The best camping in Hovenweep National Monument, UT

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Camper favorites near Hovenweep National Monument

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Glamping Canyonlands

100%
(177)
28mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 18 sites · Lodging · Monticello, UT
We are a husband-and-wife team that purchased raw land in 2020 and have been building Glamping Canyonlands ever since. We privately own and operate a sustainable off grid property. We proudly run our business off solar power. We have a recycling and compost program along with happy pasture raised chickens and free range kittens. We work to reduce waste by supporting businesses that focus on the environment, health and using non-plastic products where we can. We use simple, clean, natural cleaning products. We do not use single use plastic and provide washable cotton paper towels and hand towels. We work with locals to bring you tours, pastries, breads and hand crafted souvenirs for you to remember your trip. We have a mix of different unique units so there is something for everyone. 3 bell tents, 1 stargazing lotus tent, 1 safari tent, cedar pod, moon stargazing barrel, solar powered casita and an unfurnished high rise tent. We have 22 acres and we are currently using around 5 acres. We like to space out our units so there is privacy at every units. We have a communal kitchen that is equipped to make some gourmet meals. Flat top grill, BBQ Box, pizza oven and a stove. Communal modern bathrooms with hand towels and bath supplies are available. Sauna is available to our guests along with coffee and breakfast delivery. Late check-ins are available. Located on private and rural land 40 mins South of Moab and 40 mins from the entrance of The Needles District of Canyonlands National Park (the hikers paradise park!) Our land borders Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands and State Trust Lands which means you have a panoramic view of the desert landscape and dark skies. We are surrounded by Dark Sky National Parks, State Park, Monuments and communities. Because of this, light population is almost non-existent. We built this place to be an escape or a place to unwind from our busy and loud daily lives. Embrace the break from the daily grind and find space here on the open desert. We opened to our first guests in October 2020 with only 3 bell tents, 1 bathroom and a kitchen inside a tent. Even though we have grown and improved the facilities, we are still a small husband and wife owned and run business. You will see us working and cleaning.
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$60
 / night

The Needles Outpost Campground

94%
(1531)
45mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 55 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Monticello , UT
This Outpost and campground is located on 300 acres of private property surrounded by park and public land. It has been here for over 30 years in some form or another. We are Caleb & Amber who enjoyed managing this little oasis in the middle of the desert from March to June of 2017 when we decided to purchase the business & make it our own. This is a dry, rugged campground with a bathhouse that provides coin operated showers and flush toilets. In addition there is little old rustic camp store placed in the middle of nowhere where we provide fuel, snacks, firewood, ice, showers, cold drinks & more. If you are looking for a more private site with lots of space and shade, book our Small Group at the Rocks. For a warmer stay during the cooler months book one of our Glamping Tents listed. We have the larger, and spacious tent in the grove of the Juniper Trees (which is also amazing in the warmer season) and rent a heater from us inside the general/camp store. Please check with us on fire restrictions, hipcamp is often wrong on their assumptions, we rarely have fire restrictions. BE SURE TO GIVE YOURSELF PLENTY OF TIME TO CHECK IN NO LATER THAN 5PM. THANK YOU!! DON'T FORGET TO TAKE A SCREEN SHOT OF THE DIRECTIONS HERE, YOU WILL LOSE SERVICE ON YOUR WAY.
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$35
 / night

Bright Star Campground

98%
(779)
46mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cortez, CO
We have complimentary WiFi, drinking water, ice, hot showers, bathrooms, communal kitchen, and a shaded pavilion with picnic tables, art nook, ping pong, and more. We are open from April - October. All of our sites and amenities 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.
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$40
 / night

Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

96%
(75)
33mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Cortez, CO
This magical place, surrounded by over 500,000 acres of protected land, is a 38 acre desert oasis near Mesa Verde, Sand Canyon and Hovenweep. Pitch your tent or park your small pop up or tiny rv (car and pull behind must be under 20 ft total) in a heritage orchard under and alongside magnificent red cliffs. We also have super clean bathroom with hot shower designated for campers. We have a fully equipped community kitchen for cooking, and a gas grill as well. We border Canyons of the Ancients immediately to the North, a 174,000 acre National Monument with the largest concentration of Ancestral Puebloan ("cliff-dweller") and archeological sites in the United States. A favorite public access point to The Canyons of the Ancients is the Sand Canyon trailhead, a five minute drive from the property up the main road. It is visited by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders alike. We are a genuine "oasis" on exquisite high desert land with profound ancient puebloan sites within steps. Ideal home base for your Southwest adventure.
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$70
 / night

Where The Wild Things Camp

96%
(233)
42mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · La Sal, UT
Come camp Where The Wild Things Camp! Let the awe-inspiring views of the majestic slick rock, sage and juniper surround you in the peace and quiet of this beautifully secluded desert space. Centrally located to the best Canyonlands has to offer, our camp is located on 25 acres less than half a mile from Looking Glass Arch, a popular rock climbing destination which got its name from the conquistadors who would climb to the top and look through a “looking glass” for landmarks that would lead them back to Santa Fe.  Moab is 25 miles to our North, about a 30 minute drive. The nearest convenience store/gas station is in the tiny town of La Sal, 12 miles NE of us. Although the Lasal Jct. now has burger truck, showers, ice and snacks. The nearby La Sal mountains rise to over 12,000 in elevation and is a great place to get out of the heat and enjoy lakes surrounded by beautiful pine and aspen forests. As the name suggests, Where The Wild Things Camp truly is wild and not for everyone. We are off grid, meaning there is NO electricity, no drinking water, and only "spotty" cell phone service is best just anywhere before bathrooms. Make sure to check the weather forecast before coming out and be prepared for anything as the weather here in the desert can be unpredictable and ALWAYS stake down your tents! Porta-Potty's available. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PRACTICE PACK-IT-IN AND PACK-IT-OUT. Trash service not available. NON-AGGRESSIVE dogs are always welcome, however please keep in mind that a lot of our wild friends also live here, such as coyotes, rattlesnakes, deer and antelope. We wouldn’t want your pets or our friends harmed in any way! From Moab: Drive south on Hwy 191 for approximately 23 miles and turn right (east) onto Looking Glass Rd/Co. Rd. 131 (It will be the first right after La Sal Junction) Continue on this road for 1.4 miles until you see a wide gravel road branching off to the left. Turn left, this road will branch again in .03 miles, turn to the right and continue straight (another .5 mile to WHERE THE WILD THINGS CAMP!! From Monticello: Drive north on Hwy 191 for approximately 31 miles and turn left onto Looking Glass Rd/Co. Rd 131 (It will be the first left after Wilson Arch). https://earth.google.com/earth... Moab: 25 miles Canyon Rims Recreation Area: 12 miles La Sal: 12 miles Monticello: 33 miles Blanding: 54 miles Bluff: 79 miles Mexican Hat: 104 miles Monument Valley: 126 miles
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$45
 / night

Zuma Bike Ranch & Camping in Cortez

98%
(78)
43mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 8 sites · Tents · Cortez, CO
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.
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$40
 / night

Adventure Haven RV

97%
(622)
43mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 8 sites · RVs · La Sal, UT
Hello! Please note that we are RVs only. ALL five sites have FULL hookups, strong WiFi, (so your cell phone WILL work!) and tables. We are 27 miles south of Moab. What we offer: In addition to an exceptional view of the mountain, our place is clean, spacious, orderly, quiet, inexpensive, with super fast and stable WiFi. What we don’t offer: fancy landscaping or restrooms. The Adventure Haven feels open, public and safe to most people. Funky and rural, in high pristine desert with a sweet view of the mountain is the overall vibe. Hours can go by with no traffic noise. This is in contrast to the constant drone of traffic noise in Moab. We are also about ten degrees cooler than Moab with nights cooling off even more; what a relief! The Adventure Haven is a five site mini-RV park located in an old and somewhat derelict subdivision in a small town on a 1.5 acre lot. A uranium boom town in the 1950's, La Sal is now a shadow of past times (and littered with artifact trailers and structures). But we are in beautiful high desert country and we are at the foothills of the La Sal Mountains and the park has a completely unobstructed view of this range! What kind of people LIKE it here? Those who like peace and quiet and dark skies. Relaxed full-time RVers, work-at-homes who need strong and fast WiFi, folks on a budget, those who like to support Hipcamp hosts, people looking for inside local information, solo travelers who want to feel safe yet not in a crowded place - like they’re near someone they know, and in a quiet, small town where unusual things are noticed. What kind of people DON’T like it here? People expecting a resort, or a vast-pristine-remote property. Also people who are uncomfortable with rural eye-sores typical of rural Utah (old cars, and slow projects) will not like it here, nor will party people and special event groups (not allowed here). *If you want a long stay contact us because we might be able to work it out! • Hook and Ladder OHV Trail system is less than five miles away and Rim Rocker Jeep trail is close as well.
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$44
 / night

Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

96%
(625)
17mi from Hovenweep National Monument · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Blanding, UT
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.
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$25
 / night

Other options near Hovenweep National Monument

The best camping in Hovenweep National Monument, UT 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.
100%
7 ratings · 2 reviews