Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
Closed — Currently closed for winter. The campground typically operates mid-March through December 31, with peak reservation periods mid-March through June and September through October. Water is not available during winter months.
Grand View Point Closed for Construction Weekdays July 28 through September
Grand View Point Overlook, Grand View Point Trail, and 0.3 mi (0.5 km) of park road is closed Monday to Thursday. The closure applies to all uses, including vehicles, tour buses, motorcycles, bikes, & hikers. Parking is open but limited Friday to Sunday.
Difficult Conditions Complicate Cataract Canyon Takeouts
Hite Ramp is closed. The North Wash take-out is a primitive, unimproved dirt take-out. You will not be able to back a trailer down the dirt slope. Recent washouts have further deteriorated conditions.
Expect Long Lines at Island in the Sky Entrance
Between March and November, particularly on busy holiday weekends, you may experience long lines at the entrance road. Parking lots at popular trailheads and viewpoints will fill early. Pack your patience and arrive early to avoid crowds.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Effect
Fires are allowed only in designated fire grates in developed campgrounds & picnic areas, or charcoal in metal fire pans in the river corridor. (Remove all ash.) Smoking is allowed only inside cars or at paved areas. Fireworks are always prohibited.
About
Located in the remote Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, this campground offers a true high desert camping experience at approximately 4,900 feet elevation. The campground is situated 1.5 hours from Moab via Highway 211, the only paved road accessing the district. The 26 individual sites are divided into two loops, with Loop B offering advance reservations during peak seasons and Loop A operating first-come, first-served. Sites are nestled among stands of Utah juniper and pinyon pine, with some offering shade from trees or large boulders. The campground provides an ideal base for exploring the Needles District's extensive trail system. Popular destinations include Chesler Park, Druid Arch, Confluence Overlook, and the Joint Trail. The area is named for the distinctive spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the landscape. Spring brings flowering prickly pear cacti, yucca, and desert wildflowers that add vivid color to the surrounding red rock scenery. The campground is best suited to tents and small, self-contained campers due to limited services and no hookups.
Directions
From US Highway 191, drive 40 miles south of Moab or 14 miles north of Monticello, then take Utah Highway 211 west for approximately 35 miles. Highway 211 ends in the Needles District. From the entrance station, follow the main park road until you see campground signs, then turn left into the campground. The park recommends arriving before dark as there are no lights on park roads or campsites.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Canyonlands National Park Needles District Group Campsites 2.2mi
- The Needles Campground 2.7mi
- The Needles District Group Campsites 2.8mi
- Indian Creek Falls Group Site 5.3mi
- Hamburger Rock Campground 5.2mi
- Creek Pasture Group Site 6.9mi
- Creek Pasture Campground 7.0mi
- Superbowl Campground 7.7mi
- Superbowl Group Site 7.7mi
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 28ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| keri_nelson@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (435) 259-4711 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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