Montezuma Creek is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Montezuma Creek campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Montezuma Creek, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
Sand Island Recreation Area is a good camping option for visitors launching San Juan River float trips, or wishing to camp close to the town of Bluff or the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument. The campground provides 23 campsites that each feature a tent/trailer space, a picnic table, a fire ring, and vault toilets. Drinking water is available seasonally (typically March through October). Each campsite can hold 8 people and 2 vehicles. Reservations are not available for camping at this location. Individual campsites are available on a first come, first served basis upon arrival at the self-register kiosk at the site. The Sand Island Group Sites are available for larger groups, and may be reserved here.__
Sand Island is the primary launch point for multi-day San Juan River float trips. San Juan River trips provide boaters with access to spectacular canyons rich in scenery, geology, archeology, history and wildlife. A river permit is required in advance. The Sand Island Petroglyph Panel site is located on the sandstone walls on the north side of the recreation area. There are many nearby hiking and scenic driving opportuites in the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument.
Sand Island is the primary launch point for multi-day San Juan River float trips. San Juan River trips provide boaters with access to spectacular canyons rich in scenery, geology, archeology, history and wildlife. A river permit is required in advance. The Sand Island Petroglyph Panel site is located on the sandstone walls on the north side of the recreation area. There are many nearby hiking and scenic driving opportuites in the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument.
Sand Island is located along the San Juan River. Cottonwood trees line the banks of the river and are scattered throughout the campground, providing shade at many of the sites. The north side of the campground is lined with red sandstone walls.
Bears Ears National Monument__ San Juan River Cedar Mesa Valley of the Gods Goosenecks State Park
For facility specific information, please call (435) 587-1500.
No refunds are available.
$15 / night
Lots of sites, all free, primitive. GREAT views of the Mexican Hat geological features. Good for 2wd cars.
Morefield Campground is four miles from the park entrance. The 267 campsites are situated within a high-elevation, grassy canyon filled with Gambel oak, native flowers, deer, and wild turkeys. Each site has a picnic table, gravel tent pad, and fire pit/BBQ grill. A camp store offers registration, food, and camp supplies. Firewood, gasoline, showers, a coin-operated laundromat, and a kennel are located nearby. The campground is managed by park concessioner Aramark and is open between spring and fall.
Hovenweep Campground is nestled within the beautiful, sweeping landscape of the Colorado Plateau in Southeast Utah, at an elevation of approximately 5300 ft. The campground is located alongside two converging canyons and is only 1/4 mile (.4km) from the park's visitor center. Stunning views of mountains, canyons, and sandstone ledges adorned with desert plants make for a spectacular camping experience!
Hovenweep offers multiple hikes, with the most popular being the Square Tower Group's 2-mile (3.2km) walking loop. This hike has the densest population of ancestral Puebloan structures within Hovenweep and allows visitors to get within 5-10 feet of them, creating an intimate and humbling experience with fantastic opportunities for photography. For visitors seeking a longer hike, the Holly Trail is conveniently located at the back of the campground and is roughly 8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip, traversing through 2 slot canyons within Keely Canyon and leading visitors to Hovenweep's outlying site, Holly. Additional hikes to Hovenweep's remaining outlying sites are also available, but generally require a higher-clearance vehicle to access and are subject to variable road conditions. Visitors can also enjoy the majesty and vastness of the dark skies and glowing stars here at our certified International Dark Sky Park!
The campground is forested with beautiful, established Utah Juniper trees along with many desert wildflowers and plants, dotting the landscape and offering vivid color to the surrounding sandstone ledges and canyons. Spring reveals the majesty of Veined Penstemon, painting our park with pinks, blues and purples, while Fall sparkles with yellow rabbit brush accents. The park is within an arid, high desert environment with hot summers and cold winters. Hovenweep is home to many species of wildlife, ranging from antelope ground squirrels, ravens, and songbirds to coyotes, jack rabbits and lizards. Many nights and mornings are filled with the calls and songs of our local wildlife! This area piques the interest of many wildlife viewers, birders, and artists as they pull inspiration from the natural beauty and welcoming peace of Hovenweep!
Hovenweep is located roughly 45 miles from the nearest town with restaurants and shopping. The closest gas station is located 20 miles from the park, in Aneth, Utah. Our park is located next to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Canyons of the Ancients offers mountain biking/horseback riding trails, as well as archaeological sites and other areas of interest for visitors to explore. There are also multiple state, national, and tribal parks located within an hour or two's driving distance from Hovenweep.
$20 / night
$10 / night
Major expansion and upgrade completed in August 2023, with additional landscaping coming Spring of 2024!!
What's new?
We are so excited to share all that we have accomplished to make your stay a truly remarkable experience! Come experience this quiet campground with awe inspiring views.
Escape the Moab mobs, Zip away from Zion’s zanies! Come to Bluff and see the Grandeur of Southern Utah without the constant crowds!
Cadillac Ranch RV Park is easy access on and off Hwy 191.
The views from Cadillac Ranch are world class. Our RV Park and Campground are quiet. Be sure to check out the walking/bicycle trail from the back of the park down to the San Juan River.
Tent camping is primitive. No water or electricity to the site. Tent camping sites are located around the side of our pond and have fire rings and picnic tables. There are two dishwashing stations, one at each bathroom/shower building, just a short walk. We provide a wagon at the station to carry your dishes back and forth. Please do not wash dishes in the bathroom sinks or at tent sites. Showers are included for all campers.
Check in at the office for site assignment and wifi password.
$40 - $65 / night
Devils Canyon Campground sits in the Manti-LaSal National Forest of southeast Utah at the foot of the Abajo Mountains. There is water available seasonally from June to September.
Several miles of off-road vehicle trails crisscross the Abajo Mountains. The Camp Jackson/Wagon Wheel Trail can be accessed nearby. The Abajo Loop State Scenic Backway passes by the campground. It leads from the desert floor and red rock canyons to steep mountains over 10,000 feet high, with overlooks and panoramic views. The byway is suitable for passenger vehicles from late spring through fall but is not recommended for large RVs.
Ponderosa pines, pinyon pines and juniper cover the area, offering limited shade. The campground sits at an elevation of 7,400 feet, and summer temperatures are warm in the day and cool in the evening. Birds, squirrels, chipmunks, mule deer and black bear may be seen in the area.
Popular attractions in the area include Canyonlands, Arches and Mesa Verde National Parks, Dark Canyon Wilderness, Edge of the Cedars State Park, Lake Powell and numerous archaeological sites. Evening programs are provided at Edge of the Cedars Museum in Blanding. The San Juan County Fair is held annually in August in Monticello.
$20 / night
Sand Island Recreation Area is a good camping option for visitors launching San Juan River float trips, or wishing to camp close to the town of Bluff or the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument. The campground provides 23 campsites that each feature a tent/trailer space, a picnic table, a fire ring, and vault toilets. Drinking water is available seasonally (typically March through October). Each campsite can hold 8 people and 2 vehicles. Reservations are not available for camping at this location. Individual campsites are available on a first come, first served basis upon arrival at the self-register kiosk at the site. The Sand Island Group Sites are available for larger groups, and may be reserved here.__
Sand Island is the primary launch point for multi-day San Juan River float trips. San Juan River trips provide boaters with access to spectacular canyons rich in scenery, geology, archeology, history and wildlife. A river permit is required in advance. The Sand Island Petroglyph Panel site is located on the sandstone walls on the north side of the recreation area. There are many nearby hiking and scenic driving opportuites in the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument.
Sand Island is the primary launch point for multi-day San Juan River float trips. San Juan River trips provide boaters with access to spectacular canyons rich in scenery, geology, archeology, history and wildlife. A river permit is required in advance. The Sand Island Petroglyph Panel site is located on the sandstone walls on the north side of the recreation area. There are many nearby hiking and scenic driving opportuites in the Cedar Mesa area of Bears Ears National Monument.
Sand Island is located along the San Juan River. Cottonwood trees line the banks of the river and are scattered throughout the campground, providing shade at many of the sites. The north side of the campground is lined with red sandstone walls.
Bears Ears National Monument__ San Juan River Cedar Mesa Valley of the Gods Goosenecks State Park
For facility specific information, please call (435) 587-1500.
No refunds are available.
$15 / night
Hovenweep Campground is nestled within the beautiful, sweeping landscape of the Colorado Plateau in Southeast Utah, at an elevation of approximately 5300 ft. The campground is located alongside two converging canyons and is only 1/4 mile (.4km) from the park's visitor center. Stunning views of mountains, canyons, and sandstone ledges adorned with desert plants make for a spectacular camping experience!
Hovenweep offers multiple hikes, with the most popular being the Square Tower Group's 2-mile (3.2km) walking loop. This hike has the densest population of ancestral Puebloan structures within Hovenweep and allows visitors to get within 5-10 feet of them, creating an intimate and humbling experience with fantastic opportunities for photography. For visitors seeking a longer hike, the Holly Trail is conveniently located at the back of the campground and is roughly 8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip, traversing through 2 slot canyons within Keely Canyon and leading visitors to Hovenweep's outlying site, Holly. Additional hikes to Hovenweep's remaining outlying sites are also available, but generally require a higher-clearance vehicle to access and are subject to variable road conditions. Visitors can also enjoy the majesty and vastness of the dark skies and glowing stars here at our certified International Dark Sky Park!
The campground is forested with beautiful, established Utah Juniper trees along with many desert wildflowers and plants, dotting the landscape and offering vivid color to the surrounding sandstone ledges and canyons. Spring reveals the majesty of Veined Penstemon, painting our park with pinks, blues and purples, while Fall sparkles with yellow rabbit brush accents. The park is within an arid, high desert environment with hot summers and cold winters. Hovenweep is home to many species of wildlife, ranging from antelope ground squirrels, ravens, and songbirds to coyotes, jack rabbits and lizards. Many nights and mornings are filled with the calls and songs of our local wildlife! This area piques the interest of many wildlife viewers, birders, and artists as they pull inspiration from the natural beauty and welcoming peace of Hovenweep!
Hovenweep is located roughly 45 miles from the nearest town with restaurants and shopping. The closest gas station is located 20 miles from the park, in Aneth, Utah. Our park is located next to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Canyons of the Ancients offers mountain biking/horseback riding trails, as well as archaeological sites and other areas of interest for visitors to explore. There are also multiple state, national, and tribal parks located within an hour or two's driving distance from Hovenweep.
$20 / night
$10 / night
Ranger
Morefield Campground, located just inside Mesa Verde National Park, offers a convenient and scenic basecamp for exploring the park’s incredible ancient cliff dwellings and stunning landscapes. The campground is spacious and well-organized, with over 250 sites that accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers. The setting is peaceful, with sweeping views of mesas and easy access to trails like the Point Lookout Trail.
Amenities are a highlight here, including flush toilets, showers, a well-stocked camp store, and even a fuel station. It’s an excellent choice for families or those who appreciate a few comforts while camping.
However, campers should be prepared for sudden and severe weather. The high desert location can bring intense storms with strong winds. During our stay, our tent nearly flew away despite being staked down securely, so it’s worth bringing extra gear like sandbags or heavy-duty stakes to keep your setup anchored.
Overall, Morefield Campground is an excellent choice for exploring Mesa Verde, combining convenient amenities with a beautiful natural setting. Just keep an eye on the weather and pack accordingly to ensure a comfortable stay.
Scout
This campsite was easy to access. Had an amazing view and clean facilities. We would stay there again if we’re in the area.
Scout
We stayed for 3 nights due to the convenience of Mesa Verde NP. The GPS coordinate on Google were spot on. The driveway was a little rough and can get very pitted with wet weather. We have a 38 foot 5th wheel that had plenty of clearance. We stayed in site 9. They do recommend 30ft and under but we got lucky there was an available site.
Traveler
Easy spot to get to, paved road most of the way. Watch out for deer if you’re driving in the evening, we saw lots of them. The pull in spot had one other truck and trailer when we arrived and we had room to turn our rig and towed vehicle around to get the mountainside view. Little muddy in spots. Very quiet.
TravelerWhile kind of on the pricier side for campgrounds I really enjoyed my 2 nights there in early Oct 24. Easy access to get on the road to the cliff dwellings early in the day, flush bathrooms, tons of sites, trails nearby, a little center with a store, cafe, gas, and most importantly showers.
They let you pick your site which is nice so I got a site with a flat spot for my rooftop tent, but some sites are definately more geared to tent camping, but there are tons of site options.
Would stay again.
Traveler
We stayed here during hunting season, noticeable amount of noise in the very early hours of the morning due to this. On a clear night you can see an amazing amount of stars!
Scout
River views in the morning are so pretty. Roads a bit rocky comin in, we didnt have any problems in our subaru crosstreck but could be tough if the geound gets muddy.
ScoutTwo nights here. Boondocks go, no water needed, but great location, restrooms nearby. Very peaceful.
Traveler
Well-kept grounds make clear the managers care. The trading post is full of beautiful , native-made items and a handy small store of cameras essentials. We appreciated the small laundromat.
Traveler
A meticulously maintained park with lots of room, some shady trees, and level sites. Views of the beautiful red cliffs.
Traveler
Cute clean little park out of the way of the Moab crowds. Great stop over in that long stretch of 191.
Guide
Just stayed one night but the site/roads had been recently repaved and park was being updated. Tall pines, good hiking and quiet surroundings made for a good overnight stay.
Scout
Camped at site #11. Beautiful sunset view. We drove a 4WD truck with truck bed camper with no problem. Never took it out of 2WD.
Scout
Be prepared for no water unless there has been recent rains, and even then there likely won't be any.
It can get windy, so be ready for that, and you'll need to bring your own firewood as well. It's beautiful but there aren't any amenities beyond (maybe) a fire pit.
I'd argue there are better spots on Cedar Mesa itself, but the Valley of the Gods is a beautiful alternative to the more famous Monument Valley.
Both Natural Bridges and Hovenweap are worth the short (an hour at most) drives from camp, and both have developed campgrounds for those looking for toilets or other aspects of civilization.
Traveler17 spots all pretty spaced out, filled up around 5pm on Sunday October 12 (but this could be due to the Indigenous Peoples day being tomorrow).
The surrounding landscape is beautiful.
We didn’t find the road too bad in our Ram Promaster, but we have a pretty high clearance.
Traveler
Never in my life have I heard of Mexican Hat, let alone the rock it’s named after. Jeez this place was cool, the river was beautiful, the dispersed camping areas were great under the stars, and that dang Mexican Hat Rock juxtaposed to the unforgiving sea of desert just put a huge smile on my face.
Guide
Very easy to drive on road, we took a 2WD car and had no issues. Plenty of spots so you’ll always find a place to camp for the night.
Great views at every spot and barely any road noise from the highway. Good AT&T coverage.
No fires allowed here so keep that in mind
Guide
You need clearance to be able to enter this spot, there’s a large rut which stopped us from getting into the spot, we had to turn around - so only attempt to come here if you have a 4x4 or a vehicle with clearance
TravelerVery nice RV park. They have done alot of improvements so everything is clean and new. All pull through sites, level sites, a new bath house with large showers and laundry facilities. The only complaint is that there is not much shade, but they have planted trees, so are trying. The manager/caretaker is busy everyday working on keeping the property nice & in good working condition. Very nice and accommodating. We would definitely stay again.
GuideQuiet spot. Plenty of spots on a Saturday afternoon. Metal picnic tables, fire pits, paved parking spots.
Traveler
Very well maintained campground. Stayed in tent. Bathroom and shower new and very clean. Excellent views.
Scout
The campground is small, which makes it nice and quiet. We enjoyed the beautiful starry night! And they made us a delicious Navajo taco dinner which you can request beforehand. We highly recommend this campground.
GuideSo beautiful. Plenty of dispersed sites. Even on a Friday at 5pm! Sacred. Revenant. Be respectful of this beautiful land!
Scout
Was quiet and convienent to the local town. No signal but there is some at the bottom of the entrance.
WARNING: if you don't have an off-road capable vehicle don't listen to the GPS, it took us down a super sketchy back road. If you're coming from the North, go further down and use Radio Hill Rd to access this site.
ScoutCamping is rustic but very quiet and sites are very close with little privacy. Host is very nice and helpful.
Traveler
Gorgeous Views literally camping on the rim of a 1000 foot high cliff overlooking the goosenecks of the San Juan river below. No designated campsites. Just pick your spot along the canyon rim. Great place for trailers / campers. I wouldn't want to camp here in tent.
Pros:
Easy drive in and pull up to a spot.
Dark sky area so you can get some amazing night photography shots
Close to other attractions including Valley of the Gods, Muley Point (which would also be a fun campsite), Monument Valley (a bit further afield), etc.
The canyon below is stunning and the goosenecks are quite remarkable
Cons:
This is not a site for small children. You are literally camping several feet away from a 1000 foot cliff.
You are on top of a mesa and we had some strong winds blowing across.
The terrain is very flat, but is also rocky. I would not want to set up a tent on the rocks and/or fight the wind with a tent.
The pit toilets are reasonably clean, but only located by the park entrance gate. So if you park further along the rim, you either need your own facilities, you have a very long walk, or you are driving back and forth over the rocky road (disturbing all of the other campers along the way).
The last observation is that while the goosenecks are truly incredible, especially from the main lookout spot, the color of the rocks in the canyon aren't as varied as other places (i.e., compared to Dead Horse Point State Park). As a photographer, I kept hoping the coloring would be more captivating once the light shifted, shadows moved, etc., but that never happened. Go in with the right expectations and you won't be disappointed.
Traveler
We were unable to find any open spots at Comb Wash Campground on the south side of the road. And the spot we found on the north side was full of sticker weeds. Yuck. Ain't nobody got time for that. So we headed up the road toward blanding until we saw a camping sign and drove a short ways up the road and found a turn out.
This is basically a convergence of several old roads. It was rather dusty/sandy. But grasses rather than sticker weeds. Cottonwood trees are in the wash below the spot. It was big enough that several vehicles could easily share this spot. A larger RV *might* do OK pulling in here.
I've checked and it is BLM land, part of the Bear's Ears National Monument. Their general rule is to allow dispersed camping off of any existing road within the monument area. Additional spots are definitely available off this road or its shoot-offs.
This is a great, secluded spot. The only reason for the 4 stars is that it isn't really a room with a view sort of location.
Camping near Montezuma Creek, Utah, offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Montezuma Creek, Utah, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Just be prepared for the unique challenges and rewards this beautiful area has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Montezuma Creek, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Montezuma Creek, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 116 campgrounds and RV parks near Montezuma Creek, UT and 47 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Montezuma Creek, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Montezuma Creek, UT is Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 42 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Montezuma Creek, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 47 free dispersed camping spots near Montezuma Creek, UT.
What parks are near Montezuma Creek, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Montezuma Creek, UT that allow camping, notably Mesa Verde National Park and San Juan National Forest.
