathroom was dirty, so bad it couldn’t be used, during our stay." (Review by BRAD P). Campsite 4 was described as "very nice" with...
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Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, but one reviewer expressed concerns about the lack of space for dogs to roam freely: "I just like more privacy, not to be parked right next to your neighbor and to...
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Based on 9 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

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