Canyonlands N.P. Utah

Am seriously considering Canyonlands N.P. for our destination this September.  Anyone camp there?  See there are only 2 campgrounds available inside the park and they are first come first serve.  Alternative spots that you have stayed at while there would be appreciated.  Thanks

We've done that trip a couple times--back in the 90's and again last year for our 50th anniversary. We stayed both times at private campgrounds in Moab. Nothin' special--typical stack 'em in RV campgrounds. We did notice that Dead Horse Point State Park now has a nice and quiet campground.

Speaking of Dead Horse Point ($10 or so ST. PK. entrance fee), if you're an overlook oldster, as we've become, then Deadhorse is much more spectacular than Canyonlands. The turquoise potash ponds are quite something. Hikers, bikers, 4-wheelers can spend forever in Canyonlands. Days in the past for us, darn!

We did a nighttime river tour out of Moab, and it was stunning under the riverboat lights. Arches is extra special when taken in before sunrise--quiet, less crowded, and very cool looking at the stars through some of the arches. Also lots of short hikes to some scenic arches and overlooks that even codgers like us can handle.

Hole N the Rock tourist trap just outside Moab is kinda interesting if you want to add $5 or so to the local economy.

Great area to visit, and Kokopod is correct about September, but us crowds of oldsters and lotsa bus tours still must be dealt with at that time of year.

Canyonlands National Park is one of my favorite places and the camping can't be beat.  Also check out Dead Horse Point State Park which has two campgrounds, one inside the park and one just outside. If you happen to be mountain bikers, then you'll have fantastic biking on several trails inside the park that go along the canyon rim with views that can't be beat. Moab, Utah is a mountain biking mecca with beginner trails and trails that only experts dare ride. 

Thank you Pete Brayton and spacemonkey for the info.  If we can clear up some family issues before Septemeber it is a definite go, otherwise we may have to postpone until October.  Maybe that would be better anyway as far as crowding/busyness goes.

i love moab, im only a couple hours away from there