Tucked up against the walls of the Roan Bailey Mesa, with high desert landscape, surrounding canyons, and sandstone formations, the Windwhistle Campground is an excellent overnight campground to use as a base and explore the surrounding canyonlands. Windwhistle Campground is a Bureau of Land Management site, south west of Moab, Utah. Sited at over 6000 feet above sea level, this desert terrain experiences high temperatures in the summer and sub-freezing conditions in the winter. Due to its elevation, and partially sheltered site in the “cove” at the foot of the Roan Bailey Mesa, the campground is somewhat cooler than surrounding areas. The Roan Bailey Mesa is one of many sandstone “domes' located in the region, and the La Sal Mountains and Abajo Mountains are visible in the distance.
A ½ mile nature trail from the campground allows visitors the opportunity to explore the immediate vicinity, and nearby, longer trails for hiking and cycling, and rock climbing routes in the area provide further recreational opportunities. This is an isolated, backcountry, BLM site, and visitors looking for solitude to enjoy unspoiled natural wilderness will revel in this remote site that is also close to national and state wilderness and recreation areas such as Dead Horse Point State Park, Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park.
Stargaze while camping at the campground, and visit nearby off-highway vehicle areas and scenic lookouts with spectacular vistas while staying at Windwhistle. High winds and thunderstorms are frequent occurrences in the area so be prepared.
The Windwhistle Campground has 15 individual sites, available on a first come first serve basis, and one reservable group site. The campground is open year-round; however, water supply is only available from May until freeze up. The campground is appropriate for tents and small to moderate-sized RVs.
The Windwhistle Campground is about a 45-minute drive, southwest of Moab, Utah where services, amenities, restaurants, accommodations, and tourist activities are plentiful.
To get to Windwhistle Campground from Moab, take Highway 191 for 32 miles south, to the Canyon Rims turnoff, then head six miles west on the Needles Overlook Road. The Windwhistle Campground is situated on the south side of the road. The Needles Overlook Road is a scenic backcountry road with several excellent overlooks and viewpoints that are well worth stopping for. The route is partially paved with dirt and gravel sections, but is well maintained and usually navigable and appropriate for all vehicles. During wet weather, the route can become rougher with ruts and washboard sections, and in dry weather, there can be dust. Take it slow to avoid jostling your vehicle's contents on the gravel sections and to avoid stirring up dusty unnecessarily.
There is a parking area at the Windwhistle Campground for walk-in sites, but it is limited in size and is not appropriate for large units.
The climate in the region is very hot during the summer months, and travelers should take adequate water and supplies. Ensure you have a well maintained and stocked vehicle for traveling in the remote desert landscape.
Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the Windwhistle Campground is tucked into a natural cove of a large sandstone mesa, which provides some shelter from the high winds that are typical in this high desert wilderness area.
The campground is open all year round. However, a drinking water supply is only available from May until fall freeze up. There are 15 individual drive-in sites available, on a first-come, first-serve basis, and one walk-in site plus a group site that is reservable. These sites are appropriate for tents and moderately sized RVs, with the exception of the group site, which is tent only. If you are tenting, make sure you secure your tent adequately, as high winds in the area wreak havoc with unsecured tents! The local population of ravens, chipmunks, and other small desert critters will be very interested in your food supply, so make sure you secure food appropriately.
Campsites have picnic tables, and fire rings with grills, and there are vault toilets and trash receptacles on site.
Take the Needles Overlook Road to the Needles Overlook, where visitors are treated to a 270-degree view of Canyonlands National Park in the Needles section of the park. You can also take a side branch north to the Anticline Overlook, which has magnificent views of the Colorado River, Kane Canyon, and Deadhorse Point State Park.
Few visitors venture to these remote viewpoints, so you won't have to battle crowds, and you can take your time enjoying the amazing landscape. During the heat of the summer or during sub-freezing winter temps, a scenic drive to these great viewpoints may be in order! You will definitely want to take a camera to capture your memories!
Nearby off-highway vehicle trails are situated near the Windwhistle Campground for some 4x4 fun. The Canyonlands National Park is famous for its excellent off-road adventure trails, and there are a variety of routes that range from moderate to very difficult and require technical experience.
Off-road trails and areas include Bobby's Hole, White Rim Road, and Flint Trail. Off-road vehicles in the park must be street legal; no ATVs are permitted. Observe all regulations, and ensure you take adequate safety precautions on challenging rough terrain. OHV activities are often conducted in the off-season when cooler temperatures are not as hard on mechanical equipment.
Although snow sports may not be the first thing you think of in this desert wilderness, the La Sal Mountains to the east receive adequate snowfall during the winter months for cross country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing activities. Check out the Geyser Pass Winter Trailhead, where a parking lot is located, and head out on the eight miles of groomed cross country ski trails and snowshoeing paths. There is also a sledding hill for some downhill nordic fun!
There is a ½ mile nature trail from the Windwhistle Campground, to explore the immediate area around the BLM site. The trail comes complete with interpretive signs outlining the natural features of the region. This pretty trail meanders through copses of pinyon-juniper trees and patches of desert wildflowers, and is an easy out and back trek.
More challenging hiking trails abound in the Canyonland National Park to the west, where hikers will find longer trails with steep elevation changes and spectacular wilderness terrain. Hiking is most popular in the spring and fall, which is the peak season in the area, with the most moderate temperatures.
Moab, Utah, has several local climbing outfitters that can direct you to specific climbing routes in the Moab area. The Looking Glass Rock is just over 10 miles north of Windwhistle Campground, and is a large sandstone dome with a natural amphitheater and window carved out of the soft stone by the powerful winds of the region.
The route requires climbing equipment, and the rock faces are exposed to strong winds, and occasional thunderstorms, so keep an eye to the sky and take appropriate safety precautions. The summit provides an incredible view of the Canyonlands National Park. Climbing in the area is available year round. However, winter temperatures are a bit chilly for comfort. Try climbing in the spring or fall which is the peak season for outdoor activities in the region. Take lots of water!
While camping at the Windwhistle Campground, overnight visitors can enjoy amazing stargazing opportunities. Sit under the vast night sky and view thousands of stars with clear views of the Milky Way, and little “light noise” from human activity and settlements in the region. The nearby Canyonlands National Park has stargazing programs at Island in the Sky and Needles, where visitors can learn all about the amazing night sky features.
Get your telescope ready and have a star chart handy to pick out constellations and celestial wonders. Stargazing in remote desert wilderness settings is an unforgettable experience.