Canyonlands Campgrounds
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Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground
Island in the Sky is a modest campground with 12 first-come, first-served campsites and is open year-round. There are vault toilets, picnic tables and fire pits, though there are no water sources (water can be obtained at the visitor center). RVs are welcome but there are no hookups available. Camping is $15 per night. Note that the campground fills up quickly in the prime spring and fall.
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The Needles Campground
The Needles Campground is the largest developed campground in the park with 29 sites. It allows reservations at 12 sites in the spring and fall (March 15-June 30, September 1-October 31) with a cost of $20 per night. Otherwise, it’s first-come, first-served. Many campsites have juniper trees that provide welcome shade.
"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."
Backcountry Camping in Canyonlands
Backcountry camping is an elevated experience in Canyonlands, but please note that the area can be extremely difficult to navigate. Even experienced backpackers should be well-versed in desert navigation before setting out. Park rangers are extremely knowledgeable and can help you develop your itinerary.
Four districts make up the backcountry zones: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze and the rivers within the park boundaries. Permits are required for all overnight backcountry travel, with special permits for each mode of transportation. Permits should be acquired at least six months in advance for the more popular destinations, such as the amazing White Rim Campgrounds and Cataract Canyon. The National Park Service wesbite has more details on permits. Fees vary depending on the location and modes of travel.
The best way to reach backcountry sites is by mountain bike, 4x4 vehicle, dirt bike, boat or horseback, though backpacking is also an option. Traveling by foot in Canyonlands is generally not beginner-friendly due to the lack of water sources, challenging navigation and hot climate. For those with established backpacking skills, however, the adventure potential is nearly endless.
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.
RV Camping and Glamping
Most RV campers stay in the Moab area, about a 30-40-minute drive from Canyonlands. There are plentiful options in town as well as many BLM options for RVs (noted above).
There are also several hotels, resorts and even a glamping option in Moab, for those looking for a few more amenities.
Canyonlands is a certified International Dark Sky Park.
Canyonlands National Park stretches across 527 square miles.
Discover More
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6 Steps to a Family MTB Trip on Canyonlands' White Rim
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own multi-day mountain bike trip on the White Rim Trail.
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A First-ever Camping Trip on BLM Lands
As a new resident of the western United States, I’ve discovered the gift of recreating on public lands. Though daunting at first, after researching and waiting too long, the time finally felt right to try camping on BLM lands in Utah’s dinosaur country. There is no shame in trying something new.
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Backpacking in Canyonlands National Park
Canyonlands National Park offers a spectrum of backpacking opportunities — from short trips at designated backcountry campsites to longer, adventurous trips that require extensive planning and desert canyon navigational knowledge.
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How to Backcountry Camp Responsibly
Four tips on how to camp more thoughtfully and responsibly in Utah's backcountry.
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How to Camp on Utah’s BLM Lands
Read these insights and tips gathered from a novice’s first-ever camping trip on BLM and public lands to gain the confidence you need to recreate happily and respectfully on Utah’s public lands.
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Moab Farmers' Market
Thursday evenings & Saturday mornings in summer, discover a food and community market that shares the harvest of the desert.
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Moab Under Canvas: Glamping
If you’re looking for a luxurious camping experience, Moab Under Canvas is just the ticket. Book your stay in a fully-furnished canvas tent in canyon country!
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Moab's Singletrack Renaissance
Moab isn’t just for burly Slickrock riders anymore. In the last few years, local groups have established dozens of miles of new mountain bike trails.
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Post-Adventure Meals in Moab
Milt’s Stop & Eat and Eddie McStiff’s are two of Moab’s many restaurants that offer more than just great food to fuel or satiate a big adventure.
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The Best Restaurants in Moab
Post-fun meals in Moab are an essential part of the adventure. Recharge your energy, enjoy a cold one (or two), and refuel at some of Moab's best restaurants.
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Utah’s Scenery Offers A Backdrop for Inclusive Family Camping
While Utah is known for its amazing outdoors, it also has resources that ensure that families and individuals of all abilities can access these places.
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Where to Take Your Family to Eat in Moab
You’ll work up a solid appetite biking, exploring and hiking in Moab. Here are a few of the best family-friendly restaurants in Moab.
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Winter in Southeastern Utah: Arches and Canyonlands
Want to avoid the Utah national park crowds? Plan a winter Southeastern Utah trip. Experience more peace, quiet and solitude.
