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.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 10:53AM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT A strong low pressure system off the Pacific Coast will begin to draw in tropical moisture associated with Topical Storm Rachel this weekend. This strong southerly fetch will draw anomalously high moisture content across the Desert Southwest and into eastern Utah and western Colorado. The chance for widespread precipitation increases Saturday evening into Sunday. Total precipitation forecasts range from 1 to 3 inches across high terrain, with highest amounts favoring the Uintas, Tavaputs and the Southwest San Juan mountains. Embedded thunderstorms are also possible Sunday afternoon, increasing the threat for flash flooding across vulnerable terrain. While confidence in location and rainfall rates remain low at this time, the potential for rapidly rising rivers, streams, normally dry arroyos and slot canyons are possible Sunday through Monday. Please follow the evolving forecast, especially if your plans including recreating or commuting across eastern Utah and western Colorado Sunday onward. Also, keep in mind weather potential above your location and upstream, particularly for those who reside below sensitive terrain like recent burn scars.
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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