The best camping near Canyonlands National Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Canyonlands National Park adventure.

100% (58 reviews)
100% (58 reviews)

Explore a vast desert, from the river valley below to the red buttes and night skies above.  

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Community favorites near Canyonlands National Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Canyonlands National Park

85%
(663)

Desert Moon Campground and RV Park

6 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Thompson Springs , UT
Setup your tent and enjoy some respite before and after exploring the beautiful canyons and desert landscapes that surround the Desert Moon and beyond. We have 2 showers, bathrooms, potable water, picnic tables, and wifi on site. There is also a covered seating area for guest use by our Inn. There are 5 campsites total. Please note, the Union Pacific Railroad is right across the street, with trains passing by multiple times a day and night. There will be noise at night. Campsites are relatively close together so you will likely see other campers during your stay. Also, there is not a lot of shade on the property so be prepared. Thompson Springs began as a railroad stop on the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad in the mid to late 1800's. It soon became a shipping point and community center for local farmers, cattle ranchers and sheepherders. It is now a ghost-town with a population of 50 people. The Desert Moon has a true wild western past. The old dancehall on the property, The Cactus Caberet, once served as the town bar and brothel. We are currently in the process renovating the dancehall into a venue for live music and retreats. There are 8-12 staff members living on site in their personal RV's at all times. We are a small community of artists, builders, and adventurers. We are constantly working to improve this property that came under our ownership in July of 2020. Feel free to come say hello and ask us about what we are building here! Thompson Springs is a true "ghost town" with no retail or restaurants except a 7-11 off the I-70 exit. The towns of Moab and Green River are only a half hour drive away and are full of regional and eclectic restaurants and shops. The Desert Moon is located just four miles from the Sego Canyon Rock Art in the Bookcliffs featuring pictograph and petroglyph panels from three different Native American cultures: Barrier, Fremont, and Ute. Be sure to check them out! There are miles of off-road trails accessible from our property. Some require a 4x4 vehicle or dirtbike, but many are well maintained enough for almost any vehicle.
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$30
 / night
93%
(287)

Red Desert RV Park

8 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Moab, UT
Red Desert RV Park has expanded to 55 full hookup RV sites along with 14 cabins. We are geared towards outdoor adventurists and sightseers wanting a cost-effective stay while taking advantage of everything Moab has to offer! We are locally owned by a family of 8 and love calling Moab our home. We understand the corporate overtaking that Moab has had in the last 5 years and plan to keep our campground affordably priced and locally owned. We have upgraded the old site plan from 7 RV sites to 55 Full Service RV sites this year. Most sites are pull through but we will have some back-ins. Our new bathhouse has a laundry, women's bathrooms and showers, men's bathrooms and showers, and an ADA compliant family style bathroom. In addition to the new bathhouse, we have a new office and retail store where we sell souvenirs, RV supplies, snacks, drinks, ice, firewood, and other necessities for guests. We do not currently have propane fill on site. We know that there are many options to choose from when it comes to staying in Moab. We urge people to support locally owned businesses that help Moab grow and solve problems that exist in our community. Moab is a recreation mecca with something for everyone and our little campground on the south end of the valley puts you within minutes of town, the mountains, and the red deserts around Moab.
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$45
 / night
95%
(147)

Field Station Moab - showers, pool

5 sites · RVs4 acres · Moab, UT
Van life spot at camping hotel 20ft long with 120 volt - 110 standard outlet free washer/dryer showers pool fire pit cafe & general store gear rental Home of Arches and Canyonlands, Moab has long been a destination for travelers of all kinds. Field Station Moab is the ideal location for any adventure, offering a range of accommodations – rooms for two to eight guests, spots for van lifers – paired with our Little Station Coffee & Kitchen. Grab a mountain bike from our partners and explore the rocky terrain, or opt to raft down the iconic Colorado River. Park your home in one of our Van Life posts and enjoy all of the amenities Field Station has to offer. With 120 volt - 110 standard outlet power and communal space available to spread out, you’re welcome to stay and enjoy a hot shower, take a dip in the pool, or just relax with a beverage after a long day of driving. Each Van Life reservation comes with access to our showers, Wi-Fi, communal areas, guiding services, and rentals. Our van life spots are parking spots that are 20ft long with 120 volt - 110 standard outlet. These spots are only designed for vans and van like vehicles (no stand alone tents). Please check in with Guest Experiences before parking your vehicle.
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$69
 / night
94%
(1410)

The Needles Outpost Campground

55 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Monticello , UT
This Outpost and campground is located on 300 acres of private property surrounded by park and public land. It has been here for over 30 years in some form or another. We are Caleb & Amber who enjoyed managing this little oasis in the middle of the desert from March to June of 2017 when we decided to purchase the business & make it our own. This is a dry, rugged campground with a bathhouse that provides coin operated showers and flush toilets. In addition there is little old rustic camp store placed in the middle of nowhere where we provide fuel, snacks, firewood, ice, showers, cold drinks & more. If you are looking for a more private site with lots of space and shade, book our Small Group at the Rocks. For a warmer stay during the cooler months book one of our Glamping Tents listed. We have the larger, and spacious tent in the grove of the Juniper Trees (which is also amazing in the warmer season) and rent a heater from us inside the general/camp store. BE SURE TO GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME TO CHECK IN NO LATER THAN 5PM. THANK YOU!! DON'T FORGET TO TAKE A SCREEN SHOT OF THE DIRECTIONS HERE, YOU WILL LOSE SERVICE ON YOUR WAY.
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$49.30
 / night
95%
(172)

Where The Wild Things Camp

17 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · La Sal, UT
Come camp Where The Wild Things Camp! Let the awe-inspiring views of the majestic slick rock, sage and juniper surround you in the peace and quiet of this beautifully secluded desert space. Centrally located to the best Canyonlands has to offer, our camp is located on 25 acres less than half a mile from Looking Glass Arch, a popular rock climbing destination which got its name from the conquistadors who would climb to the top and look through a “looking glass” for landmarks that would lead them back to Santa Fe.  Moab is 25 miles to our North, about a 30 minute drive. The nearest convenience store/gas station is in the tiny town of La Sal, 12 miles NE of us. Although the Lasal Jct. now has burger truck, showers, ice and snacks. The nearby La Sal mountains rise to over 12,000 in elevation and is a great place to get out of the heat and enjoy lakes surrounded by beautiful pine and aspen forests. As the name suggests, Where The Wild Things Camp truly is wild and not for everyone. We are off grid, meaning there is NO electricity, no drinking water, and only "spotty" cell phone service is best just anywhere before bathrooms. Make sure to check the weather forecast before coming out and be prepared for anything as the weather here in the desert can be unpredictable and ALWAYS stake down your tents! Porta-Potty's available. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PRACTICE PACK-IT-IN AND PACK-IT-OUT. Trash service not available. NON-AGGRESSIVE dogs are always welcome, however please keep in mind that a lot of our wild friends also live here, such as coyotes, rattlesnakes, deer and antelope. We wouldn’t want your pets or our friends harmed in any way! From Moab: Drive south on Hwy 191 for approximately 23 miles and turn right (east) onto Looking Glass Rd/Co. Rd. 131 (It will be the first right after La Sal Junction) Continue on this road for 1.4 miles until you see a wide gravel road branching off to the left. Turn left, this road will branch again in .03 miles, turn to the right and continue straight (another .5 mile to WHERE THE WILD THINGS CAMP!! From Monticello: Drive north on Hwy 191 for approximately 31 miles and turn left onto Looking Glass Rd/Co. Rd 131 (It will be the first left after Wilson Arch). https://earth.google.com/earth... Moab: 25 miles Canyon Rims Recreation Area: 12 miles La Sal: 12 miles Monticello: 33 miles Blanding: 54 miles Bluff: 79 miles Mexican Hat: 104 miles Monument Valley: 126 miles
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$45
 / night
95%
(104)

Indian Canyon Ranch

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Monticello, UT
Please be advised, that during heavy rain four-wheel drive may be necessary but in all cases low clearance vehicles are not ideal on the last section of road but if you arrive before dark and go slow any vehicle can make it. Units are not heated. Please plan to show up before dark for the best experience and ease of finding the location. Indian Canyon Ranch is proud to be an independent, off grid property with limited solar power and water available. There are no RV hook ups available but there is limited solar power in the rental units and in the communal area but not in the primitive campsites. Campsites are primitive camping only. Showers in the main communal area are solar powered and only hot with the sun and for an hour or so after sunset Joe purchased this property in 2008. At that time, it was 8 acres, and it is now at 20 acres continuous property. The ranch is situated 2 miles off the highway down a bumpy dirt road on the edge of the national forest, this gives you a feeling of being in the wilderness. The south and east sides are boarded by canyons and ruins. All other private properties in the area are 10 acres or more so are well spread out and sparsely populated. All the structures on site were brought here piece by piece and were salvaged from construction projects in Yosemite and Grand Canyon national parks. Water is manually hauled in and the power in the kitchen area is solar generated so please be conscious of water and power use.
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$23.75
 / night
97%
(590)

Adventure Haven RV

8 sites · RVs1 acre · La Sal, UT
Hello! Please note we are RV's only, and that we do not have restrooms. ALL five sites have FULL hookups and strong WiFi. We are 27 miles south of Moab. Please read to the bottom of this description, we are open about what this place is like and we care about your experience. What kind of people LIKE the Adventure Haven? Those who like peace and quiet and dark skies. Relaxed full-time RVers, work-at-homes who need strong and fast WiFi, folks on a budget, those who like to support Hipcamp hosts, people looking for inside local information, solo travelers who want to feel safe yet not in a crowded place - like they’re near someone they know, and in a quiet, small town where unusual things are noticed. What kind of people DON’T like the Adventure Haven? People on high-pressure vacations who did not read the listing and expected a commercial RV resort. People who are uncomfortable with rural eye-sores (old cars, and slow projects). People who like street lights, sidewalks and curb appeal. Party people and special event groups (not allowed here). Let’s have a pretend conversation to make sure this place is a good fit for you! James and Linda: Hello Hipcamper, did you read our listing? We are overstating things because we care about your experience and we know your trip is important. We are located in a funky rural subdivision that has a wonderful view of beautiful nearby mountains. YOU: Yes we did read it and a rural, working class Utah vibe is fine with us. We’re not expecting a RV resort, we just want to be away from the noise and hustle of Moab, and we’re looking for a good value. What a great view of the mountain! (We’ll just ignore that old trailer across the street in the other direction.) The park has so much open space and only five spots! It is really relaxed. Wow - the WiFi is solid! We can work from home here; it is so reliable and fast (fiber optic). Your insider information on the area will be a great help to us; who could put a value on that? You say the night skies are some of the darkest anywhere? We already feel the freedom here. This place is great! The funky neighborhood is just part of the adventure. James and Linda: Good, we want you to be happy! We like it here, and many other people have grown to love it too; just look at our reviews! ****If you want a long stay and the calendar shows we are full, please contact us because we might be able to work it out! The Adventure Haven is a five site mini-RV park located in an old and sparsely occupied town with a population of about 300. A uranium boom town in the 1950's, La Sal is now a shadow of past times (and littered with artifact trailers and structures). But we are in beautiful high desert country and we are at the foothills of the La Sal Mountains and the park has a completely unobstructed view of this range! All sites have water, sewer, WiFi, and 30 amp electric service (two have 50amp). We also have two fire rings with a view to the mountain, and two portable fire pits. All sites have tables. Our park is new, clean and open with a solid road base surface. Sites can accommodate 40 foot plus units, but all require some backing. The La Sal vibe: as in any rural community, old junk is seen as valuable assets, and "curb appeal" is not in the local vocabulary (actually we don't have curbs or street lights here, and half the town has dirt roads). But it is peaceful here, a refreshing get away. We have some of the darkest skies anywhere, and hours can go by with no traffic at all. Welcome to rural Utah! We have built a tall privacy fence so you don't have to look at our treasure. Looking north and west, the Adventure Haven feels fairly secluded: houses are mostly obscured or out of sight in these directions. A row of large aspen trees is along one side of the camp with our neighbor obscured (when the trees have leaves), but not far away. Two funky old house trailers are visible to the south (just across the street), but camps face North with unobstructed views to the mountain. We are on the very northwest edge of this old community. This is not a place for a late night party, but it is a good place for normal gatherings. (You can stay up late and enjoy the night sky and talk, but if you get wild we will talk with you about it.) People in general find it to be quite nice as well as a good value. The Adventure Haven feels open, public and safe to most people. Funky and rural, in high pristine desert with a sweet view of the mountain is the overall vibe. The Needles district of Canyonlands is about 1 hour from Camp; Moab and Arches National Park are only 35 minutes away, and there are exciting features to explore right in our neighborhood. • Looking Glass Arch, Lopez Arch and Wilson Arch are all about 15 minutes away! • The world-famous motorcycle route, Colorado 90, begins just 12 miles away, with fine scenery all the way. • Hook and Ladder OHV Trail system is less that five miles from the Adventure Haven, the dirt starting in only 2. The Rim Rocker Trail can be accessed from here as well by driving a few miles on pavement. • Forest Service access to the La Sal Mountains is less than 7 miles away for an escape into alpine coolness, with fishing at Medicine Lake 15 miles from here. Note: Only mellow, quiet, and controlled pets are allowed here, and only two per site. Pets must be on a leash and owners must pick up after them. Please tell us about your pet in the booking request. Please consider that this place may not be suitable for your children. The perimeter is well marked, but is not child proof and there are hazards, such as an irrigation ditch, beyond it (running now). We also lack a play area, but there is a nice one at the elementary school 2.5 miles away. Thanks for reading this!
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$47
 / night
100%
(153)

Glamping Canyonlands

15 sites · Lodging22 acres · Monticello, UT
We are outdoor enthusiasts; love hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, paddling, mountain biking, snowboarding, etc. As we've gotten older, our pace has admittedly slowed down, but we still get out there whenever we can. We also love food, travel, music, life, our fur babies and a lot of other things. Glamping Canyonlands is an off-the-grid property with four 16.5 ft and one 16x24 ft canvas wall tent, a glamping pod and NEW air conditioned Skylight Casita. The tents are furnished with a comfortable memory foam queen mattress fitted with bedding, extra blankets, seating for two, area rugs, end tables, string lights, board games, first aid kit, hand sanitizer, phone battery pack, small battery operated fans, 2 deck chairs, private firepit with grill top, hammocks & picnic table. Communal areas are bathrooms with a flushing toilet, warm shower, outdoor kitchen, and, picnic tables. French press coffee each morning. Starlink Internet is available. Late check-ins are available. You will receive more information closer to your arrival date. The small town of Monticello-15 mins, Newspaper Rock-15 mins, Foy Lake-25 mins, Canyonlands NP-40 mins, Moab-40 mins, Arches-50 mins. We've been married since 2012 and best friends since 2006. In fact, it was our honeymoon in the Canyonlands National Park that inspired us to open Glamping Canyonlands, our eco-friendly, off-grid campground. If there is anything specific you'd like to know about us, just ask! We hope we get the opportunity to meet you in the near future!
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from 
$140
 / night

The best camping near Canyonlands National Park guide

Overview

About

Will you be one of the lucky people to snag one of 38 campsites located within Utah’s Canyonlands National Park? This vast desert landscape has been carved in intricate ways by the Colorado River, creating an epic natural playground for mountain biking, boating, rafting, and stargazing amid sandstone towers and deep canyons. Across the park’s three vast districts, the NPS operates two campgrounds with maintained campsites for tents and RVs, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails are found in the park, with many trailheads accessible from the campgrounds. Backcountry camping is also allowed. Or, venture just outside the park into Moab, nearby BLM lands, or Dead Horse Point State Park to find more camping options.

Notable campgrounds

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Island in the Sky Campground is open year-round. Sites are non-reservable.
  • The Needles Campground (formerly known as Squaw Flat Campground) has one loop open year round. Some sites in Loop B are reservable through Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance during peak seasons, which run mid-March through May and September through October.
  • First-come-first-serve campsites generally fill by noon each day. Departure time is 10am for campers leaving the park, so arrive early for the best selection. Visitors sometimes start scouting spots as early as sunrise.

When to go

Canyonlands National Park is located in Utah’s high desert. Summertime temperatures may top 100°F. Fall and spring are the busiest seasons, with more moderate daytime temperatures. Special care needs to be taken for sun protection and drinking water. No matter the time of year, nights are much cooler than the day, dropping as much as 40 degrees. Campers can expect freezing weather in winter, with lows potentially dropping below 0°F.

Know before you go

  • Backpackers and hikers must carry drinking water, as water sources are not reliably found in the backcountry.
  • The greater Moab region is home to several RV parks with hookups for campers. Partial hookups are also available at Kayenta Campground at Dead Horse Point State Park.
  • Parts of the park are very remote. The Maze is only accessible by foot, while other parts of the park require four-wheel drive. Permits are required for some access.
  • Potable water is available at The Needles Campground but not at Island in the Sky Campground. Both visitor centers offer potable water. While both campgrounds offer vault toilets, neither has showers. The Needles campground has flush toilets available. Neither offers a dump station or hookups.
  • Cell signals are limited in the park, but wifi is offered at the visitor centers. Make sure to download park maps or pick up physical copies for navigating this large park.

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