National Park

The best camping in Hovenweep National Monument, UT

Name: Hovenweep National Monument
Address: Hovenweep National Monument
Rating: 4.65

93% (14)

This national monument was once a haven for more than 2,500 people.

93% (14)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hovenweep National Monument adventure.

Top-rated campgrounds in Hovenweep National Monument

Hovenweep Campground

1. Hovenweep Campground

100%

(2)

Campground in Hovenweep National Monument · 31 sites · Tents, RVs

Hovenweep National Monument is a haven for anyone interested in legendary archeology—it protects several archeological sites that are more than 700 years old

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Top-rated campsites near Hovenweep National Monument

Canyon Trails Ranch

1. Canyon Trails Ranch

100%

(104)

12mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

The homestead was built in 1911 and was one of the original postal pickups in the area.  The ranch is located between Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and backs up to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Our family has lived in McElmo Canyon for over 40 years and the campground has hosted camping and outdoor educational groups since 1965. We are a family run ranch with an operating hay farm, horseback riding business, and carriage shop.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Camping in the Mesas

2. Camping in the Mesas

95%

(237)

26mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 5 sites · Tents, RVs

This land was inhabited by the Ancient Anasazi and Pueblo people. The Anasazi Heritage Museum and archeological ruins are two miles away. There are ruins and sites on this land that have yet to be excavated. Many different ancient people came through this land, left and sites were inhabited by other people. One group of people would come and build upon the sites of another group, and taking part of their culture with them. 

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

3. Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

99%

(102)

27mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 8 sites · Tents, RVs

Zuma Bike Ranch invites you to ride.relax.repeat in the high desert of Dolores and Cortez Colorado. Surround yourself with views of Mesa Verde National Park, Sleeping Ute and the San Juan mountains straight from your tent or camper van. The ranch offers camping, and borders Phil's World mountain bike trail network. Our goal is to encourage community among campers and bikers and connection with the land and its rich history. Zuma Bike Ranch resides on native lands of Puebloan and Ute peoples. At Zuma Bike Ranch we provide professional mountain bike instruction and guided rides for individuals and groups. You have immediate access to over 60 miles of world class singletrack at Phil’s World trail network. More mountain bike trails can be found nearby at the Aquaduct trail system in Mancos, Boggy Draw in Dolores and Sand Canyon at Canyons of the Ancients National Monument. In less than an hour you can be riding high alpine terrain with access to the Colorado Trail. We’re 45 minutes from Durango and 120 minutes from Moab, UT. We keep things simple at Zuma Bike Ranch. This is to minimize impact on the land and our environment. Each camp site can accommodate one vehicle or van/truck bed camper. Camp sites fit two tents. We have a nice rinse station, potable water source, and porta potty on site. There are no lights but there are plenty of stars! Please pack out what you pack in. Visit our website for questions or to book a group or private lesson.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Ramble at Mesa Verde National Park

4. Ramble at Mesa Verde National Park

100%

(11)

28mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 14 sites · Tents, RVs

Basecamp your Mesa Verde adventure at Ramble Mesa Verde—48 acres of juniper dotted red rock campsites just 15 minutes from Mesa Verde National Park and neighbors to Phil’s World mountain bike park. Choose from Adventure, Signature, Signature Plus, or Group sites, all set up with a smokeless fire pit, stove + grill (propane included), picnic setup, and easy access to hot showers + flush toilets. Wind down with wide-open mesa views, starry skies, and Friday movie nights in our amphitheater. Book your spot and camp comfortably—no RVs or trailers.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Bright Star Campground

5. Bright Star Campground

98%

(787)

28mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

We are a unique, community driven campground open from April - October. We have complimentary WiFi, drinking water, ice, hot showers, pit toilets, communal kitchen, and a shaded pavilion with picnic tables, art nook, ping pong, and more. The entire campground can be booked for retreats or events. There are two large covered pavilions. We customize reservations for small and large groups or longer stays. There are furnished tipis, camping cabins, tent/RV/van sites, and a Navajo Hogan (wooden yurt). Bright Star Campground: Originally established in 2012 as a church camp, it is now a place to connect, create, and rejuvenate in this spectacular high desert landscape. Bright Star Campground is located in the Great Sage Plain in the shadow of Mesa Verde National Park with panoramic views of the Four Corners region, and only 5 miles southeast of Cortez. We are a cannabis-friendly destination but ask that cannabis use stay at your campsite, cabin or tipi. There are many attractions nearby, such as Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients, Hovenweep National Monument and Phil's World Mountain Biking. Raft down the Dolores river, maybe rent a SUP or kayak and chill on a quiet reservoir. We are located 45 minutes from Durango, 1.5 hours from Telluride, and about 2 hours from Moab (Arches and Canyonlands National Parks). The nearest airport is in Durango. The nearest large international airports are in Salt Lake City or Albuquerque.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

RV sites

6. RV sites

99%

(115)

29mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 3 sites

Learn more about this land: View of mts off of paved highway access. Within minutes to national forest, lakes and rivers. Enjoy fishing, biking, hunting, ohv riding also hiking and climbing within minutes of sites.

Pets

Full hookups

Lavender Farm Bed and Breakfast

7. Lavender Farm Bed and Breakfast

100%

(55)

30mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 1 site

Welcome to Mesa Verde Lavender! We are a working lavender farm with 2500+ lavender plants, a flower garden, calendula, yarrow, and a small orchard. Hike in the canyon that runs through the property, roam with the birds in our pastures, pick some fruit if in-season, or sit and enjoy wildlife, sounds of the creek, and views of the La Plata Mountains, Sleeping Ute Mountain, and Mesa Verde. Our 50 acres is situated in Southwest Colorado between Cortez, Mancos, and Dolores. 5 minutes to Phil’s World for mountain biking, 1 hour to Durango, and 2 hours to Telluride. Pay for the experience - farm tour and all the fixings. The breakfast, stay and hospitality is included with the farm tour! Note: this is NOT a commercial campground; rather an agricultural business with a focus on all things lavender. Come adventure, smell the flowers (literally!), and enjoy feeling of these ancient healing lands!

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

8. Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

96%

(666)

30mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 10 sites · Tents, RVs

Watch the sun come up over the Sleeping Ute Mountain in Colorado and enjoy a gorgeous sunset as the sun sets over the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. We are off the grid and have no electricity or water. Our graveled camping sites are easy to access. We are located next to a paved road. You do not need high clearance vehicles or 4-wheel drive. Camp in a natural high desert environment consisting of cedar and pinion trees, Brigham tea, sagebrush, etc. Great views of the night sky. An ancient Indian mound is on site. The Five Kiva Ruin and Nations Natural Bridge are within hiking distance. Minutes away is the town of Blanding with restaurants, hospital, gas stations and a dump station. Its only a short drive to five different National Monuments: Bears Ears, Natural Bridges, Rainbow Bridge, Hovenweep, and Canyon of The Ancients. Take a scenic drive over the Blue Mountain and Elk Ridge. Southeastern Utah is full of archeology history to hike and explore.

Pets

Toilets

Picnic table

Indian Canyon Ranch

9. Indian Canyon Ranch

95%

(113)

31mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Indian Canyon Ranch is a rugged, isolated, off grid property which focuses on enjoying the outdoor beauty of our little corner of the spectacular American Southwest. Please be advised, that during heavy rain four-wheel drive may be necessary but in all cases low clearance vehicles are not ideal on the last section of road but if you go slow any vehicle can make it. The good news is that we have done a major upgrade on the road and it's much less intimidating now but If you arrive after dark the last bit of road still looks more challenging than it actually is due to shadows on the surface caused by the head lights. Please plan to show up before dark for the best experience and ease of finding the location. Units are not heated, please bring drinking water but water is available in the bathroom and kitchen. Indian Canyon Ranch is proud to be an independent, off grid property with limited solar power and water available. There are no RV hook ups available but there is limited solar power in the rental units and in the communal area but not in the primitive campsites. Campsites are primitive camping only. Showers in the main communal area are solar powered and only hot with the sun and for an hour or so after sunset. Please conserve water at all times. Joe purchased this property in 2008. At that time, it was 8 acres, and it is now at 20 acres continuous property. The ranch is situated 2 miles off the highway down a bumpy dirt road on the edge of the national forest, this gives you a feeling of being in the wilderness. The south and east sides are boarded by canyons and ruins. All other private properties in the area are 10 acres or more so are well spread out and sparsely populated. All the structures on site were brought here piece by piece and were salvaged from construction projects in Yosemite and Grand Canyon national parks. Water is manually hauled in and the power in the kitchen area is solar generated so please be conscious of water and power use.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

7450' Summit Fullhookup Camping!

10. 7450' Summit Fullhookup Camping!

97%

(17)

35mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 1 site · Tent, RV

Hi! What makes us special? Welcome to the forest! Our property is on 3 wooded acres of tall Ponderosa Pines, we offer a full hookup fenced camp site, with private driveway off the main road. We are a small homestead and raise free range chickens and have a large garden and greenhouse. You will enjoy your own fire pit, and private fenced acre or so of space. PLEASE NOTE: Some reviews reflect a time when we rented our personal RV out in this space-It is now just an RV space. We are a short drive into the San Juan Mountains, 20 mins from Mesa Verde bring your JEEP or ATV and explore the many historical mines. If you would like a guided tour, just ask us! We are almost always up for a ride! (Added bonus, Doug is geologist and can give you the ROCK history.) Mountain bikers, this is your dream! We are a short drive to Phil's world and Boggy draw riding areas. Your bikes will be safe locked or unlocked to the RV. We have excellent Verizon phone service and do provide onsite Starlink WIFI. Summit lake is 1/4 mile away, a short and easy walk. Great fishing and a nice beach. We have many surrounding trails for some great hikes! Ideal home base for visits to Mesa Verde National Park, Phil's World and Boggy Draw (mountain biking), Hovenweep National Monument, Canyon of the Ancients and so much more! We are 40 mins to Durango, 90 mins to Telluride (take the FREE gondola for a super fun beautiful ride), 20 mins to Cortez. Delicious food can be found in our local restaurants in Mancos and Dolores. In the winter Purgatory Ski Resort is just over an hour. Come play in the Rocky Mountains!

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Story Tree Ranch 4 animal lovers!

11. Story Tree Ranch 4 animal lovers!

90%

(10)

36mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 2 sites

Beautiful view of the La Plata mountains. 20 minute drive to Mesa Verde national park 30 minutes to Durango only 4 miles to downtown Mancos, where you can enjoy Art galleries, Mancos Brewing Company for yummy locally sourced food, and Fenceline Cidery next to a babbling creek Tales and Tails a plenty. Story Tree Guest Ranch has llamas, horses, goats, ducks, chickens and a donkey and a very friendly pig named Charlotte

Pets

Dry RV site w/ Views of Mesa Verde

12. Dry RV site w/ Views of Mesa Verde

100%

(31)

38mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 1 site

Learn more about this land: **You MUST have your own self contained RV with a restroom!! Sorry, NO TENTS! Please include a description of your RV setup in your booking request!** Nestled on seven acres of former ranch land, and enjoy a relatively level RV site (pull in or back in) with views of Mesa Verde, the La Plata Mountains, and the shade of mature juniper trees. Feel far from everything while only a few miles from town.  Enjoy the starry skies, the company of wandering mule deer, and the sound of coyotes conversing with one another.  At 7,000' above sea level, in the high desert of SW Colorado, we get over 250 sunny days a year, big beautiful snows in winter (and sometimes as late as June), and monsoon rains in late summer.  Spring can be cool and windy, but you'll experience the reawakening of the plants, the lowing of mother cows and their calves on nearby ranches, and maybe even a blooming prickly pear or two! In the heart of the Mancos River Valley, you'll find yourself at the perfect basecamp for all that the area has to offer! It's just 15 minutes to the entrance gate at Mesa Verde National Park, designated in April of 2021 as the 100th Dark Sky Park by the International Dark Sky Association. Take a scenic two mile drive to historic Downtown Mancos, to find art, dining, and fun. Historic Mancos, known for its thriving creative district, is the home of the The Raven House Gallery, The Artisans of Mancos Co-op, The Painted Turtle Gallery, Bombdiggity, and Kilgore American Indian Art. Downtown Mancos is also home to dining options from local food trucks to fine dining. Fenceline Cidery and their delightful riverside cider garden host a variety of local food trucks on a rotating basis Family friendly eats are always on the menu at the Columbine Bar & Grill. Deco Dessert, offers something for your sweet tooth with homemade ice cream, artisan chocolates, and cakes. Just across Hwy 160, you can enjoy craft beer, delicious locally sourced food, and a variety of fun events, including live local music, weekly triviaat Mancos Brewing Company. The long anticipated, Boathouse on Grand will open in Summer 2023 with fine dining fare. We even have a little bit of nightlife at the newly opened El Rio Cantina, featuring creative tequila cocktails. Other downtown offerings include locally roasted coffee at Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters, and an incredible variety of baked goods and delightful breakfast and lunch options.  Grab take out and sit at a picnic table by the Mancos River or in the park across the street or enjoy their dining area featuring local art.  Be sure to also check out local artists' work in the art vending machines at Fahrenheit Coffee Roasters and Fenceline Cider! Beyond downtown, you'll find easy access to Mancos State Park, mountain biking at Phil's World, Aqueduct, and the Boggy Draw trail systems, paddling at Summit Lake, paddling and boating at McPhee Reservoir, the 88 mile Canyon of the Ancients Scenic Drive, and miles of hiking and off-roading trails in the San Juan National Forest. Or head just 40 minutes into Durango for a ride on the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a run on the rapids of the Animas River, or a powder day at Purgatory (resort an hour from the site). If you want to venture further afield, Telluride, Moab, Monument Valley, and Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are all within 2.5 hours. Or take a drive along the San Juan Skyway scenic byway to see the best of Colorado's Western Slope including Silverton and Ouray. Your hosts are avid outdoor enthusiasts who can give you the details (and loan you some maps and guidebooks) on all of the great things that await you at our little slice of southwest Colorado!

Pets

Orchard Camp at RoFo Ranch

13. Orchard Camp at RoFo Ranch

100%

(1)

14mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 1 site

Play in nature, relax in comfort. 2 spacious safari-style tents nestled in a small orchard with big views of Canyon of the Ancients. Your stay includes a private bathhouse with indoor and outdoor showers. Both tents have king beds and outdoor lounging areas and share a central campfire area. Clifftop hiking with views as far as Mesa Verde. We only accept one reservation at a time so the camp is all yours. The Details The Orchard Camp includes two large safari-style tents, each with a king bed, water cooler, mini-fridge, sheets & towels. The tents share cooking and camp amenities like a two burner Coleman stove and a propane-fueled "fire pit," and games like corn hole. Your private Bathhouse offers two sinks, two showers, two toilets, an outdoor shower and an outdoor sink for your dishes. The Orchard, with its young fruit trees and wildflowers, is your private garden. The Property You'll have access to roam much of this 38 acre property which includes a hay farm, cliffside and clifftop trail and a section of McElmo Creek. We just ask that folks stay away from the private residence on site, which is well-marked. We love pets and kids but due to the Wildlife with a capital W (and the occasional skunk) with whom we share this land we must limit our guests to humans ages 8 and up. Southwest Colorado is a land of extremes. We get hot, cold and everything in between. The tents are canvas so we offer electric blankets and small space heaters for colder days, and fans for the warmer days. And in advance, we apologize for the high cleaning fee. When you're here you'll understand why with the large showerhouse and all its windows, the large canvas tents and big decks, etc.

Toilets

Showers

Hot Tub

Sage Canyon

14. Sage Canyon

100%

(7)

14mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 2 sites

Stay on the flank of Sleeping Ute Mountain in historic McElmo Canyon just 40 minutes from Mesa Verde and 20 minutes from the town of Cortez. Our property features red rock cliff walls, a private rock alcove, comfortable amenities, internet, and sweeping mountain views. A perfect place to base yourself for your next creative endeavor or for rejuvenating and exploring in the wilds of the four corners. Head just 10 minutes down canyon to Sand Canyon—public access to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument—for hiking and mountain biking trails. Further down Road G is Hovenweep National Monument where you can view Pueblo ruins precariously built on top of boulders and canyon rims. At the end of the day, stop by our neighbor Sutcliffe Vineyards for year-round local wine tasting. Nearby - Telluride (2), Cedar Mesa and Monument Valley (1.5-2), the Four Corners Monument (45), Durango (1.25), Shiprock (45), Mesa Verde (40), Cortez (20), Hovenweep (45).

Toilets

Showers

Wifi

A Pleasant View

15. A Pleasant View

16mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 1 site · Tent, RV

Welcome to your quiet retreat in the heart of Pleasant View, Colorado. This private property offers both RV and tent sites far from any other campers with easy access and plenty of room to stretch out under the wide-open sky. Less than 2 miles from the historic Lowry Pueblo ruins, the location offers a unique blend of solitude, scenic views, and cultural significance. You’ll be surrounded by open fields, peaceful canyons, and unobstructed stargazing, all without the noise of city life. With no hookups or facilities, it’s the perfect off-grid stop for travelers seeking simplicity and connection with the land.

Pets

Campfires

Edge Of The Ancients

16. Edge Of The Ancients

100%

(2)

19mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 1 site · Tent, RV

Be our guest, bring your tent's. (Glamping Cabins coming soon.) Enjoy walking access to the Cahone Canyon wilderness study area. Close proximity to Lowery ruins and the Pueblo ruins. The Dolores river is minutes away for fishing and swimming. Mesa Verde National Park is 40 minutes away and Arches National Park is 120 minutes away. The beautiful town of Telluride is a 90 minute drive. Enjoy adventures during the day and magical starry nights.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Timeless Horizons Camp

17. Timeless Horizons Camp

19mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Remote Tent Camping with beautiful views and proximity to several of the greatest destinations the western states have to offer. - Canyon of the Ancients Visitor's Center ~27 min - Lowry Pueblo (Canyon of the Ancients) ~23 min - Hovenweep National Monument ~43 min - Four Corners Monument ~ 1 hr 10 min - Mesa Verde National Park ~1 hr 20 min - Needles District Canyonlands National Park ~1 hr 40 min - Moab ~1 hr 40 min - Telluride ~1 hr 50 min - Monument Valley 2 hr 20 min. Pack it in, Pack it out.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Quiet spot and a view of Mesa Verde

18. Quiet spot and a view of Mesa Verde

89%

(14)

22mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 1 site

Learn more about this land:3 acres, with a view of Mesa Verde and Hesperus mountain. Less than 10 miles to access Public lands for national forest and blm. Campfires allowed. Plenty of space for dogs. Much warmer than surrounding areas of Dolores, Mancos and Durango. High desert weather easier winter driving. Water tap on site.

Pets

A Camp at Painted Sky

19. A Camp at Painted Sky

22mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 1 site

A Camp at Painted Sky is conveniently located 30 minutes from Mesa Verde, 15 minutes from Canyon of the Ancients, 10 minutes from McPhee Reservoir, 20 minutes from Cortez, CO and it is surrounded by wide open spaces and breathtaking views. The campsite offers 30 amp electrical hookups, potable water and a gravel parking pad. The campsite is also in a gated access area, shared with one residence, occupied by your host. No animals are allowed at the campsite, due to an assortment of pets and farm animals already on property. The chickens on property provide an opportunity for campers to purchase fresh farm eggs from their host! RV length is suggested no longer than 60 feet. No pull through available, and site is back-in only. Access is via 3 miles of county maintained gravel road off Highway 184. You'll have an opportunity to view wildlife including foxes, coyotes, eagles, deer, elk, the occasional badger and a plethora of prairie dogs from your campsite.

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Yellow Car Country Wines

20. Yellow Car Country Wines

100%

(1)

23mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 2 sites

Welcome to our tasting room in Cortez, Colorado, now located at 802 S Broadway. All camper parking is right here at the new location on dirt and light gravel. When you arrive, check in with us and we’ll help you get situated. Parking is easy and right next to the tasting room. We’ll greet you upon arrival to make sure you’re set up comfortably. What We Offer: We specialize in fruit wines and mead, made with 100% fruit (never blended with grape wine). Whenever possible, we source fruit locally, and all of the honey in our mead comes from nearby beekeepers. Our motto says it best: “We are casual and fun, and our fruit will make you smile.” Things to Do: • Wine & Mead Tasting – Sample our unique creations and discover new favorites. • Karaoke on Demand – If you love to sing, we’ll happily turn it on at a moment’s notice. • Live Music – From time to time, we host performances to add to the fun. This is a laid-back, welcoming spot where good drinks and good times meet. Whether you’re here to relax with a glass of fruit wine, sing some karaoke, or enjoy live music, you’ll feel right at home.

Pets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Brian

3 days ago

Tent

2 nights at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Great location and facilities! I will definitely camp there again when I’m in the area!

Catherine

5 days ago

1 night at Lavender Farm Bed and Breakfast

A slice of heaven. Just come. You’ll see. And you’ll leave feeling better. 🪻💙

Jennifer

1 week ago

30 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to 7450' Summit Fullhookup Camping!

Lisa and Doug are great hosts. Lisa offered us free eggs from her farm and Doug helped us out of a pinch. The site was beautifully maintained!

Lorinda

1 week ago

24 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Very clean well kept lots. Porto was very clean and had a night lamp in it. Shower was clean, warm and powerful. Easy access to trails. Jake walked by and greeted us.

Chris

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Jake's camp was perfect for my weekend. The site says it has a "rinse station" but it's a full on shower - don't let them fool you! The location was perfect for access to Phil's World biking. And Jake had great recommendations for my level of experience. I will definitely be back!

Brian

1 week ago

Weekend Trip to Lavender Farm Bed and Breakfast

10/10!!! The lavender wagon was adorable, comfy, and had everything we needed. Travis and Katie are amazing and kind hosts. A perfect distance from a bunch of fun activities. Breakfast in the morning was so delicious and a great way to start off the day. We will be back!!

MICAH

2 weeks ago

22 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Epic location with direct access to the northern trails of Phil’s World. Very quiet and private with fairly level sites. Great views during the day and dark skies at night for star gazing. Nice outdoor shower with hot water and a toilet on site. Jake was great and is very knowledgeable about the trails in the area. If you mountain bike or if you just want a quiet place to camp out, this place will not disappoint.

Anne

2 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

1 night at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Zuma Bike Ranch is a comfortable camping and gathering spot with direct access to the Phil's world biking trails as well as a private network of trails on the property. The campsites are nestled in the trees providing a bit of shade and privacy while being within easy access of the trails and town. The toilet and shower were clean and easy to use. The hosts are friendly and responsive.

Ashley

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

My best friend and I are on a 8 day / 7 night road trip all tent camping. We booked site 4 for 1 night on our route while we visited Capital Reef National Park. We tent camped. Each site was lit well for a later arrival. There were some small trails perfect for evening or morning strolls. We absolutely loved this little campground! We would recommend it to anyone with a small motorhome, camper, van or tent.

Kathy

2 weeks ago

21 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

We stayed at Sunset Campground for one night as part of a lengthy roadtrip in a Vandoit. The campground was clean and quiet, and the porta-potty was probably the cleanest we’ve ever encountered. Recommend for folks who are self-contained and on a budget. We enjoyed seeing the Five Kiva Pueblo ruin south of the camp.

Andrew

2 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Jake was a great host! The hot shower is awesome! Immediate access to PW is excellent!

Sam

2 weeks ago

31 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

Campground was quiet and clean. Sunsets were beautiful

Paul

2 weeks ago

26 ft pop-up camper

2 nights at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

Quiet, beautiful views! Clean redtroom. Still had wi-fi service.

Mark

2 weeks ago

17 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Bright Star Campground

Great place to stop for a quick overnight or for several days. Is convenient to town amenities and don’t let the lack of hookups scare you, the dump station is less than 10 minutes away and it’s free. The staff is super helpful and the scenery is epic! I wish there were more places like this out there.

Ezra

2 weeks ago

29 ft Class C

4 nights at RV sites

Great quiet spot, would definitely stay again. Great price for full hookups.

Back of a camper on Ute View 1. Mesa Verde Nat'l Park in the background

Hugo

2 weeks ago

18 ft campervan

3 nights at Bright Star Campground

Great site, beautiful views with a well stocked kitchen. Nice sunset and very close to Mesa Verde (which is awesome). Check out Pueblo Seed and Food Company while you’re in Cortez as well!

Kaitlin

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Wonderful spot, and Jake was an excellent host. We loved the secluded and treed sites.

Kaitlin

3 weeks ago

15 ft truck camper

Weekend Trip to Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Wonderful spot! Jake is a great host and we loved the hot shower and trail access! Will definitely visit again!

Kaitlin

3 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

We had a wonderful stay! Jake has a magical spot - gorgeous views, flat sites with lovely trees, and a HOT SHOWER!! Will definitely be coming back.

Veronika

3 weeks ago

Tent

3 nights at Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

Zuma ranch is a great camp spot accessing the north Phil's World trails. The south Trails are just down the road a bit. Jake is super friendly and accommodating. I am very grateful for his assistance. The shower is hot and the camp spots are nice. Be aware there are no tables or chairs, bring your own.

Hovenweep National Monument camping guide

Overview

About

Combine history and a remote location at this ancestral Puebloan site. Hovenweep is a word meaning "deserted valley" in the Ute language. It's a fitting name for this seemingly desolate place on the Colorado-Utah border. The main draw is the historic structures. Some of which date back to the year 900.

Red and brown bricks form walls nearly three stories tall. Cutthroat Castle is the largest of these buildings.

The settlement spans six separate villages spread out along Allen and Hovenweep Canyons. Some have circular towers that look as if they belong in a majestic royal castle. Others have small windows for air circulation.

These ruins were once a bustling Pueblo enclave around 400 years before the arrival of Europeans. Some artwork still adorns the canyon walls. One such depiction notes the summer solstice, much like Stonehenge.

The 31-site campground stays open year-round near the visitor center. Sites are mostly for tents, but a few can handle RVs up to 36 feet long.

Notable campgrounds

Spend a serene night at Hovenweep's campground, where the stars illuminate the ancient structures.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Arrive early to secure a spot at the first-come, first-served campground.
Visit during off-peak seasons for a better chance at snagging a campsite.
Prepare for a rustic experience, as amenities may be limited.
Explore nearby camping options in case the campground is full.

When to go

Hovenweep National Monument is open year-round, offering a unique experience in every season. The best time to visit is during spring and fall when the weather is mild. Winter brings reduced services and unpredictable weather, so be prepared for all conditions if you visit during the colder months.

Know before you go

Check the weather forecast and trail conditions before your visit.
Visitor services are reduced in winter; plan accordingly.
Bring plenty of water and sun protection for your adventures.
Respect the ancient structures and leave no trace of your visit.
Start your visit at the Visitor Center for maps and information from friendly rangers.

Reviews for Hovenweep National Monument Campgrounds

93%

14 ratings · 6 reviews

Recommends

· May 2026

Beautiful and educational.

Paul W.

2 reviews

Recommends

· May 2026

Lots of ruins

So many Pueblo ruins -absolutely beautiful area too.

Barbara G.

10 reviews

Recommends

· April 2026

Amazing collection of archeological ruins, easy trail. Don’t miss it!

Kent B.

3 reviews

Not recommend

· April 2026

Didn't get there

Gary B.

4 reviews

Recommends

· October 2025

Definitely worth the trip

Marcy A.

2 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

Hovenweep - must see

Really awesome village from the ancients. You can walk all around the ruins and marvel at the construction. Worth a visit. I stayed at the campground in the past and really liked it. Trees, plenty of space between sites, bath house, electric and water hookups.