Horsethief Campground

Horsethief Campground in Arches National Park shows a small wooden kiosk, a shaded shelter, and a parked RV under clear blue skies.

Alright, Horsethief sits on a high mesa outside Arches National Park. It offers 56 RV sites, 28 tent sites, and 5 group sites, all with parking pads, tables, and fire rings but no hookups. Bring all the water you’ll need—there’s no on-site potable water—and Moab showers are a 15–25 minute run away.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov (group sites); first-come, first-served for individuals
Reservation Window: Group sites: advance; Individual sites: year-round first-come
Reservation Tips: Set an alarm early for individual sites (first-come); group sites book through Recreation.gov; water logistics require planning
Season Dates: Year-round; group sites reservable mid-February through early December

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov (group sites); first-come, first-served for individuals
Reservation Window: Group sites: advance; Individual sites: year-round first-come
Reservation Tips: Set an alarm early for individual sites (first-come); group sites book through Recreation.gov; water logistics require planning
Season Dates: Year-round; group sites reservable mid-February through early December
Fills Up Speed: Highly competitive; individual sites sell out daily during peak season
Per Night Cost: $25/night (individual sites); $100/night (group sites)
Extra Vehicle Fees: No extra vehicle fee; limit of two vehicles per site
Day Use Fees: Not applicable for overnight camping
Passes Accepted: America the Beautiful, Annual, Senior, and Access passes accepted for individual sites; not applicable to group site fees

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 83
Site Types: 56 RV sites, 28 tent-only sites, 5 group sites
Site Type Breakdown: 56 RV sites, 28 tent-only sites, 5 group sites
RV Max Length: Unknown; larger trailers may fit; Lone Mesa Group Sites suggested for very big rigs
Group Sites Available: 1
Group Site Capacity: 5 group sites; each accommodates 10-20 people
Hookups: No electrical, water, or sewer hookups at individual or group sites
Site Features: Parking pad, picnic table, and fire ring with grate at every site
Ground Type: Gravel/dirt at sites
Site Privacy: Limited privacy due to campground layout; desert setting

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Vault toilets
Showers Available: No showers on-site; Moab has showers
Potable Water: Not available on-site; bring water; fill at Lions Park or Gearheads in Moab
Dump Station: No on-site dump station; nearest in Moab
Trash Service: Bear-proof dumpsters available
Camp Store: No on-site store; nearest services in Moab
Firewood Availability: Firewood available from host for $5 per bundle; gathering discouraged in desert
Cell Service: Spotty; T-Mobile service was reported as 'ok'
Nearby Facilities: Moab for groceries, gas, showers; Lions Park/Gearheads for water; no on-site store

Access

Road Type: Gravel road off Highway 313
Road Conditions: Gravel road can be lengthy and may be muddy/rutted in wet weather
Vehicle Restrictions: Group sites not permitted for RVs; individual sites allow up to two vehicles
Clearance Needed: Gravel access road might be challenging for low-clearance vehicles in poor conditions
Gate Hours: Open access; no gate hours listed
Distance From Entrance: Approximately 15 minutes to Arches NP entrance
Nearest Gas Services: Moab; gas/groceries 15-25 minutes away
Elevation: Varies
Accessibility: Group Site A accessible; concrete pathways and accessible vault toilets
ADA Accessible Sites: Group Site A is most accessible, with concrete pathways and accessible vault toilets

Rules & safety

Food Storage Requirements: Food and trash should never be left unattended
Fire Restrictions: Seasonal fire bans are possible; check local conditions
Pets Allowed: Yes
Pet Restrictions: Pets allowed on roads and in campground; not on Arches NP trails
Generator Hours: Generators prohibited in the Dapple loop (tent-only); other hours not specified
Quiet Hours: Not explicitly stated; general campground etiquette applies
Max Stay Limit: 14 nights in a 30-day period
Alcohol Permitted: 0

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Hiking and mountain biking trails accessible from campground; staging area for White Rim riding; near Colorado River
Trailheads Nearby: Numerous mountain bike trails and 4WD roads nearby
Wildlife Viewing: Ravens and chipmunks common; food storage important
Stargazing Quality: Excellent stargazing due to low light pollution and clear skies
Shade Coverage: Limited shade
Scenic Views: Open vistas with sunrise and sunset views
Vibe Check: This is a practical basecamp near Arches—not a luxury retreat. You’ll be close to trails and the Colorado River, but you’ll be camping on a high mesa with limited shade and no hookups. It’s clean, functional, and convenient for exploring the park and Moab; privacy is modest and noise is typical campground chatter.
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want an affordable base near Arches with group-site options and biking access. ❌ SKIP IF: You need on-site showers, full hookups, or parking lot ambiance.
Tips Advice: Bring plenty of water; no on-site potable water
Water fills located in Moab; plan trips to Lions Park/Gearheads
The roads are gravel—drive slow, watch for mud
Pack out all trash; store food securely

More details

Park Area: Moab, Utah
Family Friendly Notes: Good for families; 14-night cap; group sites available; prepare for no showers and limited shade
Boat Launch: Mineral Bottom Boat Ramp nearby
Nearby Attractions: Arches National Park entrance ~15 minutes away; Moab ~15-25 minutes for services
Terrain Type: High mesa with pinyon and juniper; open vistas
Temperature Ranges: Varies by season
Wind Exposure: Open desert exposure; wind possible
Setup Strategy: Big rigs: group sites none for RVs; interior gravel roads and limited shade; expect two-vehicle limit per site; plan for potential mud in wet weather; aim for early arrival for first-come sites; internal roads are rough—leveling blocks may help
Bath Laundry Recon: No showers on-site; Moab has showers. Laundry services in Moab; plan water and rinse-offs accordingly.
Review Summary: Campers value easy access to Arches and biking trails; individual sites fill quickly; water/shower logistics require planning; group options provide a good gathering base with modest amenities.

Location

Photos

Horsethief Campground site in Arches National Park with a trailer, blue camping chairs, and a shaded shelter.

Rugged canyon walls and hardy shrubs overlook a sandy plain at Arches National Park in Utah.

Frequently asked questions

Is there water on-site?

Potable water is not available on-site; bring your own water and refill at Lions Park or Gearheads in Moab.

Can I bring a large RV or group here?

Group sites are not for RVs; individual sites accommodate RVs with a two-vehicle limit. For very large rigs, consider Lone Mesa Group Sites elsewhere.

Are there showers nearby?

Showers are not available at Horsethief; Moab has the nearest options for showers.

Is there a dump station at Horsethief?

No on-site dump station; use Moab facilities for dumping.