Reservations are required to camp at Gooseberry, a backcountry site along White Rim Road in Canyonlands National Park, and the access road earns that designation honestly. Reviewers consistently flag the route as rough, and while dry conditions make it manageable for a range of vehicles, wet weather is another matter. The site sits close to the canyon edge, with open sightlines across the layered rock formations and valley floor that define the Island in the Sky district.
Three campsites make up the Gooseberry area. Site A is the one to request if shade matters: a single tree there provides cover in the late afternoon and into the morning, a meaningful detail in a landscape that offers little else overhead. July temperatures can reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, though evenings tend to drop considerably. Vault toilets are on-site and reviewers describe them as clean and far enough from the sites to avoid odor. No water is available, so all supply must be carried in.
Nights here draw consistent mention in reviews. Kuo G. describes the star visibility as "Moly frikkin so many stars," which captures something real about how dark this stretch of canyon country gets. The site also connects directly to White Rim Trail, making it a logical overnight stop for mountain bikers and those doing multi-day loops through the park. Campers planning a longer itinerary can find tent campgrounds near Canyonlands National Park to compare options across the region. Murphy Hogback Backcountry Campsite — Canyonlands National Park sits roughly 4 miles west along the same road for those wanting an alternative along the route.
Description
Gooseberry has 2 available campsites. Permits are REQUIRED. You must have an overnight permit for all overnight trips along the White Rim.
In spring and fall, demand for overnight permits frequently exceeds the number available. If you plan to visit Canyonlands during these seasons, you should make reservations well in advance.
Gooseberry A: This is a small site. It is located close to the road and is comprised mostly of slickrock with patches of packed dirt. It is very close to the canyon rim offering a very nice view. There is no shade or shelter from the wind.
Gooseberry B: This large site is set slightly back from the road and is comprised mostly of packed dirt with a few scattered rocks. There is no shade or shelter from the wind.
Limits: 15 people and 3 vehicles
Toilets: Gooseberry A and B share a toilet; site A is closer than B.
River Access: The site has no river access.
The 100-mile White Rim Road loops around and below the Island in the Sky mesa top and provides expansive views of the surrounding area. Four-wheel-drive trips usually take two to three days, and mountain bike trips usually take three to four days.
Under favorable weather conditions, the White Rim Road is moderately difficult for high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicles. The steep, exposed sections of the Shafer Trail, Lathrop Canyon Road, Murphy Hogback, Hardscrabble Hill, and the Mineral Bottom switchbacks make the White Rim loop a challenging mountain bike ride, and require extreme caution for both vehicles and bikes during periods of inclement weather. During high water conditions on the Green River, sections of road on the west side can flood, making a complete loop impossible.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles, motorbikes, and bicycles (including e-bikes) are allowed on the White Rim Road. ATVs, UTVs, and OHVs are not permitted. Generators are not allowed. All vehicles and bikes must remain on designated roads. Your vehicle must have high-clearance, four-wheel drive (low range) on the White Rim Road. All vehicles and motorbikes must be registered and operated by a licensed driver. Motorbikes must be equipped and licensed for interstate travel. Pets are not permitted, even in vehicles. Fires are not permitted. Please ensure all riders possess adequate levels of physical fitness prior to all trips, and are experienced enough to mitigate potential challenges and safety issues should they arise.
Reservation Info
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGooseberry Backcountry Campsite is located in Utah near Moab
Coordinates
38.33137347 N
109.82711675 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/29/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/29/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 6 hrs 36 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 8 hrs 1 min from Provo, UT
- 8 hrs 29 min from Farmington, NM
- 8 hrs 32 min from Salt Lake City, UT
