Lone Mesa Campground

For those in Utah seeking a truly immersive outdoor experience, away from the bustling crowds but still within reach of incredible adventures, Lone Mesa Campground presents an unparalleled opportunity. This Bureau of Land Management (BLM) administered site embodies the rugged beauty of Utah's high desert, offering breathtaking panoramic views, incredibly dark skies for stargazing, and a genuine connection to the wild. It's a destination where the landscape itself becomes your entertainment, and the quiet solitude allows for deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

Lone Mesa Campground is not your typical amenity-rich RV park; instead, it provides a more primitive camping experience that appeals to those who appreciate simplicity and self-reliance in nature. It’s an ideal spot for locals looking to escape the city lights and embrace the vastness of the Utah wilderness. Whether you're a photographer eager to capture stunning sunrises and sunsets, a stargazing enthusiast, or simply someone yearning for a peaceful retreat, Lone Mesa offers a unique canvas for your outdoor adventures. Its reputation for stunning vistas and opportunities for wildlife encounters makes it a favored spot among seasoned campers who truly appreciate the untamed beauty of the American West.

Lone Mesa Campground is located in the beautiful state of Utah, approximately 20 miles northwest of Moab. While a precise street address might not always be applicable for BLM lands, its general location is easily accessible for those familiar with the Moab area's outdoor recreation hubs. You can typically reach the campground by driving nine miles north of Moab on Highway 191 to the intersection with Highway 313. From there, you turn west on Highway 313 and drive about eight miles, then turn right onto the Dubinky Road. The campground entrance road is approximately 200 yards down Dubinky Road, where you'll turn right and proceed up a small hill.

This strategic positioning places Lone Mesa on a high-desert mesa at an elevation of approximately 5,425 feet. This higher elevation often provides a welcome reprieve from the intense summer heat experienced in the lower Moab valley. For Utah locals, the drive from major population centers like Salt Lake City is manageable, typically taking around 3.5 to 4 hours. From southern Utah communities, the travel time would be longer but still offers a fantastic route through diverse landscapes. Despite its seemingly remote feel, the campground is within a reasonable driving distance of Moab, where you can find essential services, supplies, and a variety of dining options. This balance of accessibility and wild seclusion makes Lone Mesa a highly appealing choice for Utah residents seeking adventure without straying too far from convenient amenities.

Services Offered

• Individual Campsites: Designed to accommodate various camping setups, from tents to RVs.
• Group Campsites: Larger designated areas are available, capable of hosting multiple people (15-40 people per site).
• Vault Toilets: Clean and regularly maintained vault toilets are available for campers' convenience.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings with Grates: Designated fire rings are provided at each site, allowing for campfires and cooking (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Shade Covers: Some sites include shade covers, a valuable amenity in the desert environment, though it's wise to bring your own additional shade.
• BBQ Grills: Grills are often integrated into the fire rings for cooking.
• Equestrian Facilities: At least one group site includes a horse corral, catering to equestrian enthusiasts.
• Trash Collection: Waste receptacles are available to encourage Leave No Trace principles and maintain site cleanliness.

Features / Highlights

• Panoramic Views: Offers stunning, expansive views of the surrounding mesas, canyons, and potentially the distant La Sal Mountains.
• Dark Skies for Stargazing: Its remote location away from significant light pollution makes it an exceptional spot for astronomical observations, with brilliant, clear night skies.
• Wildlife Viewing: Campers have reported sightings of local wildlife, including foxes and even the occasional cow or mountain lion, adding to the authentic wilderness experience.
• Good Cell Service (Verizon 4G): Surprisingly, many campers report reliable Verizon 4G service, allowing for connectivity if needed, even in this remote setting.
• Proximity to Trail Networks: Provides easy access to numerous trails for mountain biking, hiking, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riding.
• Close to National Parks: Located within a 45-minute drive of major attractions like Canyonlands National Park (Island in the Sky) and Dead Horse Point State Park, making it an excellent base camp.
• Higher Elevation: Being approximately 1,000 feet higher than Moab, it can offer slightly cooler temperatures, particularly during warmer seasons.
• Quiet and Secluded Atmosphere: Often provides a peaceful retreat due to its spaced-out sites and natural surroundings.

Contact Information

Address: Utah, USA (Managed by BLM Moab Field Office)

Phone: (435) 259-2102 (BLM Moab Field Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 435-259-2102

Lone Mesa Campground holds a special appeal for Utah locals, offering an authentic slice of the state's wild beauty. For those residing in Utah's more urban areas, it provides a perfect antidote to city life – a place where the air is clean, the silence is profound, and the natural world takes center stage. The stunning panoramic views are a constant reminder of the majestic landscapes that define our state, and the opportunity for incredible stargazing under truly dark skies is a unique treasure that many locals seek out. Imagine gathering around a campfire, looking up to see the Milky Way ablaze, far from any light pollution; it’s an experience that truly connects you to the universe.

The accessibility of cell service, as noted by past campers, is an interesting blend of convenience and wilderness. While some prefer complete disconnection, having reliable Verizon 4G means that those who need to stay moderately connected for work or family can do so without sacrificing the remote camping experience. The potential for wildlife sightings, from friendly foxes to the elusive mountain lion, adds an element of excitement and adventure that is quintessentially Utah. It reminds us that we share this land with incredible creatures and encourages a respectful appreciation for nature. Lone Mesa is not just a campsite; it’s a portal to the adventurous spirit of Utah, perfect for locals looking to explore their own backyard and create unforgettable memories under the vast, starlit desert sky. It embodies the essence of self-sufficient outdoor exploration, making it a truly suitable and rewarding destination for Utahns.

Lone Mesa Campground

Utah, USA