Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Canyonlands National Park? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Canyonlands National Park. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Canyonlands National Park campsites are perfect for tent campers.
11 Miles south of Moab, free dispersed sites along Yellow Circle Road. BLM signage designates the area within which you can camp. Many RVs and tent sites. Good for 2wd.
You must have an overnight permit for all overnight trips along the White Rim. Obtain permits here: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675315
This is a large site with spectacular views of the Needles and Maze districts of the park. It consists mostly of sand and packed dirt with large patches of slickrock. There are shade trees nearby, but not in the campsite. There is no shade or shelter from the wind. White Crack is the most requested site on the White Rim Road and fills quickly. A marked trail guides you to the southern-most point on the White Rim level of the Island in the Sky district for a nearly 360-degree panoramic view. Broad expanses of slickrock allow easy walking along the canyon rim in all directions for more spectacular scenery.
Limits: 15 people and 3 vehicles
Toilets: The site has a private toilet.
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.
No potable water is available along the White Rim Road. For mountain bike trips, a four-wheel-drive support vehicle to carry water and equipment is highly recommended.
$30 / night
Moonflower Canyon Group Site offers shade year-round and is ideal for small family or groups in tents. No RVs, tent trailers or campers/camper vans are allowed. Within close proximity to national parks and open space, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and four-wheel drive tours in the surrounding area. The town of Moab is approximately 10 minutes away and has dining, shopping, sports rentals, tour companies and museums.
This popular site is near Moab and close to hiking, mountain biking and four-wheel driving opportunities. Kane Creek Road is a popular 4WD and OHV route.
Moonflower is located at the mouth of a shady canyon and a popular, short hiking trail leads to a cool oasis. Large cottonwoods provided ample shade. Historic and pre-historick rock images are on nearby canyon walls. Please do not mark or scratch on rock surfaces.
There are many hiking, mountain biking and four-wheel drive trails along Kane Creek Road. The site is about 15 minutes from Arches National Park and 45 minutes from Canyonlands National Park.
You may contact the BLM Moab Field Office for assistance with changes and cancellations at 435-259-2100. Changes You can make changes to a reservation through your online Recreation.gov user account any time prior to the arrival/first date of the reservation. There is a $10 change fee If you wish to change to dates entirely outside of the original reservation dates. There is no change fee if you wish to extend or shorten the original reservation dates as long as the changes include dates from the original reservation. You cannot make changes to your reservation after the arrival/first day through your Recreation.gov account. However, the BLM Moab Field Office may be able to assist you, 435-259-2100. For reservations with dates at the end of the available booking window (a.k.a. sliding window), you will not be able to make changes or cancellations until the site has been available to the general public for four days. Cancellations Please cancel your reservation if you do not plan to use it. This opens highly sought-after campsites for others to reserve. You can cancel your reservation online through your Recreation.gov user account or through the call center the (call center incurs an additional fee). You may also contact the BLM Moab Field Office for assistance. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Late Cancellations A late cancellation occurs less the 14 days before the arrival/first date of the reservation (a.k.a. cut-off window). Late cancellations will incur a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. Early Departures If you spend at least one night and then leave prior to the scheduled departure check-out date, please contact the BLM Moab Field Office (435-259-2100) to open the remaining nights for others to use. You will not be able to cancel these nights through your Recreation.gov account. You will be eligible for a partial refund of the nights AFTER you depart that you did not use. If you depart after the facility check-out time, you will not be eligible for a refund for that night_ No-Shows A No Show occurs if you do not arrive at your campsite or cancel your reservation by check-out time (Noon) on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (Noon) on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed a $20.00 Recreation.gov service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee. Refunds You can submit a refund request through your Recreation.gov account within 7 days of the departure/end date of your reservation. Applicable fees, such as the Recreation.gov reservation fees, service/cancellation fees, lottery application fees, and change fees, are non-refundable. Refunds cannot be issued to any card other than the one used to pay. In the event of an emergency closure, all fees will be refunded. Attempts will be made to notify you using the contact information within your Recreation.gov customer profile. Interagency Pass Discounts Interagency Pass discounts do not apply to group campsite reservations.
$125 / night
Walk-in tent only campground with 16 sites next to Mill Creek. Showers, propane grills, outdoor sink, and bike rack in campground. All sites have picnic tables and most are well shaded. Close to Main St. with easy access to shopping, restaurants, and adventure outfitters.
$28 / night
Located in the Colorado River canyon with shady walk-in tent sites near the popular Wall Street climbing area. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Walk-in sites only (no trailers, RVs or large vehicles).The Portal Hiking Trailhead is near the campground ascending to spectacular views of the Moab Valley, La Sal Mountains and beyond. Individual Sites: 7 (limited to 10 people & two vehicles per site) Water: No Toilets: Yes Hook-ups: No
You must have an overnight permit for all overnight trips along the White Rim. Obtain permits here: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675315
Taylor has one designated campsite: This medium site is composed mostly of packed dirt and scree. There are a few flat spots to set up tents. There is only one site at this location. The area is wide open and there is no shade or shelter from the wind.
Limits: 15 people and 3 vehicles
Toilets: The site has a private toilet.
River Access: The site has no river access.
Come Prepared. The White Rim Road has long rocky stretches, deep sand, and little shade. Bring at least 1 gallon (4 L) of water per person, per day — more if you'll be active. Plan for a minimum of 10-12 hours of driving or cycling.
Keep off the Arches. To promote visitor safety and the opportunity to view natural features undisturbed, climbing, scrambling, walking or standing upon, or rappelling off any arch is prohibited in the park.
Water There is no potable water along the White Rim Road. For mountain bike trips, we highly recommend a four-wheel-drive support vehicle to carry water and equipment.
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.
No potable water is available along the White Rim Road. For mountain bike trips, a four-wheel-drive support vehicle to carry water and equipment is highly recommended.
You must have an overnight permit for all overnight trips along the White Rim. Obtain permits here: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675315 Labyrinth has two designated campsites: Labyrinth A This small, very scenic site is composed mostly of packed, gravel dirt. The area is wide open and there is no shade or shelter from the wind. The two Labyrinth sites are approximately 1,000 feet apart and are within sight of each other. During the summer months, sites along the river are very buggy. Limits: 15 people and 3 vehicles Toilets: Labyrinth A and B share a toilet; site A is closer than B. River Access: River access is available 0.3 miles north where the White Rim Road borders the bank. Labyrinth B This small, very scenic site is composed mostly of packed, gravel dirt. The area is wide open and there is no shade or shelter from the wind. The two Labyrinth sites are approximately 1,000 feet apart and are within sight of each other. During the summer months, sites along the river are very buggy. Limits: 15 people and 3 vehicles Toilets: Labyrinth A and B share a toilet; site A is closer than B. River Access: River access is available 0.3 miles north where the White Rim Road borders the bank. Come Prepared. The White Rim Road has long rocky stretches, deep sand, and little shade. Bring at least 1 gallon (4 L) of water per person, per day — more if you'll be active. Plan for a minimum of 10-12 hours of driving or cycling. Keep off the Arches. To promote visitor safety and the opportunity to view natural features undisturbed, climbing, scrambling, walking or standing upon, or rappelling off any arch is prohibited in the park. Water There is no potable water along the White Rim Road. For mountain bike trips, we highly recommend a four-wheel-drive support vehicle to carry water and equipment. 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. No potable water is available along the White Rim Road. For mountain bike trips, a four-wheel-drive support vehicle to carry water and equipment is highly recommended.
Scout
Couldn’t be more perfect if you loved train horns blasting at intersections and coal cars rolling by combined with a steady hum of highway traffic from your cozy dirt pull out.
There are millions of acres of public land around here. This site is something I will not visit again. If I would’ve known better, I would’ve driven down the road another few miles. Looks like there is more camping that direction.
Ranger
Sand Flats Recreation Area near Moab, Utah, is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering unmatched access to world-class trails like the famous Slickrock Bike Trail and stunning desert scenery. The campsites are well-spaced and boast incredible views of red rock formations, making it a great spot for those seeking adventure and rugged beauty.
The campground’s location is unbeatable if you’re here to bike, hike, or off-road, with trails starting right from your campsite. The simple facilities, including vault toilets and picnic tables, are well-maintained. However, this is true desert camping, so don’t expect shade or luxuries like water hookups—you’ll need to come prepared.
One downside is the summer heat. Even at night, the temperatures remain uncomfortably warm, making it difficult to cool down or sleep well during peak summer months. A portable fan or extra water for cooling off is highly recommended if you visit in the heat of the season.
That said, the experience of camping under the stars in such an iconic landscape is hard to beat. If you can plan your trip during the cooler months, Sand Flats Recreation Area is an unforgettable destination for outdoor exploration.
Scout
This place was great. We had initially planned to boondock elsewhere but found this location close to both Arches and Canyonlands and some online reviews that mentioned being good for bigger RVs. When we first rolled in, we saw a lot of toy haulers and other rigs with ORV’s- I thought it was going to be loud and and dusty. I was wrong. We drove further to find a site- our map showed a large loop we could turn around on if we didn’t see anything. The further in we got the better the road became and we found many well auto camp spots with tables and metal fire rings. It’s posted to only camp in spots where there are rings- we found that several people ignored this ¯_(ツ)_/¯ We ended up grabbing. A spot that was essentially a pull through and gave us a stunning view and at least 100 yards from our nearest neighbor. Initially I was irritated by the 15$ fee but thought better of it given the well cared for road, many portable toilets as well as vault toilets throughout the park. I saw a ranger patrol which made us feel safer. We were able to let our dog off lead although as with most desert locations- there were stickers and cactus galore. There is definitely wildlife roaming around. Great place to stay a few days or longer if you’re set up well. We only heard one person running a generator and it wasn’t loud enough to disturb our stay.
Guide
It was quite a drive in, we just got parked on the edge of the campsite as the smaller roads leading into the campsite looked a bit uneven for our campervan. You do drive passed a paid campsite initially, keep on driving. We had the place to ourselves.
Traveler
This is one of the reviews that I'm just now getting around to now that cooler weather has set in. I was here in September last year while on my annual naked road trip, and this area is one of my favorites. It's the perfect place to camp, relax and enjoy nature. Not crowded, lots of space, no one cares if you're nude or not. There was plenty of space between campers so you can have as much privacy as you want. Several people were camped naked here same as me, some were not. No one cared. The lake level has really gone down low, so it's a hike to get to the water, but there's nothing wrong with a nice nude hike with a day in the water at the end. Perfect naked campout location and I'll definitely be back.
Scout
Clean quiet and convient. Boondocking with large off grid trailer
Scout
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 canyon!
Guide
Off hwy 191 and very quiet. Level pads with room to stretch. Wi fi was ok and good cellular signal. Bathrooms are heated with nice showers with plenty of hot water. During our stay, we noticed dirt on the shower dressing area. I'm not sure if it from people tracking it in or the cleaner not mopping properly. It was a minor problem. Host was friendly and helpful. Yes there are many full-time campers, but the rigs are in good shape, and the folks are quiet. Price is good for Moab and we would stay again.
Scout
All the slabs are torn up as of 11/2024, would not risk getting a flat tire for this spot
Traveler
Easy spot to get to, paved road most of the way. Watch out for deer if you’re driving in the evening, we saw lots of them. The pull in spot had one other truck and trailer when we arrived and we had room to turn our rig and towed vehicle around to get the mountainside view. Little muddy in spots. Very quiet.
Scout
Check in after hours is great. Nice bathrooms. Fast WiFi.
TravelerStayed one night in early Oct 24 before making my way into Canyonlands NP on a Sunday night. Absolutely stunning campground. Probably one of the most gorgeous sites I've stayed at. It wasn't too hard to get into or anything on the road and seemed to have tons of sites.
The big BUT is that there was a lot of toiletry waste around the area tho and when it became nighttime tons of people started coming in and that place echos. Please leave no trace, it's such a gorgeous place.
Guide
We were feeling desperate when the campground we had reserved was inaccessible due to construction. Being right on the Colorado River was a special experience in its own right, and it gave us easy access to Arches, Canyonlands, Bears Ears, and, of course, Moab itself. Another reviewer here mentioned free filtered water from the local outdoor gear shop, which is well worth visiting. This campground was clean, though the huge dumpster needed attention.
Traveler
We stayed here during hunting season, noticeable amount of noise in the very early hours of the morning due to this. On a clear night you can see an amazing amount of stars!
ScoutA very nicely designed and maintained campground right in Moab. They have a North & a South site—we stayed in the South camp. The facilities/comfort stations are clean, have been updated over time, and everything works well. The showers were hot and stayed hot for a proper hot shower after a long day. Electrical outlets at every sink for the more domesticated campers. The sites varied in size, so be sure to ask about “fit” for your rig or tent. The several tent sites are located along the back side. There is a Carwash just over a creek/ravine behind that side and you can hear it working all day, but it stops around dinner time. There is also a highway nearby and the traffic is a bit noisy, but traffic pretty much stops around 9-10pm and doesn’t get noisy again until around 8 am. The campground is close to everything in Moab, so you can hardly get a more convenient location. Arches is just out of town to the North, so travel there is a breeze.
Guide
Flat space, but crowded (already a bunch of RVs, vans and even a semi). Unfortunately, when we found a spot the fire pit was filled with glass beer bottles and trash and the whole area smelled gross. Also, pretty shady and not ideal for solar. We didn’t stay
Guide
Rough road, 2WD is fine. Flatter spaces, good for RVs, are farther back. Only stayed one night because organizers of some Mad Moose race kicked us out to prep (we drove in the dark and missed any signs). Seems like a popular event space, so probably a good idea to check for happenings in advance (and plan ample time for prep!)
Traveler
Cute clean little park out of the way of the Moab crowds. Great stop over in that long stretch of 191.
Guide
Just stayed one night but the site/roads had been recently repaved and park was being updated. Tall pines, good hiking and quiet surroundings made for a good overnight stay.
Guide
After searching for campsites around Moab, I drove out 128 and stumbled onto this gem. Just a clear spot on the side of the road adjacent to the Colorado river. Close to the road so there's traffic until late hours but fairly quiet after 10 pm (at least during my stop).
Pit toilet and not much else but a good spot for one or two nights.
Traveler
Staff is friendly and helpful! Gave a great recommendation for an off road drive through Canyonlands NP. Good view out the back of property of Arches. Pool needed to be fixed while we were here, so can't speak to that. Showers are older and water pressure is dismal but they're warm and ok for washing off the dirt we were coated in after hiking in the Moab wind. Sites are easy to find and grounds were clean and neat.
Guide
Spent (2) wonderful nights under the moon and stars. One of my favorite campgrounds within the NP system. I stayed in Site 20 Loop B. Trash and Vault toilet nearby. Deep sink for drinking water and dishwashing a few minutes away.
No cell service. Wifi at Visitor Center (8 min. drive from Loop B). Friendly staff and volunteer rangers. Fire pit/grille and picnic table. Looking forward to the next stay.
Ranger
Stayed night of May 5. Arrived around 4p on a Friday and was pleasantly surprised at the number of available campsites. All FCFS. About 24 in total, we stayed in #19 but didn't look like any were bad spots. All spots exposed, no trees. SO remember---HOT in summer-time. Most had good views of sky and La Sals. Trash and vault toilets but no water. Space between sites good. Has a camp host. Dirt road in is a little rough with washboard. No apparent stickers but cows had been in the area recently per patties and prints in the dried mud. Close to dinosaur tracks, easy hikes and lots of bikes.
Got 5g in campground
Ranger
Stayed night of 4/21, all single sites FCFS but we found a space arriving around 1230 on a Friday (space 4, $20). Clean restrooms and followed well kept dirt road to Needles Overlook and took a few walks. You can also drive even further to Hatch Point Campground (we did not stay there but it looks well kept, clean, exposed, QUIET, & definitely isolated at Hatch with views similar to Dead Horse SP north of Moab). At Windwhistle it was mostly RVs but very quiet, no one using generators excessively. Was hoping for a clear sky but mostly overcast. Low around 38. Beautiful sky.
Other stuff in area includes Newspaper Rock and Natural Bridges, Grand Gulch.…not to mention Moab, La Sal mountains, etc.
We have never had WiFi nor cell service there.
Food aside: Made quesadillas with green chile tortillas, cheese, and some jerky.
Ranger
Stayed in site 52 which had a lovely view to the east and LaSals. Most sites on this side of Wingate campground are pretty good. Flush toilets are very good but has to be brought in by truck. Temps were in the 20s (we think) and it was quite cold, even with the electric plugged in and heater set at upper 50s. Beautiful sky views. Nice trail around the rim of Dead Horse Point (looks a bit like Grand Canyon)
Food aside: Had freeze-dried Asian noodles, added beef jerky and was spicy HOT & had high FQ (fart quotient). Also ate freeze-dried bone broth rice with added turkey jerky, and beef noodles meal and both were quite good.
Kayenta campground is also nice with trees and the shelters have cabinets and overhead lights. Also seem like vegetation is plentiful, offering privacy between sites. Checked out the campgrounds in Canyonlands- FC/FS and the sites appear level. There are 12 sitesv(one is handicap only) and 2 vault toilets. Also looked at Cowboy Campground, 7 sites that are mostly level, a vault toilet, FC/FS but appears pretty nice, easy access from road and good views. Also looked at Horsethief which has 50+ FC/FS sites that are mostly level. Plenty of vault toilets. Road in is dirt and was fairly rutted but passable with van.
Traveler
Long dirt road with tons of large pull offs. Many group site areas near the bottom were full. I drove a bit further up and pulled into a small dirt cul de sac and set up my tent. Made it up in my 2WD sedan, but it was bone dry. Lots of exposed rocks in the road, so drove slowly. Good spot near Moab after hiking in Arches!
ScoutFirst time camping here! Rolled up during the day and it was quiet with breath taking views of the canyon. Set up camp and once night fall came so did all the off roaders (who seemed young) rolling up to our campsite trying to find a place to camp. This went on until almost 12am. This must be a really popular and well visited disperse camping. Great place to camp if you don’t mind people camping on top of you.
Tent camping near Canyonlands National Park in Utah offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning landscapes and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. With several well-reviewed spots to pitch your tent, you can experience the beauty of the desert and the thrill of adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Canyonlands National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Canyonlands National Park is Yellow Circle Road Dispersed Camping Area with a 4.4-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Canyonlands National Park?
TheDyrt.com has all 50 tent camping locations near Canyonlands National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.
