Middle Fork Shafer Canyon dispersed camping offers sites directly on the edge of Canyonlands with views into the vast canyon system. Located at 4,900 feet elevation on BLM land, these primitive sites require high-clearance vehicles to navigate the rocky access road. The desert conditions bring temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night, with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nighttime lows dropping below freezing. Campers must bring all supplies, as no amenities exist at these rim-edge locations.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Horsethief Campground serves as a mountain biking hub with trail access directly from camp. "There are so many awesome mountain bike trails right next to the campground that you don't have to drive to a trailhead unless you want to. Even then, the trailheads are a 5-10 minute drive away," explains Jenny R. at Horsethief Campground.
Rock scrambling exploration: Needles Outpost Campground offers climbing opportunities steps from your site. "This campground has amazing views and you can do fun scrambling and bouldering right on the grounds. It's right outside of Canyonlands national park," notes Kara B.
Canyon rim hiking: Explore the edge at Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed where you can walk right to dramatic viewpoints. "This spot is a top tier location, close to Moab and canyon lands. The perfect location for canyon lands and biking in Moab or dead horse state park. Woke up to breathtaking canyon views," writes Kristin M.
What campers like
Natural shade formations: At The Needles Campground, sites are tucked into rock formations. "Almost every camp spot now has 2 tent pads along with nice covered pavilion and lockable pantry! Very private and secluded spots," according to Joni D. at The Needles Campground.
Private canyon sites: Hamburger Rock Campground offers unique sites around a distinctive rock formation. "Camp sites (~10, i think) are situated around the big hamburger rock, so everyone has a little alcove and you can't really hear your neighbors too much. There are picnic tables, and fire rings at every spot," explains Kylah W.
Star viewing conditions: Dark skies make nighttime spectacular at many sites. "Magnificent views of the needles, and the Chesler Park trail system connects to the campground. We were there Sept 9-11, and the weather was perfect!" says Rachel T. about The Needles Campground.
What you should know
Water access limitations: Most dispersed sites have no water, requiring advance preparation. "A little bit of a rough drive in, AWD/4WD definitely needed. Visited in early March and weather was perfect. Plenty of sites right on the edge of the canyon with fire rings and some trees/bushes for privacy. No amenities so be sure you pack out whatever you pack in and bring wag bags," advises Haley L. about Middle Fork Shafer Canyon.
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. "We drove right up next to the canyon edge with Jeep Gladiator 4x4 & a Mammoth Overland ELE 4x4 trailer. Three days but wish we could stay longer," explains Sam M.
Wind challenges: Prepare for significant wind, especially at exposed sites. "We got to this campsite on a Saturday night around 5:30 first weekend in May and there were a good amount of spots taken already but we found a great spot. Super rocky so you'll have to use rocks to weigh down your tent corners since you can't stake them down. We had an amazing time until around 10pm when a massive wind storm hit," reports Brittany P.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly camping options: Kayenta Campground at Dead Horse Point State Park welcomes pets at all sites. "Dog friendly camp ground! Those are getting harder to find now a days," notes Wesley L. at Kayenta Campground. For dog-friendly campgrounds near Canyonlands National Park, research site-specific pet policies.
Kid-friendly exploration areas: Some campgrounds offer natural climbing features perfect for supervised play. "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 group of 15 loved being away from other campers and our teenagers loved climbing/exploring the rock faces," says Melissa A. about Split Top Group Campsite.
Accessibility to facilities: For families needing more amenities, Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown provides full services. "They have RV spots, small cabins, and private tent camping. Bathrooms are clean. Good water pressure in showers. Nice little heated pool and splash pad," shares R E.
Tips from RVers
Electrical service options: Wingate Campground at Dead Horse Point State Park offers RV-friendly sites with power. "Electric only campsite at Wingate campground but sites are spread out well and somewhat private. Site concrete pad and comes with covered pavilion on with table and firepit/grill," reports Colleen B.
Site clearance challenges: Some campgrounds have access limitations for larger rigs. "Heads up that the driveway up into each camp site can be steep and/or have a dip so if you have a long vehicle you may scrape. I believe the length limit here is 25ft, we fit fine in our 26ft motorhome," warns Laura M. about The Needles Campground.
Hookup availability: Research utility connections before arrival as many sites are primitive. "Great location Downtown Moab, behind a Texaco station. We liked having one night in town, as we could walk to the restaurants, shops and stores. The RV sites are close together, water, electric hookups available," notes Paula O.
