At first glance, Hovenweep's campground seems almost barren and sun-scorched, perched as it is on a sagebrush mesa with few trees. But settle into your campsite, each with it own sunshade, and you will find yourself enjoying the sweeping view over canyons to Sleeping Ute Mountain. A cool breeze will come up, and then the stars start to appear, and they don't stop. This is the place to be for the Perseid Meteor Shower in August.

The ruins can be enjoyed on nice 1- to 2-mile stroll around the canyon rim. Or, you can be adventurous and hike 3-4 miles to several distant ruin groups along the pinon-topped mesa. All you will hear is silence, deep relaxing silence, and maybe a coyote or two.

The visitor center is especially nice, with a great selection of books about the Southwest. You might have planned to stay just one night, but you could find yourself lingering for a few more.

Also, the campground road is paved, as are the parking areas for each site, which is good news for RVs. And the sites are nicely spaced, with sunshades and picnic tables.