White Crack Backcountry Campsites are located in Canyonlands National Park near Moab, UT. The terrain consists of rocky landscapes and desert formations. Temperatures can range from highs of 100°F in summer to lows of 20°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the Island in the Sky district and the Needles district, offering hiking and scenic views.

**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.

White Crack Backcountry Campsites — Canyonlands National Park

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.

Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Canyonlands National Park is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Canyonlands National Park, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

The Best Camping Near Canyonlands National Park, Utah

We got there early in the after noon. The drive getting to the place is a oretty gnarly drive. Definitely need lifted 4x4 for unexpected terrain. We were in 104 degree F weather. A dew climbs with some nasty pot holes. Fortunately plenty of rocks to fill up the larger holes. You'll find some of the climbs a close to the edge. It git my heart pounding a bit. We saw some nice rock formations, lots of large canyons. We spent a good amount of gume driving near the edges of the canyons. Spectacular views. Washer woman, totem poles rocks. The camp grounds itself wasnt so great, however, a few yards down is the reason why its called white crack camp. Large mushroom white top rocks, and a large crack! We ended up lulling tarps in between trucks to hang out in the extreme heat! Did our best to deal with the heat with photo opportunities

Hot bare , cool mushroom rocks, large cracks

It was almost like you stepped back in time. No paved roads, no cell service, no anything…massive red rock formations rose out of the arid Utah desert in on direction with massive cliffs into deep canyons to the other. This place is truly one of the last great untouched areas of the Southwest. If you ever have the chance to do White Rim road…GO! We went in September and it was HOT! We did get to take a few dips into the Green River, however Fall or Spring would probably be better times to go and you’d experience much better temps. Feel free to reach out on instagram if you have any questions or want to start planning another trip! @campncruise

One of the most beautiful places you’ll lay eyes on

For us, when we did this in January there were no other cars or bikes on the trail, and certainly none in the campground. You will need a permit from the island in the sky visitor center to drive the white rim trail and access this site. The road is very rough and is only suitable for high clearance 4x4 travelers, or mountain bikers/hikers 

Photos of White Crack Backcountry Campsites — Canyonlands National Park

Real photos from real campers