Camping and Biking Popular in Utah’s Dead Horse Point State Park

You’ll find Dead Horse Point State Park offers an unmatched blend of desert camping and world-class biking that won’t break your budget. Whether you’re seeking the comfort of a furnished yurt or the authenticity of tent camping under Utah’s starlit sky, the park caters to your outdoor style. The extensive network of singletrack trails and stunning Colorado River vistas make this destination a must-visit for both casual riders and serious mountain bikers. Let’s explore how to make the most of your desert adventure.

Take Aways

• Dead Horse Point offers two well-equipped campgrounds (Kayenta and Wingate) with electrical hookups, modern restrooms, and scenic desert views.
• The park features 17 miles of mountain biking trails across singletrack and slickrock terrain with varying difficulty levels.
• Campsites accommodate up to eight people and one camping unit, with fire rings and picnic tables provided.
• Bike rentals and guided tours are available through local services, making biking accessible for all skill levels.
• The park’s trail network connects camping areas to biking routes, offering stunning views of Canyonlands and the Colorado River.

Discover the Perfect Camping Setup at Dead Horse Point

When planning your camping adventure at Dead Horse Point State Park, the Kayenta Campground offers an ideal blend of comfort and natural immersion.

You’ll find 21 well-equipped sites nestled among juniper trees, each featuring a lighted shade structure, picnic table, and fire ring. Don’t forget your tent pad dimensions, as your shelter must fit within the designated space.

You’re allowed one camping unit with up to eight people per site, and your permit covers a single vehicle with attached equipment. Modern restroom facilities are available throughout the campground for visitor convenience. Essential camping items should be packed to ensure a comfortable outdoor experience.

If you need power, you’ll appreciate the versatile electrical hookups supporting 20, 30, or 50 AMP connections.

For winter enthusiasts, note that the campground closes after Thanksgiving until mid-February due to its north-facing aspect.

Remember to book early if you need the ADA-accessible site, as there’s only one available.

RV and Trailer Camping Options for Modern Adventurers

For modern adventurers seeking comfort without sacrificing scenic beauty, Dead Horse Point’s Wingate Campground delivers an impressive array of RV-friendly sites with full electrical hookups.

You’ll find level, paved sites equipped with 20/30/50 amp power connections and covered picnic tables that provide essential shade and wind protection. The campground’s location 2,000 feet above the Colorado River offers breathtaking views while you camp. Essential RV Camping Tips You Need to Know can help ensure a smooth trip.

Planning ahead is vital, as you can book your spot up to four months in advance, with stays extending up to 13 days.

Sites like #42 offer generous 55-foot driveways perfect for larger rigs. Remember, you’re limited to one vehicle per site – your RV counts as your camping unit. If you need to bring an extra vehicle, you’ll face additional fees.

At just 25 minutes from Moab, you’ll have easy access to town while enjoying the park’s stunning rim trail views.

Tent Camping and Yurt Experiences in the Desert

Looking to blend comfort with adventure? Dead Horse Point State Park offers two distinct camping experiences.

The Moenkopi yurts deliver glamping luxury with panoramic mountain views, propane heating, AC, and basic kitchen amenities for up to six people. You’ll pay around $150 per night, but off-season rates are lower. Don’t forget to bring your own camping-style utensils as these are not provided with your stay.

For a more rustic experience, head to Wingate Campground‘s tent-only sites. While you won’t have electrical hookups, you’ll still enjoy modern restrooms and incredible desert vistas. Bring the essentials to make your tent camping experience comfortable.

Both options put you steps away from the park’s extensive trail network, perfect for hiking and mountain biking adventures.

Remember to pack your own bedding, and don’t count on cell service.

You’ll find parking and restrooms conveniently located near both camping areas, making your desert getaway accessible yet wonderfully remote.

Essential Rules for a Smooth Camping Stay

Before setting up camp at Dead Horse Point State Park, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the park’s essential regulations. Your camping permit covers one vehicle and attached equipment, but you’ll face extra fees for additional vehicles. Each campsite accommodates up to eight people and one camping unit, whether it’s your tent or trailer.

You’ll find specific rules about campsite usage that protect the park’s delicate desert ecosystem. Set up your tent only on designated pads, and keep your fires contained to established fire rings.

Don’t gather firewood from the park – you’ll need to purchase it on-site. Remember to park in designated areas and never dump wastewater within park boundaries. Leave No Trace is an essential principle to follow, ensuring everyone can enjoy the park’s pristine environment while minimizing their impact.

Following these guidelines guarantees everyone can enjoy the park’s pristine environment while minimizing their impact.

Mountain Biking Paradise: Trail Network Overview

Dead Horse Point State Park’s extensive trail network offers mountain biking enthusiasts 17 miles of pristine singletrack and slickrock terrain, with an additional 6 miles coming in 2025. Relaxing wilderness camping can be a great complement to the park’s biking experiences.

You’ll find trails winding through juniper groves and pinyon forests at 6,000 feet elevation, with breathtaking views of Canyonlands National Park and the Colorado River below.

Whether you’re a beginner or expert rider, you’ve got options. The park’s trails are clearly marked with difficulty ratings to help riders choose routes that match their skill level.

From novice to pro, Dead Horse Point’s diverse trails welcome riders of every skill level and ambition.

Try the 6-mile Timberline Girls Route for an easier ride, or challenge yourself on the 13-mile Deadhorse Loop for varied scenery.

Don’t have your own bike? Rent one at Bighorn Mountain Biking by the main trailhead, or book a guided tour through Moab Adventure Center for $145, which includes your park entrance fee, equipment, and snacks.

Planning Your Camping Reservation

When planning your overnight adventure at Dead Horse Point, you’ll need to secure your camping spot through Reserve America’s convenient booking system. You can book up to four months ahead on a rolling basis, either online or by calling 800-322-3770 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Mountain Time).

Each campsite allows one camping unit – whether that’s your tent, RV, or vehicle with a rooftop setup. While most sites accommodate one vehicle, some offer extra parking for an additional fee. The park’s beautiful campgrounds are expertly managed by Aspira’s reservation system. Discover top spots for quality camping gear to ensure you have everything you need for your trip.

If you’re tent camping, consider the walk-in sites that keep vehicles separate from your wilderness experience. Don’t forget to keep a close eye on the park’s website for current conditions and fire restrictions.

Year-Round Activities Beyond Camping and Biking

While camping and biking serve as popular draws to Dead Horse Point, the park’s year-round appeal extends far beyond these activities.

You’ll find seven miles of hiking trails, including paved paths that make scenic viewpoints accessible to everyone. The Dead Horse Point Overlook offers breathtaking panoramas of the Colorado River and Canyonlands National Park.

Stunning views await on accessible trails, where Dead Horse Point reveals magnificent vistas of winding canyons and the Colorado River below.

Don’t miss the chance to explore the park’s unique desert ecosystem. You can observe native wildlife, photograph distinctive plant life, and study fascinating geological formations like buttes and mesas. As an International Dark Sky Park, the area provides exceptional opportunities for stargazing. Camping has been shown to provide mental health benefits, making it a great complement to the park’s other activities.

For a culturally enriching experience, visit the visitor center to learn about the park’s namesake legend and local history. The park’s diverse landscape transforms seasonally, making activities like photography and outdoor yoga rewarding throughout the year.

Bring your pets along too—they’re welcome on the trails.

Stargazing and Night Photography Opportunities

Since earning its International Dark Sky designation in 2016, this elevated plateau has become a stargazer’s paradise, offering some of Utah’s clearest views of the cosmos. Outdoor camping is a popular activity in this area, drawing visitors from across the region.

You’ll find nearly 360-degree visibility of the night sky, with minimal light pollution and pristine conditions for both casual observation and serious astrophotography. The park’s detailed Clear Sky Charts help visitors predict optimal viewing conditions up to 48 hours in advance.

1. Join ranger-led night sky walks to learn about celestial objects while using provided telescopes.
2. Plan your visit around moon phases using clear sky charts, with deep blue indicating ideal viewing conditions.
3. Pack layers for temperature shifts from daytime highs of 78°F to nighttime lows around 54°F.
4. Set up your camera during twilight hours for stunning Milky Way shots against the park’s dramatic landscape.

The park’s high elevation and distance from urban areas make it one of the most accessible dark sky viewing locations near Moab.

Essential Amenities and Facilities for Campers

After marveling at the stars, you’ll find Dead Horse Point’s campgrounds offer impressive comfort without sacrificing the rugged desert experience.

You’ll discover modern restrooms with flush toilets, sinks, and drinking water stations throughout the grounds. Whether you’re tent camping or RVing, you’ll appreciate the well-designed sites featuring shade shelters, picnic tables, and fire pits. Located at 6,000 feet elevation, the park provides a perfect escape from summer heat. Camping with dogs and other house pets is a popular activity at the park.

RV enthusiasts can hook up to electrical, water, and sewer connections at select sites, while glampers might opt for one of four cozy yurts.

The campgrounds’ natural layout, with sites separated by piñon and juniper trees, guarantees privacy. You’ll have easy access to hiking and biking trails, and there’s even a visitor center with a food truck for morning coffee.

Don’t forget to check out the mountain bike rentals if you’re planning to explore the trails.

Getting the Most From Your Dead Horse Point Visit

Ready to make your Dead Horse Point adventure unforgettable? You should plan strategically to maximize your time in this compact yet stunning park. With its location just 45 minutes from Moab, you can easily combine it with other nearby attractions while keeping your budget in check.

Make the most of your Dead Horse Point visit with smart planning and convenient access to Moab’s attractions.

1. Arrive early (between 6-8 AM) to catch the dramatic morning light and avoid crowds at popular viewpoints.
2. Purchase the $20 two-day pass to spread your activities across multiple days, giving you time for both hiking and biking.
3. Take advantage of the 17-mile trail network by mixing activities – bike in the morning when it’s cooler, then hike during golden hour.
4. Position yourself at Dead Horse Point overlook during sunrise or sunset for unforgettable views of the Colorado River winding through red rock canyons.

Consider booking one of the comfortable yurt accommodations that sleep up to six people if you want a unique overnight experience that’s a step up from traditional camping. Enjoy the various fun activities while camping in Dead Horse Point State Park.

The Last Word

You’ll find Dead Horse Point State Park‘s 5,362-foot elevation offers a perfect balance of adventure and accessibility. With camping rates averaging just $40 per night – nearly half the cost of nearby Moab hotels – you’re getting unmatched value for your outdoor experience. Pack your gear, bring plenty of water, and join the 400,000+ annual visitors who discover why this high-desert haven has become Utah’s premier camping and biking destination.