Monument Valley offers unique glamping experiences amid iconic desert landscapes. Located near Shonto, Arizona, the region sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation with dramatic temperature swings between seasons. Facilities in this area provide accommodation options ranging from basic tent sites to luxury yurts with panoramic views of sandstone formations.
What to do
Jeep tours and horseback riding: Monument Valley KOA provides convenient access to guided experiences. "All the sites have full hookups and there are additional services provided on the site such as jeep rentals, Navaho tours and horse rides," notes Nita D., highlighting the on-site booking options.
Night sky photography: The area's minimal artificial lighting creates exceptional stargazing conditions. "This area is so desolate it's breathtaking," reports Kayla M. from Monument Valley KOA, adding that "we watched the most beautiful sunset over the landscape."
Wildcat Trail hiking: This 3.7-mile loop trail offers close-up views of the monuments. "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," shares Amy B. from The View Campground.
What campers like
Panoramic sunrise views: East-facing sites at The View Campground provide optimal conditions for watching dawn break over the monuments. "RV and campervan sites line up and face East for a sunrise view of the Mittens," explains Amy B., who appreciated the strategic site orientation.
Clean facilities: New construction at glamping sites near Shonto means modern amenities. "The bathrooms are so clean, they're practically brand new," reports Kayla M. about Monument Valley KOA, while Elle B. notes at The View Campground that "no additional costs for showers, but you do need a bathroom/shower code which you receive upon registering."
Cultural experiences: Proximity to Navajo guides and cultural demonstrations enhances visitors' understanding of the area. "The Navajo guide provided information on area history and the specific lore around spires and buttes," writes Amy B. about horseback tours available from The View Campground.
What you should know
Weather conditions: Extreme temperature variations and frequent wind affect comfort levels. "It was VERY windy when we were there, but we were able to position our van so that cooking, etc. wasn't an issue," shares Carly E. from The View Campground, who recommends planning accordingly.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping options near Shonto require advance booking with varied policies. "I reserved the site ahead of time, and on arrival we were given a map with the occupied sites marked off, and we were able to choose our own site from the remaining sites," explains Carly E. about The View Campground process.
Wildlife awareness: Desert conditions attract various wildlife. "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," reports Elle B. from The View Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some facilities provide child-friendly recreation areas. "Playground with a view for the tots," mentions Kim G. about Monument Valley KOA, noting the convenient amenity with scenic surroundings.
Optimal arrival timing: Late arrivals have specific check-in procedures. "If you arrive after 10:00 or so, you can register at the hotel on-site. Staff is incredibly helpful," explains Elle B. about The View Campground, adding that security patrols at night provide additional peace of mind for families.
Morning departures recommended: Heat considerations affect family camping comfort. "It felt like most families woke up early for the gorgeous sunrise, packed up, and left before the August heat set in," observes Elle B., suggesting single-night stays with early morning activities might work better for families.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: RV sites vary significantly between properties. "RV sites are basically just a slotted parking lot with a picnic table each. No hookups of any kind," explains Ben about The View Campground, contrasting with Monument Valley KOA where Nita D. notes "all the sites have full hookups."
Site selection strategy: Some RV sites offer better views than others. "Sites ~17 - 24 had the most unobstructed view," recommends Carly E. about The View Campground, providing specific site numbers for optimal viewing experiences.
Water access points: Locate water sources before setting up. "Potable water was available at the far end of the campground," mentions Carly E., sharing practical information about resource availability at The View Campground.
