The Neck Campground

For those of us in Utah who cherish raw, untouched landscapes and the profound quiet of the desert, The Neck Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse ourselves in one of our state's most iconic regions: Canyonlands National Park's Island in the Sky district. This isn't your typical bustling RV park with amenities at every turn; instead, The Neck provides a primitive, yet incredibly rewarding, camping experience for those who truly want to connect with the majestic red rock country. As Utahns, we understand the unique allure of our national parks, and The Neck Campground places you right in the heart of one of the most spectacular.

The Neck Campground is a testament to minimalist camping, focusing on the breathtaking surroundings rather than elaborate facilities. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, adding an element of adventure to securing your spot. This approach allows for a spontaneous journey into the park's wonders, appealing to those who appreciate flexibility and a less structured outdoor experience. It's a place where the grandeur of the landscape, the silence of the desert night, and the brilliance of the starry skies become your primary amenities.

Imagine waking up with direct access to some of the most famous viewpoints and trails in the Island in the Sky. From the iconic Mesa Arch to the expansive vistas of Grand View Point, The Neck Campground serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring this geological marvel. For locals who frequently explore our state's vast public lands, The Neck represents a true backcountry experience with the convenience of being on the main park road. It's a prime choice for those seeking solitude, stunning photographic opportunities, and a deep connection to Utah's awe-inspiring red rock desert.

The Neck Campground is strategically located at NP731, Utah, USA, placing it within the highly sought-after Canyonlands National Park, specifically in the "Island in the Sky" district. This district is a vast, high mesa situated between the Green and Colorado Rivers, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the canyons carved by these mighty waterways. Its location is absolutely prime for exploring the northern section of Canyonlands.

Accessibility to The Neck Campground is relatively straightforward, as it's located directly off the main paved scenic drive of the Island in the Sky district. To reach it from Moab, Utah (the nearest major town with services), you would head north on US-191, then turn west onto UT-313, which leads directly into the national park. Once inside the park, The Neck Campground is one of the first few pull-offs you'll encounter along the scenic drive, making it quite convenient for arrival.

However, it's crucial to understand that while access is easy, the campground itself is primitive and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that especially during peak seasons (spring and fall), securing a spot requires early arrival or a bit of luck. There are no reservations taken for this campground. The sites are generally suitable for tents and smaller RVs or vans, but visitors should be prepared for basic amenities. The roads within the park leading to the campground are well-maintained, paved surfaces, ensuring smooth travel even for standard vehicles. This ease of access combined with its truly spectacular setting makes The Neck Campground a highly desirable and relatively easy-to-reach primitive camping option for Utahns looking to experience the raw beauty of Canyonlands National Park.

• Primitive campsites (often simple pull-offs or designated spots).
• Fire rings are typically available at each site (check for fire restrictions before lighting).
• Picnic tables are generally provided at each individual site.
• Vault toilets are available for restroom facilities.
• Designated parking areas for vehicles at each campsite.
• No potable water available on-site; campers must bring all their own water.
• No electricity hookups.
• No dump station.
• No garbage services; all trash must be packed out by campers.

• Unbeatable Location: Directly within Canyonlands National Park's Island in the Sky district, offering immediate access to iconic viewpoints, hiking trails, and scenic drives.
• Stunning Panoramic Views: Many sites offer direct views of the canyons or the vast desert landscape, providing a truly immersive experience of Utah's red rock country.
• First-Come, First-Served: While challenging to secure a spot during peak times, this system offers spontaneity and allows for a less structured camping adventure.
• True Primitive Experience: Appeals to campers who prefer a minimalist approach, embracing the raw beauty of the desert without modern amenities. This fosters a deeper connection with nature.
• Incredible Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the campground offers exceptionally dark skies, making it an ideal spot for astronomy and viewing the Milky Way.
• Proximity to Iconic Landmarks: Just a short drive or walk from famous sites like Mesa Arch (a sunrise photography hotspot), Grand View Point, and Upheaval Dome.
• Peace and Quiet: Compared to more developed campgrounds, The Neck offers a profound sense of solitude and tranquility, especially at night.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The desert environment supports unique flora and fauna, offering chances to spot local wildlife.
• Ideal for Self-Sufficient Campers: Best suited for those prepared to bring all their own water and pack out all their trash, promoting responsible outdoor ethics.
• Photographer's Dream: The dramatic landscapes, unique rock formations, and clear skies provide endless opportunities for breathtaking photography.

Address: NP731, Utah, USA

Please note: As a primitive campground within a national park, The Neck Campground does not typically have a direct phone number for reservations or specific site inquiries, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. For general information about Canyonlands National Park, including visitor center hours, current conditions, fire restrictions, and park entrance fees, you can typically contact the main Canyonlands National Park information line. This contact information for Canyonlands National Park is readily available on the National Park Service website. For planning purposes, checking the official NPS website for Canyonlands is always recommended to get the most up-to-date information before your trip.

For us Utahns, The Neck Campground in Canyonlands National Park’s Island in the Sky district represents the pinnacle of authentic desert camping, perfectly embodying the rugged beauty and serene solitude that define our state's wild places. We know our landscapes intimately, and this campground offers a truly immersive experience in one of Utah's most iconic national treasures. Its primitive nature and first-come, first-served policy are not drawbacks but rather an invitation to the spontaneous and self-reliant adventurer, qualities many of us value in our outdoor pursuits.

The unparalleled location directly within the national park means immediate access to world-famous viewpoints and trails, allowing us to truly maximize our time exploring. Imagine waking up just moments away from Mesa Arch for a breathtaking sunrise, or spending an evening under the darkest, star-filled skies imaginable – experiences that are truly unique to our Utah desert. The quietude and vastness of the landscape offer a profound sense of peace, a much-needed escape from the demands of modern life.

While it requires preparation, such as bringing all your own water and packing out all trash, these are practices that responsible Utah outdoor enthusiasts already embrace. The Neck Campground isn't about luxury; it's about connecting with the raw, untamed spirit of the red rock desert. It's a place where the landscape is the amenity, and the silence is the entertainment. For locals seeking a deep, unadulterated experience in one of our most spectacular national parks, The Neck Campground is not just suitable – it's an essential part of understanding and appreciating the unique grandeur of Utah. It's our backyard wilderness, waiting to be explored.

The Neck Campground

NP731, Utah, USA