Wherever you go, RoM goes too. Their inner pack fits perfectly inside the original RoM pack, so when you turn your bag into a poncho to snag that 5am shot of Mesa Arch, your belongings are perfectly contained. Enjoy Canyonlands National Park camping without worrying about your gear.
Outdoor activities abound in the expansive red territory of the Beehive state. Upon exiting I-70 onto highway 191, you know you’ve embarked on a metaphysical journey among red sandstone spires, cathedral like fins, and a sea of cacti: buckhorn cholla, silver cholla, many headed barrel, and more.
Beyond the expansive flora and fauna found in Utah’s east desert, there are hundreds of miles of backpacking and mountain biking trails, thousands of sandstone arches, and millions of stars speckled across the Milky Way. This place is an adventurer’s dream: swimming holes, off-roading, and self-discovery await.
Once you’ve decided to make your voyage to Canyonlands National Park, the next step is deciding where you’ll stay. There are 2 frontcountry campgrounds in Canyonlands, and numerous backcountry camping options for both 4WD and backpacking. Below are a few of these options.
Canyonlands National Park Camping
If you plan to camp in Canyonlands National Park you’ll want to look for reservations and permits first. To spend any time in the backcountry of Canyonlands, users must possess a permit and abide by all rules and regulations within the park.
For those planning a yakpacking or river trip, a permit is also required. All permits can be purchased from four months prior to each season on the NPS reservation website.
Canyonlands National Park Camping in Front Country Campgrounds
There are two major campgrounds in Canyonlands National Park, Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) and The Needles. The Needles is the largest of the two with 29 sites and three group sites, whereas Island in the Sky offers 12 single sites. There are two accessible campsites at The Needles and one accessible at Island in the Sky.
Island in the Sky Campground (Willow Flat)
Image from The Dyrt user Amanda D.
With only 12 first-come-first-serve campsites, Willow Flat Campground requires proper planning and an early arrival. During peak months, arriving at the campground in the late hours of a Friday night will not guarantee a campsite. Instead, it’ll probably lead to a frustrating search for a free spot along the Colorado River with little cell reception and the light of the moon.
Campers stay at Island in the Sky for it’s close proximity to the Mesa Arch. Be prepared; there is no clean water at the campground, so make sure to fill your 5-or-10 gallon reserve at the Visitor’s Center before heading to camp. Bring your RoM pack and transform it into a poncho to watch the sunrise at Mesa.
“This is the quietest, darkest National Park I’ve ever camped at. There are only 12 sites, and they have great spacing, and most that camp way up in the Island In the Sky area of Canyonlands, are there for the stars, the peace, and the quiet.”–The Dyrt user Valerie W.
The Needles Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Rachel T.
The Needles Campground has 26 individual sites, plus 3 group sites in different locations around The Needles district. There are toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings in the campground.
Nightly camping fee for an individual site is $20. You can reserve some individual sites in spring and fall. Other times of the year, individual sites are first-come, first-served.
Sites fill quickly in spring and fall. You can also reserve group sites for nights between mid-March and mid-November..
This campground is in the middle of nowhere, in the best way. Although it is popular and was full when we were there, it’s a pretty small campground and spread out, so it didn’t feel crowded at all. Magnificent views of the needles, and the Chesler Park trail system connects to the campground –The Dyrt Camper Rachel T.
Primitive Canyonlands National Park Camping Spots
Chesler Park
Image from The Dyrt user Dave E.
Accessing Chesler Park requires a strenuous 11.6 mile hike, but our user Dave E. will tell you it’s worth the effort. The views along the way are subliminal: high prairie and red sandstone formations that huddle together and reach towards the sky. Few humans and the warmth of the sun make Chesler Park a serene and unforgiving getaway.
“I want my ashes spread here. It’s the quietest, most peaceful, remote place I’ve ever been to. It doesn’t feel like earth. More like the surface of Mars. Watch the sunset behind the high desert prairie. Explore slot canyons that you can barely get through with a backpack. Visit Cowboy Camp which is… well… an old cowboy camp. Don’t move or take the artifacts.”–The Dyrt user Dave E.
Labyrinth
Image from The Dyrt user Kuo G.
Labyrinth Campsites are in the Island in the Sky District along the White Rim Road, and the Green River. These campsites are very popular for the off-roading community.
“The view is so chill. Next to the river, and high up away from the mosquitoes. Waking up to this campground was soooooooooo refreshing! The views oh, and the night sky. Yeas!”–The Dyrt user Kuo G.
Murphy Point Overlook
Image from The Dyrt campers Switchbackkids
According to our users, this may be the best kept secret in our entire National Park System. With only one permit per night, Murphy Point Overlook requires a bit of luck and planning ahead, but if you can snag it, the views and 1.7 mile hike in are so worth it.
If you get the chance to visit, be sure to camp and travel on durable surfaces to protect the longevity of the area.
“The site itself is amazing. A short (1.8-mile one-way) trail leads out the overlook, which is stunning, especially for your own private sunset and sunrise experience. Camping here allows you to see the best of the light in the evening and early morning and experience drop-dead views from the comfort of your tent window. It’s easily one of the best campsites we have ever been in.”–The Dyrt user Switchback Kids
Devil’s Kitchen
Image from The Dyrt user Kuo G.
Devil’s Kitchen is a beautiful destination to reach after a difficult drive in along Elephant Hill Road.
Because of the extreme technical 4-wheel drive required to reach Devil’s Kitchen, the maximum vehicle length is 21 feet, including racks and trailers.
Once you’re at the campground, there are 4 sites, and a primitive toilet. Be sure to bring your own, as there is none provided at Devil’s Kitche.
“This 4×4 is NO joke. High edges, steep cliffs, big boulders. Tight squeezes…Took about 4-5 hrs to get through Elephant Hill Road. Arrived at Devil’s Kitchen Camp 2 and 3. There are vault toilets at camp and pretty clean.”– The Dyrt user Kuo G.
Maze Overlook
With a permit, campers can access the Maze Overlook by way of overland vehicles, mountain bike, or by foot. If you’re looking for solitude and the desert to yourself, this is the place to do it – as it it difficult to get to and only has 2 sites, and no amenities.
Plan ahead, as bringing your own toilet system is required at the Maze Overlook.
“If solitude is what you are seeking for, then this is the perfect place! Mind you, there is no water, no toilets, absolutely no facilities.”–The Dyrt user Vaishnavi N.
Gooseberry
Image from The Dyrt camper Kuo G.
Another stop on the White Rim Trail, Gooseberry Campground sits atop a mesa with views reaching far into the depths of Canyonlands. Those with 4×4 vehicles and high clearance can access this campground by car — otherwise it’s a long hike!
“Felt like I was camping on another planet. Monumental red rocks and formations everywhere. We entered Canyonlands White Rim Trail form Shafer Pass. Wowz… looking down the trail from the top. It’s long, narrow, winding switchbacks descend a couple thousand feet into the canyons.”–The Dyrt user Kuo G.
White Crack
Image from The Dyrt user Christian S.
Again, only accessible by high-clearance vehicle, White Crack Campground makes you feel like you’ve stepped onto Mars. Set far back in the park with only one site, make sure to pack plenty of water and sunscreen.
“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!”–The Dyrt user Christian S.
Airport
Image from The Dyrt user Kuo G.
Named after the formation in the distance resembling an airport tower, Airport also looks like a flat, open space, perfect for a landing strip. Like many other area in Canyonlands, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto Mars.
Permits are required to enjoy the 4 campsites in this area.
“I thought I was on Mars. No other life near by, but us. Giant bright Red canyons all over the place. With one significant red stone resembling an airport tower. Sun shine glowing across the rims of the canyons. Wowz.”–The Dyrt user Kuo G.
Hardscrabble Bottom
Image from The Dyrt Camper Kuo G.
“A good portion of the road was a long stretch of cliff edge.. scary as it got dark. However, the sunset glowing over the canyons and the mighty Colorado River was majestic. Stunning, stunning, stunning views. Camp in the evening was great. Large clean vault toilet restrooms near the river. Amazing.”–The Dyrt user Kuo G.
This is only a small taste of Canyonlands National Park has to offer. Be sure to check out our full list of best camping in Canyonlands National Park
