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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Canyonlands National Park

2,129 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Canyonlands National Park, UtahExplore the Map

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Canyonlands National Park (170)

    1. BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed

    40 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."

    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

    36 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. Horsethief Campground

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

    $25 / night

    "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."

    5. 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."

    6. 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."

    7. 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."

    8. 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."

    9. Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown

    46 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-6848

    "The Sun Outdoors Moab Utah camp grounds was great. Beautiful trees in the fall, laundry, clean showers, hookups, easy walk to downtown places, yet still quiet. Staff were very friendly and helpful."

    "Tucked in behind the Texaco gas station/general store, this large campground has plenty of shade trees and all the hookups including cable TV for around $55/night."

    10. Utahraptor State Park Campground

    66 Reviews
    Moab, UT
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 259-3770

    $15 - $50 / night

    "Lots of room for over 100 rigs, tents, vans, though some are in close proximity to each other."

    "My class b van handled the road well. 15 dollars paid through the Utah park ap."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Canyonlands National Park

127 Photos of 170 Canyonlands National Park Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Canyonlands National Park

2129 Reviews of 170 Canyonlands National Park Campgrounds

  • Crystal W.
    Sep. 13, 2022

    Sun Outdoors Canyonlands Gateway

    Nice Location to hit the parks

    Centrally located off the main road. About ten minutes from Arches National Park and twenty minutes from Canyonland Nation Park/Dead Horse State Park. Level camping pads. Clean drinking water. The bathrooms are nice but there are only four so it can get congested. Slight noise pollution from the main strip but worth it for the central location. Nice pool. Moderately priced gas station and camp store on site. Friendly staff. If you plan to visit Arches NP don’t forget make the mandatory reservation online with the NPS.

  • Melissa K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 15, 2017

    Hamburger Rock Campground

    Not quite Hamburger Rock

    We stayed about 3/4 of a mile from Hamburger Rock in dispersed camping. There was a pull off and there was someone camping on the rocks on the front of the pull off. 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. Three students, along with a teacher put up hammocks in the rocks and trees, of which there weren't many (way more rocks then trees). Two slept on the ground and three of us slept in tents. The wind was bad and when the wind was blowing, so was the dirt. Our burgers that night were a bit crunchy and gritty. The views were spectacular, clear across almost to canyonlands. On a clear night you'd be able to see stars forever as well. Our night was windy and a bit overcast. We were there in April and it was a bit chilly but the perfect temps for hiking as it wasn't too hot yet. We were maybe 15 minutes from Canyonlands National Park. This is where we spent most of our time. The bathrooms were at Hamburger Rock and they were vault toilets in a building. They smelled pretty awful and were out of TP. We only used them twice, we otherwise found facilities elsewhere. We did take a short bus back there, our bus was not able to go up the road to where we camped so we walked our gear in. If we had more clearance we could have gone up. Even a regular bus probably could have made it but with our auto chain system, we could not. It was not a bad spot, especially for being free.

  • Carlyne F.
    Feb. 10, 2021

    Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway

    Moab Valley RV Resort, Utah

    Located right off of highway 191, Moab Valley RV Resort is in the perfect location, especially for those looking to visit the national parks. Arches National Park is a short, 5 minute drive and Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse State Park are located 25 minutes away. The quaint town of Moab is a short 5 minute drive in the other direction and offers several options for restaurants, shops, hotels and a grocery store.

    The campground bathrooms and showers are clean and well maintained. They also offer a nice dog park and recreation area along the tree line. During the winter the check in center is closed, but they provided us with all the information we needed prior to arrival. Overall we were pleased with the stay and we’re stunned by the surrounding area and all Moab has to offer.

  • Kim G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 13, 2025

    Kayenta Campground — Dead Horse Point State Park

    Another amazing Utah State Park

    We love this park! Great hiking right from the campground. Beautiful scenery, friendly staff, clean bathrooms and close to Canyonlands National Park. We really enjoyed our stay here, hiking most of the trails and also visiting Canyonlands Island in the Sky area. Utah does state parks well!

  • Campground Recon C.
    Oct. 7, 2020

    Horsethief Campground

    Great Basecamp for Exploring Arches & Canyonlands National Parks

    Horsethief Campground is a BLM campground between Moab and the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park. Besides easy access to many mountain biking trails, Horsethief Campground makes a great base camp for exploring both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. 

    Horsethief Campground Info

    * Elevation: 5780 ft

    * Fee per Night:$20

    * Total Campsites: 57 sites in the main campground and 27 sites in the tent loop across the road

    * Water- No water available in the campground

    * Reservations Not Accepted, except for Group Site#39

    * Cell Service: Little to No Service with AT&T or Verizon.

    * Open Year Round(Weather Permitting)

    Area Activities:

    * Numerous mountain biking trails

    * 4 wheel drive roads

    * Canyonlands National Park

    * Arches National Park

  • Thomas M.
    Dec. 4, 2020

    Taylor Backcountry Campsites — Canyonlands National Park

    Extreme solitude, great stargazing

    I had a great experience at this campsite! Check out my blog post about my adventure here with my wife and daughter:

    https://saltlakedad.weebly.com/blog/camping-in-canyonlands-national-park

  • Josh D.
    Dec. 26, 2021

    Wingate Campground — Dead Horse Point State Park

    Quintessential Utah Camping

    Spectacular views, well kept campgrounds. Amazing rim hikes. Just outside Canyonlands National Park, if you can snag a spot...well worth making this your basecamp.

  • Isaac P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 15, 2021

    Dispersed Camping Outside of Moab - Sovereign Lands

    Good option close to Moab

    Super convenient for quick access to Arches National Park, with it being only 10 minutes away. Also close to Canyonlands National Park, as it is only 30 minutes away. Would highly recommend getting there no later than the mid afternoon so you can pick a good spot. The farther in you go, the better, as there will be people coming in all the way into the night. Set yourself up to where you restrict access for others to park right next to you, or you may have closer neighbors than you’d like.

  • Shari G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2022

    Horsethief Campground

    Inexpensive & Close to Some Awesome Utah Parks

    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. It offers a variety of simple individual and group sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and varying degrees of privacy. The bathrooms are all pit toilets, and kept very clean. Water can be found at the National Park visitor’s center, or in the State Park, or back in town at the town park or outdoor gear store.  If you run on solar like we do, you are guaranteed plenty of power.

    These campsites are awesome because of their proximity to the hiking, cycling, slick rock mountain biking, rock climbing and paddling opportunities, that the Moab area is known for. The view from any campsite upon the plateau is a stunner and makes you think that $20 a night is a pretty good bargain, and with the cooler temperatures than the canyon below! Moab offers all the amenities of a small town that thrives on tourism without the sprawling consumerism of the suburbs. If you can’t get it there, you probably don’t need it. 

    Arches National Park is about 30-40 minutes away. The entrance to the Islands in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, as well as Dead Horse State Park, are within 20 minutes.

Guide to Canyonlands National Park

Explore the beauty of Canyonlands National Park while enjoying the company of your furry friends at various pet-friendly campgrounds in the area. These sites offer a perfect blend of nature and amenities for both you and your pets.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include Kayenta Campground

  • At Kayenta Campground, pets are welcome, and the campground features large tent pads and a covered dining area, making it a comfortable spot for families and their pets.
  • This campground offers electric hookups and drinking water, ensuring a convenient stay while you explore the stunning landscapes of Dead Horse Point State Park.
  • With easy access to hiking trails, you and your pet can enjoy the great outdoors together, soaking in the breathtaking views.

Tips for camping with dogs near Canyonlands National Park

  • When staying at Wingate Campground, take advantage of the spacious sites that provide good privacy, allowing your dog to roam comfortably.
  • Make sure to bring your own water, as this campground does not provide drinking water, ensuring your pet stays hydrated during your adventures.
  • The campground features designated hiking trails, perfect for daily walks with your dog while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Pet owners like Needles Outpost Campground

  • Needles Outpost Campground is a well-reviewed spot that allows pets and offers a friendly atmosphere with helpful staff, making it a great choice for families traveling with pets.
  • The campground has a small store where you can pick up essentials, including firewood, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable stay with your pet.
  • Enjoy the stunning sunsets and nearby hiking trails, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities with your furry companion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Canyonlands National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Canyonlands National Park is BLM Middle Fork Shafer Canyon Dispersed with a 4.8-star rating from 40 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Canyonlands National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 170 dog-friendly camping locations near Canyonlands National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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