Kayenta Campground, Dead Horse Point State Park, Moab, Utah

Despite its name, Dead Horse Point is a spectacular place outside of downtown Moab to enjoy a few days of mountain biking, hiking, camping, and the scenery the area offers. You will find the turn off to this hard-to-get-into state park about 8 miles before the entrance to Canyonlands National Park. The state park offers a nice, 21 site campground that has peek-a-boo views of the canyon walls, easy access to hiking and mountain biking trails, and a quiet place to relax. The campground is spotted with juniper and pinyon pines. The red, silty dirt is all over camp, but with paved site pads, gravel and concrete patios at camp, the dirt isn't troublesome. Additionally, each site offers two large tent pads, electric hookups, and easy access to restrooms. There is no potable water here to fill your RV tanks with, so prepare accordingly. There is, however,
a nice filling station to fill Camelbacks and water bottles before hiking or biking. Most sites are private, but some more than others. The campground is on the mesa top, but is still fairly sloped; some sites so much so, that we were happy we didn't have to deal with leveling issues with our fairly flat site. Sites listed below as "best" sites are level and offer best views of the canyon, but are often offering the least amount of privacy.
   From camp, you can hike a quarter mile down to the state park Visitor's Center. Here you will find beautiful views, an observation deck, gift shop, friendly rangers, exhibits, an art gallery, and the Pony Expresso, where you can enjoy a snack, coffee, or sack lunch. This parking lot fills up during the day since it is the jumping point for many hikes and popular mountain biking trails. The mountain biking trails range from beginner to advanced and take you all over the area. We tried out a beginner one and found it to be enjoyable and exhilarating, even on our non-professional bikes. You will see large biking groups with high grade gear. The Visitor's Center is about a mile and a half from Dead Horse Point itself. A paved road can lead you there, or, if you prefer, you can hike either the East or West Rim Trail. Both trails offer spectacular views of the canyon. Once you reach the point, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the Green River and Canyonlands National Park. If you prefer, you can take the paved road a couple of miles up to the point where you will find a parking lot large enough to accommodate RVs. Regardless of how you get to the point, you must as the views are outstanding. Additionally, you will find semi-private picnic areas that will remind you of a small campground and an observation deck. Nighttime sky viewing is also popular here. Dead Horse Point State Park has been designated as an International Dark Sky Park. This popular park takes reservations, and I recommend you make them early; this popular campground is one of the only developed camps in the area offering such easy access to all of the activities the area provides. Summers here are beastly hot, with daytime temperatures over the century mark, while winters can be frigid. Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit.

Best Sites: 1, 6, 13, 16, 18, 21
Worst Sites: 3, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20
Hookups: Electric
Potable Water: No
Dump Within Facility: Yes