CP5 Campground

For Utah locals with a deep love for the state's iconic red rock landscapes and a passion for immersive backpacking adventures, CP5 Campground in the Chesler Park area of Canyonlands National Park's Needles District offers an unparalleled experience. Unlike traditional drive-up campgrounds, CP5 is a designated backcountry backpacking site, a true wilderness gem that rewards the intrepid with solitude, breathtaking views, and direct access to some of the most spectacular trails in Southeast Utah. Located near Monticello, this site is not just a place to sleep; it’s a launchpad for deep exploration into the mesmerizing geological formations that define Canyonlands.

The allure of CP5, as highlighted by fellow adventurers, lies in its exceptional privacy and the stunning natural beauty surrounding it. Reviews praise its "great sunset view, privacy, and room for three tents," making it an ideal spot for small groups seeking an exclusive slice of desert tranquility. It's a place where the silence is profound, the night sky is ablaze with stars, and the towering sandstone spires feel close enough to touch. This isn't car camping; it's an intimate encounter with one of Utah's most remote and awe-inspiring national parks.

This overview is specifically tailored for local Utah users, providing clear, engaging, and factual information about CP5 Campground. We'll delve into its unique location and the challenges of accessibility, the very limited services offered in this primitive setting, and the incredible features that make it a must-do for experienced backpackers. Crucially, we'll emphasize the vital "Leave No Trace" principles required to preserve this fragile environment, ensuring that your adventure is as responsible as it is unforgettable.

CP5 Campground is precisely located within the Chesler Park area of the Needles District in Canyonlands National Park, near Monticello, UT 84535, USA. This places it in the southeastern corner of Utah, a region characterized by its dramatic red rock formations, deep canyons, and expansive desert landscapes. Unlike the more accessible Island in the Sky District, the Needles District is more remote, requiring a drive of approximately 1.5 hours from Moab or 1.25 hours from Monticello via Utah Highway 211, a paved road that ends at the park entrance.

Access to CP5 is strictly by backpacking. This is not a drive-up site. To reach CP5, you must first drive to the Elephant Hill Trailhead within the Needles District. The last couple of miles to the Elephant Hill trailhead are along a gravel road that the Park Service usually keeps in very good shape, making it passable by passenger vehicles. From Elephant Hill, CP5 is a backcountry campsite, typically requiring a hike of several miles. Reviews suggest CP5, along with CP2, CP3, and CP4, are located around the junction with the Joint Trail, about a mile after the junction for Druid Arch. This means a substantial hike over varied terrain, including sandy washes and slickrock scrambles.

The remoteness and hike-in nature of CP5 are precisely what contribute to its highly desired privacy and stunning views. Campers should be prepared for significant walking with all their gear. This rigorous access ensures that only those truly dedicated to a wilderness experience reach these sites, preserving their pristine nature. The elevation in the Needles District is approximately 4,900 feet, which means warm to hot summers and cold winters; spring and fall are typically the most popular seasons for backpacking due to milder temperatures.

CP5 Campground, as a backcountry backpacking site within a national park wilderness, offers extremely limited services. Campers must be entirely self-sufficient and fully adhere to strict Leave No Trace principles.

• Designated Tent Sites: CP5 is a designated backpacking site with a specific, marked location. Reviews indicate it has "room for three tents," suggesting a relatively spacious but defined area for setting up camp.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial to understand that there is "Not a cup of water anywhere near the campsite." Campers must pack in all their water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. The National Park Service recommends at least 1 gallon (approximately 4 liters) per person per day, depending on activity level and weather.
• No Restroom Facilities: There are no flush toilets, vault toilets, or any other restroom facilities at CP5 itself. Campers "MUST bring waste bags to pack out all your solid waste. All of it. Don’t cheat." This refers to specialized Waste Alleviation and Gelling (WAG) bags or other approved portable toilet systems, which are available for purchase at visitor centers and outdoor retailers. Human waste must be carried out of the park.
• No Trash Service: There are no garbage bins or recycling facilities. All trash, including food scraps, wrappers, and used WAG bags, must be packed out by the camper.
• No Fire Rings/Campfires: Generally, open fires are prohibited at backcountry sites in Canyonlands National Park to protect the fragile desert environment. Campers should plan for cooking on a portable stove.
• Permit Required: An overnight backcountry permit is absolutely required to camp at CP5. These permits are highly competitive, especially in spring and fall, and must be reserved in advance through Recreation.gov. There is a non-refundable reservation fee plus a per-person, per-night fee.
• Privacy: While not a "service" in the traditional sense, the site's design and location are specifically chosen to offer maximum privacy, a significant benefit highlighted by reviewers. CP5 is noted as the "Most private of the 5 Chesler Park camp sites."
• Food Storage: While not explicitly stated for CP5, standard national park backcountry regulations often require proper food storage to prevent attracting wildlife. Campers should use bear-resistant containers or hang food if trees are suitable.

CP5 Campground offers unparalleled features for the dedicated backpacker, making it a highly sought-after destination within Canyonlands National Park's Needles District.

• Exceptional Privacy: As noted by a reviewer, CP5 is the "Most private of the 5 Chesler Park camp sites," offering a rare sense of solitude and seclusion in a national park setting.
• Stunning Sunset Views: The campsite boasts "great sunset view," allowing campers to witness the dramatic transformation of the red rock landscape as the sun dips below the horizon.
• Iconic Geological Formations: Campers are immersed within Chesler Park, an area defined by its striking "needles"—colorful sandstone spires and intricate rock formations. The campsite itself offers views and opportunities to "Climb part way up the formation wall 100 ft north of the campsite for a nice view."
• Direct Access to Premier Hiking: From CP5, "several excellent day-hikes are nearby." Specifically mentioned are the iconic "Druid Arch" and "the Joint Trail," both strenuous but incredibly rewarding trails that showcase the unique geology of the Needles District.
• Historic Cowboy Camp: An intriguing historical feature is the "historic cowboy camp 100 yds south," offering a glimpse into the region's past and providing a unique point of interest for exploration near the campsite.
• Photography Opportunities: The dramatic landscapes, unique rock formations, and clear desert skies provide endless opportunities for stunning landscape and astrophotography.
• Profound Tranquility: The remote, hike-in nature of the site ensures an exceptional level of quiet and peace, allowing for deep immersion in the natural sounds and silence of the desert.
• Backpacking Challenge and Reward: Reaching CP5 is a true backpacking endeavor, requiring careful planning and physical effort. The reward is an unforgettable wilderness experience that few get to witness.

For CP5 Campground, as it is a specific backcountry backpacking site within Canyonlands National Park, direct contact information for the site itself is not available. All inquiries, permits, and current conditions are managed by Canyonlands National Park.

Address: Monticello, UT 84535, USA (This indicates the general administrative area for the Needles District.)

For all information regarding backcountry permits, current conditions, regulations, and to make reservations for CP5 and other Chesler Park sites, you should contact the National Park Service:

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

It is absolutely essential to visit the official National Park Service website for Canyonlands National Park (nps.gov/cany) and Recreation.gov well in advance of your planned trip. Backcountry permits for Chesler Park are highly competitive and are released seasonally, requiring early booking. Always check for current weather forecasts, fire restrictions, and any park alerts before your visit.

For Utah locals, CP5 Campground in Canyonlands National Park's Needles District represents the pinnacle of a quintessential Utah desert adventure. This isn't just a place to set up camp; it's an immersive journey into the heart of one of our state's most iconic and rugged landscapes. The "great sunset view" and the "privacy" highlighted by fellow campers speak directly to the desire of many Utahns for authentic, uncrowded outdoor experiences where they can truly connect with the unparalleled beauty of the red rock country.

The fact that CP5 is a backpacking-only site, requiring a permit and self-sufficiency, ensures that it remains a sanctuary for those dedicated to a deeper wilderness engagement. This challenge is often embraced by locals who possess the skills and appreciation for such remote settings. The proximity to world-famous trails like Druid Arch and the Joint Trail makes it an ideal basecamp for multi-day explorations, allowing Utahns to delve deeper into these geological wonders than a day trip would allow.

Crucially, the strict "pack out all your solid waste" policy and the overall emphasis on Leave No Trace align perfectly with the strong conservation ethic prevalent among Utah's outdoor community. By choosing CP5, locals not only gain an incredible experience but also actively participate in preserving the fragile desert ecosystem for future generations. This campground is more than just a site; it's an invitation to experience Utah's wild side in its purest form, offering solitude, challenge, and breathtaking beauty that will resonate deeply with any true Utahn. It's an unforgettable escape into the very soul of the red rock desert.

CP5 Campground

Monticello, UT 84535, USA