Ken'S Lake Campground
4.35426 reviews82 East Dogwood Avenue, Moab, UT 84532
Ken'S Lake Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
$20 per site per night plus a reservation fee. Reservation fees vary from $3 (in person) to $8-$9 (online or via call center).
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Utah's red rock country, Ken's Lake Campground offers an enchanting escape where spacious sites meet spectacular scenery. This hidden gem within the Ken's Lake Recreation Area beckons adventurers with its sparkling man-made reservoir, winding trails perfect for hiking and horseback riding, and sweeping vistas that capture the essence of the American Southwest. Whether you're seeking the refreshing mist of nearby Faux Falls or simply yearning for a peaceful night under desert stars, this campground serves as your gateway to unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Ken's Lake Campground offers primitive camping with no hookups. It is suitable for RVs, tents, and groups, though site conditions (especially in Loop A) vary by size, slope, and exposure to wind.
Historical SignificanceKen's Lake tells a story of human ingenuity meeting natural beauty. Born from the Mill Creek Project in 1981, this reservoir emerged as a lifeline for local irrigation, transforming the arid landscape into a sustainable oasis. Nearly two decades later, in 2000, visionary planners recognized the area's recreational potential, carefully developing it into the beloved campground and day-use destination it is today. Each ripple on the lake's surface reflects this harmonious blend of practical water management and outdoor recreation that defines the modern American West.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of high desert seasons at Ken's Lake, where nature paints with bold strokes. Winter nights (October through March) bring crystalline skies and temperatures that dip below freezing, perfect for cozy campfires and stargazing. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched playground, with temperatures soaring above 100°F from June to August—ideal for early morning adventures and refreshing dips in the lake. Be prepared for nature's theatrical displays: gusty winds that whisper through the canyons and spectacular summer thunderstorms that illuminate the red rocks with lightning shows you'll never forget.
ElevationPerched at 5,085 feet above sea level, Ken's Lake Campground shares the same breathtaking elevation as nearby Moab, offering visitors the perfect balance of mountain freshness and desert warmth. This sweet spot in altitude means cooler temperatures than the valley floor below, yet still provides that unmistakable high desert atmosphere that makes every sunrise feel like a masterpiece and every sunset a celebration.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape that seems plucked from an artist's imagination. Towering red rock fins rise like ancient sentinels from expanses of silver-green sagebrush, creating a stunning contrast against azure skies. To the east, the snow-capped La Sal Mountains provide a majestic backdrop, while the dramatic Moab Rim frames the western horizon. The gentle murmur of Mill Creek adds life to this desert tableau, culminating in the picturesque Faux Falls—a natural wonder that rewards hikers with its cascading beauty and cool respite from the desert sun.
Geological RegionKen's Lake Campground sits proudly in Utah's legendary Spanish Valley, where millions of years of geological artistry have created one of Earth's most stunning landscapes. Here, ancient red rock fins tell stories written in stone, rising dramatically from sage-dotted flats that stretch toward distant horizons. The campground's centerpiece—a shimmering man-made reservoir—mirrors the surrounding grandeur while offering panoramic views of the majestic La Sal Mountains and the imposing Moab Rim. This is where the Colorado Plateau reveals its secrets, inviting visitors to explore a geological wonderland where every vista tells a tale spanning eons.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited to vault toilets and gravel parking pads. The campground is primitive, so wheelchair accessibility may vary.
Sites SizeCampsites are generally large and spacious. Users particularly liked sites in Loop B for their proximity to creeks and trails.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly by loop and site. Loop A features open and exposed sites with limited vegetation, while Loop B offers better privacy due to trees and creekside locations.
Total Campsites48 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLoop A is better suited for larger RVs and trailers; Loop B offers more shade and privacy with smaller sites surrounded by juniper and cottonwood trees.
Best CampsitesSites 42, 44, and 45 in Loop B are often highlighted for proximity to creeks and trails.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 14:00 (2 PM).
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 (noon).
Stay Limit
Maximum stay duration is 10 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Amaximum of 10 guests per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into two loops: Loop A (reservable with gravel pads) and Loop B (first-come, first-served with shaded sites).
Open and Closed SeasonLoop A is closed during low-use seasons (summer and winter; exact dates vary yearly). Loop B remains open year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or through its mobile app. Payments for Loop B can also be made via cash, check, or scan-and-pay onsite.
Walk-in AvailabilityLoop B campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Loop A requires reservations made up to 6 months in advance.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 service fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Late cancellations (starting from midnight one day before check-in) also forfeit the first night's fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Ken's Lake Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, non-motorized boating, and OHV trails. Faux Falls and Ken's Lake are popular attractions within walking distance of the campsites. The campground is also near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, providing opportunities for hiking and photography. Stargazing is highly rated due to minimal light pollution.
Hiking
The campground features over 3 miles of trails, including routes to Faux Falls and the lake. Trails are suitable for both hiking and horseback riding. User reviews consistently praise the scenic views on these trails.Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Ken's Lake, though reviews describe the area as 'pretty muddy' in places around the lake.Swimming
Ken's Lake includes a small beach area for swimming. However, some reviews mention that the water quality is questionable, and the lake is rocky, requiring water shoes.Boating
Non-motorized boating is permitted in Ken's Lake. Electric motors are allowed, but gas-powered engines are prohibited.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is mentioned in reviews, including sightings of ravens and chipmunks. Faux Falls is a popular location for observing local fauna.Winter Activities
Winter recreation is not specifically mentioned, though the campground is open year-round and snow is possible during colder months.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding are popular at the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire pits. Campers must bring their own firewood.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsGusty winds, flash flooding during summer storms, and wildlife such as ravens and chipmunks can pose minor risks. Campers are cautioned to secure tents and food.
Active alertsNone mentioned in the source material.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Closest emergency services are available in Moab. For medical emergencies, Moab Regional Hospital is located approximately 10 miles north in Moab. Police services are also available in Moab, with the Grand County Sheriff's Office located in town.
Good to know
Peak season datesFebruary 13 to July 6, August 27 to December 1 (peak and non-peak seasons). No bookings during out-of-season dates (July 6 to August 27).
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available via dumpsters. However, some reviews noted overflowing bins during peak times, suggesting maintenance may be inconsistent.
Proximity to water featuresKen's Lake, a man-made reservoir, is within walking distance. Faux Falls is also nearby, accessible via trails.
Common complaintsComplaints include windy conditions, lack of shade and privacy, noisy generators, and reservation issues (double-booked or no-shows occupying reserved sites).
HostCampground hosts are present during spring and fall to assist with trip planning and etiquette education.
Campground Map
82 East Dogwood Avenue, Moab, UT 84532
Driving directionsFrom Moab, drive south on Highway 191 until you see signs for Ken's Lake, approximately 8 miles. Turn left off the highway and follow signs to the lake. The campground is just beyond the turn to the lake. Loop A is in the first campground loop and B is the second loop.
The campground is accessible via paved roads until the campground turn-off. Some roads in the area are gravel, and visitors recommend using the Old Airport Road entrance to avoid gravel pit truck traffic. Roads within the campground itself are gravel and can be dusty.Nearby places
Moab - 10 miles (approximately 15-20 minutes)
Arches National Park - 15 miles (approximately 20-25 minutes)
Canyonlands National Park - 43 miles (approximately 50-60 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Moab. Grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies can be found approximately 10 miles away. Maverick Gas Station south of town offers free potable water and a dump station.
Camper Reviews
4.4
426 reviews
Ken'S Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Ken's Lake Campground is highly rated for its scenic views, spacious campsites, and proximity to Moab attractions. However, the lack of water, high winds, and exposed sites in Loop A are common complaints. Loop B offers more privacy and shade.
Review Summaries
Based on 426 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the cleanliness of the vault toilets, scenic views, spacious campsites, and stargazing opportunities. Faux Falls and hiking trails are frequently mentioned as highlights.
Based on 426 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include lack of potable water, high winds, exposed campsites in Loop A, and occasional generator noise. A few users reported issues with campsite reservation enforcement and...
Based on 426 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water and firewood. Tent campers should choose Loop B for better wind protection and privacy. Avoid sites near vault toilets due to odor.
Based on 426 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and fall are the most popular seasons due to moderate temperatures and active campground hosts. Summer reviews note extreme heat and winds, while winter reviews mention freezing temperatures.
Based on 426 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Ken's Lake Campground is a beautiful wide open campground in the gorgeous Spanish Valley, with amazing red rock canyons.' - Victor Sutphen III
2. 'Great campsite not far from Arches and Moab....
Based on 426 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Loop B sites are consistently praised for shade and proximity to trails. Site 45 is highly recommended for its creekside location. Loop A sites are criticized for exposure to wind and lack of privacy.
Based on 426 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are limited to vault toilets and gravel parking pads. Wheelchair accessibility may vary.
Based on 426 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed in the campground. One user mentioned access to a dog-friendly dip area near Ken's Lake.
Based on 426 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025