Hovenweep Campground

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.