Canyonlands National Park Needles District Campground

In the southeast corner of Utah's Canyonlands National Park, you'll find The Needles, an area home to vibrantly colored spires of sandstone. It's a uniquely beautiful region where you'll find myriad hiking trails and four-wheel-drive tracks leading to attractions like Confluence Overlook and Druid Arch.

However, this is also the spot where you'll find The Needles Campground, a popular primitive camping spot with 26 individual sites and three group sites. Flush toilets and potable water are available in season (March to November), while vault toilets are available year-round.

The nightly camping fee is $20, but be aware that sites fill up quickly during spring and fall. It's also worth pointing out that this is a fairly remote campground, so you're looking at a decent drive if you forget any essential supplies.

Unfortunately, while pets are permitted in Canyonlands National Park, the places your pooch is allowed to visit are actually extremely limited. Pets are allowed in the campground, on paved scenic roads and in paved parking lots, and on the Potash/Shafer Canyon road anywhere between Moab and the Island in the Sky Campground.

But the list of places where pets are not permitted is much longer. Your pet isn't welcome at any overlooks, on any hiking trails, anywhere in the backcountry or on any rivers. In fact, even if your pet stays in the car, they're still not allowed on any backcountry roads.

With this in mind, think twice before taking your pooch into Canyonlands National Park. You might want to consider letting your dog stay at a boarding kennel in Moab for a couple of days, or if you can't bear to be parted from your pet, looking for a more pet-friendly camping destination.

If you do choose to camp with your pet at The Needles Campground, make sure your pooch always has plenty of water and somewhere to escape the hot desert sun. Your dog will also need to be leashed and cleaned up after at all times.

The Needles provides a scenic camping spot in a unique and beautiful part of the world. Even if you can't enjoy most of that beauty with your dog by your side, your furry friend will still love the chance to spend some quality time with you in the great outdoors.