Oowah Campground

For Utah locals, the call of the red rock deserts is often balanced by a yearning for the cool,refreshing air of the mountains. While Moab is world-renowned for its desert adventures, justa short, scenic drive up into the Manti-La Sal National Forest lies a hidden gem: OowahCampground. This tranquil retreat offers a stark and welcome contrast to the bustling townbelow, providing a peaceful, high-altitude escape where the sounds of nature, particularlythe babbling creek and the splash of rising trout, take center stage.

Oowah Campground is the epitome of a classic mountain camping experience. It's a place whereyou can truly unwind, surrounded by the beauty of towering pines and the stillness of apristine alpine lake. Far from the crowds that can sometimes characterize more popular areas,Oowah maintains a remarkably serene atmosphere, even during what might be considered busiertimes. This sense of quiet solitude, combined with its simple yet functional amenities,makes it an ideal destination for those seeking genuine connection with nature withoutunnecessary frills.

Whether you're an avid angler hoping to cast a line for trout, a hiker eager to explore scenicmountain trails, or simply someone looking for a peaceful spot to relax and breathe in thefresh mountain air, Oowah Campground delivers. Its reputation for being "nice, clean, notcrowded at all" speaks volumes about the quality of the experience it offers. For Utahanswho cherish the diverse landscapes of their home state, Oowah Campground provides a refreshingand accessible opportunity to experience the high country in its most authentic form.

Oowah Campground is situated within the Manti-La Sal National Forest, located approximately20 miles southeast of Moab, UT 84532, USA. While the distance from Moab is relatively short,the drive is described as a "decent drive up the mountain," indicating a climb in elevationand likely winding roads. Access to the campground involves traveling on paved roads initially,transitioning to well-maintained gravel or dirt roads as you ascend into the national forest.The elevation of Oowah Lake and Campground is approximately 8,800 feet, which means coolertemperatures even in the summer and the need for visitors to be prepared for higher altitude.

The accessibility of Oowah Campground allows for a relatively straightforward journey, makingit an excellent option for those looking to quickly transition from the desert heat of Moab tothe refreshing coolness of the mountains. Despite its ease of access, the campground maintainsa remote and uncrowded feel, as evidenced by a reviewer noting "Only one camp site taken on 8/28."This suggests that even during late summer, finding a peaceful spot is often possible.

The campground is located directly adjacent to Oowah Lake, providing immediate access forfishing and lakeside relaxation. There is also a "nice hiking trail from the parking lot,"enhancing recreational opportunities right from the campsite. Being within the Manti-La SalNational Forest means visitors are surrounded by stunning mountainous scenery, mature forests,and a network of trails for further exploration. The simplicity of the fee ($10 fee at the siteor on Recreation.gov) also contributes to the ease of access and use, streamlining the check-inprocess for campers.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: Oowah Campground offers 15 individual campsites suitable for both tents and smallRVs/trailers. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring. The capacity is for one vehicleper site, with overflow parking available nearby.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides well-maintained vault toilets ("Pit toilet only"),ensuring basic sanitation facilities for campers.
• Potable Water: While not explicitly stated in the provided reviews, Forest Service campgroundsoften have a hand pump or other source for potable water. However, it's always advisable toconfirm and bring your own water if uncertain for primitive sites.
• Fee Collection: Campsites are available for a simple $10 fee, payable at the site (via aself-pay station) or through Recreation.gov, offering flexibility for reservation or walk-in.
• Waste Management: Campers are generally expected to pack out what they pack in or utilizedesignated waste receptacles if available, maintaining the cleanliness of the site.

Features / Highlights:

• Lake Proximity: Located directly adjacent to Oowah Lake, offering immediate access forfishing and scenic views.
• Excellent Trout Fishing: The small lake is "full of trout" and a popular spot where"Trout are caught," making it a prime destination for anglers.
• Hiking Trail Access: A "nice hiking trail from the parking lot" provides easy accessto local walking and exploration opportunities.
• Uncrowded Atmosphere: Noted as "not crowded at all" by a reviewer, providing a peacefuland solitary camping experience even during potentially busier times.
• Cleanliness: Consistently described as "nice clean" by visitors, indicating diligentmaintenance by the Forest Service.
• Creek-Side Sites: "Lower sites are in the creek," offering the relaxing sound of flowingwater and a unique ambiance.
• High-Altitude Environment: Situated at approximately 8,800 feet, providing coolertemperatures and a refreshing escape from lower elevations.
• Scenic Mountain Drive: The "decent drive up the mountain" offers beautiful views andcontributes to the feeling of being truly "away."

Contact Information:

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

Phone: (435) 259-7155

Mobile Phone: +1 435-259-7155

For Utah locals, Oowah Campground offers a highly suitable and much-needed counterpoint to theoften-crowded desert landscapes surrounding Moab. It's the perfect high-altitude escape thatmany residents seek when the summer heat settles in or when they simply crave the tranquilityof a mountain environment. The "nice clean, not crowded at all" atmosphere is a significant draw,providing a rare opportunity for genuine peace and quiet that can be hard to find in more popular areas.

The excellent trout fishing opportunities right in "this small lake" are a major highlight forlocal anglers, offering a rewarding experience close to home. The convenience of a "nice hikingtrail from the parking lot" also appeals to Utahans who love to explore on foot, providing immediateaccess to the natural beauty of the Manti-La Sal National Forest. For those accustomed to the simpleamenities of Forest Service campgrounds, the "pit toilet only" is a non-issue, a small trade-off forthe unspoiled environment.

Furthermore, the easy "$10 fee at the site or on Recreation.gov" makes it an accessible and affordableoption for a quick weekend getaway or a longer, more extended stay, as some visitors wish they could do.The unique experience of having "lower sites... in the creek" provides a truly immersive natural settingthat fosters deep relaxation. Oowah Campground embodies the peaceful, resource-rich, and authenticmountain camping experience that many Utah locals cherish, making it a highly recommended destinationfor those seeking a true escape into the cool, beautiful high country near Moab.

Oowah Campground

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