Monticello sits at the base of the Abajo Mountains at 7,070 feet elevation, offering a cooler alternative to lower-elevation desert camping. The area receives moderate precipitation during summer monsoons, creating lush mountain vegetation that contrasts with surrounding desert landscapes. Most campsites around Monticello remain accessible from April through October, with mountain locations closing during winter snowfall.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Recapture Reservoir attracts diverse wildlife throughout the day. "There were white-tailed deer all around. I was able to watch the first sunrise of my life at 65 years old," notes Gisele J. from Abajo Flat Camp.
ATV trail access: Several campgrounds connect directly to extensive trail systems. "If you're looking for tons of ATV trails this is a great spot," explains Alison C. at Devils Canyon Campground. "Trails start just down the street. So many places to visit just a short drive away," adds John F. from Westerner RV Park.
Stargazing sessions: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create exceptional night sky viewing. "On a clear night you can see an amazing amount of stars," reports Emma T. from Abajo Flat Camp, while Abner H. at Devils Canyon mentions positioning for "a nice clear view of the sky" for optimal stargazing conditions.
What campers like
High-elevation cooling: The mountain location provides relief from summer desert heat. "This is a nice off-grid campground," reports Abner H. from Devils Canyon Campground, noting the varied sites and adding that "Some sites have shade and tree cover others have a nice clear view of the sky."
Wildlife encounters: Many campsites offer close-range animal observation opportunities. Bryan P. reports "Loved watching the deer wandering around camp" at Nizhoni Campground, while Jennifer R. notes seeing "probably 30 deer, multiple cows, a whole group of wild turkeys, and lots of different kinds of birds" at CR 0083.
Quieter alternatives to Moab: Monticello provides less crowded camping options with similar access to outdoor recreation. "Great stop over in that long stretch of 191. Cute clean little park out of the way of the Moab crowds," explains Margaret T. about Bar-TN RV Park.
What you should know
Water availability challenges: Water access varies significantly between campgrounds. Pat Y. notes at Devils Canyon that "Unfortunately the water was not working and is not drinkable," while Ignacio R. warns at Nizhoni Campground that "the water isn't tested and thus not necessarily recommended for drinking so either do at your own risk or bring plenty of potable water."
Cell service variability: Connectivity ranges from strong to nonexistent based on campground location. "Cell is ok" at Buckboard Campground according to Greg L., while Connor N. reports "No Verizon service whatsoever" at Recapture Reservoir, noting you can "regain service just up the road."
Weather considerations: Mountain locations experience rapid weather changes. Matthew H. warns about Buckboard Campground that "this sits on the north side of a steep range and a weather system developed within 30 minutes and dumped on us for half an hour. That may very well be a common occurrence."
Seasonal pest issues: Insect populations increase in warmer months near water. "We decided not to stay. There were swarms of mosquitoes," reports Donna L. about Recapture Reservoir.
Tips for camping with families
Easy access sites: Some locations offer particularly family-friendly access. "Large site very close to the water. We paddle boarded in the reservoir and jumped off a few rocks," shares Margaret H. about Recapture Reservoir, indicating good swimming access for children.
Wildlife education opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature predictable wildlife sightings. "The hill was teeming with life. When I pulled up there were two mule deer drinking from a small runoff. They stayed within 50 ft of us for over an hour," describes Whitney W. at CR 0083.
Campground layouts: Consider site positioning when camping with children. At Nizhoni, Lexi G. notes "The sites were very spacious with a few group camp sites closer to the entrance," while Jerrin W. describes Devils Canyon's site 28 as having "2 spots for Tents" and being positioned "overlooking a heavily forested area."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Large rig navigation requires planning at some locations. "We drove our Thor Axis and roads and site were fine for off-road- slow on the last mile plus of dirt," advises wendy at Abajo Flat Camp, while Susan L. cautions about Westerner RV Park: "The turn in off the main street looks like it could be a tight squeeze for some rigs."
Electrical considerations: Power availability and quality varies between campgrounds. "If I attempted to run my electric heater, I would get an alert for low power," reports Susan L. about Westerner RV Park, while Alison C. notes that Devils Canyon has "ZERO water for your rig."
Dump station logistics: Plan for water and waste management. "If you're headed south, the Maverick in Monticello has free water and dump. Just ask the attendant for a key," advises Alison C. about services near Devils Canyon Campground.
