Canyonlands National Park Needles District Group Campsites
Open for the peak season March 15 through November 15. Reservations available up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov. Sites are best suited for tents and small RVs under 25 feet. There are no hookups or dump stations in the Needles District.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 28 at 2:42PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT Low pressure begins to dig southward from the PACNW on Friday, tapping into a fetch of Pacific moisture that will evolve into an atmospheric river streaming into the Desert Southwest this weekend. Showers and thunderstorms develop on Friday and Saturday across the region. Lighter rainfall totals Friday and Saturday will reflect, initially lower, moisture. However, a few thunderstorms could produce impactful downpours on saturated soils left over from last weekend's historic rainfall. Deeper moisture develops Saturday night and early Sunday. This is expected to produce heavier and more widespread rainfall across southeast UT and southwest CO Sunday and Monday, mostly below 10000 feet. While rivers are forecast to remain below action stage, a growing concern lies in the potential for runoff around saturated hillsides in the region. This could produce rock, mud, and debris flows onto roadways, as well as flash flood prone burn scars, washes, slot canyons, and arroyos. Early estimates predict an area of 1 to 2 inches of new rainfall for portions of southeast UT and southwest CO. This is a preliminary forecast that hinges on slight shifts in a strong moisture plume impacting the region. It also attempts to capture the most statistically likely outcome, despite stronger and weaker outlier predictions. Outdoor enthusiasts, motorists, and residents of recent flood impacted areas are encouraged to remain abreast of the developing forecast in the coming days.
About
Located in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park at approximately 4,900 feet elevation, these group campsites provide a base for exploring one of Utah's most spectacular desert landscapes. The area is named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the region, with stands of Utah juniper and pinyon pine providing shade among the slickrock and sand. Three group sites are available: Dutch Oven accommodates 11-50 people and is located within Loop A of the main campground with flush toilets, potable water, fire rings, picnic tables, and a paved pull-through driveway. Wooden Shoe handles 11-25 campers and Split Top accommodates 11-15; both are isolated from the main campground and feature vault toilets, water spigots, and fire rings. The Needles District's extensive trail system provides day hikes and backpacking opportunities to Confluence Overlook, Druid Arch, the Joint Trail, and Chesler Park. Four-wheel-drive roads and mountain biking routes add to the recreation options. The area is 1.5 hours from Moab and 1.25 hours from Monticello via 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 to the Needles entrance. Dutch Oven is in Loop A of the main campground. Wooden Shoe is 1.8 miles from the entrance station on the second left. Split Top is 1 mile from the entrance on the first left toward Salt Creek/Cave Springs, then left on the dirt access road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Location
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $70 - $225 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 25ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 25ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (435) 259-4711 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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