Monument Valley offers luxury glamping in a dramatically stark desert landscape. RV sites at The View Campground are arranged in a row facing east for sunrise views over the iconic Mittens rock formations. Campers often experience strong desert winds, with temperatures dropping significantly after sunset even in summer months. Both Monument Valley KOA and The View Campground provide access to Navajo cultural experiences and guided excursions.
What to do
Hike the Wildcat Trail: The 3.7-mile Wildcat Trail loop is accessible directly from The View Campground and takes several hours at a leisurely pace. One camper noted, "The Wildcat Trail is a great hike in the morning or evening when the sun isn't directly overhead. It took us a few hours at a slow pace to take plenty of pictures."
Experience Navajo cultural tours: Local stables offer horseback tours between points on the scenic drive. According to a visitor at The View Campground, "The Navajo guide provided information on area history and the specific lore around spires and buttes. My daughter, who is an experienced rider, was able to run her horse up the trail while my son and I hung back at a trot-walk."
Stargaze under desert skies: When skies are clear, the elevation and minimal light pollution create exceptional stargazing conditions. A camper at Monument Valley KOA shared, "We watched the most beautiful sunset over the landscape... This area is so desolate it's breathtaking."
What campers like
Convenient location to monuments: Most glamping options position visitors within minutes of Monument Valley's iconic formations. One visitor mentioned, "This KOA is located right across the road from some of the major buttes in Monument Valley, right in the heart of Navajo Country."
Clean facilities despite remote location: Despite the remote setting, facilities are well-maintained. A camper reported, "The bathrooms are so clean, they're practically brand new. This facility is newly owned and very well updated by way of lavatories, showers and laundry facilities (immaculate)."
Security presence: For those concerned about safety in remote areas, staff monitors the grounds. As noted by one guest at The View Campground, "Security circles around at night, which was comforting for me."
What you should know
Extra fees apply: Beyond glamping costs, expect additional tribal land entrance fees. "There is an additional $5 fee to enter the tribal area, in addition to the camping fee. The park entry fee was cash only."
Tent sites vs. RV sites: At The View, tent sites require a short walk from parking but provide better views than RV spots. "Tent sites are hike-in only from the parking area. The tent sites are wild and have by far the best view even over the cabins. They are right in the valley but not super flat."
Bathroom access codes: Several glamping locations use code-restricted bathrooms for guest use only. A visitor at Monument Valley KOA warned, "Be warned, lights in the showers are motion sensors, it doesn't quite go black, but it will get darker, just open the shower door to activate."
Wildlife awareness: Desert wildlife requires vigilance. "Staff warned us to close bathroom doors and tent doors behind you. We saw a snake in the morning, but it did not look like a rattlesnake."
Tips for camping with families
Best timing for activities: Schedule outdoor activities during cooler hours. "It felt like most families woke up early for the gorgeous sunrise, packed up, and left before the August heat set in. By 9am, seemed like everyone was gone."
Playground options: Monument Valley KOA includes children's play areas with scenic backdrops. One parent shared, "Playground with a view for the tots. Not a lot of shade but a few trees."
Site selection with children: For families staying at The View, site selection matters. "Sites ~17-24 had the most unobstructed view. We were given a map with the occupied sites marked off, and we were able to choose our own site from the remaining sites."
Tips from RVers
No hookups at The View: RVers should arrive fully self-contained. "Parking lot with no hookups for RVs. It's basically a series of parking spots parallel to each other with a picnic table."
Consider length of stay: Most RVers recommend short stays. "This is definitely a 1 night stay type of place. Tons of tourists coming and going, for good reason of course. The monuments are incredible and right there!"
Limited shade coverage: Desert conditions mean minimal natural shade for RVs. "No tree cover or shade. The trees are small offering little to no shade."
