Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

About

The Needles Campground occupies a scenic setting in the Needles District, the southeast corner of Canyonlands National Park. Named for the dramatic red and white banded Cedar Mesa Sandstone spires that dominate the landscape, this area offers some of the park's best hiking opportunities including trails to Chesler Park, Druid Arch, the Joint Trail, and Confluence Overlook. The campground sits at approximately 4,900 ft elevation among stands of Utah juniper and pinyon pine. Spring brings flowering prickly pear cacti and desert wildflowers. Two loops serve individual campers: Loop B accepts reservations up to six months in advance during the primary season (mid-March through mid-November), while Loop A operates first-come, first-served year-round. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Flush toilets and potable water are provided, but there are no showers, hookups, or dump station. This is a remote district with no cell coverage and no lights on park roads or in the campground. NPS recommends arriving before dark. The 28 ft combined vehicle-and-trailer length limit and lack of hookups make the campground best suited for tent campers and small, self-contained RVs. Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights (14 nights per year). The Needles is 1.5 hours from Moab and 1.25 hours from Monticello via Utah Highway 211.

Directions

From US Highway 191, drive 40 miles south of Moab or 14 miles north of Monticello, then take Utah Highway 211 west approximately 35 miles. Highway 211 ends in the Needles District. From the entrance station, follow the main park road and turn left at the campground signs into Loop B.