CP3 Campground

Hello, fellow Utah explorers and wilderness enthusiasts! If you're seeking a camping experience that truly transcends the ordinary, immersing you in a landscape of dramatic sandstone spires, breathtaking vistas, and profound solitude, then CP3 Campground in Canyonlands National Park's Needles District is calling your name. This isn't just another place to set up a tent; it's a coveted backcountry destination, praised by those who've experienced its magic as a place of "amazing wilderness" and "amazing views." For locals who dream of escaping the everyday and delving deep into Utah's iconic red rock country, CP3 offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the raw, untamed beauty that defines our state's most cherished national parks. It's a place where the landscape itself becomes your unforgettable companion.

For those intimately familiar with the legendary Needles District of Canyonlands, the name CP3 (Chesler Park 3) immediately evokes images of extraordinary geological formations and challenging, yet deeply rewarding, explorations. Reviewers enthusiastically describe their experience as an "Amazing wilderness," a testament to the profound natural immersion this campsite provides. Specifically nestled within Chesler Park – a renowned circular grassland ringed by hundreds of colorful sandstone spires – CP3 offers a truly unique and intimate connection with this otherworldly landscape. Imagine waking to the first light painting the towering needles, enjoying your morning coffee with uninterrupted "amazing views," and having direct access to some of the most iconic trails in the park. The ability to camp right within this natural amphitheater allows you to truly feel a part of the ancient geological wonders, witnessing the ever-changing light and shadows that dance across the rock formations throughout the day.

What truly sets CP3 apart, beyond its stunning location, are the unique features that enhance the camping experience. One reviewer raved about a hidden gem: "Check out the cavity in the rock just 20 meters north from the campground. It fits four people and is a few meters up from the ground. Therefore the world's best place for stargazing and watching the sun set." This remarkable natural alcove provides an unparalleled vantage point for witnessing the spectacular desert sunsets and, even more dramatically, the vast, star-filled Utah night sky. With minimal light pollution, the celestial show at CP3 is truly awe-inspiring, making it a paradise for stargazers and photographers alike. The fact that the campground offers "space for a group" makes it an excellent choice for shared adventures with friends or family, fostering a sense of camaraderie amidst the stunning solitude. While the camping here is primitive, the experience is enriched by these natural amenities, making CP3 a truly exceptional destination for those seeking an authentic and memorable wilderness encounter.

CP3 Campground is a backcountry campsite located within the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park, near Monticello, UT 84535, USA. As a backcountry site, direct vehicle access is not available. To reach CP3, campers must undertake a hike, typically beginning from the Elephant Hill Trailhead, which is accessible via UT-211 from US-191 north of Monticello. The drive to the Elephant Hill Trailhead involves traversing a well-maintained dirt road, generally navigable by most vehicles, though high-clearance is always recommended for comfort and safety on unpaved park roads. From the trailhead, the hike to CP3 is a significant trek, approximately 3 to 5 miles, depending on the exact route taken and whether you are coming from Elephant Hill or a longer approach from Squaw Flat Trailhead. This hike-in requirement means campers must be prepared for a strenuous journey with all their gear, including water, as there is no potable water directly at the campsite.

The journey to CP3 is an integral part of the adventure, winding through a diverse landscape of slickrock, sandy washes, and narrow canyons, showcasing the unique geology of the Needles District. This challenging but rewarding approach ensures that those who reach CP3 are genuinely seeking an immersive wilderness experience, which helps to preserve the pristine condition and profound solitude of the area. The Needles District Visitor Center, located at the end of UT-211, serves as the primary gateway, where you can pick up permits and get updated information on trail and weather conditions. For locals, this relatively manageable access point into such a remote and spectacular wilderness area makes CP3 a highly desirable destination for multi-day backpacking trips. It allows for a true escape into nature without requiring excessive travel time or highly specialized off-road vehicles beyond the trailhead itself.

Services Offered:

• Designated Backcountry Campsite: A specific, permitted location for overnight camping within a pristine wilderness area.
• Group Space: Offers sufficient room to accommodate groups, as noted by visitors.
• No amenities: Campers must be fully self-sufficient. There is no potable water, flush toilets, picnic tables, or fire rings directly at the site.
• Permit Required: All overnight backcountry stays, including at CP3, require a permit obtained from Canyonlands National Park. Reservations are highly recommended and often necessary, especially during peak seasons.

Features / Highlights:

• "Amazing Views": Consistently praised for breathtaking panoramic vistas of Chesler Park and surrounding rock formations directly from the campsite.
• "Amazing Wilderness": Offers profound solitude and an immersive connection with nature, away from developed areas.
• Unique Rock Cavity: A natural cavity near the campground provides an exceptional spot for stargazing and sunset viewing, fitting up to four people.
• Strategic Location: Ideal base camp for exploring the extensive trail system of the Needles, particularly within Chesler Park.
• Unforgettable Stargazing: Minimal light pollution ensures incredibly dark skies, perfect for viewing the Milky Way and countless stars.
• Primitive Camping: Appeals to those seeking a true wilderness experience, requiring self-reliance and adherence to Leave No Trace principles.
• Access to Chesler Park: Camp directly within one of the Needles District's most iconic and visually stunning areas.

Contact Information:

Address: Monticello, UT 84535, USA (specifically within the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park)

Phone: For general Canyonlands National Park information and backcountry permit reservations, contact the park directly.

Canyonlands National Park Information (Needles District Visitor Center): (435) 259-4711

Note: Backcountry permits are highly competitive, especially for popular sites like CP3 during peak seasons (spring and fall). Reservations are released on a seasonal basis, usually four months in advance, and should be booked through Recreation.gov as early as possible.

In conclusion, CP3 Campground in Canyonlands National Park is a premier destination for New Mexicans seeking an authentic and deeply rewarding backcountry experience. Its prime location within the iconic Chesler Park provides "amazing views" and an "amazing wilderness" that truly captivates the soul. The unique natural rock cavity nearby offers an unparalleled spot for sunset viewing and incredible stargazing, making it a highlight of any trip. While it demands self-sufficiency, careful planning, and a challenging hike to reach, the reward is profound solitude and an intimate connection with one of Utah's most spectacular and unique landscapes. For locals who crave the ultimate wilderness adventure, who wish to challenge themselves amidst breathtaking beauty, and who long for nights under a canopy of brilliant stars, CP3 Campground offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Utah's red rock magic. It's a place that beckons you to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring grandeur of our state's wild outdoors.

CP3 Campground

Monticello, UT 84535, USA