How much does camping cost at Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground?

Camping fees at Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground before I book?

Yes! Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground has 32 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground?

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground is open March 15 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground?

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground have?

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground has 26 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground?

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground?

Popular activities at Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground include Hiking, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

4.69

308 reviews

2282 SW Resource Blvd, Moab, UT 84532, USA

Top 7% in UTFall

Scenic ViewsStargazing

Featured in:Camping Near Canyonlands National Park#1 Desert Camping Utah#2 Desert Camping#2 +11 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,900 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,900 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$225.00

Get Notified When Available

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

435-259-4711keri_nelson@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

2282 SW Resource Blvd, Moab, UT 84532, USA

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

2282 SW Resource Blvd, Moab, UT 84532, USA

Nearby places

Moab, UT: 1.5 hours driving time

Monticello, UT: 1.25 hours driving time.

Driving directionsOn US Highway 191, drive 40 miles south of Moab or 14 miles north of Monticello, then take Utah Highway 211 roughly 35 miles west. Highway 211 ends in the Needles District, and is the only paved road leading in and out of the district. From the entrance station, follow the main park road until you see signs for the campground. Turn left into the campground and follow the signs into Loop B.

Weather at Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

Current alerts(5)

Loop A of the Needles Campground is available first come, first served only. Our busy seasons are spring and fall. We recommend getting here early if you want an opportunity to secure a Loop A site during these times of year.
The Needles Campground and group sites are best suited to tents and small, self-contained campers and RVs: Maximum combined length limit is 28 ft (8.5 m) in most sites. There are no hookups. There is no dump station.
There is no cell coverage in the Needles District.
There is no electricity in the Needles Campground.

Best Time to Camp at Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 60–80°F) and cool, clear nights (30–50°F), making long hikes and backcountry travel far more pleasant than the summer heat. Scenic contrasts are exceptional as the low-angle light highlights the red-and-white bands of Cedar Mesa Sandstone, and trails are at their driest after summer monsoons — excellent for hiking, biking, photography, and solitude. Crowd levels are high during peak weekends (Sept–Oct) but overall a Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: January, February, July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

5.0 / 5

Top 2% in UT

Spring is peak season with temperate weather and wildflower blooms; highly recommended by visitors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 15 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from March 15 to December 31, including peak seasons from March to May and September to October.

About Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground sits in the remote southeastern corner of the park, 40 miles from Moab and surrounded by towering red-and-white Cedar Mesa Sandstone formations. Operated by the National Park Service, this small campground serves as base camp for exploring the Needles backcountry, where hikers and mountain bikers access slot canyons, arches, and multi-day trail networks. The campground offers tent sites, RV sites without hookups, primitive walk-in options, and group sites, with flush and vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables.

The Needles District Campground offers individual campsites in Loop B and first-come, first-served sites in Loop A. Group camping options are available via separate reservations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 60–80°F) and cool, clear nights (30–50°F), making long hikes and backcountry travel far more pleasant than the summer heat. Scenic contrasts are exceptional as the low-angle light highlights the red-and-white bands of Cedar Mesa Sandstone, and trails are at their driest after summer monsoons — excellent for hiking, biking, photography, and solitude. Crowd levels are high during peak weekends (Sept–Oct) but overall a Peak months: October, September, April, May Avoid: January, February, July, August

Elevation4900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCedar Mesa Sandstone pinnacles surround the campground in red and white bands, carved by millions of years of wind and water erosion. Utah junipers and pinyon pines provide scattered shade across the sites. Spring brings prickly pear and yucca blooms against the rust-colored rock. The landscape is classic high desert: arches, balanced rocks, and a maze of canyons visible from camp. Views of the sandstone spires are consistent across most sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not provide hotel-style lodgings. Group sites are available and suited for larger gatherings.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger talks at the amphitheater are highly praised. "Loved the night sky presentation by the rangers," one visitor noted.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights within a year
7 consecutive nights allowed during a single visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 10 people per individual site
group sites allow more (up to 50).

Groups

Group sites accommodate up to 50 people. Wooden Shoe Group Campsite allows up to 25 people ($115 per night). Split Top Group Campsite accommodates up to 15 people ($70 per night).

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityTwo accessible sites are located in Loop A. Reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis no more than six months ahead. Contact the Needles Visitor Center for inquiries.

Site SizeSites vary from small and intimate to larger spaces accommodating multiple tents. Site 20 offers three tent pads and a metal picnic table.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across sites, with some being isolated (e.g., Site 19) and others close to neighbors (e.g., Sites 25 and 26). Overall, Loop B is praised for its spacious and quiet layout.

Total Campsites26 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites close to trails for convenient hiking access. Sites 20 and 21 are recommended for privacy and stargazing; sites 25 and 26 are close to bathrooms but less secluded.

Best CampsitesSites 20, 21, 23, and 26 get strong reviews. Site 20 offers three tent pads and a metal picnic table. Site 19 sits isolated. Sites 25 and 26 are close to neighbors. Loop B generally provides more space and quiet than Loop A.

Need help booking Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Drinking water and flush toilets are available in the campground. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided at each site. There are no RV hook-ups. The campground does not have electricity, showers or a dump station.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The Needles District Campground is centered around outdoor recreation, offering access to extensive hiking trails, backcountry camping, and spectacular stargazing opportunities. The area is ideal for photography, climbing, and exploring unique rock formations.

Hiking

Biking

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

308 reviews

Top-Rated

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the facility's cleanliness, well-maintained amenities, and proximity to hiking trails. "Most of the campsites are decently spaced out," noted one user. "Bathrooms were top-notch." Some complaints include limited cell service and the difficulty of navigating without printed directions.

Review Summaries

Based on 308 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 308 reviews.

Site 19Loved
Site 19 is praised for its privacy and surrounding rock formations.
Site 20Loved
Site 20 is noted for spacious tent pads.

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, spacious campsites, helpful campground hosts, and the stunning views are consistently praised. "Loved the night sky presentation by the rangers," one visitor wrote.

Based on 308 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues include the lack of dump stations, occasional water quality concerns, and site proximity in Loop B. "Bathrooms should get lights," one user mentioned.

Based on 308 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive before dark due to the lack of lights. Bring sufficient water and gas as services are far away. "Bring in your firewood," another user advised.

Based on 308 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are the most popular seasons for camping, with many reviews noting temperate weather and ranger-hosted talks. Summer reviews often mention extreme heat.

Based on 308 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were clean and camp sites had plenty of space," "Site 20 was awesome. Three tent pads and a very nice metal picnic table," "Rangers were helpful with new trail ideas."

Based on 308 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites in Loop A are appreciated, though some reviews suggest improvements in signage or amenities.

Based on 308 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are not allowed in the national park but can explore nearby BLM lands per one reviewer.

Based on 308 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a quiet base camp for multi-day hiking or biking in the Needles backcountry with ranger programs and dark skies.

Skip if

You need RV hookups, a dump station, or prefer staying closer to Moab services and restaurants.

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Hamburger Rock Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Bears Ears National Monument, operated by the BLM Monticello Field Office near Monticello, Utah. Rock formations provide natural privacy between sites, and the location serves as a base for hiking, mountain biking, and climbing in the surrounding monument lands. Reviewers praise the dark skies for stargazing and the quiet atmosphere, though the campground lacks drinking water and has limited space for larger RVs.