Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

Star4.68
305 reviews
2282 SW Resource Blvd, Moab, UT 84532, USA
Scenic ViewsStargazingGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

4,900 ft

Price

$20 - $225/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

26 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground
$20.00 - $225.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Individual campsites cost $20 per night for up to 10 people; group campsites range from $70 to $225 depending on group size.
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$225.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
435-259-4711keri_nelson@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.68

Top-Rated

Based on 305 reviews

407 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspacioussites

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2282 SW Resource Blvd, Moab, UT 84532, USA

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

2282 SW Resource Blvd, Moab, UT 84532, USA

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.
The campground is accessible by paved roads only via Utah Highway 211. This route is well-maintained but remote. There are no lights on park roads or campsites, so arriving before dark is recommended.
Nearby places
Moab, UT: 1.5 hours driving time
Monticello, UT: 1.25 hours driving time.
Nearby supplies
Moab, UT offers groceries, fuel, camping supplies, and restaurants approximately 1.5 hours away. Visitors are urged to stock up before arriving at the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal shifts of the high desert, where summer days blaze with intensity before giving way to surprisingly crisp nights, and winter brings a stark, crystalline beauty to the landscape. Most adventurers time their visits for the magical shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when perfect temperatures transform the desert into an outdoor playground. These coveted months see wildflowers dotting the rust-colored terrain and comfortable conditions ideal for exploring the surrounding wonderland.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Summer days 'blaze with intensity'; many reviews warn about extreme heat.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 3% in UT

Peak season Sept–Oct; temperate weather and popular for camping and ranger programs.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in UT

Peak season Mar–May; wildflower blooms, temperate weather and active ranger programming.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open through Dec 31 with stark, crystalline beauty but colder, limited services and shorter days.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: March 15 - November 15 (Peak Season); November 16 - December 31 (Non-Peak Season).. 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.
  • Current Alerts: Currently no active alerts. Seasonal closures may affect trails and roads.

About Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

Escape to The Needles Campground, a hidden gem tucked into the southern reaches of Canyonlands National Park where solitude meets spectacular scenery. This tranquil desert retreat offers two distinct camping experiences: the spontaneous adventure of Loop A's first-come, first-served sites, perfect for last-minute wanderers, and the peace of mind found in Loop B's reservable spots. While amenities remain refreshingly simple and purposefully minimal, the well-maintained facilities provide everything you need for an authentic wilderness experience beneath star-studded skies.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 AM
Stay Limit
  • Maximum stay of 14 nights within a year
  • 7 consecutive nights allowed during a single visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

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.
HikingThe campground provides access to trails like Cave Springs and Druid Arch. "The Cave Springs trail was exceptional," one reviewer stated. Trails range from short walks to 10+ mile hikes.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
BikingRoad and mountain biking opportunities are available in southeastern Utah, though specifics about biking trails within the campground are not detailed.
Wildlife viewing"Keep your eyes open" for ancient rock art and markings, one reviewer advised. Wildlife species are not detailed in the sources.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsRanger talks at the amphitheater are highly praised. "Loved the night sky presentation by the rangers," one visitor noted.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include extreme temperatures, exposure, flash flooding, and wildlife. Visitors should bring ample water and prepare for high winds.
Active AlertsCurrently no active alerts. Seasonal closures may affect trails and roads.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

Reviews

4.7
305 reviews
Top-Rated
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 305 reviews

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 305 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 305 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 305 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 305 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 305 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 19 is praised for its privacy and surrounding rock formations. Site 20 is noted for spacious tent pads. Sites 25 and 26 are criticized for proximity issues.
Based on 305 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites in Loop A are appreciated, though some reviews suggest improvements in signage or amenities.
Based on 305 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are not allowed in the national park but can explore nearby BLM lands per one reviewer.
Based on 305 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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