The Bluff area sits at approximately 4,300 feet elevation in southeastern Utah, characterized by dramatic sandstone formations and desert climate with significant temperature fluctuations. Dispersed camping options outside established campgrounds offer budget alternatives for self-sufficient travelers. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing.
What to do
Hiking Devils Canyon: Located about 37 miles north of Bluff, Devils Canyon Campground provides access to nearby trails through pinyon-juniper forest. "There is a short interpreted hike trailhead at the end of loop B," notes camper Marlin B., who adds that the area is "a hidden treasure" with good wildlife viewing opportunities.
Exploring local attractions: Coral Sands RV Park offers a convenient base for regional exploration. "Easy drive to several sights in the area," according to Grace D., who appreciated the location. Another visitor recommends: "While you're here, stop by Bluff Fort, it's free and very interesting."
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location provides excellent night sky viewing. At Devils Canyon Campground, one camper reported using "Starlink for great connectivity (198.25 Mbps download)" while enjoying "a nice clear view of the sky" from their site.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Monument Valley KOA receives praise for its maintenance standards. "The bathrooms are so clean, they're practically brand new," writes Kayla M. The campground offers "lavatories, showers and laundry facilities (immaculate)" according to another reviewer who appreciated the "very well updated" amenities.
Convenient dining options: Several campgrounds provide easy access to local eateries. A Coral Sands visitor mentioned "lovely restaurant, Comb Ridge, within walking distance," while another camper noted the "highly recommended Comb Ridge restaurant is just around the corner."
Privacy between sites: At Devils Canyon, campers appreciate the thoughtful layout. "Sites are private, large, and well spaced," reports Kristin D., who stayed in early May when the campground was "largely empty the first few nights."
What you should know
Seasonal water limitations: Water availability varies throughout the year. At Devils Canyon, a visitor cautioned: "Unfortunately the water was not working and is not drinkable," while another noted water spigots available "at each vault toilet location."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. At The View Campground, a camper observed that "some sites have road noise from the highway," though most found it didn't significantly impact their experience.
Reservation requirements: Many established campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Carly E. reported that at The View Campground, "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."
Limited shade options: Tree cover varies between locations. Monument Valley KOA is "still pretty new, so the trees are small offering little to no shade," according to one visitor. Similarly, The View Campground has "no tree cover or shade" according to reviewers.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection for activities: Families should consider specific campground layouts. At Monticello RV Campground, one visitor noted the tent sites "are located on the back of the park near the office" with "an open field with horses that seems to go miles" just north of the sites, providing natural entertainment for children.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare children for possible wildlife encounters. At The View Campground, "staff warned us to close bathroom doors and tent doors behind you" due to the presence of snakes and scorpions, though most visitors report no issues when taking basic precautions.
Morning departures recommended: In summer months, planning activities for cooler parts of the day helps. At The View, "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."
Tips from RVers
High water pressure alerts: Check systems before connecting. At Old West RV Park, RVers are warned that "the water pressure is quite high. They will lend you a pressure regulator for free or they will sell you one for $15."
Site leveling considerations: RV sites vary in preparation quality. At Old West RV Park, campers appreciate that "the owner's a dirt contractor so his sites are super level!" making setup easier for trailers and motorhomes of all sizes.
Hookup options: Not all glamping near Bluff, Utah offers full RV services. The View Campground provides "RV sites (basically a series of parking spots parallel to each other with a picnic table)" but has "no hookups of any kind," while locations like Coral Sands offer "good full hookups" according to recent visitors.
