Searching for the best camping near Monticello, UT? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Monticello, UT. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
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
Quiet campground perfect for exploring the spectacular Canyon Rims Recreation Area. Individual sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. One group site, Windwhistle Group Site, is available for reservation through Recreation.gov. Located 38 miles southwest of Moab, the campground is nestled against the smooth sandstone of Roan Bailey Mesa. At approximately 6,000 feet in elevation, it is somewhat cooler than Moab in the summer. A one-mile nature trail starts in the campground. Nighttime brings excellent star gazing opportunities. Individual Sites: 15 (limited to 10 people
Hamburger Rock Campground is a good option for visitors wishing to recreate in the Indian Creek area of Bears Ears National Monument or be close to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. The campground is located north off the Needles Highway (accessed from Utah State Route 211), approximately 3 miles southeast of Canyonlands National Park and 17 miles northwest of Newspaper Rock. The campground provides 10 campsites that each feature a tent/trailer space, a picnic table, a fire ring, and vault toilets. Each campsite can hold 10 people and 2 vehicles. There is no drinking water at the campground. Reservations are not available for camping at this location. Campsites are available on a first come, first served basis upon arrival at the self-register kiosk at the site. The Indian Creek area is generally primitive and undeveloped, with few services.
The Indian Creek area of Bears Ears National Monument has gained international recognition for its extraordinary natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The Indian Creek canyon opens to a broad valley rimmed by Wingate Sandstone cliffs known for world-class rock climbing. Prominent geologic features include Lavender Mesa, Bridger Jack Mesa, and North and South Six Shooter Peaks. This spectacular setting and rich archeological resources provide visitors with recreational opportunities such as rock climbing, camping, cultural resource viewing, scenic photography, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) touring on designated routes.
The campsites are situated at the base of the Hamburger Rock geologic feature, a red sandstone monolith. A few of the sites are shaded by small juniper trees, but most are shaded only by the rock itself.
Newspaper Rock Needles District of Canyonlands National Park
For facility specific information, please call (435) 587-1500.
No refunds are available.
$15 / night
Needles Outpost at Canyonlands is a privately owned dry campground at the entrance sharing a border with the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park in southeast Utah, just a mile and a half from the visitor’s center. The Needles Outpost combines the fun of rustic, primitive camping spots with a few modern conveniences.
The Needles Outpost can accommodate both RVs and tents. We do not reserve specific sites, and they are all first-come, first-served. Reserving a site guarantees you one. All sites are dirt pads. We only specify RV and tent sites so we know the sizes of RVs and we don’t fill up with larger RVs that wont fit in all the sites.
This is a quiet, private family campground with a bathhouse that has flush toilets and token-operated showers. We have Camping Rental Items (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cots, and coolers) available if you email ahead to reserve them. Visitors staying with us fall asleep the quiet desert and wake up to natural morning light shining on the Needles of the Canyonlands National Park. Services
86 Octane gasoline only
General store where we sell firewood, ice, cold drinks, ice cream, camping supplies, camp food, snacks, and toiletries
All sites include a fire pit and a picnic table
No water, sewer, or power hookups
Rental equipment: tents, bags, pads, charcoal grill, chairs
Welcome to Old West RV Park! We take pride in welcoming our campers with a warm and friendly atmosphere to make them feel as their home away from home. This is an intimate and well kept RV park. We offer well level pull-through and back-in RV sites and cabins. We have laundry facilities, a bathhouse and community restrooms.
The campground is conveniently located right in town and close to Arches National Park. Easy access from the highway.
$45 - $80 / night
11 Miles south of Moab, free dispersed sites along Yellow Circle Road. BLM signage designates the area within which you can camp. Many RVs and tent sites. Good for 2wd.
Nizhoni Campground sits in the Manti-LaSal National Forest in southeast Utah, at the foot of the Abajo Mountains.__
Popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing and off-road vehicle riding. Several trailheads are nearby, including Shay Ridge, Aspen Flat and Red Ledges. 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.
Popular activities include hiking, wildlife viewing and off-road vehicle riding. Several trailheads are nearby, including Shay Ridge, Aspen Flat and Red Ledges. 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.
Towering Ponderosa pines forest the site, offering partial shade. Gambel oaks and sagebrush dot the landscape. The campground sits at an elevation of 7,000 feet, and summer temperatures range from 80-90 degrees during the day and 55-65 degrees at night. Mule deer, wild turkeys, Abert's squirrels and the occasional black bear may be seen in the area.
Other 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.
$50 / 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
Hamburger Rock Campground is a good option for visitors wishing to recreate in the Indian Creek area of Bears Ears National Monument or be close to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park. The campground is located north off the Needles Highway (accessed from Utah State Route 211), approximately 3 miles southeast of Canyonlands National Park and 17 miles northwest of Newspaper Rock. The campground provides 10 campsites that each feature a tent/trailer space, a picnic table, a fire ring, and vault toilets. Each campsite can hold 10 people and 2 vehicles. There is no drinking water at the campground. Reservations are not available for camping at this location. Campsites are available on a first come, first served basis upon arrival at the self-register kiosk at the site. The Indian Creek area is generally primitive and undeveloped, with few services.
The Indian Creek area of Bears Ears National Monument has gained international recognition for its extraordinary natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The Indian Creek canyon opens to a broad valley rimmed by Wingate Sandstone cliffs known for world-class rock climbing. Prominent geologic features include Lavender Mesa, Bridger Jack Mesa, and North and South Six Shooter Peaks. This spectacular setting and rich archeological resources provide visitors with recreational opportunities such as rock climbing, camping, cultural resource viewing, scenic photography, and off-highway vehicle (OHV) touring on designated routes.
The campsites are situated at the base of the Hamburger Rock geologic feature, a red sandstone monolith. A few of the sites are shaded by small juniper trees, but most are shaded only by the rock itself.
Newspaper Rock Needles District of Canyonlands National Park
For facility specific information, please call (435) 587-1500.
No refunds are available.
$15 / night
Needles Outpost at Canyonlands is a privately owned dry campground at the entrance sharing a border with the Needles District of Canyonlands National Park in southeast Utah, just a mile and a half from the visitor’s center. The Needles Outpost combines the fun of rustic, primitive camping spots with a few modern conveniences.
The Needles Outpost can accommodate both RVs and tents. We do not reserve specific sites, and they are all first-come, first-served. Reserving a site guarantees you one. All sites are dirt pads. We only specify RV and tent sites so we know the sizes of RVs and we don’t fill up with larger RVs that wont fit in all the sites.
This is a quiet, private family campground with a bathhouse that has flush toilets and token-operated showers. We have Camping Rental Items (tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cots, and coolers) available if you email ahead to reserve them. Visitors staying with us fall asleep the quiet desert and wake up to natural morning light shining on the Needles of the Canyonlands National Park. Services
86 Octane gasoline only
General store where we sell firewood, ice, cold drinks, ice cream, camping supplies, camp food, snacks, and toiletries
All sites include a fire pit and a picnic table
No water, sewer, or power hookups
Rental equipment: tents, bags, pads, charcoal grill, chairs
Ranger
Sand Flats Recreation Area near Moab, Utah, is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering unmatched access to world-class trails like the famous Slickrock Bike Trail and stunning desert scenery. The campsites are well-spaced and boast incredible views of red rock formations, making it a great spot for those seeking adventure and rugged beauty.
The campground’s location is unbeatable if you’re here to bike, hike, or off-road, with trails starting right from your campsite. The simple facilities, including vault toilets and picnic tables, are well-maintained. However, this is true desert camping, so don’t expect shade or luxuries like water hookups—you’ll need to come prepared.
One downside is the summer heat. Even at night, the temperatures remain uncomfortably warm, making it difficult to cool down or sleep well during peak summer months. A portable fan or extra water for cooling off is highly recommended if you visit in the heat of the season.
That said, the experience of camping under the stars in such an iconic landscape is hard to beat. If you can plan your trip during the cooler months, Sand Flats Recreation Area is an unforgettable destination for outdoor exploration.
Scout
Spending the night on the rim of canyonlands national park— Definitely one of the most magical experiences of my life setting our tents up during sunset and waking up during sunrise overlooking the vast canyon!
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.
Guide
Off hwy 191 and very quiet. Level pads with room to stretch. Wi fi was ok and good cellular signal. Bathrooms are heated with nice showers with plenty of hot water. During our stay, we noticed dirt on the shower dressing area. I'm not sure if it from people tracking it in or the cleaner not mopping properly. It was a minor problem. Host was friendly and helpful. Yes there are many full-time campers, but the rigs are in good shape, and the folks are quiet. Price is good for Moab and we would stay again.
Traveler
My partner and I were work campers at this location from the end of Aug until about mid October. There are a variety of accommodations from dry camping, pull through RV sites, tipis, cabins, rental RVs, and safari tents. The office is also a cute gift shop and general store with fresh popcorn and homemade pastries available for free. There are two different showers facilities that are maintained beautifully. There is also an observation deck for sunsets and star gazing. Lots of improvements on the way too.
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.
Scout
Check in after hours is great. Nice bathrooms. Fast WiFi.
TravelerStayed one night in early Oct 24 before making my way into Canyonlands NP on a Sunday night. Absolutely stunning campground. Probably one of the most gorgeous sites I've stayed at. It wasn't too hard to get into or anything on the road and seemed to have tons of sites.
The big BUT is that there was a lot of toiletry waste around the area tho and when it became nighttime tons of people started coming in and that place echos. Please leave no trace, it's such a gorgeous place.
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.
ScoutA very nicely designed and maintained campground right in Moab. They have a North & a South site—we stayed in the South camp. The facilities/comfort stations are clean, have been updated over time, and everything works well. The showers were hot and stayed hot for a proper hot shower after a long day. Electrical outlets at every sink for the more domesticated campers. The sites varied in size, so be sure to ask about “fit” for your rig or tent. The several tent sites are located along the back side. There is a Carwash just over a creek/ravine behind that side and you can hear it working all day, but it stops around dinner time. There is also a highway nearby and the traffic is a bit noisy, but traffic pretty much stops around 9-10pm and doesn’t get noisy again until around 8 am. The campground is close to everything in Moab, so you can hardly get a more convenient location. Arches is just out of town to the North, so travel there is a breeze.
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.
Guide
Flat space, but crowded (already a bunch of RVs, vans and even a semi). Unfortunately, when we found a spot the fire pit was filled with glass beer bottles and trash and the whole area smelled gross. Also, pretty shady and not ideal for solar. We didn’t stay
Guide
Rough road, 2WD is fine. Flatter spaces, good for RVs, are farther back. Only stayed one night because organizers of some Mad Moose race kicked us out to prep (we drove in the dark and missed any signs). Seems like a popular event space, so probably a good idea to check for happenings in advance (and plan ample time for prep!)
Traveler
Cute clean little park out of the way of the Moab crowds. Great stop over in that long stretch of 191.
Guide
Nice level, wide spots. Clean bathrooms with roomy tiled showers. Lots of atv traffic.
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.
Guide
Spent (2) wonderful nights under the moon and stars. One of my favorite campgrounds within the NP system. I stayed in Site 20 Loop B. Trash and Vault toilet nearby. Deep sink for drinking water and dishwashing a few minutes away.
No cell service. Wifi at Visitor Center (8 min. drive from Loop B). Friendly staff and volunteer rangers. Fire pit/grille and picnic table. Looking forward to the next stay.
Ranger
Stayed night of 4/21, all single sites FCFS but we found a space arriving around 1230 on a Friday (space 4, $20). Clean restrooms and followed well kept dirt road to Needles Overlook and took a few walks. You can also drive even further to Hatch Point Campground (we did not stay there but it looks well kept, clean, exposed, QUIET, & definitely isolated at Hatch with views similar to Dead Horse SP north of Moab). At Windwhistle it was mostly RVs but very quiet, no one using generators excessively. Was hoping for a clear sky but mostly overcast. Low around 38. Beautiful sky.
Other stuff in area includes Newspaper Rock and Natural Bridges, Grand Gulch.…not to mention Moab, La Sal mountains, etc.
We have never had WiFi nor cell service there.
Food aside: Made quesadillas with green chile tortillas, cheese, and some jerky.
Ranger
Stayed in site 52 which had a lovely view to the east and LaSals. Most sites on this side of Wingate campground are pretty good. Flush toilets are very good but has to be brought in by truck. Temps were in the 20s (we think) and it was quite cold, even with the electric plugged in and heater set at upper 50s. Beautiful sky views. Nice trail around the rim of Dead Horse Point (looks a bit like Grand Canyon)
Food aside: Had freeze-dried Asian noodles, added beef jerky and was spicy HOT & had high FQ (fart quotient). Also ate freeze-dried bone broth rice with added turkey jerky, and beef noodles meal and both were quite good.
Kayenta campground is also nice with trees and the shelters have cabinets and overhead lights. Also seem like vegetation is plentiful, offering privacy between sites. Checked out the campgrounds in Canyonlands- FC/FS and the sites appear level. There are 12 sitesv(one is handicap only) and 2 vault toilets. Also looked at Cowboy Campground, 7 sites that are mostly level, a vault toilet, FC/FS but appears pretty nice, easy access from road and good views. Also looked at Horsethief which has 50+ FC/FS sites that are mostly level. Plenty of vault toilets. Road in is dirt and was fairly rutted but passable with van.
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.
Traveler
Long dirt road with tons of large pull offs. Many group site areas near the bottom were full. I drove a bit further up and pulled into a small dirt cul de sac and set up my tent. Made it up in my 2WD sedan, but it was bone dry. Lots of exposed rocks in the road, so drove slowly. Good spot near Moab after hiking in Arches!
ScoutFirst time camping here! Rolled up during the day and it was quiet with breath taking views of the canyon. Set up camp and once night fall came so did all the off roaders (who seemed young) rolling up to our campsite trying to find a place to camp. This went on until almost 12am. This must be a really popular and well visited disperse camping. Great place to camp if you don’t mind people camping on top of you.
Guide
We loved staying here. Very remote but just minutes to Canyonlands Needles Visitor Center. Other people around but quiet and well kept. Views are anazing. The owners are really nice and I had a great milkshake. Highly recommend this campground.
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.
Camping near Monticello, Utah, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Monticello, Utah, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Monticello, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, Monticello, UT offers a wide range of camping options, with 204 campgrounds and RV parks near Monticello, UT and 72 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Monticello, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Monticello, UT is Devils Canyon Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Monticello, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 72 free dispersed camping spots near Monticello, UT.
What parks are near Monticello, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Monticello, UT that allow camping, notably Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park.