Hovenweep Campground campground
Cortez, Colorado

Hovenweep Campground

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
31 campsites
Open in maps

31

Total Campsites

Campground

29

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

1

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

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. The campground is located alongside two converging canyons and is only 1/4 mile (.4km) from the park's visitor center. Stunning views of mountains, canyons, and sandstone ledges adorned with desert plants make for a spectacular camping experience! 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 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 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 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! Natural Features The campground is forested with beautiful, established Utah Juniper trees along with many desert wildflowers and plants, dotting the landscape and offering vivid color to the surrounding sandstone ledges and canyons. Spring reveals the majesty of Veined Penstemon, painting our park with pinks, blues and purples, while Fall sparkles with yellow rabbit brush accents. The park is within an arid, high desert environment with hot summers and cold winters. Hovenweep is home to many species of wildlife, ranging from antelope ground squirrels, ravens, and songbirds to coyotes, jack rabbits and lizards. Many nights and mornings are filled with the calls and songs of our local wildlife! This area piques the interest of many wildlife viewers, birders, and artists as they pull inspiration from the natural beauty and welcoming peace of Hovenweep! Nearby Attractions Hovenweep is located roughly 45 miles from the nearest town with restaurants and shopping. The closest gas station is located 20 miles from the park, in Aneth, Utah. Our park is located next to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument, which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Canyons of the Ancients offers mountain biking/horseback riding trails, as well as archaeological sites and other areas of interest for visitors to explore. There are also multiple state, national, and tribal parks located within an hour or two's driving distance from Hovenweep.

  • 31 total campsites listed.
  • 29 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • 1 accessible campsite listed.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (13).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Hovenweep Campground photo 2
Hovenweep Campground photo 3

Campsite Inventory

31 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

13total sites

13

Reservable

0

Accessible

RV NONELECTRIC

9total sites

9

Reservable

1

Accessible

TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC

7total sites

7

Reservable

0

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

2total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES

Archeological Sites

CELL PHONE SERVICE

Cell Phone Service

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Check-in time

10:00 AM

Check-out time

10:00 AM

DRINKING WATER

Drinking Water

Driveway entry

Back-in, N/A

Driveway length (ft)

53

Driveway surface

Gravel, Paved

FLUSH TOILETS

Flush Toilets

Fire Pit

Fire Pit

Max guests

8

Max vehicle length (ft)

25, 28, 29, 30

Minimum guests

Yes

PICNIC SHELTERS

Picnic Shelters

PICNIC TABLES

Picnic Tables

PIT TOILETS

Pit Toilets

Pets allowed

Yes

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

970-562-4282

Email

hoveinfo@nps.gov

Getting There

Turn by turn directions from Cortez, Blanding, or Bluff can be found on the "Directions and Transportation" page of Hovenweep's website: https://www.nps.gov/hove/planyourvisit/directions.htm.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Hovenweep Campground.

How do reservations work for Hovenweep Campground?

Reservation availability for Hovenweep Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Hovenweep Campground?

Hovenweep Campground currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (13), RV NONELECTRIC (9), TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC (7), MANAGEMENT (2).

Where is Hovenweep Campground located?

Hovenweep Campground is in Colorado near Cortez. Coordinates: 37.3832, -109.0708.

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