News Release

Reopening Campgrounds at Arches and Canyonlands National Parks

Date: June 29, 2020
Contact: Arches Information Line, [phone]
Contact: Canyonlands Information Line, [phone]

MOAB, UT—

Arches and Canyonlands national parks continue to follow a plan of phased increase in public access to park facilities and services. The next phase includes selective reopening of campgrounds.

On July 1, first-come/first-served camping may resume at the campgrounds at Island in the Sky and The Needles districts of Canyonlands National Park. Three group campsites at The Needles will open for reservations on July 1, but the largest group site (capacity 41-50) will remain closed until further notice. Some standard campsites at The Needles will be available for advance reservations in September/October. Reservations must be made through www.Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

On July 19, camping may resume at Devils Garden Campground at Arches National Park. All standard campsites and both group sites will be fully reservable through www.Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

These other park facilities and services have already reopened:

• All park roads, trails, and restrooms;
• Park stores operated by Canyonlands Natural History Association;
• Fee collection at park entrance stations;
• Trip-planning assistance at visitor center front patios;
• Backcountry overnight and day-use permits for Canyonlands (issued online only);
• Commercial operations at both parks as previously permitted.

The following facilities and services remain closed at this time:

• Visitor center information desks, auditoriums, and museum exhibits;
• Permits and tours in the Fiery Furnace and backcountry camping at Arches.

We encourage all visitors to prepare ahead of time before they arrive at the parks. Please consult park webpages (Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park for basic orientation and hiking information, or follow us on social media (@ArchesNPS and @CanyonlandsNPS). When recreating, visitors should continue to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious disease, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding, and avoid high-risk outdoor activities to reduce preventable accidents.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners remains paramount. We continue to communicate with local public health officials and to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and are regularly monitored. We are also using CDC guidance to ensure public areas and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers, and may take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.