By:
Submission
The Abajo - Harts Draw Recreation Area is located in southeastern Utah west of Monticello, south of Canyonlands National Park and north of Blanding, Utah. The area extends from the east Forest boundary to the Cottonwood Road on the west and from the north to south Forest boundaries. The closest access is from US 191, SR 211 near Harts Draw, and Monticello. It features wonderful views of the Abajo (Blue) Mountains, including Horsehead Mountain and the highest peak in the range, Abajo Peak at 11,360 feet. It features a network of trails, scenic drives, camping, and opportunities for back-country skiing and snowmobiling.
From the intersection of Main St and 200 S in Monticello, Utah, head west on 200 S for about 0.26 miles. Turn slightly southwest onto Abajo Dr. Travel on Abajo Dr. for about 2.0 miles until you get to the Manti-La Sal National Forest boundary, where you will enter the Abajo-Harts Draw Recreation Area.
Abajo Mountain Camp is about an hour south of Moab, Its a great place to get away from the busy camps of Moab. Its a beautiful drive on the way down, with many Jeep trails to hit on your way there. Once there its a beautiful isolated spot. It has showers, good internet connection (verizon), with plenty of entertaining things to do while there. Joe and the two dogs are great hosts and EXTREMELY knowledgeable on local sites well known and not so well known. We have been to Abajo camp a couple of times and make sure to put it on the list anytime we are in Utah!!!
Joe's place is rustic, he calls it a camp for a reason! If you're looking for an off grid getaway though, this is the place. I've both camped here and stayed in one of the rentals, and the location is incredible. The campsites are tidy and well spaced, scattered among the junipers so no one is on top of anyone else. I stayed in the larger of the two rental units, and it was very comfortable even though it was October.
Be aware that the roads to get there are rough dirt, and if it's been wet 4wd may be required. Make sure to ask Joe for tips on where to find local ruins and canyons, especially if you're looking to explore the forest roads!
My husband and I stayed at Abajo Mountain Camp for several days this last September. We were there for an annual music festival called Joe's Dirt Music Fest. The campgrounds are in well established semi shaded areas surrounded by a variety of indigenous trees. The community kitchen and showers were charming and user friendly. Camp host Joe and his two dogs make guests feel welcome and included. We will be going back again this year. Thanks Joe!
This review is from the owner so I’m a little biased but my name is Joe I run Abajo Mountain Camp. We are a completely off grid property yet have solar power Wi-Fi and running water in summer time. Pets are welcome and we do a small music fest in the fall. It’s a great place but four-wheel-drive is necessary during rough weather. I want to take this opportunity to post a couple photos.
