About Horsethief Group Sites
Overview The five reservable Horsethief Group Sites are ideal for smaller gatherings (10-20 people & 6 sedans/trucks/vans only---no trailers or RVs). Group Site #39 is located in the main campground and Group Sites A, B, C, D are located in the adjacent campground, which is designed to accomodate tent and van campers only. Horsethief Campground is ideal for those wishing to be close to The Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. The area also offers outdoor enthusiasts many options for hiking, mountain & road biking and four-wheel drive tours. The town of Moab is 25 minutes away and has dining, shopping, sports rentals, tour companies and museums. Recreation From Horsethief Campground, there are multiple options for mountain & road biking, hiking, scenic tours, four-wheeling and photography. The area has many mountian bike trails and four-wheel drive roads leading to canyons and vistas. Nearby Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park have many scenic overlooks and trails for hiking, biking and exploring. Facilities The group areas have shade shelters, picnic tables, a fire rings with grate and nearby vault toilet. These are relatively small group sites with limited parking and cannot accomodate RV/motorhomes, campers or trailers (parking accomodates up to six sedans or small vans only). (RVs, campers and trailers should use Lone Mesa Group Sites on SR 313, just six miles back towards Hwy. 191.) The group site does not have water, a dump station or electric hook-ups. Natural Features Tucked among pinyon and juniper trees on a high mesa west of Moab, Horsethief Campground offers open vistas with great sunrises and sunsets. The higher elevation (5500 feet) allows for slightly cooler temperatures in the summer. Nearby Attractions Arches and Canyonlands National Parks as well as Dead Horse Point State Park are within a 15-minute drive. Groups heading into Canyonlands to ride the White Rim trail often use t
How to Get There
From 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Horsethief Group Sites
Heading to Horsethief Group Sites? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Horsethief Group Sites?
No central reservation system listed for Horsethief Group Sites. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251838) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Horsethief Group Sites?
From 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.
How do I contact Horsethief Group Sites?
You can reach the park at phone: 435-259-2100 or email: blm_ut_moabgroupsite@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
