Camping at Canyonlands

Vast wilderness of canyons, mesas, and buttes carved by the Colorado and Green Rivers.

20+ Campgrounds4.4★ AverageBest: Year-round (varies by season)

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Featured Campgrounds

Top-rated campgrounds inside Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

4.7

(305)

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

Canyonlands National ParkMoab, UT

Located directly in Canyonlands National Park Needles District, this campground offers the authentic park experience with excellent hiking access and both tent and RV camping options.

Island In The Sky (Willow Flat) Campground

Canyonlands National ParkMoab, UT

The closest campground to Canyonlands at just 3.9 miles away in the Island in the Sky district, providing convenient access to iconic park viewpoints and mesa-top hiking.

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Group Campsites

Canyonlands National ParkCanyonlands National Park, UT

Official Canyonlands National Park group camping in the Needles District, perfect for larger parties wanting to experience the park's backcountry together.

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RVs

More Campgrounds Inside Canyonlands National Park

Discover 17 additional campgrounds within park boundaries

4.7

(71)

Windwhistle Group Site

Canyon RimsMoab, UT

Located in nearby Canyon Rims recreation area, this group site offers stunning canyon views and hiking opportunities just 24.8 miles from the park.

Tents

4.2

(157)

Moonflower Canyon Group Site

Moonflower Canyon Recreation AreaMoab, UT

A local favorite just 22.2 miles from Canyonlands, offering a more intimate canyon camping experience with excellent hiking access in the Moonflower Canyon area.

Tents

4.8

(52)

East Portal Campground

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National ParkMontrose, CO

High-quality campground at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, offering dramatic canyon scenery and excellent facilities for both tent and RV campers.

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison National ParkMontrose, CO

Well-reviewed campground at Black Canyon of the Gunnison with 581 reviews, providing another spectacular canyon experience within reasonable driving distance.

Knowles Overlook Campground

McInnis Canyons National Conservation AreaGrand Junction, CO

Located in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area, this campground offers red rock canyon scenery similar to Canyonlands with good facilities and hiking access.

Westwater Group Site (Ranger Station)

Westwater Canyon RiverMoab, UT

Westwater Canyon camping provides a unique river canyon experience just 67 miles from Canyonlands, perfect for those seeking adventure along the Colorado River.

Grand Canyon National ParkGrand Canyon, AZ

Iconic Mather Campground at Grand Canyon National Park offers world-class canyon experiences and excellent facilities, making it a worthy addition for canyon enthusiasts.

Desert View Campground

Grand Canyon National ParkGrand Canyon, AZ

Desert View Campground at Grand Canyon provides spectacular canyon vistas and is highly rated with 738 reviews, offering another premier canyon camping experience.

North Rim Campground (Az)

Grand Canyon National ParkNorth Rim, AZ

North Rim Campground at Grand Canyon offers a different perspective of canyon country with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, highly rated with 983 reviews.

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Campgrounds Near Canyonlands National Park

Great options within 90 minutes of the park entrance

4.7

(65)

Dead Horse Point State Park

Moab, UT

Dead Horse Point State Park offers spectacular overlooks similar to Canyonlands with excellent facilities and is very close to the park entrance. The state park provides a high-quality camping experience with amenities while serving as an ideal base for day trips.

Devils Garden Campground

Arches National ParkMoab, UT

Devils Garden Campground in Arches National Park provides excellent facilities and high ratings with substantial reviews. Located near Moab, it offers easy access to both Arches and Canyonlands, making it perfect for exploring multiple parks.

Manti-La Sal National ForestMonticello, UT

Buckboard offers mountain forest camping with fishing opportunities in Manti-La Sal National Forest, providing a cooler alternative to desert camping. The high rating and good review count indicate reliable quality for extended stays.

Hittle Bottom Group Site

Moab Field Office (BLM)Moab, UT

Hittle Bottom provides BLM camping along the Colorado River corridor with excellent access to Canyonlands. The riverside location offers unique scenery and fishing while maintaining proximity to park entrances.

Moab Field Office (BLM)Moab, UT

Big Bend offers the rare amenity of swimming along with hiking and camping options near Moab. The BLM site provides a more rustic experience while still offering good access to Canyonlands for day trips.

Lower Onion Creek Group Sites

Moab Field Office (BLM)Moab, UT

Lower Onion Creek Group Sites provide excellent group camping options with BLM management and high ratings. The location offers good access to Canyonlands while providing a scenic desert camping experience.

Goblin Valley State Park

Green River, UT

Goblin Valley State Park offers a unique geological experience with excellent state park amenities and facilities. While slightly farther out, it provides a fascinating base camp with its own attractions plus access to Canyonlands.

Horsethief Group Sites

Labyrinth Rims | Gemini BridgeMoab, UT

Horsethief Group Sites offer excellent ratings with substantial reviews and unique desert camping experiences. The BLM location provides good access to Canyonlands while offering its own scenic hiking opportunities.

Manti-La Sal National ForestMonticello, UT, UT

Devils Canyon provides mountain forest camping in Manti-La Sal National Forest with cooler temperatures and diverse activities. The high review count and solid rating make it a reliable choice for those wanting a break from desert camping.

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Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Canyonlands National Park

Map of campgrounds near Canyonlands National Park

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Park Boundary

Inside Canyonlands National Park

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

Island In The Sky (Willow Flat) Campground

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Group Campsites

Windwhistle Group Site

Moonflower Canyon Group Site

East Portal Campground

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison South Rim Campground

Knowles Overlook Campground

Westwater Group Site (Ranger Station)

Mather Campground

Desert View Campground

North Rim Campground (Az)

Colorado River Primitive Camping Between Glen Canyon Dam And Lees Ferry

Lees Ferry Campground

Beehives Campground

Sunset Campground (Ut)

North Campground (Ut)

Red Rock Canyon Campground

Penitente Canyon Campground

Virgin River Canyon Recreation Area

View all 35 campgrounds on interactive map

About This Destination

Canyonlands camping offers an unparalleled desert adventure in one of Utah's most spectacular national parks, where vast mesas, deep canyons, and towering sandstone spires create a dramatic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. The park's four distinct districts—Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the Rivers—each provide unique camping experiences, from easily accessible developed campgrounds to remote backcountry sites that challenge even experienced adventurers.

Best Time

The best months for Canyonlands camping are April, May, September, and October when temperatures are most comfortable for outdoor activities. Spring (March-May) offers wildflowers and pleasant daytime temperatures, though nights can still be quite cool.

Destination Highlights

20+ campgrounds within 50 miles
Located in Utah
Options for every camping style

Plan Your Trips

Tips & Recommendations

1Book Canyonlands campsites and nearby accommodations well in advance, especially for spring and fall visits when demand is highest.
2Dead Horse Point State Park and Moab-area campgrounds fill up 2-6 months ahead during peak season.
3Always carry more water than you think you'll need—plan for at least 1-1.5 liters per person per hour during hot weather hiking.
4For Mesa Arch sunrise photography, arrive at least 45-60 minutes before sunrise as parking fills quickly.

20 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Camping Near Canyonlands National Park