Elephant Canyon 3, near [Canyonlands National Park](https://thedyrt.com/camping/utah/near/canyonlands-national-park), is a fantastic spot for those who love the rugged beauty of the desert. This backcountry site requires a bit of a hike to reach, but the stunning views and unique rock formations make it well worth the effort.

The campsite is perfect for tent camping and glamping, offering a secluded experience surrounded by impressive canyon walls. Visitors rave about the breathtaking scenery, with one camper noting, “It’s amazing how textured and layered everything is.” Just remember, you’ll need to pack in your own water and follow Leave No Trace principles, as there are no amenities here.

For those who enjoy stargazing, the clear night skies are a highlight, with one reviewer calling it the “starriest sky I’ve ever seen!” The area is also great for hiking, with trails leading to nearby landmarks like Druid Arch. Just be prepared for a bit of a trek, as the hike involves navigating through canyons and over slick rock.

While the site is remote and lacks facilities, the natural beauty and sense of adventure make Elephant Canyon 3 a memorable destination for campers looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Elephant Canyon 3 (EC3) — Canyonlands National Park

In eastern Utah, near Arches National Park and Moab, UT, you’ll find Canyonlands National Park. Often paired with a visit to Arches or Moab, Canyonlands is more than four times the size of Arches. In fact, it’s the largest national park in the state.

Like other Utah parks, getting a campsite can be a challenge. The Needles takes reservations, but Island in the Sky is first-come, first served. Both can be accessed with an RV up to 28 feet long. However, the campsites are dry. Camping in the frontcountry isn’t easy, but there are many backcountry campgrounds to choose from. Like all other parks, the best camping near Canyonlands National Park is wherever you can find it, as 42% of the entire state is BLM land.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Canyonlands National Park is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Canyonlands National Park, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

The Best Camping Near Canyonlands National Park, Utah

This is a backcountry campsite reachable by a 2.5 mile hike from the Elephant Hill Trailhead in The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. This is dispersed camping so there are no services nor amenities once you leave the trailhead. Leave No Trace principles apply. WAG bags required. Carry in any water that you might need because water is scarce or non-existant.

The hike to the campsite is over hills, down canyons, across slick rock and traversing sand. The trail is marked by cairns for most of the way, but it is highly recommended that you use a topo/trail map and compass or GPS to navigate. Along the way you will see a variety of rock formations such as joints, fins and spires.

You will cross a canyon and creek where EC1 and EC2 are located. Continue past EC2 for another .25 miles. You might walk right past the campsite, but look for the EC3 wooden sign post. The campsite is nestled amongst some rock formations. The creek is below in the canyon. Don't count on any water being in the creek, it will most likely be dry. There is plenty of open space to set up 3-4 tents.

This is one of the first three campsites when entering The Needles District from the Elephant Hill Trailhead. There are two additional site located within half a mile. This site has views of a plateau and some needles. A quarter mile away the trail splits between the trail to Chesler Park and Druid Arch.

Elephant Canyon 3 (EC3)

This is a great backpacking campsite. Permit is required as are wag bags and leave no trace. I tracked it at 3 miles from Elephant Canyon trailhead. It was a 2 mile hike to Druid Arch from this site. No service and no water so plan accordingly. 

Views All Around

This spot isn’t a difficult hike, so it’s great for inexperienced backpackers. To get there, you hike a dry river/creek bed. The site is higher up than the trail. The elevated location gives you a great view of the canyon. 

There’s a rock in this site that offers privacy, so people have turned it into a bathroom. There wasn’t trash around, but there was definitely an odor over by that rock. It didn’t affect the part of the site where we had our tents. 

We had a clear night, and the starriest sky I’ve ever seen!

I’d love to camp here again! 

Perfect Backpacking Trip

Growled at by mountain Lion 100meters from climb up to campsite. Amazing. So textured and layered. Loved just staring at everything. Fun climbs to top of canyon. Bring more water than you think.

Photos of Elephant Canyon 3 (EC3) — Canyonlands National Park

Real photos from real campers