Where can I camp in Canyonlands National Park?

There are two main developed campgrounds in the park: Willow Flat Campground in the Island in the Sky district and The Needles Campground in the Needles district. Backcountry camping is also available by permit.

How much does it cost to camp in Canyonlands?

At Willow Flat (Island in the Sky), the fee is $15 per night. At The Needles Campground, individual sites are $20 per night. Prices for group sites and backcountry permits vary based on group size and location.

Can I make a reservation for a campsite?

Willow Flat (Island in the Sky) is strictly first-come, first-served year-round. The Needles Campground allows reservations for some sites from March 15 through June 30 and September 1 through October 31 via Recreation.gov. Outside of these windows, it is first-come, first-served.

Are there RV hookups in the park campgrounds?

No. There are no water, sewer, or electrical hookups for RVs within Canyonlands National Park campgrounds. For hookups, visitors typically stay at nearby Dead Horse Point State Park or private campgrounds in Moab.

What is the maximum group size and vehicle limit?

Standard individual sites allow a maximum of 10 people and 2 vehicles. RVs and trailers are generally limited to a maximum length of 28 feet. For larger parties, group sites are available in The Needles district by reservation.

Are pets allowed in the campgrounds?

Yes, pets are allowed in developed campgrounds and on paved roads, provided they are on a leash (6 feet or less). However, pets are not permitted on any hiking trails, in the backcountry, or on river trips.

Is water available at the campgrounds?

The Needles Campground has seasonal potable water available. Willow Flat (Island in the Sky) does not have water; campers must bring their own or fill up at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center.

Canyonlands National Park Camping

Canyonlands National Park is a wonderland of ancient geology, carved out by the mighty Colorado River. Witness the sun rise while standing atop any one of the flat-topped, red-rock mesas — something only camping in Canyonlands grants. Stay the night and revel in dramatic panoramic landscapes filled with deep canyons, pinnacles, cliffs and spires. Or walk along a canyon floor and harness the power of the deep canyon walls that reach the sky.

For first-class access to hiking, biking and stargazing, a Canyonlands camping experience is unmatched. The park itself houses first-come, first-served developed sites or backcountry access via permit. And nearby, find glamping, RV and BLM camping opportunities in Dead Horse State Park, Moab and Monticello.

More Things to Do in Canyonlands How to Visit Canyonlands

Canyonlands Campgrounds

"Views from the high rims surrounding the various canyons look down into the mysterious and inviting depths while exploring the canyon floor can reveal a hidden world of defiant forests."

Camping along the White Rim Trail in in Canyonlands National Park.

Photo: Whit Richardson/Western Spirit

Backcountry Camping in Canyonlands

Canyonlands backcountry camping is an elevated experience, but please adventure at your own risk. Backcountry areas are extremely difficult to navigate. Even experienced backpackers should be well-versed in desert navigation before setting out. When in doubt, consult a park ranger. Their extensive knowledge can help develop an itinerary within your skill set.

Four districts comprise the backcountry zones: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze and the rivers within the park boundaries, all of which require permits for overnight backcountry travel. Each mode of transportation requires its own kind of permit. Fees vary depending on location and travel mode. Permits are required for all overnight backcountry travel, with special permits for each mode of transportation. For those looking to experience popular sights such as White Rim Campground and Cataract Canyon, plan ahead and obtain a permit at least 6 months in advance. Visit the National Park Service website for more details on permits.

Popular backcountry modes of transportation include mountain bike, 4x4 vehicle, dirt bike, boat or horseback, though backpacking is also an option. Note that the lack of water sources, challenging navigation, and hot climate make traveling by foot an adventure for advanced backcountry experts only. However, the adventure potential is nearly endless for those with established backpacking skills.

White Crack Campground

The White Rim Trail is an incredible way to experience the stunning deserts and beautifully carved canyons of Canyonlands National Park. It also gives access to one of the most popular campgrounds in the park: White Crack Campground. This large campsite offers unmatched views of both The Needles and The Maze district of the park. White Crack Campground, and the others along the trail, are reservable up to 12 months in advance on recreation.gov.

Cataract Canyon Camping

Cataract Canyon, a 47-mile-long stretch on the Colorado River, is a popular rafting destination. This river trip takes 2 to 3 days to complete and requires overnight camping. Within the canyon, rafters will experience 14 miles of raging rapids with difficulty ranging up to Class V. While rafting on the river requires a river permit, the 42 campsites along the shoreline are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cataract Canyon is a stunning destination with towering red cliffs lining its fast-moving waters, but it is dangerous. The rapids are powerful and can easily capsize a raft. The river can be very cold; hypothermia is a real danger. Adequate preparation, research and training are essential before attempting a rafting expedition.

Devil’s Kitchen Campground

Devil’s Kitchen is an iconic area near The Needles Campground, characterized by massive boulders, cliffs, and red rock formations surrounding its campsites. Devil’s Kitchen requires an overnight backcountry permit for the Needles area and has four reservable campgrounds. The drive to this campsite is extremely challenging and requires a properly outfitted 4x4 off-road vehicle. RVs are permitted.

BLM Camping Near Canyonlands

Both Moab and Monticello offer dozens of campsites hosted on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Note that these semi-developed campgrounds often have vault toilets and picnic tables, and cost a modest fee ($15-$20 per night). Discover Moab offers an extensive list of the Moab area BLM lands. The Monticello field office also has information on BLM campgrounds in the area, including the famous Superbowl campground.

Tent & RV Camping Near Canyonlands

Dead Horse State Park and Moab, about 30-40 minutes away, hosts a variety of traditional campsites, RV campgrounds, yurts and BLM sites. Monticello offers similar camping options about an hour away. (Read: Wheeling It: An RV Primer for Utah Family Trips)

Glamping Near Canyonlands

Ditch the dirt and keep the drama. Find glamping options near Canyonlands, from the ultra-luxury suites at ULUM and safari-style tents at Under Canvas to family-friendly tipis and cabins at Moab RV & Glamping Resort to off-grid bell tents at Glamping Canyonlands.

Canyonlands is a certified International Dark Sky Park.

Photo: National Park Service

Canyonlands National Park stretches across 527 square miles.

Photo: Angie Payne

Camping Responsibly

Utah Forever

While venturing beyond public campgrounds to camp in the backcountry can be a thrilling adventure — remember to travel responsibly and help us to preserve the natural beauty, vibrant culture and unique traditions that make this state so special. That’s the Utah Forever way.

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Leave No Trace

No matter what Utah activities you take on, remember to follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace:

Plan ahead and prepare.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
Dispose of waste properly.
Leave what you find.
Minimize campfire impacts (be careful with fire).
Respect wildlife.
Be considerate of other visitors.

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FAQs: When To Visit, Pet Policies & Other Things To Know

When is the best time to camp in Canyonlands?

Spring and fall are the most temperate seasons in Southern Utah and Canyonlands. Daylight Savings Time cues the opening of businesses that take the winter off while blossoming flowers invite park comers back for a new season. Summer and winter tend to be less forgiving seasons, often hitting triple digits in the summer and, conversely, seeing below-freezing temps in the winter. But the park doesn’t close! Experience winter in Canyonlands for unmatched solitude.

Are pets allowed at Canyonlands campgrounds?

Pets are allowed on leash in parking areas, picnic areas, and developed campgrounds, but not on trails, in backcountry terrain, or on the rivers. If exploring Canyonlands only accounts for a day or two of your trip, consider boarding your dog in nearby Moab.

Where is the best place to camp in Canyonlands?

Many of the best hikes and viewpoints in Canyonlands are available as day hikes. Camping nearby and making day trips to these places is standard fare (as are the mountain bike destinations like Navajo Rocks). Backcountry campgrounds like Devil's Kitchen Campground are popular adventure hubs, while Needles Campground is a developed campground suitable for all kinds of campers.

How should I prepare to camp in Canyonlands?

Canyonlands is a dry, desert environment. Bring plenty of water and check the weather forecast for lightning storms and flash floods. Utah’s National Parks see millions of travelers each year. As you plan your next trip to Canyonlands, consider ways to support its basecamp communities, travel responsibly and help shape a Utah that lasts forever.

Is there dispersed camping near Canyonlands National Park?

Yes, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees a vast stretch of public land surrounding Canyonlands, and much of it is open to dispersed camping. The Canyon Rims Recreation Area south of Moab is a standout option, offering dramatic canyon views and a more off-the-beaten-path experience.

Is there free camping near Canyonlands National Park?

Free and low-cost camping options do exist near Canyonlands, primarily on BLM land in the greater Moab area. Dispersed camping on BLM-managed land is generally free, though some developed BLM sites charge a small nightly fee. Kane Creek Road and the areas off Highway 191 are popular starting points for finding a site. Keep in mind that free camping comes with a greater responsibility to leave no trace.