Canyonlands National Park
RV Guide
Introduction
Canyonlands National Park offers exceptional RV camping across three distinct districts spanning 337,598 acres of Utah's most dramatic desert landscapes, featuring towering mesas, deep canyons, and ancient rock art. Willow Flat and Squaw Flat campgrounds provide rustic camping inside the park, while strategic locations like Moab RV rentals offer prime access to this geological wonderland that welcomed over 750,000 visitors in 2024, making advance planning essential for spring and fall visits.
What Makes Canyonlands the Ultimate RV Destination?
Spanning over 337,000 acres of colorful canyons, towering mesas, and carved sandstone spires, Canyonlands National Park captures the raw beauty of Utah's canyon country. As Utah's largest national park, it is divided into four distinct districts—Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and The Rivers—each offering unique adventures. The Colorado and Green Rivers carved these stunning landscapes over millions of years, creating one of America's most dramatic desert wilderness areas.
Island in the Sky rises 1,000 feet above the surrounding terrain, offering breathtaking panoramic views from easily accessible overlooks like Grand View Point and Mesa Arch. The sunrise at Mesa Arch ranks among the most photographed moments in the park, as golden light illuminates the arch's underside against a backdrop of distant buttes. The Needles district showcases colorful Cedar Mesa sandstone spires, extensive backcountry trails, and fascinating rock art sites. The Maze represents Utah's most remote and challenging wilderness, reserved for experienced adventurers with four-wheel-drive vehicles and self-sufficiency skills.
You'll discover world-class opportunities for hiking, mountain biking on White Rim Road, rock climbing at Indian Creek, and whitewater rafting through Cataract Canyon. Photography enthusiasts find endless subjects in the park's dramatic landscapes, from towering buttes to delicate stone arches. Wildlife viewing rewards patient observers with sightings of mule deer, bighorn sheep, coyotes, and golden eagles soaring above the canyons.
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal visiting conditions with temperatures ranging from 60-80°F and comfortable camping weather. Summer brings scorching desert heat often exceeding 100°F, making early morning and evening the best times for activities. Winter provides solitude and unique photography opportunities, though temperatures drop below freezing at night. No matter when you take your RV road trip to Canyonlands, you'll experience some of the most spectacular and uncrowded landscapes in the National Park System.
The park continues to grow in popularity, with 2024 visitation exceeding 750,000 visitors annually. This makes advance planning essential for securing campground reservations, especially during peak spring and fall months when comfortable weather draws crowds to Island in the Sky's accessible overlooks.
RV Rentals in Canyonlands National Park
Transportation
Driving
Canyonlands' three main districts require separate approaches via well-maintained highways. For Island in the Sky, the most visited district, drive 32 miles northwest of Moab on Highway 191, then take Highway 313 west for 22 miles to the visitor center. The paved roads accommodate RVs of all sizes with no length restrictions on the main scenic drive.
For the Needles district, drive 40 miles south of Moab on Highway 191, then head west on Highway 211 for 38 miles to the entrance. This route also welcomes RVs, though the Elephant Hill area restricts vehicles to 26 feet maximum due to tight switchbacks.
The Maze district requires high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles and represents one of America's most remote wilderness areas. RVs cannot access The Maze's interior, though adventurous travelers park at the Hans Flat Ranger Station and explore via 4WD vehicles. Most RV travelers focus on Island in the Sky and The Needles for their accessible beauty.
Where Are the Best Gateway Cities for RV Rentals?
Moab Primary Access: Moab RV rentals provide the closest and most convenient access to Canyonlands National Park. This outdoor recreation hub sits just 30 miles from Island in the Sky and offers complete services, RV supplies, and adventure outfitters. Moab's central location also provides easy access to Arches National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, and countless hiking and biking trails.
Green River Northern Access: Located 52 miles northwest of Moab along Interstate 70, Green River offers an alternative base with fewer crowds and lower prices. This historic river town provides RV services and campgrounds while maintaining easy highway access to both Canyonlands districts.
Parking
Island in the Sky provides paved parking areas at all major overlooks and trailheads, easily accommodating RVs up to 40 feet. Popular spots like Mesa Arch and Grand View Point fill quickly during peak spring and fall mornings, so arrive early or visit during midday when crowds thin. RV parking lots at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center offer ample space for turning large rigs.
The Needles district features gravel parking areas suitable for RVs at most trailheads, though some backcountry roads restrict vehicle size. The Elephant Hill area prohibits vehicles over 26 feet due to steep grades and tight switchbacks. Always check current road conditions at visitor centers before venturing onto unpaved roads.
Public Transportation
No public transportation serves Canyonlands National Park. Private tour companies in Moab offer guided excursions to both Island in the Sky and The Needles, but these don't accommodate personal RVs. Most visitors drive their own vehicles or rent RVs to explore the park's vast landscapes.
Campgrounds and parking in Canyonlands National Park
Campsites in Canyonlands National Park
Reservations camping
The Needles Campground (Squaw Flat)
Located in the Needles District, this campground provides 27 individual sites and three group sites scattered around the area. In the spring and fall, you can reserve 14 individual campsites up to six months in advance. Group sites can be reserved from mid-March to mid-November. You will have access to restrooms, trash collection, potable water, and use of the amphitheater. You can roast marshmallows or have a barbecue with wood fires in grates. Staff are on site seasonally. This campground can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 28 feet in length.
First-come first-served
The Needles Campground (Squaw Flat)
During the summer and winter, the individual sites at the Needles Campground are first-come-first-served. You’ll enjoy easy access to restrooms, potable water, and use of the amphitheater. You can relax by the fire or enjoy a picnic in the quiet serenity of this Canyonlands campground. Trailers and RVs are permitted as long as they are under 28 feet in length.
Island in the Sky Campground (Willow Flat)
Located in the Island in the Sky district, this campground offers 12 sites that are open year-round. You will have access to restrooms and can relax by a grate fire. Each site comes with a picnic table. Trash service is provided. You can bring your pets as long as they are on a leash, and you can use public wi-fi at the Island in the Sky Visitor Center. RVs and trailers up to 28 feet in length are permitted at the campground.
Alternate camping
Private Campgrounds
For more camping options near Canyonlands, explore RV parks and campgrounds in Moab, Utah, campground listings, and surrounding areas.
BLM lands around Moab offer dispersed camping opportunities for self-contained RVs seeking free boondocking experiences. Popular areas include Willow Springs Road, Kane Creek Road, and Highway 128 along the Colorado River. These sites provide no amenities but offer stunning desert scenery and solitude.
For those seeking more amenities, numerous private campgrounds in Moab provide full hookups, swimming pools, and convenient town access. Options include Portal RV Resort (now Village Camp Moab), Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown, and Moab RV and Glamping Resort.
Backcountry Camping
If you are seeking a more intimate experience, to get away from the RV and into the enchanting nature of the Canyonlands, this national park is a mecca for backcountry camping. Each district provides a unique experience for backpackers to take overnight trips where you can gaze up at the starry night sky and see amazing sights beyond the overlook points. The Island in the Sky or the Maze are the most popular district for backcountry camping. You must get a permit if you plan on backcountry camping overnight in the Canyonlands.
Moab KOA
Located just 4 miles south of downtown Moab off Highway 191, Moab KOA positions you perfectly for exploring both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. This family-friendly campground offers full-hookup sites accommodating rigs up to 70 feet, with 50-amp service, cable TV, and Wi-Fi.
Amenities include a seasonal swimming pool, hot tub, camp kitchen, propane filling station, and well-stocked camp store. The playground keeps kids entertained after long hiking days, while the Kamp K9 dog park welcomes furry companions. Clean restroom facilities with hot showers provide comfort after dusty canyon adventures.
The KOA's central location provides easy access to Moab's restaurants, breweries, and outdoor outfitters. Many guests use it as a base camp for multi-day explorations of the area's parks and recreation opportunities.
Devils Garden Campground (Arches National Park)
Located 18 miles north of Moab inside Arches National Park, Devils Garden Campground offers a convenient alternative when Canyonlands campgrounds fill. The campground features 50 sites, with some accommodating RVs up to 45 feet on paved pads with picnic tables and fire rings.
Sites require reservations up to six months in advance through Recreation.gov, filling almost immediately for peak season dates. The campground provides flush toilets and running water, but no hookups or showers. The stunning setting among sandstone fins and arches creates an unforgettable camping experience.
While primarily serving Arches visitors, the campground sits just 50 miles from Canyonlands' Island in the Sky district, making it viable for those planning to explore both parks.
Dead Horse Point State Park
Perched 2,000 feet above the Colorado River, Dead Horse Point State Park sits 32 miles from Moab and 9 miles from Canyonlands' Island in the Sky entrance. The Kayenta Campground offers 21 sites with water and electric hookups accommodating RVs up to 50 feet, while 17 sites in Wingate Campground provide primitive camping without hookups.
Modern amenities include flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. Sites require reservations through Utah State Parks, especially during peak spring and fall seasons. The park's iconic overlook provides one of America's most photographed vistas, rivaling anything in Canyonlands.
The campground's location makes it ideal for visitors planning extended stays at both Dead Horse Point and Island in the Sky. Evening ranger programs during the summer months add educational value to your visit.
Seasonal activities in Canyonlands National Park
Spring
Backpacking
Spring is the perfect time to discover this vast, rugged oasis in a personal way. Park your rig and head out on foot for the day or for an overnight backpacking trip through the Canyonlands. While permits are required for overnight trips, you can hike and camp in the Island of the Sky, the Needles, or the Maze. Each district has unique sites and panoramic views that you won’t get to experience in any other way.
Boating
Imagine traveling down the ancient waters of the Colorado or Green River while enjoying cool breezes and the crystal-clear sky up above. Turn that dream into a reality on a kayak, canoe, or motorized boat trip in Canyonlands National Park. Whether you want to explore on your own or hire a private boat tour, you’ll enjoy an aquatic adventure unlike any other when you park the RV and hit the water. Be advised that all boat launch ramps are outside the park boundaries, but several private companies offer shuttle service to and from launches and park campgrounds.
Hiking Grand View Point
A trip to Canyonlands National Park wouldn’t be complete without a hike to the Grand View Point. This easy two-mile hike along the canyon edge will take you to truly breathtaking views of canyons, spires, and mountains that are unlike any other place on Earth. The sandy and rustic colors of this desert landscape are unforgettable.
Check Out an Explorer Pack
At both the Island in the Sky and The Needles visitor centers, children can check out an explorer pack for the day. In the pack, you'll find binoculars, a magnifying glass, a guide to the natural landscape, plants, and wildlife, and more. Make your RV camping trip to Canyonlands National Park educational and entertaining.
Mountain Biking Elephant Hill Road
Canyonlands National Park is a haven for bikers, so put your camper in park and get ready to cycle. Located in the Needles district, the Elephant Hill Road is a perfect destination for serious bikers. You’ll be challenged by steep grades and loose rock. The gorgeous views of white and dark brown cliffs and pinnacles is well worth the trip. Bring your own bike or rent bicycles and equipment at one of the many private rental services outside of the park.
Rock Climbing
The sandstone towers at the Island in the Sky district are a mecca for rock climbers around the world. You can conquer some of the most majestic rock pinnacles and formations in a beautiful landscape, surrounded by colorful panoramic views. You can also hire private tours to take a guided rock climb through an unforgettable setting.
Wildflower Viewing
April and May transform Canyonlands' high desert with blooms of Indian paintbrush, evening primrose, desert marigold, and prince's plume. The Needles district showcases particularly vibrant displays among its sandstone spires. The mild temperatures make spring perfect for extended day hikes through Chester Park and the Joint Trail.
White Rim Road Mountain Biking
Spring temperatures create ideal conditions for tackling the legendary 100-mile White Rim Road loop beneath Island in the Sky. This multi-day mountain biking or 4WD adventure requires permits and careful planning but rewards riders with some of America's most spectacular desert scenery. Most riders complete the route in 2-3 days.
Fall
Hiking White Rim Overlook
This 1.8-mile easy hike is one you won’t want to miss. As one of the most popular trails in the park, it is safe for visitors of varying ages and experience levels. The route will take you through the natural landscape as you take in breathtaking views of the Colorado River, La Sal Mountains, and the Monument Basin. You’ll hike through native desert fauna and catch glimpses of local wildlife as you experience some of the most amazing views in the park.
Guided Hike of Horseshoe Canyon
If you want to venture into the Maze, which is the most remote district of the park, you can take a ranger-led hiking tour of Horseshoe Canyon. The amazing setting features some of the most magnificent rock art in the country. You’ll hike through beautiful wildflowers, sheer sandstone walls, and cottonwood groves, so make sure you bring your camera.
Bird Watching and Wildlife Viewing
Fall is a great time of year to get out those binoculars and discover the diverse natural habitat of the Canyonlands National Park. With over 270 bird species that call this amazing landscape home, you can catch a glimpse of turkey vultures and canyon wrens. You will love the incredible views of desert cottontail, kangaroo rats, and lizards that live in this one-of-a-kind wilderness.
Exploring Cave Springs
If you have always wanted to be a cave explorer, you’ll be in for a treat when you head out from your camper for a hike to Cave Springs. Once you venture the short, .5-mile hike and climb ladders to get to your final destination, you will be greeted with a historic cowboy camp and prehistoric petroglyphs. The inside of the cave is a sight to be seen with colorful walls, mosses, and streams. Get the camera ready!
Horseback Riding
With mild temperatures, autumn is a perfect time to trail ride in the Canyonlands. Horseback riding in the backcountry of Canyonlands National Park means you can get an intimate, one-of-a-kind experience among jaw-dropping canyon views and incredible rock spirals and arches. There are many local private companies that offer horseback riding tours for all ages.
Island in the Sky Scenic Drive
This 34-mile roundtrip scenic driving route is paved and accessible by both car and RV. The road begins in the Island in the Sky district and winds through the remaining four districts of the park. Enjoy views of the canyons from 1,000 feet above the canyon floor and stop at one of the many overlook areas. Plan on spending at least an hour on the drive to give you time to enjoy the sites and take the adjacent drive to Grand View Point.
Scenic Drives Through Golden Cottonwoods
September and October paint the Colorado and Green River corridors with golden cottonwood foliage. The Shafer Trail Road descent from Island in the Sky showcases these autumn colors against red rock cliffs. Highway 128 along the Colorado River between Moab and Island in the Sky provides another stunning fall color drive accessible to all vehicles.
Winter
Mesa Arch Sunrise Photography
Spring mornings at Mesa Arch deliver stunning photography opportunities as soft light illuminates the arch's underside with orange and red hues. The moderate temperatures make the 0.5-mile hike comfortable, and wildflowers often bloom along the trail. Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunrise to secure a spot, as this ranks among America's most photographed natural arches.
Tour the Island in the Sky Visitor Center
If you take your RV to the park in November or December you can learn about the amazing history and geology of Canyonlands National Park. You can watch a 15-minute orientation video to get the big-picture introduction to this incredible canyon oasis. You’ll love the detailed exhibits and displays where you can experience a behind-the-scenes look at the natural history that makes this part of Utah so unique.
Winter Backpacking
If you’re an experienced backpacker, you might be up for the challenge of getting out of your rig and conquering the Canyonlands backcountry in the winter. Since park services are more limited in the winter you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of gear and water, but you can take day hikes or overnight backpacking trips to get one-of-a-kind views in various areas of the park that are unlike those at any other time of year.
Cross-Country Skiing the Gold Basin Trail
After significant snowfall, The Needles' roads and trails transform into winter wonderlands perfect for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The Cave Spring Trail and Roadside Ruin Trail provide gentle terrain for winter exploration. Always check conditions at the visitor center before venturing out.
For more Utah adventure inspiration, explore our Arches National Park guide for sandstone arch wonders 30 miles from Canyonlands, or discover Bryce Canyon National Park for hoodoo-filled amphitheaters in southwestern Utah.
Winter Horseback Riding
The winter is a magical time in Canyonlands National Park when light snow glistens in the sun against the colorful backdrop of rocky spirals and majestic cliffs. On warmer days, you can hire a private company to take a winter horseback riding tour. On horseback, you’ll see a unique side to the park that most miss.
The Needles Scenic Drive
From the visitor center in the Needles District guests can enjoy 6.5 miles of paved road easily navigable by RV with scenic views. The route ends at Big Spring Canyon Overlook, passing pullouts for natural viewpoints, hiking trails, and picnic areas. Connecting gravel roads provide access to Cave Spring and Elephant Hill.
Solitude at Grand View Point
Winter transforms Canyonlands into a peaceful sanctuary with minimal visitors. Grand View Point provides 360-degree vistas of snow-dusted canyons without summer crowds. The 2-mile round-trip trail remains accessible most winters, though ice cleats help with icy sections. Bundle up for cold winds at this exposed overlook.
Summer
Stargazing
Imagine a summer’s night sky offering a show of over 2,500 stars and a crystal-clear view of the Milky Way. This extraordinary sight is yours at Canyonlands National Park. Get out of the RV, get your telescope ready, and sign up for a stargazing program at either Island in the Sky or the Needles for an unforgettable night.
Geology and Patio Talks
If you want to hear the first-hand accounts of experienced park rangers and learn about the rich natural and cultural history of Canyonlands National Park you’ll want to stop at a Geology or Patio talk at either the Island in the Sky Visitor Center or Grand View Point. You’ll discover the amazing ecological background of the natural formations and the history and lives of the cowboys that all combine to add to the incredible story of the park.
Whitewater Rafting
The majestic Colorado and Green Rivers are a perfect place to get both some shade and some sun while you cruise down the aisles of mother nature. There are several private companies open for hire for whitewater rafting tours through the canyons. Peak rafting season on the Green River last from April through October with the best water flowing from late May through early June. Take advantage of over 60 sections of Class I - Class III rapids. The Colorado River offers a wide variety of rafting experiences as well for everyone from families with small children to experienced rafters.
Upheaval Dome
This quick, easy hike up to Upheaval Dome is a must on a visit to Canyonlands. The leftovers of an impact crater, Upheaval Dome is so unique it can even be seen from the International Space Station! You’ll be blown away by majestic views of mysterious rock formations.
The trail to the first overlook is a moderate one-mile trek. If you hike up to the second overlook, you can get even more amazing views from a higher vantage point. If you are an experienced hike up for a challenge, you can hike around the canyons on the 8.3-mile Syncline Loop. Be warned, however, the terrain can be very treacherous in places, and most park rescues take place on this trail.
White Rim Road Scenic Auto Tours
If you want to beat the heat, but still enjoy incredible views of the Canyonlands, you will love a scenic drive along the 100-mile White Rim Road. Located in the Island of the Sky district, you can enjoy panoramic views of the colorful spires, rock formations, and fins that dot the landscape. It’s suggested to take your tow vehicle or a rental car for this trip since it requires high clearance and four-wheel drive.
Junior Ranger Program
The younger visitors on your RV vacation can dive into all that Canyonlands National Park has to offer by joining the Junior Ranger program. Junior Ranger booklets can be picked up at any of the park visitor centers or printed off online before you arrive. Each booklet is filled with activities and suggestions for making the most of your time in the park. After completing the activities in the booklet, children can receive a Junior Ranger badge and signed certificate at the visitor center.
