Squaw Flat Campground
Squaw Flat sits in the heart of Canyonlands’ Needles District, surrounded by the signature red and white striped sandstone formations that give the area its name. The campground offers 26 sites split between two loops, with vault toilets and picnic tables but no hookups or showers. Sites are spacious and semi-private, tucked between juniper and pinyon pine. This is your staging area for Elephant Hill, Joint Trail, and the network of 4WD roads that make the Needles famous among rock crawlers.
Access is via 40 miles of paved road from Moab, then another few miles on good gravel. Sites fill up quickly March through October, so reservations are essential during peak season. Water is available seasonally but bring your own to be safe. The campground serves as both destination and basecamp — plan to spend multiple days exploring the surrounding backcountry roads and slot canyons.
Gateway campground to Canyonlands Needles District
Place Details
| Type | Established Campground |
|---|---|
| Street address | Cyclone Canyon Trail, Utah Get directions → |
| Elevation (ft) | 5100 ft |
| Nearest town | Moab, Utah |
| Miles from pavement | 43 mi |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle |
| Access road surface | Paved |
| Cell service | None |
| Capacity (# of rigs) | 26 rigs |
| Cost (USD/night, 0 = free) | $25.00 / night |
| Reservation required | Yes — Reservation site |
| Stay limit (nights) | 14 nights |
| Best season | March-October |
| Land manager | NPS |
| Permit required | No |
| Amenities | Drinking water, Fire ring, Picnic table, Toilets, Trash service |
| Coordinates | Open directions |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |