Hiking into Chesler Park 1 puts campers in the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, a hike-in backcountry site managed by the National Park Service. The approach is rated moderate difficulty with considerable sun exposure, so carrying adequate sunscreen and water matters. The site sits near a creek and, once reached, sees little foot traffic from other groups. Sightlines open toward mesas and rock formations characteristic of the Colorado Plateau. Campers wanting more options in the area can browse tent campgrounds near Canyonlands National Park. Chesler Park 2 (CP2) campsite in The Needles District sits roughly 0.6 miles west for those wanting a nearby alternative.
Description
Backpacking at The Needles
The Needles is the most popular backpacking destination in the park. You can access most trailheads with a two-wheel-drive vehicle. You may find water seasonally in many of the canyons east of Chesler Park.
Permits are required for all overnight trips into the backcountry. During the spring and fall, demand for permits is very high. If you plan to visit Canyonlands during peak season—especially during spring break (March)—you may have to make a reservation four months in advance.
Most backpackers stay at designated campsites in The Needles. All of these campsites require campers to carry out all solid human waste in a commercial human waste disposal bag. In areas where there are no established campsites, backpackers can reserve a permit for an at-large zone. Campsites in the Salt Creek area require the use of approved hard-sided food storage containers (e.g. bear canisters).
Reservation Info
You may have an overnight permit for up to 14 consecutive nights. If you are backpacking, you may stay up to seven consecutive nights in any one site or zone. If you are using the designated vehicle camps, you may stay a maximum of three consecutive nights at a camping area before having to relocate.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsChesler Park 1 (CP1) Backcountry Campsite, Needles District of Canyonlands National Park is located in Utah near Monticello
Coordinates
38.11826497161307 N
109.83585568698022 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/1/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
Drive Time
- 4 hrs 49 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 5 hrs from Farmington, NM
- 6 hrs 14 min from Provo, UT
- 6 hrs 45 min from Salt Lake City, UT
