Reservations are available for all backcountry permits and for group campsites in the Needles District of Canyonlands. Regular sites at the developed campgrounds are first-come, first-served.

Are reservations necessary?

Reservations are recommended, but not required. Currently, competition is greatest for White Rim trips during the spring and fall, Needles backpacking trips during spring, and for frontcountry group campsites in the Needles. For these activities, visitors should apply as early as possible. Campsites and permits not reserved in advance are available on a first-come, first-served basis at district visitor centers.

There is no lottery for river permits. Essentially, river permits are first-come, first-served after the first business day in January for each calendar year. There are no daily launch limits in Canyonlands, so there is no need to submit mulitiple requests for the same date. If you submit a request, you will get a permit...for any date you choose.

When may I apply?

Reservation requests must be made at least two weeks in advance of a trip. The earliest date to apply varies by activity. Reservation requests for backpacking, four-wheel drive/mountain bike and day use trips are accepted (postmarked or faxed) no earlier than the second Monday in July for the following calendar year. Requests for frontcountry group campsites and river trips are accepted no earlier than the first business day in January for trips during that calendar year. The table below summarizes the dates for the next few years.

Fees and Group Size Limits

How to make a reservation

To make a reservation, complete an application form or write a letter following the guidelines below.

Application Form [30k PDF File]

1) Trip Leader
Provide the name, address, and phone numbers for the individual making the reservation. Include estimated group size and number of vehicles/boats (these may be finalized later).

2) Type of Trip
Choose an activity from the list provided. Multiple activities may be combined on one permit providing group size limits are not exceeded and not more than one activity is chosen on a given day (e.g. if part of a river trip group wants to backpack for a night, they must be on a separate permit). Day use permits are not required for visitors camping at, or backpacking from, the Peekaboo vehicle sites. Cataract Canyon trips include the flat water section. Flat water trips must indicate upstream travel arrangements.

3) Itinerary
List the dates and campsites desired. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance of a trip. At least two itineraries should be developed in case your first choice is not available. River trips do not have to specify campsites, but must include launch and take-out locations. 4WD day use trips indicate either Horse or Lavender canyon.

4) Payment
All applications must include a credit card number with expiration date (Visa or MasterCard only) or a check/money order made payable to the National Park Service. When multiple activities are reserved on one permit, only the higher fee is collected (e.g. Cataract Canyon trips include the flat water section). Reservation fees are nonrefundable.

5) Special Instructions
Provide other specifics and/or options for your trip (i.e. campsites you definitely want, preferred direction of travel on the White Rim Road, alternate dates, etc.). If you’re visiting for the first time, please say so and reservation office staff will schedule the best trip possible based on availability.

Mail or fax your request at least two weeks in advance to:

National Park Service
Reservation Office
2282 S. West Resource Blvd.
Moab, UT 84532-3298
Fax: (435) 259-4285

You will receive a mailed response confirming your reservation. If questions arise about your application, we will try to contact you by phone.

Questions?

Reservation office staff are available by phone to answer questions and assist with trip planning Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (Mountain Time), at (435) 259-4351. When workload permits, phones may be answered until 4:00 p.m. Visitors may also email questions. Reservations may not be made over the phone or by email.