10 Best Campsites in Canyonlands National Park for an Epic Adventure in 2024

Canyonlands National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder in southeastern Utah, offering a vast and rugged landscape filled with canyons, mesas, and rock formations.

The park is divided into four distinct districts:

  • Island in the Sky
  • The Needles
  • The Maze
  • The Rivers

Each district provides a different experience for visitors, from stunning panoramic views to challenging hikes through remote terrain.

Proper planning and booking are essential for making the most of your camping adventure in this extraordinary park.

10. Nine Mile Ranch

  • Location: Nine Mile Cyn Rd, Wellington, UT 84542
  • Working Hours:
    • Monday 9 AM–8 PM
    • Tuesday 9 AM–8 PM
    • Wednesday 9 AM–8 PM
    • Thursday 9 AM–8 PM
    • Friday 9 AM–8 PM
    • Saturday 9 AM–8 PM
    • Sunday 9 AM–8 PM
  • Highlights:
    • Cultural exploration
    • Rustic accommodations
    • Peaceful atmosphere

Nine Mile Ranch offers a one-of-a-kind camping experience, blending cultural exploration with the rugged beauty of Canyonlands.

Located near ancient petroglyphs and historic sites, this ranch allows campers to learn about the rich history of the region.

Its rustic and peaceful accommodations allow for a quiet retreat far from the busy tourist areas, making it ideal for adventurers interested in a cultural connection to the land.

9. Green River KOA Journey

 

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  • Location: 235 S 1780 E, Green River, UT 84525
  • Working Hours:
    • Monday 9 AM–5 PM
    • Tuesday 9 AM–5 PM
    • Wednesday 9 AM–5 PM
    • Thursday 9 AM–5 PM
    • Friday 9 AM–5 PM
    • Saturday 9 AM–5 PM
    • Sunday 9 AM–5 PM
  • Highlights:
    • Family-friendly
    • Swimming pool
    • Recreational activities

Green River KOA Journey is a great alternative to staying in the bustling town of Moab.

Located just a short drive from Canyonlands National Park, it offers a quieter atmosphere while still providing quick access to the park and other nearby attractions.

With amenities like a swimming pool, playground, and recreational activities, it’s a family-friendly option for those seeking relaxation and convenience.

8. Slickrock Campground

 

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  • Location: 1301 North Highway 191, Moab, UT
  • Working Hours:
    • RV and tent site check-in time 12:00 PM
    • Cabin check-in time After 3:00 PM
    • Checkout time 11:00 AM
  • Highlights:
    • Family-friendly
    • RV and tent options
    • Shaded picnic areas

Slickrock Campground is a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. It offers both RV and tent camping options, making it accessible to all types of campers.

Found conveniently near both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, it serves as an excellent base for exploring the natural wonders of the region.

The campground features shade trees, picnic areas, and a relaxed environment, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of adventure.

7. Portal RV Resort

  • Location: 1261 N Hwy 191 A, Moab, UT 84532
  • Working Hours:
    • Check-in time 1:00 p.m.
    • Check-out time 11:00 am
  • Highlights:
    • Luxury RV resort
    • Spacious sites
    • Upscale amenities

For those seeking a more luxurious camping experience, Portal RV Resort offers spacious sites and upscale amenities.

It’s a short drive from Canyonlands National Park, making it a convenient option for visitors.

With facilities like a pool, laundry, and a clubhouse, Portal RV Resort combines comfort with proximity to the park, offering the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

6. Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway

An aerial view of Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway campground in Moab, Utah. The image features several wooden cabins with green roofs, parked RVs, and numerous trees in a well-maintained landscape
The Island in the Sky District within the park, allows guests to take in over 100 miles of jaw-dropping panoramic views of the surrounding area
  • Location: 1773 N Hwy 191, Moab, UT 84532
  • Working Hours:
    • Monday 8 AM–7:30 PM
    • Tuesday 8 AM–7:30 PM
    • Wednesday 8 AM–7:30 PM
    • Thursday 8 AM–7:30 PM
    • Friday 8 AM–7:30 PM
    • Saturday 8 AM–7:30 PM
    • Sunday 8 AM–7:30 PM
  • Highlights:
    • Pool
    • Hot tub
    • Mini-golf
    • Variety of lodging options

Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway provides easy access to both Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, making it a great choice for those who want to explore both parks.

With a range of lodging options, from RV sites to vintage Airstream trailers, this campground offers something for everyone.

It features amenities such as a pool, hot tub, and mini-golf, making it a fantastic choice for families and groups who want a mix of adventure and relaxation.

5. Up The Creek Campground

image of Up the Creek RV Park in Pigeon Forge, showcasing a wooden welcome sign under a canopy of trees. The park area features picnic tables and garbage bins, with RVs visible in the background
Smokey Mountains of Tennessee
  • Location: 210 E 300 S, Moab, UT 84532
  • Working Hours:
    • Monday 8 AM–5 PM
    • Tuesday 8 AM–5 PM
    • Wednesday 8 AM–5 PM
    • Thursday 8 AM–5 PM
    • Friday 8 AM–5 PM
    • Saturday 8 AM–5 PM
    • Sunday 8 AM–5 PM
  • Highlights:
    • Tent-only
    • Shaded
    • Close to restaurants and shops

Up The Creek Campground is a tent-only site located in Moab, offering a quiet and shaded retreat. It’s ideal for campers who want to stay close to downtown Moab while still enjoying a peaceful environment.

With restaurants and shops just a short walk away, it provides a convenient yet tranquil base for exploring Canyonlands.

Up The Creek Campground is perfect for those who prefer a more minimalistic camping experience while being close to local amenities.

4. Canyonlands RV Resort & Campground

  • Location: 555 S. Main Street, Moab, UT
  • Working Hours:
    • Monday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Tuesday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Wednesday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Thursday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Friday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Saturday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Sunday 8 AM–4 PM
  • Highlights:
      • Full-service campground
      • Pool
      • Laundry
      • Playground

Canyonlands RV Resort & Campground offers a full-service experience for families and RV travelers.

Located in Moab, it provides modern amenities like a pool, laundry facilities, and a playground.

Its proximity to both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks makes it a prime spot for those who want easy access to outdoor activities.

With options for RV sites and tent camping, this campground caters to a variety of campers looking for comfort and convenience.

3. Devils Garden Campground (Arches National Park)

  • Location: 2282 S. West Resource Blvd Moab, UT 84532-0907
  • Working Hours:
    • Monday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Tuesday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Wednesday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Thursday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Friday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Saturday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Sunday 8 AM–4 PM
  • Highlights:
    • Stunning rock formations
    • Scenic views
    • Dual-park access

Devils Garden Campground, located within Arches National Park, is the perfect base for campers who want to explore both Arches and Canyonlands.

Surrounded by stunning rock formations and offering breathtaking views, it’s a favorite among nature lovers.

With access to some of the most scenic trails in the area, this campground provides a magical experience for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of Utah’s national parks.

2. The Needles Campground

panoramic image of the Needles area in Canyonlands National Park, highlighting rocky outcrops and sparse vegetation under a partly cloudy sky. The landscape features rugged terrain and distant hills, typical of the Utah desert environment
Total Campsites: 27 + 3 Group Sites
  • Location: UT-211, Moab, UT 84532,
  • Working Hours:
    • Monday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Tuesday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Wednesday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Thursday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Friday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Saturday 8 AM–4 PM
    • Sunday 8 AM–4 PM
  • Highlights:
    • Year-round access
    • Dramatic landscapes
    • Ideal for hikers

The Needles Campground, located in the heart of Canyonlands’ Needles District, offers a rugged and remote camping experience.

Open year-round, this campground provides access to some of the park’s most dramatic landscapes, including towering red rock spires and expansive desert views.

With both reserved and first-come, first-served sites, it’s perfect for spontaneous travelers and hikers seeking an immersive experience in the park’s wild terrain.

1. Island in the Sky (Willow Flat) Campground

  • Location: Canyonlands National Park, Green River Overlook Rd, Moab, UT 84532
  • Working Hours:
    • Monday 9 AM–4:30 PM
    • Tuesday 9 AM–4:30 PM
    • Wednesday 9 AM–4:30 PM
    • Thursday 9 AM–4:30 PM
    • Friday 9 AM–4:30 PM
    • Saturday 9 AM–4:30 PM
    • Sunday 9 AM–4:30 PM
  • Highlights:
    • Panoramic views
    • Simple amenities
    • Iconic camping experience

Island in the Sky’s Willow Flat Campground is considered the crown jewel of camping in Canyonlands National Park.

Located near the Green River Overlook, this campground offers stunning panoramic views that make it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Though it provides simple amenities, the beauty of the surroundings more than makes up for it. Ideal for campers looking for a no-frills experience, Willow Flat is perfect for those who want to enjoy Canyonlands’ iconic scenery.

The Bottom Line

Canyonlands National Park offers a wide range of camping experiences, from rustic retreats to luxury RV resorts.

No matter what kind of adventure you seek, there’s a perfect spot for everyone.

Make your reservations early, stay safe, and enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of this unique and rugged landscape.

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