Needles Canyonlands Camping

Needles Canyonlands is a stunning landscape of deep canyons and towering rock formations located in the heart of southeastern Utah. Here’s all the information you need to know about Needles Canyonlands camping: campgrounds, regulations, services, permits, backcountry camping and more!

This Canyonlands National Park guide will help you plan a unique Needles camping experience that can’t be found anywhere else!

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled weekend, Needles Canyonlands camping has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to explore one of America’s most beautiful landscapes!

You’ll want to be sure pack the right clothing and gear so you can enjoy all the outdoor Canyonlands National Park activities any time of year! Grab your free printable packing list by clicking the image below!

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A Photo Tour of Canyonlands National Park

Take a visual tour through Canyonlands National Park (and Dead Horse Point) to see the stunning landscape in the parks!

Things To Know About Needles Canyonlands Camping

When trying to decide where to stay near Canyonlands, keep in mind that The Needles is a remote district within the southern part of Canyonlands National Park.

There are no services at Needles Canyonlands. The nearest place to get food, firewood, and supplies is Monticello, Utah, approximately 60 minutes’ drive from The Needles. (IF the Needles Outpost is open, you MAY find a few supplies, but don’t count on it!)

There is seasonal potable water. Camp sites have toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and trash cans. Public Wi-Fi may be available at The Needles Visitor Center.

Check out our article explaining Canyonlands Island in the Sky vs Needles!

Regulations for Camping at Needles Canyonlands

• Camp only in designated sites.
• Maximum occupancy: 10 people, 2 vehicles per campsite.
• Maximum stay: 7 consecutive nights.
• Quiet hours: 8 pm to 8 am.
• Check-out time: 10 am.
• Pets must be leashed at all times.
• Wood fires in grates only. Wood gathering is prohibited. Do not leave garbage in fire grates.
• Charcoal cooking fires are allowed in fire pans and grills. Place ashes in fire grates.
• Properly extinguish all fires.
• Generators may only be used between 8 am and 10 am, or from 4 pm to 8 pm.

Camping at The Needles Campground

There are 26 individual camping sites and three group sites around the Needles district. Be sure to check the NPS website for the most updated nightly fee.

• Fourteen campsites in Loop A are always on a “first come, first served” basis. 
• Twelve campsites in Loop B an be reserved in the spring and fall.. and they fill quickly!
• Group sites are open from mid-March to mid-November. They are closed during the winter. 
• Canyonlands camping reservations are valid six months from the date of booking.

RVs and trailers are allowed, but there’s a maximum of length of 28 feet. 

Needles Campground Accessibility

The Needles Campground has two registered accessible sites. One site is strictly reserved for all campers with disabilities. The second site is held open for those with disabilities, but only until 8 pm. After that time, anyone can occupy that site for the night.

The two accessible sites at Needles are compatible with wheelchairs, making it easier for them to access fire rings, picnic tables, and tent pads.

There is an accessible bathroom between the two sites.

Group camp sites are not accessible because of the gravel or sandy surfaces.

Needles Outpost Campground

There’s a campground just 1.5 miles outside the park boundary. Needles Outpost Campground is a dry campground that allows tents and RVs (no water or power hookups). Each campsite is a dirt pad with a fire pit and picnic table.

You’ll find services like gasoline and propane. At the general store they sell firewood, ice, cold drinks, ice cream, camping supplies, camp food, snacks, and toiletries. There’s also a bathhouse with token-operated showers and flush toilets.

Backcountry Camping in Needles Canyonlands

One of the main draws to this district is exploring the backcountry by hiking or driving the four-wheel-drive roads in Needles Canyonlands.

Each backcountry campsite will accommodate a maximum of 10 people and three standard vehicles, including trailers and motorcycles.

All backcountry campsites have vault toilets except Peekaboo and New Bates Wilson.

Needles Canyonlands backcountry permits are required for all overnight stays in Canyonlands National Park, including the Needles.

All overnight permits must be reserved online at least two days before start of trip.

NOTE all backcountry camping regulations at Canyonland Needles!

Best Time to Camp at Needles Canyonlands

Canyonlands is part of the “high desert” along the Colorado Plateau. The Canyonlands National Park weather and temperatures can fluctuate up to 40 degrees in a single day.

The most popular seasons due to the best temperate weather are spring (April-May) and fall (mid-September-October), when daytime highs average 60 to 80 F and lows average 30 to 50 F.

Summer temperatures often exceed 100 F, making it hard to do outdoor activities during the daytime. Winters are cold, with highs averaging 30 to 50 F, and lows averaging 0 to 20 F.

Finding the best time to visit Canyonlands National Park all depends on the activities you want to do, and the type of weather you’ll enjoy.

We’ve written articles detailing what you’ll expect when visiting Canyonlands during the various seasons and months of the year.

• Canyonlands National Park in the Spring
• Canyonlands National Park in the Summer
• Canyonlands National Park in the Fall
• Canyonlands National Park in the Winter

BUY AT AMAZON: Arches and Canyonlands Guides and Maps

Canyonlands Itineraries

Check out our done-for-you 1, 2, and 3-day Canyonlands Itineraries to help you plan your vacation based on the time you have to spend at the park:

• Canyonlands National Park One Day Itinerary
• Two Days at Canyonlands National Park
• Three Days at Canyonlands National Park
• One Day at Needles Canyonlands National Park