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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

Hovenweep Campground

Montezuma Creek, Utah · San Juan County · Campground

Overview Hovenweep Campground is nestled within the beautiful, sweeping landscape of the Colorado Plateau in Southeast Utah, at an elevation of approximately 5300 ft. (1615 m). The campground is located alongside two converging canyons and is only 1/4 mile (.4 km) from the park's visitor center. Stunning views of mount…

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37.38320, -109.07081
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5-Day Forecast

Weather at Hovenweep Campground

Live forecast for the park. Plan your visit accordingly.

Avg High84°F
Avg Low56°F
Peak Rain Chance2%
Humidity21%
UV (avg)9
Air Quality71 · Moderate
Today
☀️
Clear
75°/44°
🌬 9mph
5:57 AM8:30 PM
Sun
☀️
Clear
82°/52°
🌬 14mph
5:57 AM8:30 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
87°/58°
🌬 13mph
5:57 AM8:31 PM
Tue
☁️
Overcast
89°/63°
💧 1%🌬 13mph
5:56 AM8:32 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
88°/62°
💧 2%🌬 23mph
5:56 AM8:32 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Hovenweep Campground

Overview Hovenweep Campground is nestled within the beautiful, sweeping landscape of the Colorado Plateau in Southeast Utah, at an elevation of approximately 5300 ft. (1615 m). The campground is located alongside two converging canyons and is only 1/4 mile (.4 km) from the park's visitor center. Stunning views of mountains, canyons, and sandstone ledges adorned with desert plants make for a spectacular camping experience!Length of stay is limited to seven (7) nights (consecutively or non-consecutively) in any 30-day period or a total of 14 nights per year.Recreation Hovenweep offers multiple hikes, with the most popular being the Square Tower Group's 2-mile (3.2km) walking loop. This hike has the densest population of ancestral Puebloan structures within Hovenweep and allows visitors to get within 5-10 feet (1.5 - 3 m) of them, creating an intimate and humbling experience with fantastic opportunities for photography. For visitors seeking a longer hike, the Holly Trail is conveniently located at the back of the campground and is roughly 8 miles (12.9 km) round-trip, traversing through 2 slot canyons within Keely Canyon and leading visitors to Hovenweep's outlying site, Holly. Additional hikes to Hovenweep's remaining outlying sites are also available, but generally require a higher-clearance vehicle to access and are subject to variable road conditions. Visitors can also enjoy the majesty and vastness of the dark skies and glowing stars here at our certified International Dark Sky Park! Facilities Hovenweep Campground contains 31 campsites that are available for reservation. 10 sites are RV-specific (including 1 handicap-accessible site), while the remaining 21 sites have tent pads. Sites provide a wonderful opportunity for a variety of visitors to stay overnight in a peaceful national monument. The campground road is a paved, one-way loop with campsites located on the inner and outer sides, offering a variety of views for campers! Flush toilets are available, but th

How to Get There

Turn by turn directions from Cortez, Blanding, or Bluff can be found on the Directions and Transportation page of Hovenweep's website.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Moisture-wicking T-shirt
    Light color, breathable.
  • 🩳
    Lightweight shorts or pants
    Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
  • 🧢
    Brimmed sun hat
    Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners
    Breathable mesh uppers.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 9)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Plan Your Visit to Hovenweep Campground

Heading to Hovenweep Campground? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Hovenweep Campground?

No central reservation system listed for Hovenweep Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/258883) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Hovenweep Campground?

Turn by turn directions from Cortez, Blanding, or Bluff can be found on the Directions and Transportation page of Hovenweep's website.

How do I contact Hovenweep Campground?

You can reach the park at phone: 970-562-4282 or email: hoveinfo@nps.gov.