Top 10+ Campgrounds near Canyonlands National Park

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Canyonlands National Park (265)

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

    24 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. 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."

    3. Wingate Campground — Dead Horse Point State Park

    35 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."

    4. BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed

    32 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."

    5. Horsethief Campground

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

    "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. 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."

    9. 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."

    10. Cowboy Camp Campground

    19 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 265 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Canyonlands National Park

2047 Reviews of 265 Canyonlands National Park Campgrounds



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

What camping is available near Canyonlands National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, Canyonlands National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 265 campgrounds and RV parks near Canyonlands National Park and 100 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Canyonlands National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Canyonlands National Park is Island In The Sky (Willow Flat) Campground — Canyonlands National Park with a 4.8-star rating from 24 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Canyonlands National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 100 free dispersed camping spots near Canyonlands National Park.

What parks are near Canyonlands National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Canyonlands National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.