Camp in Monument Valley

Monument Valley is on the Utah / Arizona boarder about halfway between Page, AZ and the Four Corners region. The park can be accessed via Highway 163 from the Utah or Arizona side. It is 24 miles northwest of Keyenta, AZ and 22 miles southeast from Mexican Hat, UT. From 163, follow the road signs to Monument Valley Tribal Park. Do not confuse the Welcome Center & Navajo Indian Market as the entrance.

The park is located on Navajo Tribal land. The National Parks annual pass is not valid at Navajo Tribal Parks. Pay your fee at the entrance station and follow the signs to The View Campground.

On the way to the campground you will see The View Hotel and enter its large parking lot. Exit the lot and drive towards a 4 way stop sign. Going right will take you on the 17 mile unpaved dirt road through the valley (which you should do!). Going forward will lead you to the campground.

The campground is open from March 10 through January 1. Off season prices begin at $19.95 per night and get more expensive during the peak season. Make sure you get a reservation for a campsite during the peak season.

Stop at the Office to either check in or register for a campsite. Once you have secured your site, drive a short distance forward to a designated parking lot for the tent campers. You will have to park in the designated area and carry your tent, sleeping bag, etc downhill to your campsite. The sand is deep, flip flops & boots are equally hard to maneuver in so try something like Keens or Chacos to get around.

There are no campfires allowed at the campsites. If cooking, you will have to use a camp stove either at your car or carry it down, along with your food, to your campsite. If you don't want to cook, you can eat at the The View Restaurant inside the View Hotel you passed on your way to the campground. The gift shop also sells food.

There are flush toilets, sinks and showers for the campers. When you secure your campsite, the attendant will provide you with a code for the restroom door.

I chose site #25. There was no one in front of me - just a clean, clear view of the Mittens, Merrick Butte, Sentinel Mesa, Rain God Mesa, and many of the other formations that sit in the valley.

Right in front of the campground is the trail head for the Wild Cat Trail, which will lead you around the West Mitten. All that beauty and fresh trail from the comfort of your campsite!