10 Best Campsites in Canyonlands National Park for 2025 Trip

Canyonlands National Park offers rugged desert terrain, breathtaking views, and unforgettable hiking and stargazing.

Campsite selection plays a critical role in shaping your experience, as each option offers different amenities, levels of privacy, and proximity to park features.

The following list highlights top-rated campgrounds, compiled using reviews and leading camping platforms.

10. Canyon View RV Resort

In Grand Junction, Colorado, around 79 miles away, Canyon View RV Resort blends resort-level comfort with solid accessibility for Canyonlands visitors following a broader itinerary. Full-service hookups, fire pits, pickleball courts, and a pool attract RV travelers interested in unwinding between national park visits.

Fast Wi-Fi and well-maintained grounds add to the convenience. While its location places it outside immediate access to Canyonlands, it works well for travelers exploring Utah and Colorado in one road trip.

Those prioritizing amenities over proximity find great value here, particularly in shoulder seasons when booking closer options proves difficult.

9. The Views RV Park & Campground

Located in Dolores, Colorado, 95 miles from Canyonlands, The Views RV Park offers a peaceful alternative for road trippers willing to drive a little farther. Panoramic scenery and close proximity to McPhee Reservoir make it a great stop for multi-destination trips.

Full hookups, glamping tents, and quiet surroundings appeal to those wanting more breathing room than busier Moab-area sites can provide. Though daily park visits would be a stretch, it works well for travelers looping through the region or combining multiple parks into one route.

8. Sun Outdoors North Moab

Set near downtown Moab, Sun Outdoors North Moab caters to visitors seeking comfort without venturing far into the wilderness. Sites are shaded and spacious enough for large RVs and tents, while still being within walking distance to shops, restaurants, and trailhead shuttle stops.

Shower facilities, laundry rooms, and high-speed internet provide essential convenience. Although less immersive in natural elements, it’s favored by travelers who balance sightseeing with creature comforts.

Those planning multi-day excursions into Canyonlands often use this site as a staging area for well-rested, well-fed departures into more rugged parts of the park.

7. Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway

Positioned near Arches National Park and about 16 miles from Canyonlands, Sun Outdoors Arches Gateway offers a high-energy base camp filled with family-friendly features. Visitors can choose between tent and RV spaces or opt for glamping experiences in retrofitted Airstream trailers.

Amenities include a hot tub, mini-golf course, general store, and modern bathhouses. Though it’s closer to a resort atmosphere than wilderness seclusion, many travelers appreciate its convenience and entertainment value, especially those with children.

While traffic and activity levels run higher here than in more primitive campgrounds, its variety of lodging styles and consistent cleanliness keep it at the top of many camping shortlists.

6. Village Camp Moab

Also located 16 miles away in Moab, Village Camp Moab delivers a resort-style camping experience for travelers wanting luxury and nature in one place. Accommodations include upscale cabins, RV sites, and casitas. High-speed internet, a pool, and a dog park contribute to its all-in-one design.

While the price point is higher, travelers benefit from a clean, comfortable setting with quick access to both Canyonlands and Arches. It’s ideal for couples, families, or groups combining outdoor adventure with a comfortable retreat.

Village Camp prioritizes thoughtful design and elevated amenities without completely detaching visitors from nature. That balance appeals to those wanting convenience with a touch of outdoor adventure.

5. Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown

About 16 miles away in the town of Moab, Sun Outdoors Moab Downtown presents a more developed alternative for travelers looking for amenities. Accommodations include spaces for tents, RVs, and even cabin rentals. On-site features like a general store, pool, and showers appeal to families and comfort seekers.

Its proximity to downtown Moab puts dining, shopping, and gear rentals within walking distance. While less secluded than backcountry options, it serves as a convenient base for those planning day trips into Canyonlands and Arches National Parks.

Urban ambiance replaces wilderness immersion, but convenience and family-oriented services often outweigh that tradeoff for many visitors.

4. Horsethief Campground (BLM)

Approximately 10 miles outside Canyonlands National Park, Horsethief Campground sits on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. With 83 primitive sites scattered through a pinyon-juniper environment, it offers a balanced option for budget-minded travelers who still want scenic surroundings.

Reservations are not accepted, which means early arrival is key. Facilities include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, but there are no water or electric hookups. The setting feels remote enough to enjoy quiet nights, yet close enough to the park and nearby trails for daily adventure.

Hikers, climbers, and travelers on extended trips often favor Horsethief due to its affordability and access to major points of interest in the Moab area.

3. Wingate Campground (Dead Horse Point State Park)

Just 10 miles from the Island in the Sky entrance, Wingate Campground offers reservable sites for both tent and RV campers. Featuring electric hookups, shade shelters, and mesa views, it balances comfort with access to nature. Families and pet owners find it especially accommodating.

The area tends to book up fast, particularly in spring and fall, so early planning is critical. Despite the demand, it maintains a peaceful setting ideal for sunset viewing and morning coffee with panoramic surroundings.

2. Kayenta Campground (Dead Horse Point State Park)

About 14 miles outside Canyonlands, Kayenta Campground offers a peaceful environment shaded by juniper trees. Campsites accommodate both tents and RVs, with electric hookups available. Modern restrooms and lighted picnic shelters elevate comfort, while easy access to hiking trails attracts outdoor lovers of all skill levels.

Though showers and water hookups are not available, the campground maintains a high level of cleanliness and organization. Light pollution is minimal, allowing for impressive stargazing. Its location inside Dead Horse Point State Park ensures stunning views and a quieter atmosphere compared to busier alternatives.

1. Willow Flat Campground (Island in the Sky District)

Located inside the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands, Willow Flat Campground provides a raw, immersive outdoor experience for tent campers and small RVs. Only 12 sites exist, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. A short walk takes you directly to Green River Overlook, known for its sunrises and sunsets.

Primitive camping here offers a rare chance to disconnect. There are no hookups or reservations, which draws solitude seekers who value isolation and scenic rewards over convenience. Vault toilets are the only facility, and water access is nonexistent, requiring visitors to pack in all essentials.

The Bottom Line

Campsites near Canyonlands range from primitive options with striking desert views to full-service resorts with pools and modern comforts. Travelers can tailor their experience to match their preferred level of solitude, luxury, or convenience.

Booking ahead is strongly advised, especially during spring and fall seasons. For those considering dispersed camping, regular checks on BLM regulations ensure a smoother experience.

No matter the location or style of stay, camping near Canyonlands requires thoughtful preparation and a commitment to Leave No Trace ethics to preserve this desert environment for future visitors.