Best Camping in the Four Corners: Complete Guide for 2026

Camping in the Four Corners is an awesome way to experience the high-desert landscapes of the Colorado Plateau. This region offers a diverse spectrum of options, from dispersed “boondocking” on BLM land to developed National Park campgrounds. Success in 2026 requires balancing seasonal weather patterns with advanced reservations for the most iconic sites.

Four Corners Camping Overview

Let’s start exploring camping in the Four Corners! The Four Corners is a diverse region with deserts, canyons, forests, lakes, and rivers to explore. In the Four Corners, you’ll find camping opportunities at national parks and monuments, state parks, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and Forest Service land, and private RV parks.

We’re going to focus on camping on public lands in this article.

The Four Corners is a diverse region with deserts, canyons, forests, lakes, and rivers to explore. In the Four Corners, you’ll find camping opportunities at national parks and monuments, state parks, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and Forest Service land, and private RV parks. We’re going to focus on camping on public lands in this article.

When is the best season to camp in the Four Corners? Summer brings the biggest crowds as people enjoy vacation time, but it comes with high temperatures and the possibility of monsoon rain. In winter, many roads and campgrounds are closed due to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.

Overall, the most pleasant season to camp in the Four Corners is fall, when the temperatures are milder and crowds are smaller. Spring can also be a lovely time as the weather warms and wildflowers begin to bloom.

Quick Four Corners Camping Facts

• There are Four Corners camping opportunities on a wide range of public lands, including free camping on BLM and Forest Service land and some national monuments.
• Spring and fall are the most pleasant times of year to camp in the Four Corners.
• Some public lands require permits to hike, backpack, or camp, so be sure to check regulations for the places you want to explore.
• Internet accessibility is often limited in the Four Corners. Download online maps in advance and bring paper maps with you. Follow directions from the National Park Service website to find national parks and monuments.

Some of the Best BLM and Other Free Camping Locations

Who doesn’t like free? Free camping is a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors of the Four Corners without breaking the bank. Much of the free camping in the Southwest is on BLM or Forest Service land.

While you can’t camp on all BLM land and all BLM camping isn’t free, there’s a lot to choose from as long as you follow their restrictions. Here are just a few of the free places you can camp, including two national monuments. For the best free camping information in the Four Corners region, explore online resources and local visitor centers.

Valley of the Gods, Utah

One of the most fascinating places to camp for free is Valley of the Gods, part of the Bears Ears National Monument, and just below the infamous Moki Dugway.

This vast area of BLM land (more than 150 square miles) encompasses what many people consider to be a miniature Monument Valley, just 35 miles away. Uniquely shaped Cedar Mesa sandstone formations rise high from the desert floor. You can drive, hike, or bike the area to explore it.

Campers can simply pick a previously disturbed spot off the 17-mile graded clay and gravel road and set up camp. Of course, there are no amenities, so you need to be self-sufficient and pack out all your trash. But you can’t beat the night skies or the quiet you can enjoy at Valley of the Gods.

Note that driving in a passenger car should only be attempted when the dirt road is dry, as there are rough sections and washes to cross. Some tight turns may challenge large RVs. You can access Valley of the Gods from the east entrance on U.S. Highway 163 or the west entrance on Utah Highway 261.

No permit or registration is required to visit or camp at Valley of the Gods.

If you’re willing to pay a small camping fee, just a few miles away, you’ll find Goosenecks State Park. It offers basic amenities like pit toilets and picnic tables at campsites overlooking the dramatic entrenched meanders the San Juan River has created.

Bonus: If you like Valley of the Gods, be sure to read our article about another free camping adventure at Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness in New Mexico.

Comb Wash, Utah

Not far from Valley of the Gods and Goosenecks State Park is another opportunity for free camping. Comb Ridge is a long, narrow valley with side canyons that drain Cedar Mesa. Here, you can find a variety of interesting places to explore, including the Moon House ruin.

Just south of Utah Highway 95 on Comb Wash Road is the Comb Wash Campground, which offers free dispersed camping and a pit toilet but no water. This area is popular for OHV adventures.

Dispersed camping is also allowed along Comb Wash and Butler Wash. You must camp in previously disturbed areas within 150 feet of designated routes. Do not drive off-road to create a new campsite or camp inside ruins. Like Valley of the Gods, you need to be self-sufficient and pack out your trash.

El Morro National Monument, New Mexico

Finding a national park or monument with free camping is rare, but El Morro National Monument offers just that. By camping at El Morro, you’ll be following in the footsteps of Ancestral Puebloans, Spanish, and American travelers who found respite in the waterhole at the base of the sandstone formation.

What continues to make this destination fascinating is the more than 2,000 messages centuries of visitors have carved into the sandstone of Inscription Rock.

There are only nine campsites, and they’re all first-come, first-served. Each site offers a gravel tent pad, a picnic table, and a ground-fire grill. Water is available at spigots around the campground except when temperatures drop below freezing.

RVs are limited to a length of 27 feet from the front of the truck to the end of the trailer.

From Flagstaff, take Interstate 40 east to Gallup. At exit 20, go south on Highway 602 for about 31 miles. Turn east (left) onto Highway 53, and in 25 miles, you’ll reach El Morro.

Navajo National Monument, Arizona

Here’s another national monument with free camping. The draw at Navajo National Monument is the well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan ruins: Betatakin, Keet Seel, and Inscription House, plus the beautiful scenery.

The two campgrounds at Navajo National Monument accommodate RVs up to 28 feet long, but there are no hookups or dump stations.

Camping is limited to seven days per visit and 15 days per year. All campsites are non-reservation and have a picnic table and charcoal grill.

Sunset View Campground has 31 campsites and is open year-round. The bathhouse offers flush toilets and an outdoor water spigot.

Canyon View Campground has a group campground and 14 campsites. It is closed in winter and sometimes restricts RV camping. There are vault toilets, and no water is available in Canyon View.

To get there, turn off US 160 to Arizona Highway 564, go nine miles, and you can’t miss the monument.

National Parks

Arches National Park, Utah

Scoring a campsite at the Devils Garden Campground at Arches National Park during the peak season requires planning. This extremely popular park receives thousands of visitors each day, and the campground is a hot commodity despite not having potable water, showers, or a dump station. The campground is 18 miles inside the park. 

Campsites can be reserved from March 1 through October 31 and are first-come, first-served the rest of the year. Reservations can be made six months in advance. To pay onsite during winter, the National Park Services encourages visitors to download the Recreation.gov app before arriving at the park to use the Scan & Pay function to pay for their campsite.

If you can’t get a site at Arches, check into camping nearby at the Island in the Sky District of Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, RV parks in Moab, and free dispersed camping.

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Black Canyon of the Gunnison is a spectacular park. It has a campground on each rim of the deep, dark canyon, plus one at the bottom within the boundary of Curecanti National Recreation Area. The South Rim Campground is open year-round and accepts reservations, while the other two are available seasonally and are entirely first-come, first-served.

The South Rim Campground has 88 sites, some with electricity, the North Rim offers 13, and the East Portal has 15. Drinking water is available in summer. The North Rim campground is remote, and the last seven miles of the road are unpaved. The maximum combined length of tow vehicle and RV is 22 feet.

Looking for more adventurous camping? Check out the limited opportunity to scramble through wilderness routes to camp in the canyon from both the South and North Rims.

Canyonlands National Park: Needles District Campground, Utah

Canyonlands National Park has a total of four districts to explore. Most campers will head to Island in the Sky or Needles. Island in the Sky is not far from Moab and Arches National Park, while the Needles section is in the southeast corner of the park, closer to the Utah town of Monticello.

The remote Maze District is for those self-sufficient campers seeking an off-the-grid adventure. The Rivers District is for those who want to explore the waterways of the Green and Colorado rivers.

The Island in the Sky Campground, Willow Flat, has 12 first-come, first-served campsites that are available year-round. There are toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, but no water or hookups.

The Needles Campground offers limited services and is best suited to tents and small, self-contained campers or RVs. Loop A is non-reservation, while sites in Loop B may be reserved for mid-March through mid-November up to six months in advance. 

Drinking water and flush toilets are available in the Needles Campground. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided at each site, but there are no RV hook-ups, showers, or dump stations. The maximum combined vehicle and trailer length is 28 feet.

To get to the Needles District of Canyonlands from US Highway 191, drive 40 miles south of Moab or 14 miles north of Monticello, then take Utah Highway 211, about 35 miles west. Highway 211 ends in the Needles District and is the only paved road leading in and out of the district. 

Adventures Along the Way to the Needles District

Indian Creek is a beautiful riverine area you’ll drive through on the way to the Needles District of Canyonlands National Monument. Newspaper Rock is a can’t-miss stop along the way. At this easy-to-access historical location, you can view more than 650 petroglyphs carved by Indigenous people from many tribes.

Climbers are drawn to the Indian Creek area for the world-class rock climbing that can be experienced on the Wingate Sandstone cliffs.

Hamburger Rock Campground offers standard, non-electric sites with campfire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Use the Scan & Pay self-pay station to pay the $15 per night fee once you arrive, as all sites are non-reservation.

To get to Hamburger Rock Campground, turn west off US Route 191 onto Utah State Route 211 and travel approximately 29.1 miles. Turn onto Lockhart Basin Road on the north side of the highway. The campground is located 1.2 miles down the maintained gravel road on the east side of the road.

Another nearby option is Superbowl Campground, offering 37 campsites with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Turn west off US Route 191 onto Utah State Route 211 and travel approximately 25.8 miles. Turn onto County Road 0574 on the south side of the highway. The campground is located 0.25 miles down a dirt road.

Chaco Canyon National Historical Park, New Mexico

Chaco Canyon is believed to have been the center of Ancestral Puebloan culture. Here, you can hike the canyon to explore mind-blowing ancient dwellings and experience its remote and rugged beauty. Take the experience to the next level by camping at one of Gallo Campground’s 27 campsites. Reservations can be made up to three months in advance online, and unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Trailers and RVs are limited to 35 feet in length, and there are no hook-ups, although there is a dump station. Sites 12 – 16 are only for RVs and the rest of the sites are for either tents or RVs.

Chaco Canyon has two entrances, and both involve long sections of unpaved roads. The southern route is not recommended for RVs and can be impassable after rain. Be sure to follow these directions from the NPS because using your phone’s GPS to find the route is not always accurate. During the summer rainy season, check park service updates to see if the roads are passable.

Curecanti National Recreation Area, Colorado

In Colorado, adjacent to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Curecanti National Recreation Area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Managed by the BLM, this area offers a stunning mix of natural beauty, recreational activities, and historical significance. Whether you’re into boating, fishing, climbing, or hiking, Curecanti has something for everyone.

The recreation area is centered around three reservoirs: Blue Mesa, Morrow Point, and Crystal. Blue Mesa Reservoir, Colorado’s largest body of water, is perfect for boating and fishing. The surrounding landscape, with its rugged cliffs and expansive vistas, provides a breathtaking backdrop for any adventure.

Camping at Curecanti is a delight, with nine campgrounds available, including Elk Creek and Lake Fork. These campgrounds offer a range of amenities, from basic sites to those with full hookups (in Loop D at Elk Creek). For those seeking a more rustic experience, dispersed camping is also an option. Just remember to respect the land and follow BLM guidelines to preserve the area’s natural beauty.

Hovenweep National Monument, Colorado and Utah

Those who are fascinated by the structures left behind by the Ancestral Puebloans will want to explore Hovenweep National Monument. The 31 campsites at Hovenweep, which are near the visitor center and a short hike from the Square Tower Ruins, are perfect for tent campers and those with RVs up to 36 feet. There are no hook-ups, showers, or dump stations, and potable water is only available seasonally. There is no cell phone reception, but when the visitor center is open, you can use the WiFi there.

After visiting the ruins nearest the visitor center and campground, get adventurous and head off to tackle the trails to other ruins, such as the Holly Group, Cutthroat Castle, and Hackberry, which may require a 4WD vehicle.

The NPS does not recommend that you use your smart phone’s GPS to reach Hovenweep because it may send you to one of the outlying units. The NPS app offers maps that can be downloaded for offline use and once you arrive, you can get detailed directions from rangers at the visitor center. Directions from Cortez, Blanding, and Bluff can be found on the NPS website.

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

Another popular national park in the Four Corners is Mesa Verde, which is famed for the Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings the park protects. Here you can enjoy a driving tour with overlooks, take guided tours, or hike the trails.

The Morefield Campground at the park offers 267 sites as well as flush toilets, showers, a dump station, and it even has a store and laundry facilities. RVs up to 46 feet long can be accommodated.

The campground is four miles from the park entrance within a beautiful grassy canyon. Each site has a picnic table, a gravel tent pad, and a fire pit/BBQ grill. The campground is operated by a concessioner and is open between spring and fall.

The park entrance is along Highway 160 between the towns of Mancos and Cortez, Colorado, and about 35 miles west of Durango, Colorado. After you enter the park, follow the steep, narrow, and winding road, and in about 20 miles, you’ll get your first view of a cliff dwelling.

Morefield Campground is just off Main Park Road, near milepost 4. Once you exit Highway 160 and enter the park, continue on the Main Park Road for four miles until you reach the turn-off for Morefield Campground on your right.

Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah

Explore the beautiful sandstone bridges carved by water at Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah. This monument features two of the longest natural bridges in the United States, Ancestral Puebloan ruins, and beautiful hiking trails. If you don’t want to hike, enjoy views of the bridges from pull-outs along the driving loop.

You can stay in one of the 13 campsites in the campground near the visitor center. Each site has a fire grill, picnic table, and tent pad, but no running water, electricity, or hookups. Combined vehicle and trailer length is limited to 26 feet. Reservations can be made online, including the same day.

Natural Bridges is about 45 miles from Blanding, Utah. Drive south of Blanding on US Highway 191 to Utah Highway 95. Go west on Utah 95 for 35 miles to Utah Highway 275. Travel to the end of that highway to reach the monument.

Dark Sky Parks

Enjoying beautiful night skies is one of the many perks of camping in remote areas. Here are the other Four Corners Dark Sky Parks where you can camp to experience brilliant, star-filled skies. A few details are provided for those we haven’t already mentioned.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah: Visit Bryce Canyon to explore the largest concentration of hoodoos anywhere on Earth. There are two campgrounds. North Campground is open year-round, and Sunset Campground is closed in winter.

Capitol Reef National Park, Utah: Visitors come to Capitol Reef to explore the geologic wonders like domes, bridges, and the beautiful red rock country. Fruita Campground, an oasis in the desert, has 71 reservation-only sites that can be booked up to six months in advance.

Dinosaur National Monument, Colorado and Utah: Here you can explore dinosaur fossils, Native American petroglyphs, river rafting, and more. The monument has six campgrounds with a total of more than 120 campsites. Backcountry camping is also allowed with a permit.

Flagstaff Area National Monuments (Sunset Crater Volcano, Walnut Canyon, and Wupatki National Monuments), Arizona: These three national monuments near Flagstaff offer Ancestral Puebloan ruins and an otherworldly landscape created by Sunset Crater Volcano. Camping is available at Bonito Campground in summer on a first-come, first-served basis. This beautiful US Forest Service campground nestled among Ponderosa pines is just outside the entrance to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: One of the country’s premier parks, Grand Canyon National Park, has two year-round South Rim campgrounds (one is the Grand Canyon Trailer Village RV park with full hook-ups), two seasonal South Rim campgrounds, and two seasonal campgrounds on the much less-visited North Rim. Make your reservations early!

Petrified Forest National Park, Arizona: The park doesn’t have any campgrounds or allow car or RV camping, but adventurous backpackers can get a free backpacking wilderness permit from the visitor center on the day they plan to head out. They must camp at least a half mile from their vehicle.

Zion National Park, Utah: Zion, famed for its beautiful scenery and deep canyon, has three campgrounds, but one is currently closed for a long-term rehabilitation project. Make your reservations early for sites with RV hook-ups. There are also 18 tent-only, walk-in campsites for backpackers and cyclists.

Camping on Forest Service Land

In addition to national parks, monuments, and BLM land, the U.S. Forest Service operates a number of beautiful campgrounds. One is the Bonito Campground near Flagstaff’s three national monuments.

The Manti-La Sal National Forest in Utah has several campgrounds, as do the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Gunnison, and San Juan National Forests in Colorado. Check the National Forest Service’s interactive map to find campgrounds that are on your travel route as we think you’ll like camping on Forest Service land.

Camping at State, County or City Parks

Federal lands are not the only ones that offer free and cheap camping. All four states in the Four Corners have a rich diversity of state and regional parks where you can camp. The amenities vary depending on the location, but you can find county parks with full hook-ups and showers and state parks with neither. 

If you’re in the Gallup area, for example, you may want to spend a night at Red Rock Park, operated by McKinley County. Here are the county’s rodeo grounds, convention center, a small but fascinating museum, and access to hiking trails.

Red Rock Park has two camping areas, Main and West Campgrounds, both with electric and water hook-ups, picnic areas, and bathrooms with showers. The West Campground is the smaller and quieter section. Reservations are required and you can expect the campgrounds to be full during the Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial, which is held there in August, or during rodeo events. 

Where Else Can You Find Free and Cheap Camping?

There are some other spots you may find useful for overnight RV camping. Some Walmart stores allow RVers to stay overnight in their parking lot, as do some chain restaurants. Truck stops may even allow you to park out near the trucks which could fit the bill in a pinch. Be sure to ask first.

Dispersed Camping Safety

Dispersed camping is camping on public lands outside of designated campgrounds, often in remote areas. This type of camping allows for a more immersive and peaceful experience, away from crowds. However, some dispersed camping locations are so popular you may have to go a ways to find a quiet spot.

There are some steps to take to help ensure your safety when dispersed camping. Be aware of your surroundings and keep a clean campsite to avoid attracting wildlife.

Make sure someone knows where you are and when you’re expected to return. Have the supplies and equipment you need for a safe and fun experience, like a charged phone, enough clothing to stay warm, and a first aid kit.

There are many platforms for sharing information about places to enjoy free dispersed camping. You may want to explore some blog posts or videos and consider leaving comments about your experiences to help others. Use a search engine to find free dispersed camping near your Four Corners destinations.

Planning and Preparation

Planning and preparation are key to a successful camping trip in the Four Corners region. Here are some essential tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure:

1. Check the Weather: The weather in the Four Corners region can be unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. Always check the forecast before you head out and pack accordingly. Layers are your friend!
2. Plan Your Route: Use your GPS or a mapping app to plan your route and get directions to your destination. Make sure to download maps for offline use in case you lose your phone signal in remote areas. Good old-fashioned paper maps along with directions from the destination’s website may serve you better in some places.
3. Bring Essential Gear: Pack the necessary gear based on your planned activities. This might include a tent, sleeping bag, cooking supplies, hiking boots, and fishing equipment. Don’t forget a first aid kit and a reliable means of communication, such as a satellite phone or two-way radio.
4. Respect the Land: Whether you’re camping in a national park or on BLM land, it’s crucial to respect the environment. Follow Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and be mindful of fire restrictions. Use established fire rings where available.
5. Take Advantage of Amenities: Some campgrounds offer amenities like showers, laundry facilities, and visitor centers. These can make your stay more comfortable and provide valuable information about the area. Enjoy them while you have them!
6. Explore the Area: The Four Corners region is rich in natural beauty and cultural history. Take time to explore nearby attractions like Mesa Verde National Park, Navajo National Monument, and Monument Valley. Each offers unique experiences and stunning landscapes.
7. Be Prepared for Emergencies: In remote areas, it’s essential to be prepared for emergencies. Carry a map, a compass, first aid kit, and a fully charged phone. Let someone know your itinerary and expected return time.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for an unforgettable camping experience in the Four Corners region. Whether you’re planning a free camping road trip or a stay at a developed campground, the key is to plan ahead, respect the land, and enjoy the adventure.

Using GPS Safely

While we’ve all become used to entering a destination into our phone’s map app, that isn’t always the best plan in remote areas. Like at Hovenweep, your map app may direct you to one of the outlying ruins down a rocky dirt road rather than the campground and visitor center.

If you have the exact coordinates, which are usually available on the NPS website, you’ll have a better chance of getting to the right destination. You can also refer to the park’s website for directions and use paper maps to navigate. 

Four Corners Camping FAQ

Where can I camp for free in the Four Corners?

Free camping is available on BLM and Forest Service lands, and some national monuments like El Morro and Navajo National Monument. Dispersed camping gives a true wilderness experience—just follow regulations and pack out your trash.

Do I need permits for camping in Four Corners parks?

Some national parks and monuments require permits for camping or hiking. Always check official park websites before your trip.

When is the best time to camp in the Four Corners region?

Fall offers mild temperatures and smaller crowds, making it ideal for camping. Spring is also beautiful with wildflowers, while summer brings heat and monsoon rains. Winter may close roads and campgrounds.

Can I take my RV to Four Corners campgrounds?

Many campgrounds accept RVs, but remote or narrow roads may limit access. Check site length limits, availability of hookups, water, and dump stations before planning your route.

What amenities are available at Four Corners campgrounds?

Amenities range from basic dispersed sites with no facilities to campgrounds with picnic tables, fire pits, toilets, potable water, showers, and RV hookups.

Are there stargazing or Dark Sky camping locations?

Yes! Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, and Natural Bridges National Monuments are Dark Sky Parks, offering unforgettable night skies for campers.

How do I stay safe while dispersed camping in the Four Corners?

Inform someone of your plans, pack first aid and extra clothing, maintain a clean campsite, and carry a reliable communication device. Always check weather conditions before heading out.

Can I rely on GPS to find campsites?

GPS can be unreliable in remote areas. Use official park coordinates, printed maps, and park directions for accurate navigation.

Where should I stop for supplies or amenities?

Apache Nugget Travel Center and Casino on US Highway 550 offers fuel, snacks, clean restrooms, and a convenient stop for RV and tent campers exploring the Four Corners.

What are the top tips for first-time Four Corners campers?

Plan ahead, pack layers for unpredictable weather, respect Leave No Trace principles, allow extra time to explore, and take advantage of campgrounds and travel centers to rest and refuel.

Pack Your Bag & Start Exploring

Camping in the Four Corners is an immersive experience, making your visit richer as you sit next to your campfire while taking in the dazzling night skies and sipping a hot drink. Using inexpensive and free campgrounds will make your road trip more affordable.

Plan carefully and you can create your dream route through the Four Corners and take on all the adventure you can handle while enjoying beautiful and peaceful camp experiences!