The Needles District Group Campsites
Open for the season. Group campsites operate March 15 through November 15 and require advance reservations through Recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance. Water is seasonal; confirm availability when booking.
Flood Watch issued October 29 at 9:42PM MDT until November 2 at 11:00AM MST by NWS Grand Junction CO
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of southwest Colorado, including the following areas, Animas River Basin, Four Corners/Upper Dolores River, San Juan River Basin and Southwest San Juan Mountains and southeast Utah, including the following areas, Canyonlands/Natural Bridges, La Sal and Abajo Mountains and Southeast Utah. * WHEN...From Sunday morning through Monday morning. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, recently burned areas, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - 1 to 3 inches of rain is expected across portions of southeast Utah and southwest Colorado from Sunday morning through Monday morning over soils that are still saturated from recent rainfall and flooding. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 29 at 10:53AM 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 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.
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 | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (435) 719-2313 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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