Gooseberry Backcountry Campsite, near Salina, Utah, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the stunning landscapes of Canyonlands National Park. With its surreal views and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a favorite among campers who appreciate the beauty of nature without the distractions of modern amenities.

This site offers a unique camping experience with designated spots that provide a picnic table for your meals and a vault toilet nearby. Visitors rave about the epic sunrise and sunset views, with one camper noting, “The views were surreal under the full moon.” Just keep in mind that there’s no drinking water or showers, so come prepared.

For adventure seekers, Gooseberry is a gateway to the White Rim Trail, perfect for hiking and mountain biking. The area is known for its monumental red rock formations and breathtaking vistas, making it feel like you’re on another planet. As one reviewer put it, “Camping on another planet” captures the essence of this incredible location.

While the campground is remote, it’s worth the trip for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle. Just remember to reserve your spot ahead of time, especially if you want to snag one with some shade. Whether you’re stargazing at night or exploring the rugged terrain during the day, Gooseberry Backcountry Campsite offers a memorable outdoor experience.

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.

Gooseberry Backcountry Campsite — Canyonlands National Park

Nestled in the sandstone of eastern Utah is the small town of Moab. This outdoor-lover’s paradise is the gateway to Arches National Park, with Canyonlands just a short drive away. Camping near Moab means unfettered access to BLM lands with rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, ATVing, horseback riding, rafting, and more.

Whether you’re heading in for a day-hike, scenic drive, or staking your tent at a campground, a visit to Arches is a must. Tent and RV camping near Moab provide easy access to one of Utah’s most iconic landmarks: Delicate Arch. (It’s even on their license plate!)

Downtown Moab is certainly worth a visit too. Grab an al fresco lunch at the Food Truck Park, visit the galleries and boutiques, or stock up on gear rentals for all your outdoor adventures. The area is also known for its petroglyphs and petrographs, which were created by Paleo-Indian, ancestral Puebloan, and Ute artists.

Moab

Searching for the best camping near Moab, UT? Moab is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Moab, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Moab Camping | Utah Campgrounds

Felt like i was camping on another planet. Monumental red rocks and formations everywhere. We entered canyonlands white rim trail form shafer pass. Wowz... looking down the trail from the top. Its long narrow winding switchbacks descending a couple thousand feet info the canyons. Incredibly fun to mountain down! It was sandy and extreme dirt. As we passed along white rim trail there are numerous views. Ill let the pictures do the describing as it would take me forever to type this out.

Arriving at camp was like 1 tree. There are clean large vault restrooms near by. This area i believe has three campsites. We occupied A and B. Closest to the canyon edge. We went in July, (not the best time) it was around 104 degrees F. But the evening was a nice 75 degrees F. Besides the awesome temps in the evening, the view of space, was almot graspable by hand. Moly frikkin so many stars. Fortunately we had some nice canon cameras to campture it.

This is my favorite campsite of all.

Camping on another planet

Wow, this was better then expected. Free camping. We rolled in around sundown and did some slow careful driving in our outback till we found a site on the 2nd loop. I wouldn’t recommend camping in the rain but dry the roads in we’re doable for a variety of vehicles. Tons of mountain biking too! 

Amazing Mesa & zion views 

Permits required. Vault toilets available, no water. Amazing views, access to white rim trail, and some hiking/biking trails to island in the sky. 

White rim trail. Epic camping.

Of all the campgrounds along White Rim Road I enjoyed this one the most. So peaceful, the views were surreal under the full moon. No bugs, no flies, the vault toilet is far enough to not smell. If you can reserve Gooseberry A - that one has a tree that provided ample shade when we rolled in at 5pm-ish, and also in the morning. Epic sunset and sunrise views. 

Photos of Gooseberry Backcountry Campsite — Canyonlands National Park

Real photos from real campers