Masons Draw Campground

For Utah locals seeking a genuine escape from the ordinary and a true immersion into the high mountain wilderness, Masons Draw Campground offers a secluded and breathtaking retreat in the majestic La Sal Mountains. Unlike the bustling campgrounds often found closer to Moab's more famous attractions, Masons Draw provides a peaceful, primitive camping experience at approximately 8,000 feet elevation. This hidden gem is perfect for those who appreciate natural beauty, quiet solitude, and a back-to-basics approach to camping. With its lush landscapes, vibrant wildflowers, and immediate access to stunning views and mountain trails, Masons Draw is an ideal spot for smaller camping setups – think tents, vans, or small pop-up trailers – to truly connect with the spectacular natural environment that Utah is so well-known for.

Masons Draw Campground is situated within the Manti-La Sal National Forest, specifically at Forest Rd 4821, Moab, UT 84532, USA. While its address points to Moab, it's important for locals to understand that this campground is located high up in the La Sal Mountains, a significant drive from the town itself. To access Masons Draw from Moab, you'll generally head southeast on Highway 191. From there, you'll take La Sal Mountain Loop Road (State Route 128 East is one way to reach the Loop Road, or take Spanish Valley Drive which turns into La Sal Loop Road). This scenic drive, while paved for much of its length, becomes a more winding and mountainous road as you ascend. Forest Road 4821, which leads directly to the campground, branches off the main La Sal Mountain Loop Road. It's crucial to note that this final stretch of road to the campground may be unpaved and can be rough, especially if wet, with reviewers mentioning "black soil" that can become messy. Given its elevation and mountain setting, the campground is typically accessible seasonally, generally from late spring through early fall, depending on snowmelt and road conditions. While it's relatively close to two mountain lakes and many hiking trails, access to these will also depend on the seasonal opening of connecting roads and trails. The remote, high-elevation setting means that careful planning for supplies and vehicle suitability is advised, especially since large rigs are not recommended.

Masons Draw Campground provides a no-frills, authentic backcountry camping experience, focusing on essential facilities to maintain its primitive charm. Campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient stay.

• Campsites: The campground features a very limited number of sites, typically around 5 small, primitive sites. These sites are best suited for tents, vans, or smaller pop-up campers. There are no hookups for electricity, water, or sewer.

• Restrooms: Pit toilets are available at the campground. Reviewers confirm their presence, providing a basic restroom facility for campers.

• No Potable Water: A critical point for all visitors is that Masons Draw Campground does not offer potable (drinking) water. Campers must bring all the water they will need for drinking, cooking, and hygiene, or be prepared to filter/treat water from natural sources nearby.

• No Trash Services: The campground operates on a "pack it in, pack it out" policy for all trash. There are no trash receptacles provided, emphasizing the importance of leaving no trace and preserving the pristine mountain environment.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, most Forest Service primitive campsites typically include a picnic table and a fire ring at each site, allowing for outdoor cooking and campfires (contingent on local fire restrictions).

• Cost: At an affordable rate of $10 per night, Masons Draw offers an excellent value for a high-elevation, secluded camping experience.

Masons Draw Campground's appeal lies in its rugged beauty and the unique outdoor opportunities it presents, especially for those who cherish a quieter, more natural setting.

• Gorgeous High-Elevation Setting: Situated at approximately 8,000 feet in the La Sal Mountains, the campground offers a stunning alpine environment. The air is crisp, and the views are "killer," providing a refreshing contrast to the arid desert landscape often associated with Moab.

• Lush Vegetation and Wildflowers: Reviewers rave about the "lush grass" and "flowers popping up everywhere," indicating a vibrant ecosystem. This makes for beautiful scenery and fantastic photo opportunities, particularly in late spring and early summer when wildflowers are in bloom.

• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere: The small number of sites (only 5, as noted by a reviewer) and its less-traveled location contribute to a highly secluded and peaceful camping experience. It's ideal for those seeking solitude away from crowded areas, with one reviewer noting no other campers during their visit.

• Proximity to Mountain Lakes: The campground is "close to 2 mountain lakes," offering opportunities for fishing, paddling, or simply enjoying the serene waters in an alpine setting. These lakes are typically accessible via nearby trails or forest roads.

• Access to Hiking Trails: Masons Draw is an excellent base for exploring "many hikes" in the La Sal Mountains. The higher elevation trails provide different challenges and views compared to those in Arches or Canyonlands National Parks, with cooler temperatures in summer.

• Dark Skies for Stargazing: Being at a high elevation and far from city lights, Masons Draw offers incredible opportunities for stargazing. The night sky over the La Sals can be truly spectacular.

• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse mountain ecosystem means campers may have opportunities to spot various wildlife, from birds to larger mammals, enhancing the natural experience.

For general inquiries about Masons Draw Campground or the Manti-La Sal National Forest, please use the following contact information. Given its primitive nature, direct on-site assistance may be limited.

• Address: Manti La Sal National Forest, Forest Rd 4821, Moab, UT 84532, USA

• Phone (Moab-Monticello Ranger District, Manti-La Sal National Forest): (435) 637-2817

• Mobile Phone (same as above): +1 435-637-2817

• Website: Information on Masons Draw and other forest campgrounds can often be found on the U.S. Forest Service website for the Manti-La Sal National Forest (www.fs.usda.gov/mantilasal)

• Reservations: Masons Draw is typically a first-come, first-served campground and does not usually take reservations due to its primitive nature and small size. It is advisable to check the Forest Service website or call the ranger district for the most current information, especially concerning road conditions and seasonal accessibility.

For Utah locals, Masons Draw Campground represents a cherished opportunity to experience the lesser-known, yet equally spectacular, side of the Moab region – the cool, green alpine environment of the La Sal Mountains. Instead of navigating the crowds of the national parks, locals can find genuine solitude and tranquility here, often having the campground almost entirely to themselves, as one reviewer noted. Its affordability at just $10 a night makes it an excellent option for budget-conscious adventurers. For those with smaller camping setups like vans or tents, this campground is perfectly suited, offering a unique high-elevation experience that larger RVs cannot access. It's an ideal base for locals who enjoy mountain hiking, fly fishing in alpine lakes, or simply escaping the summer heat of the lower elevations. The "pack it in, pack it out" ethos aligns perfectly with the outdoor ethic embraced by many Utah residents, fostering a sense of responsibility for preserving these pristine natural spaces. Masons Draw allows Utahns to connect deeply with their state's diverse landscapes, offering a peaceful, restorative, and authentically rugged mountain camping adventure right in their backyard.

Masons Draw Campground

Manti La Sal National Forest, Forest Rd 4821, Moab, UT 84532, USA