The terrain in this WSA consists of sloping slickrock that drains
northeastward and low benches.The unit is very scenic. Red and buff spires,
knobs, and buttes contrast with green vegetationand blue sky. The highly
eroded sandstone features, including numerous pinnacles and the VanhemertArch,
provide for geologic study and viewing. The entire WSA is rated outstanding
for scenic quality

<p>The terrain in this WSA consists of sloping slickrock that drains northeastward and low benches.The unit is very scenic. Red and buff spires, knobs, and buttes contrast with green vegetationand blue sky. The highly eroded sandstone features, including numerous pinnacles and the VanhemertArch, provide for geologic study and viewing. The entire WSA is rated outstanding for scenic quality</p>

Bird's eye view of the park

South Needles WSA

The Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is an elongated unit about 10 miles long from
north to south, and a little more than 2 miles from east to west at the widest
point. Located in the Canyonlands section of the Colorado Plateau
Physiographic Province, Bridger Jack Mesa is bounded by spectacular orange-red
cliffs. The WSA is in a natural state and has outstanding opportunities for
solitude and primitive recreation.

<p>The Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is an elongated unit about 10 miles long from north to south, and a little more than 2 miles from east to west at the widest point. Located in the Canyonlands section of the Colorado Plateau Physiographic Province, Bridger Jack Mesa is bounded by spectacular orange-red cliffs. The WSA is in a natural state and has outstanding opportunities for solitude and primitive recreation.</p>

Bridger Jack Mesa WSA

The Indian Creek Special Recreation Management area contains the northern
portion of Bears Ears National Monument. Indian Creek has something to offer
everybody: rock climbers come to test their skills on world-class crack
climbing routes, bird watchers scan high cliffs for Golden Eagles and
Peregrine Falcons, and photographers seek to capture the moment when late
afternoon light illuminates canyons in a vibrant red. Whether you stop at
Newspaper Rock for a few minutes or stay at one of Indian Creek’s three
established campgrounds, you are sure to find something in this magnificent
landscape that speaks to you.

#### Climbing

Rock climbing is a popular recreation activity in Indian Creek. There are
thousands of crack climbs to choose from, but very few routes for beginners:
if you plan to climb in Indian Creek, be prepared for the challenges that
unrelenting splitter crack-climbing presents. Remember to recreate responsibly
so that future generations can enjoy the same experience. Please keep these
tips in mind while exploring the climbs of Indian Creek:

**Wait at least 24-48 hours to climb on sandstone following rain.**

    

Wet sandstone can erode more quickly and could result in weakened anchors, cam
slipping, and unintentional changes in the climbing route.

**Use existing trails and respect private property.**

    

Several popular climbs can only be reached by crossing private land. Unless
signs say otherwise, leave gates open or closed as you find them.

**Don’t bust the crust.**

    

Cryptobiotic soil is a living crust that plays an important ecological role in
many desert environments. When you or your animal walks on crust, it can take
decades to regrow.

Pack out human waste.

    

Desert soil lacks the necessary microorganisms for it to biodegrade naturally.

Visit archeological sites with respect.

    

Please visit archeological sites with respect. It is illegal to damage,
disturb or remove anything from archeological or historical sites.

Respect raptor avoidance areas.

    

Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons make their homes in the cliffs of Indian
Creek: disturbing them can impact their young and present a dangerous
situation for a climber if a raptor feels threatened. Raptor avoidance areas
are typically active through the summer, but they are lifted based on the
behavior of raptors each year and therefore may vary.

You can learn more about how to minimize your impact while climbing in Indian
Creek by contacting the Monticello Field Office (435-587-1500).

#### Camping

What could be better than sleeping underneath the expansive, starry skies of
canyon country? There are two options for camping on your visit to Indian
Creek: camping at an established campground or dispersed camping.

Indian Creek is home to three of Bears Ears National Monument’s established
campgrounds: Hamburger Rock, Superbowl, and Creek Pasture. These campsites are
first-come, first-served, the cost $15/night and the maximum stay is 14 days.
All of the first-come, first-served sites allow for Scan & Pay, so you can pay
electronically through the Recreation.gov mobile app once you have claimed an
available site. Group sites are available for reservation and can be found at
the Indian Creek Falls Group Site, Superbowl Group Site, and Creek Pasture
Group Site. All group sites can accommodate up to 50 people and cost
$65/night.

Dispersed camping is allowed 150 feet off designated routes in Indian Creek in
previously disturbed areas. Pack out all trash. Protect and conserve scarce
desert water sources by camping at least 300 feet from water sources or
streams to allow for wildlife access.

<p>The Indian Creek Special Recreation Management area contains the northern portion of Bears Ears National Monument. Indian Creek has something to offer everybody: rock climbers come to test their skills on world-class crack climbing routes, bird watchers scan high cliffs for Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons, and photographers seek to capture the moment when late afternoon light illuminates canyons in a vibrant red. Whether you stop at Newspaper Rock for a few minutes or stay at one of Indian Creek’s three established campgrounds, you are sure to find something in this magnificent landscape that speaks to you. </p>

<p> </p>

<h4>Climbing</h4>

<p>Rock climbing is a popular recreation activity in Indian Creek. There are thousands of crack climbs to choose from, but very few routes for beginners: if you plan to climb in Indian Creek, be prepared for the challenges that unrelenting splitter crack-climbing presents. Remember to recreate responsibly so that future generations can enjoy the same experience. Please keep these tips in mind while exploring the climbs of Indian Creek: </p>

<dl>
	<dt><strong>Wait at least 24-48 hours to climb on sandstone following rain.</strong></dt>
	<dd>
	<p>Wet sandstone can erode more quickly and could result in weakened anchors, cam slipping, and unintentional changes in the climbing route.  </p>
	</dd>
	<dt><strong>Use existing trails and respect private property.</strong></dt>
	<dd>
	<p>Several popular climbs can only be reached by crossing private land. Unless signs say otherwise, leave gates open or closed as you find them. </p>
	</dd>
	<dt><strong>Don’t bust the crust.</strong></dt>
	<dd>
	<p>Cryptobiotic soil is a living crust that plays an important ecological role in many desert environments. When you or your animal walks on crust, it can take decades to regrow.  </p>
	</dd>
	<dt>Pack out human waste.</dt>
	<dd>
	<p>Desert soil lacks the necessary microorganisms for it to biodegrade naturally.  </p>
	</dd>
	<dt>Visit archeological sites with respect.</dt>
	<dd>
	<p>Please <a href="https://www.friendsofcedarmesa.org/tips-for-visiting-with-respect/" rel="nofollow">visit archeological sites with respect</a>. It is illegal to damage, disturb or remove anything from archeological or historical sites.  </p>
	</dd>
	<dt>Respect raptor avoidance areas.</dt>
	<dd>
	<p>Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcons make their homes in the cliffs of Indian Creek: disturbing them can impact their young and present a dangerous situation for a climber if a raptor feels threatened. <a href="https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-lifts-voluntary-climbing-avoidance-areas-indian-creek" rel="nofollow">Raptor avoidance areas</a> are typically active through the summer, but they are lifted based on the behavior of raptors each year and therefore may vary.</p>
	</dd>
</dl>

<p>You can learn more about how to minimize your impact while climbing in Indian Creek by contacting the Monticello Field Office (435-587-1500).  </p>

<p> </p>

<h4>Camping</h4>

<p>What could be better than sleeping underneath the expansive, starry skies of canyon country? There are two options for camping on your visit to Indian Creek: camping at an established campground or dispersed camping.  </p>

<p>Indian Creek is home to three of Bears Ears National Monument’s established campgrounds: <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10214768" rel="nofollow">Hamburger Rock</a>, <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10214673" rel="nofollow">Superbowl</a>, and <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10214735" rel="nofollow">Creek Pasture</a>. These campsites are first-come, first-served, the cost $15/night and the maximum stay is 14 days. All of the first-come, first-served sites allow for Scan & Pay, so you can pay electronically through the Recreation.gov mobile app once you have claimed an available site. Group sites are available for reservation and can be found at the <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252280" rel="nofollow">Indian Creek Falls Group Site</a>, <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/257007" rel="nofollow">Superbowl Group Site</a>, and <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/252281" rel="nofollow">Creek Pasture Group Site</a>. All group sites can accommodate up to 50 people and cost $65/night. </p>

<p>Dispersed camping is allowed 150 feet off designated routes in Indian Creek in previously disturbed areas. Pack out all trash. Protect and conserve scarce desert water sources by camping at least 300 feet from water sources or streams to allow for wildlife access.  </p>

Indian Creek SRMA

Pine 4

Indian Creek - Bears Ears National Monument

Canyonlands invites you to explore a wilderness of countless canyons and
fantastically formed buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries.
Rivers divide the park into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles,
The Maze, and the rivers themselves. These areas share a primitive desert
atmosphere, but each offers different opportunities for sightseeing and
adventure.

Canyonlands invites you to explore a wilderness of countless canyons and fantastically formed buttes carved by the Colorado River and its tributaries. Rivers divide the park into four districts: Island in the Sky, The Needles, The Maze, and the rivers themselves. These areas share a primitive desert atmosphere, but each offers different opportunities for sightseeing and adventure.

## Overview

The Needles is a remote district located within the southern portion of
Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah. The Needles District is 1.25
hours driving time from Monticello, Utah, and 1.5 hours from Moab, Utah, and
sits at an elevation of approximately 4,900 feet (1494 m).

**The Needles Campground offers limited services and is best suited to tents
and small, self-contained campers and RVs.** If you are looking for group
campsites, visit the Needles District Group Campground page.

  * You may book individual campsites in Loop B up to six months in advance mid-March through mid-November. 
  * Loop A is available first come, first served only. 

Please, also read “Facilities” below and the “Need to Know” tab for important
information.

## Recreation

The Needles District's extensive trail system provides many opportunities for
long day hikes and overnight backpacking trips. Foot trails and four-wheel-
drive roads lead to such features as Confluence Overlook, Druid Arch, the
Joint Trail and Chesler Park.

## Facilities

The Needles District's extensive trail system provides many opportunities for
long day hikes and overnight backpacking trips. Foot trails and four-wheel-
drive roads lead to such features as Confluence Overlook, Druid Arch, the
Joint Trail and Chesler Park.

## Natural Features

The campground contains stands of Utah juniper and pinyon pine. Flowering
prickly pear cacti, yucca and other desert wildflowers dot the landscape in
the spring, adding to the vivid colors of the surrounding red rock desert. The
Needles District forms the southeast corner of Canyonlands National Park and
was named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the
area. The park is within an arid, high desert environment with hot summers and
cold winters.

## Nearby Attractions

Southeastern Utah offers breathtaking scenery, hiking, road and mountain
biking opportunities, rafting and scenic driving routes. Arches and Mesa Verde
National Parks, the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park,
Hovenweep and Natural Bridges National Monuments and Dead Horse Point and Edge
of the Cedars State Parks are all within three hours drive of the Needles
Campground. Moab, Utah, (1.5 hours away) offers numerous restaurants, shops
and museums.

## Charges & Cancellations

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The Needles is a remote district located within the southern portion of Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah. The Needles District is 1.25 hours driving time from Monticello, Utah, and 1.5 hours from Moab, Utah, and sits at an elevation of approximately 4,900 feet (1494 m). </p>
<p><strong>The Needles Campground offers limited services and is best suited to tents and small, self-contained campers and RVs.</strong> If you are looking for group campsites, visit the <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10060971" rel="nofollow">Needles District Group Campground</a> page.</p>
<ul>
<li>You may book individual campsites in Loop B up to six months in advance mid-March through mid-November. </li>
<li>Loop A is available first come, first served only. </li>
</ul>
<p>Please, also read “Facilities” below and the “Need to Know” tab for important information. </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
The Needles District's extensive trail system provides many opportunities for long day hikes and overnight backpacking trips. Foot trails and four-wheel-drive roads lead to such features as Confluence Overlook, Druid Arch, the Joint Trail and Chesler Park.<h2>Facilities</h2>
The Needles District's extensive trail system provides many opportunities for long day hikes and overnight backpacking trips. Foot trails and four-wheel-drive roads lead to such features as Confluence Overlook, Druid Arch, the Joint Trail and Chesler Park.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The campground contains stands of Utah juniper and pinyon pine. Flowering prickly pear cacti, yucca and other desert wildflowers dot the landscape in the spring, adding to the vivid colors of the surrounding red rock desert. The Needles District forms the southeast corner of Canyonlands National Park and was named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the area. The park is within an arid, high desert environment with hot summers and cold winters.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
Southeastern Utah offers breathtaking scenery, hiking, road and mountain biking opportunities, rafting and scenic driving routes. Arches and Mesa Verde National Parks, the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep and Natural Bridges National Monuments and Dead Horse Point and Edge of the Cedars State Parks are all within three hours drive of the Needles Campground. Moab, Utah, (1.5 hours away) offers numerous restaurants, shops and museums.<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>

Individual Camp Sites:  
1-10 people, $20  
  
For groups of 11 or more, please book a Group Campsite.

Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

Canyonlands National Park Needles District

View of Canyonlands National Park Needles District

## Overview

The Needles is a remote district located within the southern portion of
Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah. The Needles District is 1.25
hours driving time from Monticello, Utah, and 1.5 hours from Moab, Utah, and
sits at an elevation of approximately 4,900 feet. **Group sites have limited
services and are best suited to tents and small, self-contained campers and
RVs.** If you are looking for individual campsites, visit the Canyonlands
Needles District Campground page.

  * You may book group campsites up to six months in advance throughout the peak season – March 15 – November 15. 
  * Please, also read “**Facilities** ” below and the “**Need to Know** ” tab for important information. 

## Recreation

The Needles District's extensive Hiking trail system provides many
opportunities for both short and long day hikes as well as overnight
backpacking trips. Foot trails and four-wheel-drive/mountain biking roads lead
to such features as Confluence Overlook, Druid Arch, the Joint Trail, and
Chesler Park.

## Facilities

The Needles District's extensive Hiking trail system provides many
opportunities for both short and long day hikes as well as overnight
backpacking trips. Foot trails and four-wheel-drive/mountain biking roads lead
to such features as Confluence Overlook, Druid Arch, the Joint Trail, and
Chesler Park.

## Natural Features

The Needles District group sites lie within the slick rock and sand that give
this region its character. The dominant forest type consist of stands of Utah
Juniper and Pinyon Pine. Flowering prickly pear cacti, yucca, and other desert
wildflowers dot the landscape in the spring, adding to the vivid colors of the
surrounding red rock desert. The Needles District forms the southeast corner
of Canyonlands National Park and was named for the colorful spires of Cedar
Mesa Sandstone that dominate the area. The park is within an arid, high desert
environment with hot summers and cold winters.

## Nearby Attractions

Southeastern Utah offers breathtaking scenery, hiking, road and mountain
biking opportunities, rafting and scenic driving routes. Arches and Mesa Verde
National Parks, the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park,
Hovenweep and Natural Bridges National Monuments and Dead Horse Point and Edge
of the Cedars State Parks are all within three hours drive of the Needles
Campground. Moab, Utah, (1.5 hours away) offers numerous restaurants, shops,
and museums.

## Charges & Cancellations

**Changes or Cancellations once the reservation has started:** Once a
reservation date has begun, customers cannot change a reservation using the
online system or through the Call Center (see below for early departures). If
the location is staffed, on-site personnel may or may not be able to assist
with changes or cancellations (check with local staff).

**Camping no-show:** Customers who do not arrive at the campground or group
facility by check-out time (10:00 a.m.) the day after the scheduled arrival
date or does not cancel the reservation by check out time on the day after the
scheduled arrival date will be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit the
first night use fee. If the no-show service fee is greater than the
reservation amount, the customer will not be charged any additional service
fees. In addition, the campsite will become available to other customers at
this point. Make sure to plan accordingly to avoid any unexpected changes to
your travel plans.

**Early Departures:** An early departure occurs when a customer spends at
least one night of their reservation at the facility but leaves the facility
prior to the reservation departure date. If a customer departs prior to the
scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Early
departures are treated as a cancellation of the remaining days. There will be
no refunds for days used prior to the departure date, regardless of whether
the customer was present for all those days, i.e., the customer arrived a day
late.

Campers must notify the facility that they are leaving early, as required by
local policy. If a customer requests a refund for an early departure after the
facility check-out time has passed, the customer will not be refunded for that
night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be
used. Field location procedures may vary depending on agency policy.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The Needles is a remote district located within the southern portion of Canyonlands National Park in southeastern Utah. The Needles District is 1.25 hours driving time from Monticello, Utah, and 1.5 hours from Moab, Utah, and sits at an elevation of approximately 4,900 feet.  <strong>Group sites have limited services and are best suited to tents and small, self-contained campers and RVs. </strong>If you are looking for individual campsites, visit the <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251535" rel="nofollow">Canyonlands Needles District Campground</a>  page.</p>
<ul>
<li>You may book group campsites up to six months in advance throughout the peak season – March 15 – November 15. </li>
<li>Please, also read “<strong>Facilities</strong>” below and the “<strong>Need to Know</strong>” tab for important information. </li>
</ul>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>The Needles District's extensive <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hiking-at-canyonlands.htm" rel="nofollow">Hiking trail system</a>  provides many opportunities for both short and long day hikes as well as overnight <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm" rel="nofollow">backpacking</a>  trips. Foot trails and four-wheel-drive/mountain <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/biking.htm" rel="nofollow">biking</a>  roads lead to such features as Confluence Overlook, Druid Arch, the Joint Trail, and Chesler Park.</p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>The Needles District's extensive <a href="https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hiking-at-canyonlands.htm" rel="nofollow">Hiking trail system</a>  provides many opportunities for both short and long day hikes as well as overnight <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/backpacking.htm" rel="nofollow">backpacking</a>  trips. Foot trails and four-wheel-drive/mountain <a href="https://www.nps.gov/cany/planyourvisit/biking.htm" rel="nofollow">biking</a>  roads lead to such features as Confluence Overlook, Druid Arch, the Joint Trail, and Chesler Park.</p>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>The Needles District group sites lie within the slick rock and sand that give this region its character. The dominant forest type consist of stands of Utah Juniper and Pinyon Pine. Flowering prickly pear cacti, yucca, and other desert wildflowers dot the landscape in the spring, adding to the vivid colors of the surrounding red rock desert. The Needles District forms the southeast corner of Canyonlands National Park and was named for the colorful spires of Cedar Mesa Sandstone that dominate the area. The park is within an arid, high desert environment with hot summers and cold winters.</p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Southeastern Utah offers breathtaking scenery, hiking, road and mountain biking opportunities, rafting and scenic driving routes. Arches and Mesa Verde National Parks, the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, Hovenweep and Natural Bridges National Monuments and Dead Horse Point and Edge of the Cedars State Parks are all within three hours drive of the Needles Campground. Moab, Utah, (1.5 hours away) offers numerous restaurants, shops, and museums.</p>
<h2>Charges & Cancellations</h2>
<p><strong>Changes or Cancellations once the reservation has started:</strong> Once a reservation date has begun, customers cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center (see below for early departures). If the location is staffed, on-site personnel may or may not be able to assist with changes or cancellations (check with local staff). </p>
<p><strong>Camping no-show:</strong> Customers who do not arrive at the campground or group facility by check-out time (10:00 a.m.) the day after the scheduled arrival date or does not cancel the reservation by check out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date will be assessed a $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night use fee. If the no-show service fee is greater than the reservation amount, the customer will not be charged any additional service fees. In addition, the campsite will become available to other customers at this point. Make sure to plan accordingly to avoid any unexpected changes to your travel plans.  </p>
<p><strong>Early Departures: </strong>An early departure occurs when a customer spends at least one night of their reservation at the facility but leaves the facility prior to the reservation departure date. If a customer departs prior to the scheduled check-out date, they may be eligible for a partial refund. Early departures are treated as a cancellation of the remaining days.  There will be no refunds for days used prior to the departure date, regardless of whether the customer was present for all those days, i.e., the customer arrived a day late.</p>
<p>Campers must notify the facility that they are leaving early, as required by local policy. If a customer requests a refund for an early departure after the facility check-out time has passed, the customer will not be refunded for that night and is eligible for a refund on any additional nights that will not be used. Field location procedures may vary depending on agency policy.</p>

**Dutch Oven Group Campsite**

11-20 people, $90

21-30 people, $135

31-40 people, $180

41-50 people, $225

**Wooden Shoe Group Campsite**

11-15 people, $70

16-20 people, $90

21-25 people, $115

**Split Top Group Campsite**

11-15 people, $70

Open tent space and vault toilet in the background.

Tent pad with view of slickrock.

Natural tent pad.

Drive way leading into the group site.

Picnic table next to slickrock and a tree.

Driveway leading to the split top group site.

Bathrooms near the Dutch Oven Group Site.

Looking back out the driveway leading to the wooden shoe group site.

Boundary sign for the split top group site.

Sandy camping space with picnic tables and slickrock.

Spigot with potable water within the wooden shoe group site.

Grill and rocks.

Inside the overhang at split top with picnic tables and a fire ring.

Tent pad and surrounding slickrock.

Split top group site sign.

Tent placement space in the sand near a tree and slickrock.

Sandy camping area next to picnic table.

Opening through the trees and slickrock to the split top group site.

Sand, slickrock, picnic tables, and a tent pad.

Vault toilets and garbage can next to the driveway within the wooden shoe group site.

South Needles WSA

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Bridger Jack Mesa WSA

Indian Creek - Bears Ears National Monument

Canyonlands National Park