Mountainous camping near Bluff with wildlife watching

Hit the hiking trails of Monument Valley from campgrounds in the dark-sky community of Bluff.

98% (385 reviews)

United States
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Utah
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Bluff

98% (385 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Bluff

Dog-friendly getaways

Indian Canyon Ranch

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Monticello, UT

Please be advised, that during heavy rain four-wheel drive may be necessary but in all cases low clearance vehicles are not ideal on the last section of road but if you arrive before dark and go slow any vehicle can make it. Units are not heated. Please plan to show up before dark for the best experience and ease of finding the location. Indian Canyon Ranch is proud to be an independent, off grid property with limited solar power and water available. There are no RV hook ups available but there is limited solar power in the rental units and in the communal area but not in the primitive campsites. Campsites are primitive camping only. Showers in the main communal area are solar powered and only hot with the sun and for an hour or so after sunset Joe purchased this property in 2008. At that time, it was 8 acres, and it is now at 20 acres continuous property. The ranch is situated 2 miles off the highway down a bumpy dirt road on the edge of the national forest, this gives you a feeling of being in the wilderness. The south and east sides are boarded by canyons and ruins. All other private properties in the area are 10 acres or more so are well spread out and sparsely populated. All the structures on site were brought here piece by piece and were salvaged from construction projects in Yosemite and Grand Canyon national parks. Water is manually hauled in and the power in the kitchen area is solar generated so please be conscious of water and power use.

RedNeck Ranch

2 sites · Lodging9 acres · Blanding, UT

With just over 9 acres the RedNeck Ranch currently offers 2 accommodations. We have the cabin which is 2 bedroom 1 bath with a kitchenette and is attached to a camper trailer allowing up to 11 guests to stay. The second is a bunker underground with 1 bed a bathroom and a kitchenette allowing up to 3 guests (1 child in a cot). In the local area boasts many unique Indian ruins within walking distance. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, and atv use as well.

Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

10 sites · RVs, Tents19 acres · Blanding, UT

Watch the sun come up over the Sleeping Ute Mountain in Colorado and enjoy a gorgeous sunset as the sun sets over the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. We are off the grid and have no electricity or water. Our graveled camping sites are easy to access. We are located next to a paved road. You do not need high clearance vehicles or 4-wheel drive. Camp in a natural high desert environment consisting of cedar and pinion trees, Brigham tea, sagebrush, etc. Great views of the night sky. An ancient Indian mound is on site. The Five Kiva Ruin and Nations Natural Bridge are within hiking distance. Minutes away is the town of Blanding with restaurants, hospital, gas stations and a dump station. Its only a short drive to five different National Monuments: Bears Ears, Natural Bridges, Rainbow Bridge, Hovenweep, and Canyon of The Ancients. Take a scenic drive over the Blue Mountain and Elk Ridge. Southeastern Utah is full of archeology history to hike and explore.

Canyon Trails Ranch

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · Cortez, CO

The homestead was built in 1911 and was one of the original postal pickups in the area. The ranch is located between Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and backs up to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Our family has lived in McElmo Canyon for over 40 years and the campground has hosted camping and outdoor educational groups since 1965. We are a family run ranch with an operating hay farm, horseback riding business, and carriage shop.

6 top mountainous campgrounds near Bluff with wildlife watching

Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

10 sites · RVs, Tents19 acres · Blanding, UT

Watch the sun come up over the Sleeping Ute Mountain in Colorado and enjoy a gorgeous sunset as the sun sets over the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. We are off the grid and have no electricity or water. Our graveled camping sites are easy to access. We are located next to a paved road. You do not need high clearance vehicles or 4-wheel drive. Camp in a natural high desert environment consisting of cedar and pinion trees, Brigham tea, sagebrush, etc. Great views of the night sky. An ancient Indian mound is on site. The Five Kiva Ruin and Nations Natural Bridge are within hiking distance. Minutes away is the town of Blanding with restaurants, hospital, gas stations and a dump station. Its only a short drive to five different National Monuments: Bears Ears, Natural Bridges, Rainbow Bridge, Hovenweep, and Canyon of The Ancients. Take a scenic drive over the Blue Mountain and Elk Ridge. Southeastern Utah is full of archeology history to hike and explore.

Indian Canyon Ranch

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Monticello, UT

Please be advised, that during heavy rain four-wheel drive may be necessary but in all cases low clearance vehicles are not ideal on the last section of road but if you arrive before dark and go slow any vehicle can make it. Units are not heated. Please plan to show up before dark for the best experience and ease of finding the location. Indian Canyon Ranch is proud to be an independent, off grid property with limited solar power and water available. There are no RV hook ups available but there is limited solar power in the rental units and in the communal area but not in the primitive campsites. Campsites are primitive camping only. Showers in the main communal area are solar powered and only hot with the sun and for an hour or so after sunset Joe purchased this property in 2008. At that time, it was 8 acres, and it is now at 20 acres continuous property. The ranch is situated 2 miles off the highway down a bumpy dirt road on the edge of the national forest, this gives you a feeling of being in the wilderness. The south and east sides are boarded by canyons and ruins. All other private properties in the area are 10 acres or more so are well spread out and sparsely populated. All the structures on site were brought here piece by piece and were salvaged from construction projects in Yosemite and Grand Canyon national parks. Water is manually hauled in and the power in the kitchen area is solar generated so please be conscious of water and power use.

Canyon Trails Ranch

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · Cortez, CO

The homestead was built in 1911 and was one of the original postal pickups in the area. The ranch is located between Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and backs up to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Our family has lived in McElmo Canyon for over 40 years and the campground has hosted camping and outdoor educational groups since 1965. We are a family run ranch with an operating hay farm, horseback riding business, and carriage shop.

RedNeck Ranch

2 sites · Lodging9 acres · Blanding, UT

With just over 9 acres the RedNeck Ranch currently offers 2 accommodations. We have the cabin which is 2 bedroom 1 bath with a kitchenette and is attached to a camper trailer allowing up to 11 guests to stay. The second is a bunker underground with 1 bed a bathroom and a kitchenette allowing up to 3 guests (1 child in a cot). In the local area boasts many unique Indian ruins within walking distance. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, and atv use as well.

Sage Canyon

2 sites · Lodging39 acres · Towaoc, CO

Stay on the flank of Sleeping Ute Mountain in historic McElmo Canyon just 40 minutes from Mesa Verde and 20 minutes from the town of Cortez. Our property features red rock cliff walls, a private rock alcove, comfortable amenities, internet, and sweeping mountain views. A perfect place to base yourself for your next creative endeavor or for rejuvenating and exploring in the wilds of the four corners. Head just 10 minutes down canyon to Sand Canyon—public access to Canyons of the Ancients National Monument—for hiking and mountain biking trails. Further down Road G is Hovenweep National Monument where you can view Pueblo ruins precariously built on top of boulders and canyon rims. At the end of the day, stop by our neighbor Sutcliffe Vineyards for year-round local wine tasting. Nearby - Telluride (2), Cedar Mesa and Monument Valley (1.5-2), the Four Corners Monument (45), Durango (1.25), Shiprock (45), Mesa Verde (40), Cortez (20), Hovenweep (45).

Cooking equipment

Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

1 site · Lodging38 acres · Cortez, CO

Play in nature, relax in comfort. 2 spacious safari-style tents nestled in a small orchard with big views of Canyon of the Ancients. Your stay includes a private bathhouse with indoor and outdoor showers. Both tents have king beds and outdoor lounging areas and share a central campfire area. Clifftop hiking with views as far as Mesa Verde. We only accept one reservation at a time so the camp is all yours. The Details The Orchard Camp includes two large safari-style tents, each with a king bed, water cooler, mini-fridge, sheets & towels. The tents share cooking and camp amenities like a two burner Coleman stove and a propane-fueled "fire pit," and games like corn hole. Your private Bathhouse offers two sinks, two showers, two toilets, an outdoor shower and an outdoor sink for your dishes. The Orchard, with its young fruit trees and wildflowers, is your private garden. The Property You'll have access to roam much of this 38 acre property which includes a hay farm, cliffside and clifftop trail and a section of McElmo Creek. We just ask that folks stay away from the private residence on site, which is well-marked. We love pets and kids but due to the Wildlife with a capital W (and the occasional skunk) with whom we share this land we must limit our guests to humans ages 8 and up. Southwest Colorado is a land of extremes. We get hot, cold and everything in between. The tents are canvas so we offer electric blankets and small space heaters for colder days, and fans for the warmer days. And in advance, we apologize for the high cleaning fee. When you're here you'll understand why with the large showerhouse and all its windows, the large canvas tents and big decks, etc.

Cooking equipment

Available this weekend

Canyon Trails Ranch

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · Cortez, CO

The homestead was built in 1911 and was one of the original postal pickups in the area. The ranch is located between Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and backs up to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Our family has lived in McElmo Canyon for over 40 years and the campground has hosted camping and outdoor educational groups since 1965. We are a family run ranch with an operating hay farm, horseback riding business, and carriage shop.

Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

10 sites · RVs, Tents19 acres · Blanding, UT

Watch the sun come up over the Sleeping Ute Mountain in Colorado and enjoy a gorgeous sunset as the sun sets over the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. We are off the grid and have no electricity or water. Our graveled camping sites are easy to access. We are located next to a paved road. You do not need high clearance vehicles or 4-wheel drive. Camp in a natural high desert environment consisting of cedar and pinion trees, Brigham tea, sagebrush, etc. Great views of the night sky. An ancient Indian mound is on site. The Five Kiva Ruin and Nations Natural Bridge are within hiking distance. Minutes away is the town of Blanding with restaurants, hospital, gas stations and a dump station. Its only a short drive to five different National Monuments: Bears Ears, Natural Bridges, Rainbow Bridge, Hovenweep, and Canyon of The Ancients. Take a scenic drive over the Blue Mountain and Elk Ridge. Southeastern Utah is full of archeology history to hike and explore.

Indian Canyon Ranch

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Monticello, UT

Please be advised, that during heavy rain four-wheel drive may be necessary but in all cases low clearance vehicles are not ideal on the last section of road but if you arrive before dark and go slow any vehicle can make it. Units are not heated. Please plan to show up before dark for the best experience and ease of finding the location. Indian Canyon Ranch is proud to be an independent, off grid property with limited solar power and water available. There are no RV hook ups available but there is limited solar power in the rental units and in the communal area but not in the primitive campsites. Campsites are primitive camping only. Showers in the main communal area are solar powered and only hot with the sun and for an hour or so after sunset Joe purchased this property in 2008. At that time, it was 8 acres, and it is now at 20 acres continuous property. The ranch is situated 2 miles off the highway down a bumpy dirt road on the edge of the national forest, this gives you a feeling of being in the wilderness. The south and east sides are boarded by canyons and ruins. All other private properties in the area are 10 acres or more so are well spread out and sparsely populated. All the structures on site were brought here piece by piece and were salvaged from construction projects in Yosemite and Grand Canyon national parks. Water is manually hauled in and the power in the kitchen area is solar generated so please be conscious of water and power use.

Under $50

Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

10 sites · RVs, Tents19 acres · Blanding, UT

Watch the sun come up over the Sleeping Ute Mountain in Colorado and enjoy a gorgeous sunset as the sun sets over the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. We are off the grid and have no electricity or water. Our graveled camping sites are easy to access. We are located next to a paved road. You do not need high clearance vehicles or 4-wheel drive. Camp in a natural high desert environment consisting of cedar and pinion trees, Brigham tea, sagebrush, etc. Great views of the night sky. An ancient Indian mound is on site. The Five Kiva Ruin and Nations Natural Bridge are within hiking distance. Minutes away is the town of Blanding with restaurants, hospital, gas stations and a dump station. Its only a short drive to five different National Monuments: Bears Ears, Natural Bridges, Rainbow Bridge, Hovenweep, and Canyon of The Ancients. Take a scenic drive over the Blue Mountain and Elk Ridge. Southeastern Utah is full of archeology history to hike and explore.

Canyon Trails Ranch

18 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents250 acres · Cortez, CO

The homestead was built in 1911 and was one of the original postal pickups in the area. The ranch is located between Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and backs up to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Our family has lived in McElmo Canyon for over 40 years and the campground has hosted camping and outdoor educational groups since 1965. We are a family run ranch with an operating hay farm, horseback riding business, and carriage shop.

Indian Canyon Ranch

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Monticello, UT

Please be advised, that during heavy rain four-wheel drive may be necessary but in all cases low clearance vehicles are not ideal on the last section of road but if you arrive before dark and go slow any vehicle can make it. Units are not heated. Please plan to show up before dark for the best experience and ease of finding the location. Indian Canyon Ranch is proud to be an independent, off grid property with limited solar power and water available. There are no RV hook ups available but there is limited solar power in the rental units and in the communal area but not in the primitive campsites. Campsites are primitive camping only. Showers in the main communal area are solar powered and only hot with the sun and for an hour or so after sunset Joe purchased this property in 2008. At that time, it was 8 acres, and it is now at 20 acres continuous property. The ranch is situated 2 miles off the highway down a bumpy dirt road on the edge of the national forest, this gives you a feeling of being in the wilderness. The south and east sides are boarded by canyons and ruins. All other private properties in the area are 10 acres or more so are well spread out and sparsely populated. All the structures on site were brought here piece by piece and were salvaged from construction projects in Yosemite and Grand Canyon national parks. Water is manually hauled in and the power in the kitchen area is solar generated so please be conscious of water and power use.

Value Prop

Value Prop

Mountainous camping near Bluff with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Looking to immerse yourself in nature near Bluff, Utah? Hipcamp has over 500 camping options to choose from in this beautiful location. Whether you're seeking a secluded spot with stunning views like The Views at Gateway (243 reviews), a peaceful retreat at Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), or a unique experience at High Sage Hogans (137 reviews), you'll find the perfect accommodation for your camping adventure. Prices start as low as $15 per night, with an average price of $40 per night. Popular amenities include cooking equipment, toilets, and pet-friendly options. And with activities like boating, wildlife watching, and wind sports, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So get ready to experience the great outdoors in style!

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