Hovenweep Campground
Open year-round. All 31 sites are reservable through Recreation.gov. Potable water is available May 1 through November 1; water is available year-round at the visitor center. The park is cashless and accepts only mobile or card payments. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect: fires are permitted only in designated fire grates.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 28 at 2:42PM MDT by NWS Grand Junction CO
ESFGJT Low pressure begins to dig southward from the PACNW on Friday, tapping into a fetch of Pacific moisture that will evolve into an atmospheric river streaming into the Desert Southwest this weekend. Showers and thunderstorms develop on Friday and Saturday across the region. Lighter rainfall totals Friday and Saturday will reflect, initially lower, moisture. However, a few thunderstorms could produce impactful downpours on saturated soils left over from last weekend's historic rainfall. Deeper moisture develops Saturday night and early Sunday. This is expected to produce heavier and more widespread rainfall across southeast UT and southwest CO Sunday and Monday, mostly below 10000 feet. While rivers are forecast to remain below action stage, a growing concern lies in the potential for runoff around saturated hillsides in the region. This could produce rock, mud, and debris flows onto roadways, as well as flash flood prone burn scars, washes, slot canyons, and arroyos. Early estimates predict an area of 1 to 2 inches of new rainfall for portions of southeast UT and southwest CO. This is a preliminary forecast that hinges on slight shifts in a strong moisture plume impacting the region. It also attempts to capture the most statistically likely outcome, despite stronger and weaker outlier predictions. Outdoor enthusiasts, motorists, and residents of recent flood impacted areas are encouraged to remain abreast of the developing forecast in the coming days.
About
Hovenweep Campground occupies a juniper-forested mesa alongside two converging canyons in southeastern Utah, near the Colorado border. The 31-site campground is designed primarily for tent camping, though a limited number of sites accommodate RVs up to 36 feet. Each site includes a picnic table with shade structure, fire ring with grill grate, and tent pad. Flush toilets are available year-round, and potable water is available from May through October. The campground provides direct access to Hovenweep's archaeological sites, including the 2-mile Square Tower Group loop trail featuring dense concentrations of 13th-century Puebloan structures. The 8-mile Holly Trail departs from the back of the campground, traversing slot canyons to reach outlying ruins. As a certified International Dark Sky Park, Hovenweep offers exceptional stargazing opportunities far from light pollution. All sites are reservable through Recreation.gov, including same-day bookings when available. The park has gone cashless, accepting only electronic payments for camping and entrance fees. Stage 1 fire restrictions are currently in effect, limiting fires to designated fire grates only.
Directions
Located 40-45 miles from Cortez, Colorado and Blanding or Bluff, Utah. Do not rely on GPS navigation due to numerous intersecting paved and dirt roads in this remote area. Follow turn-by-turn directions from the NPS website.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 53ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 36ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| hoveinfo@nps.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (970) 562-4282 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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