The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Horsethief Campground is a peaceful camping area located in eastern Utah. The campground is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a federal government agency tasked with protecting the country's public land. In addition to offering many well-maintained campsites, the Horsethief Campground offers excellent nearby opportunities for various outdoor recreational activities. These include mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing. The campground is also located only a short distance from popular destinations like Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. The Horsethief Campground is just one of many BLM-protected sites worth visiting if you enjoy outdoor adventures. If you want to find the nearest BLM locations to your area, you can search online for "BLM camping near me" to start your journey.
This scenic out-and-back trail is in the breathtaking Canyonlands National Park. The route is a popular hiking destination; you'll encounter other visitors there. Hikers of all ability levels should be able to traverse the trail. The hiking trail offers gorgeous views of the surrounding national park. Length: 1.8 miles Intensity: Easy
This is another excellent out-and-back trail located in Canyonlands National Park. You'll find beautiful views along the entire route, and at the end of the trail, you'll come to a stunning overlook. You'll enjoy impressive views of the Colorado River, Monument Basin, and La Sal Mountains there. Again, this trail is kid-friendly, but you'll need to leave the pups at home. Length: 1.8 miles Intensity: Easy
This popular out-and-back trail is located near Monticello, UT. Hikers up for a more extended adventure can navigate the entire loop. With many interconnecting trails along the way, there are plenty of opportunities to turn back early. The ideal times to visit this serene route are between April and October, and visitors should bring plenty of drinking water and sun protection. Length: 5.4 miles Intensity: Moderate
The Horsethief Campground is a short distance from the mighty Colorado River, offering superb fishing and boating opportunities. In the area, the river is primarily known as a significant body of water for catching several types of catfish. Visitors can also utilize the river for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. Another excellent fishing destination near the Horsethief Campground is the Green River, where anglers can reel in rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.
Some of the best destinations for rock climbing near the Horsethief Campground are found at Arches National Park. Although the rock around the park is sandy, several quality climbing routes remain. A few of the most popular courses include the Tower of Babel, Elephant Butte, Bullwinkle Tower, Owl Rock, and the 100-Yard Wall—the climbing routes in the national park range in difficulty from 5.3 to 5.11.
If you explore the nearby Canyonlands National Park, you'll have an excellent chance to observe many incredible wildlife species. Some of the creatures to watch include coyotes, bobcats, badgers, elk, foxes, ring-tailed cats, black bears, skunks, cougars, pronghorns, and desert bighorn sheep. In addition, if you're a birdwatching enthusiast, you should watch for red-tailed hawks, golden and bald eagles, western screech owls, ravens, and many other interesting avian species.
The group camping areas within the Horsethief Campground are equipped with picnic tables, and the site serves as a lovely place to enjoy lunch. Alternatively, you could travel to the nearby city of Moab, UT, and enjoy a relaxing picnic at Swanny City Park or Rotary Park.
BLM RV camping is possible at the Horsethief Campground. The campground features multiple camping loops, and 56 campsites can accommodate RV camping. The sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $20 per night. These campsites offer only basic amenities, and no RV hookups are available. There also aren't any nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, but if you want to stay somewhere with electricity and modern amenities, you could head to nearby Moab. There, you might camp at the Portal RV Resort or the Moab Rim RV Campark.
If you're looking to partake in Bureau of Land Management free camping, you can do so outside the boundaries of the Horsethief Campground. The terrain in the surrounding area is harsh, but there should be many areas where you can set up a dispersed campsite.
When planning a trip to the Horsethief Campground, remember that no water is provided at the BLM site. The area can get extremely hot during the summer, and there's not all that much shade, so you should bring lots of extra drinking water. You should also bring sunscreen and any other sun protection needed. Additionally, there are no generators allowed at any of the campsites. If you need to make a trip into town for food or supplies during your visit, the most convenient option will be Moab. The city is home to plenty of stores and restaurants. But before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
While you're visiting the Horsethief Campground, it's essential to follow the "Leave No Trace" guidelines. In addition, you may encounter various wildlife species during your stay; please observe any animals you see from a safe distance and avoid disturbing their habitat.
To reach the Horsethief Campground from the center of Moab, travel north on Hwy 191 until you reach Hwy 313. Turn left onto Hwy 313 and follow the highway for about 12 miles. At that point, you will see signs for the campground on your right. Follow the signs and turn right onto the gravel road, leading you to the campground's entrance on your left. Ready to visit Horsethief Campground? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here's a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
