The Needles District Group Campsites

Closed — Closed for the season. Group campsites are reservable March 15 through November 15. Reservations open up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov.

About

The Needles District Group Campsites provide three unique camping locations within the remote southeastern corner of Canyonlands National Park. Dutch Oven Group Site, located within Loop A of the main campground, accommodates 11-50 campers and features flush toilets, seasonal potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Wooden Shoe Group Site, situated along the scenic drive near Wooden Shoe Arch Overlook, accepts groups of 11-25 campers with vault toilets and basic amenities. Split Top Group Site, accessed via an unpaved road near Cave Spring Trailhead, hosts groups of 11-15 and offers the most primitive setting with vault toilets. Situated at approximately 4,900 feet elevation, these sites immerse visitors in a high desert landscape dominated by Utah Juniper and Pinyon Pine forests, with colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone creating the iconic Needles formations. The area's extensive trail system provides access to remarkable features including Druid Arch, Chesler Park, the Joint Trail, and Confluence Overlook. Best suited for tents and small self-contained RVs under 25 feet, the sites have no hookups, no dump station, and no electricity. Spring wildflowers, including prickly pear cacti and yucca, add vibrant color to the red rock landscape.

Directions

Drive US Highway 191 to a point 40 miles south of Moab or 14 miles north of Monticello, then take Utah Highway 211 west for 35 miles to the end. Dutch Oven is in Loop A of the main campground. Wooden Shoe is 1.8 miles from the entrance station on the second left, 0.2 miles down the road. Split Top is accessed via the first left toward Salt Creek/Cave Springs, 0.8 miles on a dirt road. Arrive before dark as there are no lights on park roads.

Nearby Campgrounds