needles distrct

Have questions about your stay at Canyonlands Needles Outpost? Our FAQ page has detailed answers to common inquiries, helping ensure you're fully prepared for your adventure. From site details to amenities and policies, find all the information you need for a seamless camping experience.

Answers to Our Most Common Questions

  • How do we reserve adjacent sites?

    We advise you to arrive early since all site selection is first come, first serve. The best option is to book the group site to ensure you will all be in a site together.

  • Do children count toward the 6-person limit?

    A single family with more than four children is not required to book an additional site.

  • How many RVs/tents are allowed at a site?

    One RV per site, or two small tents. You may set up a small tent next to a single RV, but not a full-sized family tent.

  • How many vehicles are allowed at a site?

    You may have up to a maximum of two vehicles: truck, van, or car, as long as they fit in the parking area of the site you choose. Please help us protect our plants by not driving over plant life. We do have overflow parking if needed.

  • What if we don't make it to the store before 6 PM for check-in?

    THIS ANSWER IS ONLY APPLICABLE TO TENT & RV GUESTS, NOT GLAMPING, TIPI OR GROUP SITE GUESTS WHO HAVE DIFFERENT CHECK IN REQUIREMENTS. 

    You will need to email us so we hold your site. There are absolutely no check-ins after 8 PM. You must note that you are responsible for knowing the rules before you arrive. No check-ins after 8 PM, so no one is driving around or setting up after quiet hours. Violating rules such as speed limit, quiet time, and pet leash rules could result in immediate eviction with no refund. Absolutely no upgrades to sites after hours (e.g., if you didn’t pay for a tipi or group site, do not set up in these sites). Regular sites have a post with a number. We do not open the store for late arrivals, so shower tokens, fuel, ice, firewood, etc., are not available after 6 PM when the store closes. Keep this in mind before leaving town to drive all the way out here.

  • Do you lock the gate?

    No, we do not lock or even close the gate during our open seasons. We just require guests to check in absolutely no later than 8 PM out of respect for us and consideration of other campers on the property.

    We ask that there not be any traffic in the campground at all after 9pm to keep it quiet and peaceful for all guests.

  • How do I change my reservation?

    Send an email in reply to your reservation confirmation stating your request. (The date you send the email is what we use to check your eligibility, not the date of our response.) Understand that changes to reservations will incur a $10 change fee. Making more than one change in that same email will not exceed the $10 fee.

  • Can I extend my stay after check-in?

    You must speak with the manager on duty at the time of check-in. Do not drop an envelope stating your extension without approval. This prevents us from overbooking.

  • Can I use drones on the property?

    You must inform us at the time of check-in, and we will show you designated areas where you are allowed to fly.

  • Do you have WiFi and/or cell coverage?

    Neither works inside the campground. They work inside and around the store only. There is a cell booster inside the store that picks up AT&T service only. Usually, texts come through and send out without issue, but calls are not guaranteed. WiFi is $5 a day or $10 for the entirety of your stay. No streaming or downloading large files. We are off-grid with satellite internet and have this service as a way of contact out here in the middle of nowhere.

  • Do you have potable water?

    No.  There is a free refill station inside the park at the visitors center. We do sell gallons of water in the store during open hours 9am-6pm.

  • Do you have a laundry?

    No. We are off-grid with limited resources.

  • What type of site do I choose if I have a camper van or truck tent/camper?

    Please try booking in the RV section first and use the dropdown to choose van/truck tent. If RV is booked and tent sites are available, feel free to book the tent site and just let us know in the notes.

  • Do you sell/rent camping gear?

    We do have camping chairs, coolers, tents, and sleeping bags for rent. You do not need to reserve them at this time; inquire at check-in. We currently do not have any gear for sale. We also have board games for rent.

  • Can I use a hammock?

    We do not allow anything to be hung in the trees. We have found that hanging hammocks, clotheslines, trash bags, etc., caused damage to our trees. We will be installing poles for hanging hammocks in the near future. Free-standing hammocks are acceptable.

  • What should I bring and prepare for?

    Bring your dry food in a tote so you have somewhere to store your food away from critters. Bring your own potable water since we do not have any here at our campground. Bring a shade shelter of some kind if you camp with us in the summer.

  • Do you allow pets?

    At this time, we still allow dogs. They must be on a leash and controlled at all times with no exceptions (not roaming free while dragging the leash around). No dogs inside the store or the bathhouse. They must be picked up after at all times. Please help us remain a dog-friendly campground by following these rules. This is the desert, and poop does not disintegrate.

  • Can we play acoustic instruments?

    No, no music at all since the rocks echo too much. Not everyone likes to hear music when they come out to the middle of nowhere. This is a place to escape the noises of the towns and cities. We are happy to provide this peace and quiet for our guests. You are welcome to play on our covered porch that faces west with views of the park as well as the gorgeous sunsets.

  • Do you sell propane?

    Not at this time, we plan to get a new dispensing tank soon. We will update here when we do.


    We do sell the small green propane cans for camp stoves.

  • Do you sell gas/diesel?

    Yes, we do have gasoline during open hours, 9 AM to 6 PM. We do not sell diesel at this time.

  • Do you sell hot food?

    Not at this time, hopefully soon! We will announce it on our website when we do.

  • Is there an RV size limit?

    More experienced guests are able to maneuver their 42 ft campers into our sites, some are not. If you are able to maneuver your camper around tighter turns and bumpy, sandy roads, you will be fine; if not, you may not want to attempt our campground.

  • Where can I fill my RV with water or dump gray/black water?

    The closest place is Monticello to fill and empty tanks. Monticello is 45 minutes away. The park does not allow RV fills either. Water is scarce in the desert.

  • Do you give weather-related refunds?

    No.

  • What is our cancellation policy?

    We offer a 100% refund minus the $10 processing fee 30  days prior to your check in date. 50% refund within 29-15 days of your check in date.  Reservations are non-refundable within 14 days of your reservation.

    You may reschedule anytime prior to your reservation date with the understanding this negates any future cancellation refunds. 

    There is a $10 fee for reservation changes.

    If you opted in for the travel protection plan you will communicate directly with them regarding cancellation refunds.


  • Why is it difficult to contact you?

    We operate completely off-grid in the middle of the desert with no power lines or phone lines. We only have limited cell service and no receptionist to stay on the phones for us. P.S. if you would like to fill this position and work on trade, let us know. Until then, we are available via email if you cannot find the answers you are looking for here on our website. Thank you for your understanding.

  • How do I purchase showers?

    Guests must arrive at the store before 6 PM to purchase shower tokens at $3 for 5 minutes each. The bathhouse does not have any heating, AC, or power receptacles. The showers operate at a preset comfortably warm temperature.

  • What supplies are available in your store?

    We have a little bit of everything a typical convenience store has plus camping supplies.

    • Easy camp dinners, e.g., canned soups, chili, pastas, ramen, veggies, & more.
    • Backpacking meals
    • Large variety of snacks, healthy, sweets, trail mix, & s'mores ingredients.
    • Cold drinks, hot coffee & tea, bottled waters
    • Ice-cream bars – including dairy-free & sugar-free
    • Milk & creamers
    • Lunch meats, hot dogs, sausages
    • Fresh fruit & veggies 
    • Firewood
    • Cooler bags
    • Unleaded gasoline
    • Ice
    • Small propane cans
    • Toiletries
    • First aid supplies
    • Souvenirs
    • Books to borrow or trade
    • Games to rent

  • Can I wash dishes?

    You are welcome to collect water from the sink in the bathhouse, use a pot to boil water to wash your dishes. It is fine to dump the dirty water outside in the bushes, they could use the water as long as there was no bleach used to wash. No dishwashing inside the bathhouse to keep critters out and sinks clear from clogs.

  • Are showers available to non-campers?

    Yes, showers are available to customers not camping at the Outpost. Purchase showers at $10 per token in the store during regular hours, 9 AM to 6 PM.

  • Do you have trash receptacles?

    Yes, we do have trash cans outside of the bathhouse for our campers. We ask that you do not bring trash in from previous locations. We are so far from our local dumpster where we drive it out once a week and get overwhelmed when guests bring in extra. 


    WE DO NOT TAKE TRASH FROM NON GUESTS.

  • Do you sell alcohol or tobacco?

    No, not at this time. We do not have a license to sell. If this changes, we will announce it.

For Haydukers, this section addresses your specific needs . Here you'll find information on accepting drop boxes, resupply details, and amenities designed to enhance your journey and facilitate your adventure through this rugged terrain.

Haydukers Through Hiking FAQ

  • Do you accept Hayduke drop boxes?

    Yes, free of charge for now. This is current info for 2024.

  • How should we ship and to what address?

    UPS is best. You can ship FedEx Express as well and count on it being here on time. If you must ship FedEx Ground, ship it at least 2 weeks ahead.

    Do not ship USPS, it will not arrive at the Outpost!!


    WRITE YOUR ETA ON YOUR BOX OR BUCKET.


    Ship to:

    NEEDLES OUTPOST c/o (your name)

    3240 US HWY 211

    MONTICELLO, UTAH 84535


    UPS may try to argue that this is not an address. Our drivers know our location and have been shipping to us for decades.


    Write your ETA on the box to help us stay organized and keep it free for us to hold them for you.

  • When can hikers pick up their resupply boxes?

    During regular operating hours, 9 AM – 6 PM Sunday-Saturday. You would need to check for Mondays; the store is periodically closed on Mondays. Please send an email to contact us, we do not have good service at the store to answer calls.

  • Do hikers need to make a reservation to stay?

    Try booking online first. We do have places specifically for Hayduke hikers even if our campground is booked full. You would just need to inquire during regular open hours, 9 AM-6 PM. Sites start at $40 a night. There may be an available upgraded site, i.e., glamping tents with real beds, tipis, or Tentsile (tent in the trees) sites to book.

  • What supplies are at the store?

    You can usually rely on the store having bottled waters, cold drinks, sweet, salty, & healthy snacks, ice cream. Basic cooking supplies, i.e., cooking oils, coconut oil, olive oil, etc., salts, spices, and random things we find interesting, anything from capers to ready-to-eat packaged curry dishes. We also  keep a variety of backpacking meals  in stock. We make milkshakes and smoothies as well.

  • Can we charge electronics?

    Yes, you may charge electronics outside on the porch or inside the store during open hours. 

  • Do you have WiFi and/or cell coverage?

    Neither works inside the campground. They work inside and around the store only. There is a cell booster inside the store that picks up AT&T service only. Usually, texts come through and send out without issue, but calls are not guaranteed. WiFi is $5 a day or $10 for the entirety of your stay. No streaming or downloading large files. We are off-grid with satellite internet and have this service as a way of contact out here in the middle of nowhere. WIFI is $10 for anyone not paying for a campsite.