Canyonlands National Park Camping

You'll remember the night skies from your Canyonlands campouts 'til the day you die. There's camping sites and campgrounds throughout all three districts for you, your comrades, and your explorers-in-training (AKA, the kids). You might even try sleeping on the banks of the Colorado River.

Camping is a popular activity in Canyonlands National Park. Because of the park's size, multi-day visits are common and camping allows visitors to stay near the areas they wish to explore. Developed campgrounds are located in both the Island in the Sky and Needles districts. Dispersed backcountry camping is allowed in some areas, by permit only.

Located in the Island in the Sky District. It is open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. There are 12 sites with tables, fire grills and vault toilets. Firewood and water are not available. Maximum group size is 10 people, with a limit of two vehicles per group. Sites are $10 per night.

A popular multi-day mountain bike and 4X4 route, with designated campsites available. Twenty individual campsites are arranged in ten camping areas. Toilets are provided at each area. When there is more than one site at a location, they are generally positioned to be out of earshot and, as much as possible, sight of each other. Each campsite will accommodate up to 15 people and 3 vehicles. No potable water is available along the White Rim Road.

Located near the Green River Overlook, the 12 sites at the Island in the Sky Campground are open year-round. While fires are permitted in the fire rings, you’ll need to bring your own firewood. The nightly camping fee is $15. There are vault toilets, but no potable water or electricity.

The Needles Campground is located in the southeast corner of Canyonlands, central to the Cave Springs, Elephant Hill and Pothole Point trailheads. Campsites start at $20 per night and have seasonal access to potable water and flush toilets. There are 26 individual sites — for 10 campers or less — which are first come, first served.

Larger group sites (see below) are open from March 15 to November 15 and must be reserved for overnight or day-use. Make reservations online at recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777. There is no running water at the group campsites, but there are toilets, fire rings and picnic tables.

There are three different group sites available around The Needles district. The Needles Group Site can host the largest groups — up to 50. Rental fees depend on the number of campers.

Located in The Needles District, is an ideal base camp for day hikes to popular destinations like Chesler Park, Druid Arch and the Joint Trail. There are 26 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bathrooms, fire grates, picnic tables, tent pads and water are available year-round. Group size limit is 10 people and 2 vehicles. Maximum RV length is 28 feet. Fee is $15 per night. Squaw Flat typically fills every day from late March through June and again from early September to mid-October.

The Needles District also offers three campsites for groups of 11 or more people, which may be reserved in advance. The Squaw Flat Group Site can hold up to 50 people and 10 vehicles. The Wooden Shoe Group Site can hold up to 25 people and 5 vehicles. The Split Top Group Site can hold up to 15 people and 3 vehicles. Nightly fees are $3 per person.

If you want to backpack, or explore areas away from designated campgrounds, inquire about the possibility of obtaining backcountry camping permits.

Backcountry Reservations information and forms.

For groups of 11-15 people, you can stay at the Split Top Group Site. It’s located near the Cave Spring trailhead. The nightly fee is $70.

Located along the scenic drive near Wood Shoe Arch Overlook, the Wooden Shoe Campsite is for groups larger than 10 such as scouts, church groups or clubs. Overnight fees vary by the number of campers.

Wood fires are allowed in the developed campgrounds and along the rivers. They are prohibited elsewhere in the backcountry. Wood may not be gathered in the park except along the river corridors where driftwood and dead-and-down tamarisk may be burned. River trips must use a fire pan and remove all fire debris from the backcountry.