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Camping near Canyonlands National Park

2,167 Reviews

Canyonlands National Park has several camping options throughout Utah's dramatic desert landscape. Devils Garden Campground sits inside neighboring Arches National Park and connects to many good hiking trails nearby. Around Canyonlands itself, you'll find basic primitive sites that put you right in the middle of the wilderness. UtahRaptor State Park recently opened to campers and shows off some interesting rock formations you won't see elsewhere. The land around these parks includes deep canyons, flat-topped mesas, and standalone buttes that make camping here unlike other places. Many of the established campgrounds have water and bathrooms, which helps when staying in such a remote area. Spring and fall bring the best weather for camping here, with comfortable temperatures for hiking and exploring. Summer gets extremely hot in this part of Utah, so bring plenty of water and sun protection if you visit then. Some roads and camping areas close during winter when snow and ice make them dangerous or inaccessible.

Map showing campgrounds near Canyonlands National Park, UtahExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Canyonlands National Park (270)

    1. Island In The Sky (Willow Flat) Campground — Canyonlands National Park

    25 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 719-2313

    "Willow Flat campground is located in the Canyonlands National Park: Island in the sky section. It’s rather small with only 12 spots on a a first come first serve basis. Most spot fill up by noon."

    "Grabbing one of the few first come- first served sites at Canyonlands National Park is tough because this section of the park is immensely popular and there are only twelve available."

    2. BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed

    40 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    13 miles
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "Spending the night on the rim of canyonlands national park— Definitely one of the most magical experiences of my life setting our tents up during sunset and waking up during sunrise overlooking the vast"

    "It is 1.1 miles BEFORE Canyonland National Park sign or between mile marker 3 & 4. A little tough to sign and totally worth it."

    3. Kayenta Campground — Dead Horse Point State Park

    42 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2614

    $50 / night

    "Beautiful scenery, friendly staff, clean bathrooms and close to Canyonlands National Park."

    "Extremely close to canyonlands national park if you don’t get a site inside of the park. Each site has its own little hut and picnic table at it. They offer both electric and non electric sites."

    4. Wingate Campground — Dead Horse Point State Park

    36 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2614

    $40 - $150 / night

    "Just outside Canyonlands National Park, if you can snag a spot...well worth making this your basecamp."

    "We stayed here while visit Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. This setup is very nice with a great covered picnic table and grill, with a fire ring right next to it."

    5. Horsethief Campground

    53 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    $25 / night

    "Horsethief Campground is a BLM campground between Moab and the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park."

    "This BLM campground is situated upon the plateau road near the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park."

    6. Needles Outpost Campground

    27 Reviews
    La Sal, UT
    13 miles
    Website

    "This is a private campground right outside of the Needles district of Canyonlands National Park. There are some really wonderful sites with a bit of privacy and great views."

    "It’s right outside of Canyonlands national park. The bathrooms were super nice and there’s a little store. Some sites are right under the rocks which is the best."

    7. Hamburger Rock Campground

    22 Reviews
    La Sal, UT
    15 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "We hiked around back and camped back where it was pretty open with some nooks in the rocks. We had 7 high school students along."

    "Hamburger Rock is a BLM campground located in the Indian Creek Unit of Bears Ears National Monument. Sites 1- 9 are at the base of the Hamburger Rock geologic feature."

    8. Cowboy Camp Campground

    21 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-2100

    "It's very close to the state park and it's along the way to Canyonlands (about 15 minutes away). 

    The campground is quite simple. They're first-come, first-serve sites."

    "Very close to Dead Horse Point state park. Easy to access. A few sites (6-7?). Pay cash or by check at the entrance. BLM. Great views. Vault toilet was very clean. Picnic table and fire ring."

    9. The Needles Campground — Canyonlands National Park

    11 Reviews
    La Sal, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-4711

    $20 / night

    "We stayed in the Dutch Oven group site, loop A, which was adjacent to the restrooms with running water, and very near to the Squaw Flat trailhead. I really appreciate how the NPS utilized the space."

    "Adjacent to the trailheads, the sites have great views of the terrain, and level parking. RV and tent sites available-- these are spread out enough for a sense of isolation."

    10. Split Top Group Campsite — Canyonlands National Park

    11 Reviews
    La Sal, UT
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-4711

    $70 - $115 / night

    "Vault toilets Water available

    This very private group site is nestled in a rock formation outside the campgrounds. Park rangers had to help us locate it because it wasn’t on the park maps."

    "Our site was located right near the entrance to the campground and had 3 tent pads. There were two little caverns where we sat in to escape the storm."

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Recent Camping Photos near Canyonlands National Park

670 Photos of 270 Canyonlands National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Canyonlands National Park

2167 Reviews of 270 Canyonlands National Park Campgrounds

  • James C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Utahraptor State Park Campground

    Great depending on the campsite

    As others have mentioned, this is now a pay campground. As of today, $15.00 for (primitive), which has a fire ring and a picnic table, and “partial hookups” (don’t know what that includes). We got the perfect spot for us, this will depend very much on what you are looking for.

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    King's Bottom Campground

    Close to Moab

    We enjoyed our stay here close to Moab. 10 drive in and 12 walk in sites. Just one pit toilet for the 10 drive in sites , but was OK. For 20 dollars a much better option than the expensive campgrounds in Moab. Popular so arrive early. We had no excessive noise (some ATVs into the evening but that's Moab) and not many mosquitoes as some others commented. Nice canyon views!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Green River State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground

    We have been to a lot of campgrounds in the past 30 years if camping and this campground is amazing. It's absolutely beautiful. One of my favorite so far.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Athena Slabs at Green River

    Easy access with nice views

    Easy access to and from the highway. Distant Cliffs provide a nice view. High enough from the road that you don't really hear it. Use caution as there is rebar sticking up from the ground here and there, and there was a sharp steel plate near where we parked.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    West Temple Road in Goblin Valley

    Elevated spots with great views

    Parking lot and a dirt road with isolated spots on a hilltop with great views of rocks and distant buttes.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway

    Nice but?

    The park is ok but most sites are shared camp sides. And they aren’t very big. The park is in a cool location and has nice area amenities. Arches is 10 minutes, canyon lands is 45. The park has a neat area with games to do. I just don’t care for the shared campside. Our dogs do not need a reason to bark. Nice pool. Would probably pick another park.

  • oThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Williams Bottom Campground

    Perfect for a night

    $20 a night, little bit of road noise being next to a 4x4 trail, large, well spaced sites. Camp hosts were lovely

  • C L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area

    Highly Recommend

    HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

    There are a BUNCH of both individual campsites, group campsites, and shared campsites up the hill and RV campsites are at the bottom. All with great views. The road is gravel towards the entrance and then a little rocky at parts, but nothing crazy. Stone fire pits indicate where the sites are. Great views of the mountains and Moab in the distance. Maybe 15-20 minutes from Moab.

  • C L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Yellow Circle Crossing

    Highly Recommend

    HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

    There are a BUNCH of both individual campsites, group campsites, and shared campsites up the hill and RV campsites are at the bottom. All with great views. The road is gravel towards the entrance and then a little rocky at parts, but nothing crazy. Stone fire pits indicate where the sites are. Great views of the mountains and Moab in the distance. Maybe 15-20 minutes from Moab.

Guide to Canyonlands National Park

Camping near Canyonlands National Park, Utah, offers a fantastic way to experience the stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures in the area. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and enjoy the beauty of nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in Canyonlands National Park. One camper mentioned, “Great starting point for several hikes” at Devils Garden Campground, making it a popular choice for those looking to hit the trails.
  • Stargazing: The clear skies in the area provide excellent stargazing opportunities. A visitor at Kayenta Campground noted, “Great stargazing!” which is a highlight for many campers.
  • Mountain Biking: The trails around Moab are famous for mountain biking. One review from BLM 378 Willow Springs Road mentioned, “Close to most of the MTB trails we were there for,” making it a great base for biking enthusiasts.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and facilities. A review from Devils Garden Campground highlighted, “Well maintained bathrooms,” which adds to the overall camping experience.
  • Helpful Hosts: Many campers enjoy the friendly and helpful campground hosts. One camper at BLM 378 Willow Springs Road said, “Host was very helpful,” which can make a big difference during your stay.
  • Beautiful Views: The stunning scenery is a major draw. A visitor at Kayenta Campground remarked, “Amazing park with incredible views,” showcasing the natural beauty surrounding the campgrounds.

What you should know:

  • Cold Nights: Be prepared for chilly evenings, especially in the fall. A camper at Devils Garden Campground warned, “It does get cold at night,” so pack accordingly.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities. A review from BLM 378 Willow Springs Road mentioned, “No drinking water,” so be sure to bring your own supplies.
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly. A visitor at Horsethief Campground noted, “Very popular campground in mid October!” so plan ahead if you’re visiting during busy times.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer ranger talks or educational programs. A review from Devils Garden Campground mentioned, “Kid friendly nighttime ranger talks,” which can be a fun experience for families.
  • Spacious Campsites: Choose campgrounds with ample space for kids to play. One camper at Kayenta Campground appreciated the “large tent pads,” providing plenty of room for family activities.
  • Safety Precautions: Be aware of wildlife. A camper at Devils Garden Campground humorously noted, “This is the Ravens home; we are just visitors,” reminding families to keep an eye on their surroundings.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Big Rig Access: Ensure the campground can accommodate larger RVs. A review from BLM 378 Willow Springs Road mentioned it was “big rig friendly,” which is a plus for RV travelers.
  • Plan for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A visitor at Slickrock Campground noted, “Sites are ridiculously close to each other,” so be prepared for a more communal experience.
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of the campground’s proximity to attractions. A camper at Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown mentioned, “Walking distance to downtown,” making it easy to explore the area.

Camping near Canyonlands National Park, Utah, is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy outdoor activities. With a variety of campgrounds and experiences, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds located in Canyonlands National Park?

Canyonlands National Park has campgrounds in two main districts. In the Needles District, you'll find The Needles Campground, which offers drive-in sites with water and toilets. For a backcountry experience, Taylor Backcountry Campsites provide more remote camping options within the park. The Island in the Sky District has fewer developed camping options within the park boundaries, which is why many visitors choose to stay at nearby BLM campgrounds or in Moab. Each district of Canyonlands is relatively isolated from the others, requiring significant driving time between them, so choosing a campground near your planned activities is important.

What are the camping options near Canyonlands National Park if the park campgrounds are full?

If Canyonlands campgrounds are full, several excellent alternatives exist nearby. Horsethief Campground is a BLM option between Moab and the Island in the Sky district, offering simple sites with picnic tables and fire rings. It's an ideal base camp for exploring both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Dead Horse Point State Park offers Wingate Campground with spectacular views and well-maintained facilities just outside Canyonlands. For more primitive options, BLM dispersed camping is available on Mineral Bottom Road and Sovereign Lands outside Moab. These free sites provide basic camping with no amenities but offer convenient access to the parks.

What types of camping are available in Canyonlands National Park?

Canyonlands National Park offers several camping styles to suit different preferences. Developed camping is available at designated campgrounds with basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. For groups, Split Top Group Campsite in the Needles District accommodates larger parties with drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access. Backcountry camping is permitted with proper permits in designated areas, allowing for a more immersive wilderness experience. For those seeking solitude, Hamburger Rock Campground and nearby dispersed camping areas offer primitive sites with stunning surroundings. Vehicle camping is restricted to designated roads and campsites to protect the fragile desert environment.

Are there any private campgrounds with additional amenities near Canyonlands?

Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway is centrally located off the main road, about twenty minutes from Canyonlands National Park. This private campground offers level camping pads, clean drinking water, and nice bathrooms. It's also conveniently close to Arches National Park and Dead Horse State Park. Another option is Needles Outpost Campground, a private facility right outside the Needles district with wonderful sites offering privacy and great views. It features showers, flush toilets, and a small store. The campground provides access to fantastic hiking and climbing, though shade is limited. Both locations offer more amenities than public campgrounds in the area.

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