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MOAB, UTAH

Manti-La Sal National Forest Camping

Sun shining through golden autumn trees in a forest.

Best Campgrounds in the Manti-La Sal National Forest

If you’re wondering what camping in the Manti-La Sal Mountains is like, close your eyes and imagine camping under a copse of fir and aspen trees, next to a pristine lake nestled in a colorful open meadow. The smell of crisp mountain air, the sounds of chattering birds, and the spotting of grazing deer indulge the senses. Now imagine, to get to that beautiful, happy place, you must take in sweeping aerial views of the red rock desert; canyons, spires and buttes that form some of the most exquisite landscapes on Earth. That’s camping in the La Sal Mountains.

Mountain reflected in a still lake at sunset; green trees, golden marsh, and pink and purple sky.

Warner Campground

The most popular developed campground in the La Sal Mountains, set beside a sparkling alpine lake surrounded by aspens.

  • Sites: 20 (reservable via recreation.gov)
  • Elevation: 9,400 ft
  • Season: Late May–September
  • Highlights: Access to Warner Lake Trail, Burro Pass, wildflowers, fall colors


Lake surrounded by trees reflecting in the green water under a blue sky.

Oowah Campground

A smaller, quieter lakeside campground just off Geyser Pass Road.

  • Sites: 11 (first-come, first-served)
  • Elevation: 8,800 ft
  • Season: June–October
  • Highlights: Fishing, hiking, easy lake loop, aspen groves


Sign at the Mason Draw campground with maps, clouds, and a sunset view.

Buckeye & Mason Draw Campgrounds

These lesser-known campgrounds near the La Sal Pass area offer privacy and mountain views.

  • Sites: Small and primitive
  • Access: Graded dirt roads—4WD recommended in wet conditions
  • Highlights: Solitude, stargazing, wildlife watching


Dispersed and Free Camping

Dispersed camping is allowed throughout much of the Manti–La Sal National Forest, outside developed sites and at least 100 feet from streams, lakes, and roads.


Popular dispersed areas include:

  • Geyser Pass Road: High-elevation pullouts with great views
  • La Sal Pass Road: Quiet, forested clearings ideal for tents or small RVs
  • Gold Basin Area: Scenic and remote with fewer crowds


Tips for Responsible Dispersed Camping:

  • Pack out all trash and human waste
  • Use existing fire rings if available
  • Avoid camping on vegetation
  • Check current fire restrictions


Sun Divider Dark.

After some exploring on your own, you may want to explore even further. Guided tours make it possible (and easy) to get soaked on the river, rappel down a rope to a hidden slot canyon, or climb to the "top of the world" on a Hell's Revenge Hummer Tour.

Sunset illuminates sandstone arch with two people standing inside.

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

See the park without the parking hassle.

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People rafting down a river, water splashing. Red raft, paddles raised. Rocky cliffs in background.

MOAB RAFTING

Half-day & full-day trips with BBQ lunch included.

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Red Hummer climbing a sandy slope, mountains in background.

HUMMER SAFARIS

Ride over slickrock on Moab's most famous trail.

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Aerial view of a canyon landscape with a winding river; sunset colors in the sky and on the rock formations.

SCENIC FLIGHTS

Get a birds-eye view of Arches & Canyonlands.

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CANYONEERING

Explore hidden canyons with a rush of adrenaline.

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ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

See the park without the parking hassle.

VIEW TRIPS

MOAB RAFTING

Half-day & full-day trips with BBQ lunch included.

VIEW TRIPS

HUMMER SAFARIS

Ride over slickrock on Moab's most famous trail.

VIEW TRIPS
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