West Short Cut Road Dispersed Camping

Camped right on top of sandstone overlooking the La Sal Mountains. Super remote and quiet (felt completely safe though)- only people in the area for miles. Recommend driving around and going to the actual needles overlook- INCREDIBLE canyon- hidden gem! This is a site for the adventurous- driving can be difficult as it is a rough road and many potholes in the ground/uneven stone. There is a fire ring below the initial ledge of sandstone for those interested. We got lucky and had a night with no wind, however we have heard it can get windy since there are few trees to block any breeze. Other campsites in the area aren’t worth paying for/traveling the 9 mile washboard gravel road when this is available!

An isolated spot within the Canyonlands Recreation area managed by BLM. About 45 minutes from Moab, an hour from Arches NP, and an hour from Canyonlands NP. Truly incredible. We were the only people camping during the whole week, though there were others at the nearby established Windwhistle Campground. After turning off the paved road, you turn onto a dirt two track and almost immediately jog again to the right, and then you have arrived at the open sandstone area available for camping! This was one of the most incredible spots we’ve ever stayed at. The sandstone is a little tough to drive over, but worth it. We have a 17’ fiberglass camper and tow it with a 4-wheel drive vehicle. No problem finding a level spot! Highly recommend.

This is a nice low-impact site. It’s a rock outcrop and there are two levels. Its possible to put about three rigs on the bottom, but to be honest it’s not very level and there are more than a few potholes to contend with. The top is the best spot but only fits one vehicle.
The views of the La Sal Mountains are spectacular, and the Abajo Mountains are visible to the South.
The site is not far from Needles Overlook Road and you can hear a bit of road noise, but not enough to bother. Granted, I’m here in October and it could be more bothersome during the summer.
There are three bars of Verizon 3-4G.
If you plan to have fires, please bring a fire pan to protect the rock from burn scars.