Monument Valley camping areas sit at elevations around 5,000 feet, creating dramatic temperature swings between day and night. Summer daytime temperatures frequently exceed 90°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. The high desert environment combines sandstone formations with sparse vegetation, resulting in minimal natural shade at most camping areas.
What to do
Desert hiking trails: The Wildcat Trail provides a 3.7-mile loop around the West Mitten Butte. "We ran the 4 mile Wildcat trail. What a unique place to stay," reports a camper from The View Campground.
Morning photography: Capture dramatic shadows during sunrise when light gradually illuminates the valley. "Our site had a phenomenal view of the Mittens, and sunrise and sunset were stunning," notes a visitor at The View Campground.
Horseback tours: Arrange guided rides through local stables. "The two hour horseback tour was with the Dinah Riding Stable between point 4-5 on the scenic drive. The Navajo guide provided information on area history and the specific lore around spires and buttes," shares a camper from The View Campground.
Jeep exploration: Book guided tours along unpaved roads not accessible to regular vehicles. "The three hour jeep tour was with Majestic Adventures and included a guide who shared generations of stories based on Navajo culture. She played a flute under a caved dome and took us to a traditional Hogan to learn about living in MV," mentions another visitor.
What campers like
Dark night skies: Monument Valley's remote location provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. "A high, bright moon made it easy to see and get around, and provided one of the most majestic views of the rock formations I can imagine. We kept the tent fly off to enjoy the views all night," writes a guest at The View Campground.
Cultural experiences: Many visitors appreciate learning about Navajo history and traditions. "The Navajo guide provided information on area history and the specific lore around spires and buttes," notes one camper.
Playground access: Families with young children can use designated play areas. "Playground with a view for the tots. Not a lot of shade but a few trees," mentions a visitor at Monument Valley KOA.
Clean facilities: Many campers comment on well-maintained shower and bathroom buildings. "The bathrooms are so clean, they're practically brand new. We watched the most beautiful sunset over the landscape," shares a KOA visitor.
What you should know
Limited shade: Most camping areas offer minimal natural coverage from the sun. "Not a lot of shade but a few trees," notes a camper at Monument Valley KOA.
Wildlife awareness: Desert wildlife may visit campgrounds after dark. "Be aware that there are rattle snakes and scorpions in the area. Staff warned us to close bathroom doors and tent doors behind you," advises a visitor at The View Campground.
Wind exposure: The open landscape provides little protection from strong desert winds. "It was VERY windy when we were there, but we were able to position our van so that cooking, etc. wasn't an issue," explains a visitor at The View Campground.
Bathroom accessibility: Public facilities may have limited capacity during peak hours. "Avoid shower/bathroom from 8-10 as it was a long line out the door," suggests one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Morning departures: Plan outdoor activities before midday heat peaks. "It felt like 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," observes a visitor at The View Campground.
Site selection: Request sites away from main roads for safety with children. "For the most part tents and RVs were kept apart," notes one camper, which helps reduce noise and traffic near tent sites.
Tent preparation: Secure all gear against sudden winds. "The tent sites are wild and have by far the best view even over the cabins. They are right in the valley but not super flat so be aware of that," warns a visitor.
Water packing: Bring extra drinking water as desert conditions cause rapid dehydration. "This area is so desolate it's breathtaking," comments a Monument Valley KOA visitor about the dry conditions.
Tips from RVers
RV positioning: For optimal views, request sites facing east toward the monuments. "RV and campervan sites line up and face East for a sunrise view of the Mittens," explains a visitor at The View Campground.
Generator restrictions: Check campground policies as some locations prohibit generator use. "The RV sites are basically just a slotted parking lot with a picnic table each. No hookups of any kind," notes a camper about The View Campground.
Full hookup options: For extended stays, consider KOA locations with complete utilities. "All the sites have full hookups and there are additional services provided on the site such as jeep rentals, Navaho tours and horse rides," shares a visitor at Monument Valley KOA.
Advance reservations: Book RV sites 3-6 months ahead for spring and fall seasons. "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," recommends a camper.
