The Needles District Group Campsites

About

Located at the end of Highway 211 in the southeastern corner of Canyonlands National Park, the Needles District Group Campsites provide a rare opportunity for organized groups to camp together in a truly remote desert wilderness. The district sits at approximately 4,900 feet elevation, surrounded by the dramatic red and white banded sandstone pinnacles that give the area its name. Three group sites accommodate different needs and group sizes. Dutch Oven, located near the main Needles Campground, handles groups of 11-50 and offers flush toilets along with seasonal potable water. Wooden Shoe and Split Top are more isolated, each accommodating 11-25 and 11-15 campers respectively, with vault toilets and potable water seasonally available. All three sites have fire rings for wood fires and picnic tables. The Needles is approximately 1.5 hours from Moab and 1.25 hours from Monticello, with no cell coverage and no lights on roads or within campsites. Groups should plan to arrive before dark and come prepared with sufficient supplies. The surrounding landscape of slickrock, Utah juniper, and pinyon pine offers excellent hiking, mountain biking, and some of the darkest night skies in the continental United States.

Directions

From Moab, drive south on US-191 for approximately 40 miles, then turn west onto UT-211. Follow Highway 211 for about 35 miles to its end in the Needles District. The Needles Group Site is accessed by turning left into Needles Campground approximately 3 miles after the entrance station. Split Top Group Site is on Cave Springs Road. Wooden Shoe Group Site is along the scenic drive near Wooden Shoe Arch Overlook.