RV Parks In Kayenta, Arizona
36.7278° N, 110.2546° W
Quick Overview
Kayenta is the gateway town to Monument Valley, the iconic landscape of sandstone buttes and mesas on the Navajo Nation that has stood in for the American West in countless films. For RVers it is the practical base for one of the most photographed places on earth, sitting at the junction of US highways 160 and 163 in the high desert of northeastern Arizona. The camping spreads out toward the valley itself, about 25 miles north, where the views are unbeatable.
The marquee private option is Goulding's Monument Valley RV Park, tucked under the red cliffs at the historic Goulding's Lodge just west of the valley. It offers full hookups with water, 50 amp power, and cable, plus access to the lodge's restaurant, museum, indoor pool, store, and laundry. Up the road near the Utah line, the Monument Valley KOA Journey provides full-hookup sites off US-163. Both are private, comfortable, and built for big rigs, and both put you minutes from the valley entrance.
For the unforgettable view, The View Campground sits right at the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, public tribal land, with dry RV sites and no hookups but full restrooms and showers, and the classic vista of the Mittens from your site. Further toward Kayenta, the National Park Service runs the free, first-come Sunset View Campground at Navajo National Monument, a small public campground for smaller rigs. Between the full-hookup private resorts and the public tribal and national-monument sites, you can trade comfort for that one-of-a-kind view, or split the difference.
Spring and fall are the prime seasons here, with comfortable high-desert temperatures and the best light on the buttes; these are also the busiest times, so book the private parks ahead. Summer is hot and can bring afternoon monsoon storms, while winter is cold, quiet, and starkly beautiful, sometimes with snow dusting the red rock. Note that the Navajo Nation observes daylight saving time while most of Arizona does not, so check your clocks. Come for the scenery, base near the valley, and plan a guided Navajo tour to see the backcountry.
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All Dump Stations Near Kayenta
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kayenta Recreation Park | 0.4 mi | 4.0 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Tséyi' Diné Heritage Area - Cottonwood Campground At Canyon De Chelly | 56.4 mi | 4.1 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Spider Rock Campground | 64.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Traveling to Kayenta by RV
Kayenta sits at the junction of US Highway 160 and US Highway 163 in northeastern Arizona, on the Navajo Nation. US-163 runs north from Kayenta about 25 miles to Monument Valley and on into Utah, passing the famous Forrest Gump Point view of the road stretching toward the buttes. These are good, well-maintained highways and fine for big rigs, with the main consideration being the remoteness: distances between services are long across the Navajo Nation, so fuel up and stock groceries in Kayenta, which has the area's main services.
The campgrounds cluster near Monument Valley about 25 miles north, with Goulding's and The View just off US-163 near the valley entrance and the KOA further up toward the Utah line. The scenic road into the valley itself, the 17-mile Valley Drive loop, is a rough dirt road better suited to a tour vehicle or a high-clearance car than a big rig, so leave the RV at camp and take a guided Navajo tour or drive the loop in your tow vehicle. The nearest airports are distant, in Flagstaff or Page.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Kayenta, Arizona, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Kayenta
Camping near Monument Valley spans a wide range. The free, first-come Sunset View Campground at Navajo National Monument, run by the National Park Service, is the budget end, though it suits smaller rigs and has no hookups. The View Campground on the public tribal park charges a moderate nightly rate for dry RV sites, and you are largely paying for that incomparable view rather than amenities. These public options are about scenery and value, not hookups.
The private full-hookup parks cost more. Goulding's Monument Valley RV Park sits at the upper end given its setting, full hookups, and resort amenities, while the KOA is a notch below in the mid private-park range. You pay for the comfort, the 50 amp power for desert air conditioning, and the lodge facilities at Goulding's. Costs peak in the busy spring and fall and ease in summer's heat and winter's cold. Factor in the remoteness, where fuel and groceries run higher, plus the cost of a guided Navajo tour, which is the best way to see the valley.
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Best Time to Visit Kayenta by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
22°F - 45°F
Crowds: Low
Cold, quiet, and starkly beautiful, sometimes with snow on the red rock. Some camping limited; bundle up.
Spring
Mar - May
40°F - 68°F
Crowds: High
Excellent light and comfortable days draw crowds; reserve ahead. Watch for wind and blowing dust on the high desert.
Summer
Jun - Aug
62°F - 93°F
Crowds: High
Hot high desert with afternoon monsoon storms; full-hookup sites help with A/C. Sunrise and sunset are the best times on the buttes.
Fall
Sep - Oct
44°F - 72°F
Crowds: High
Prime season; comfortable temperatures and beautiful light. Book the private parks ahead as crowds peak.
Explore the Kayenta Area
Decide whether you want the view or the hookups. The View Campground gives you the classic Mittens vista right from your dry-camping site on public tribal land, while Goulding's and the KOA give you full hookups and amenities a short drive from the valley. Many RVers stay at a full-hookup park and drive over for sunrise and sunset, which are the magic hours on the buttes. Book the private parks ahead for the busy spring and fall.
The 17-mile Valley Drive into Monument Valley is rough dirt; take a guided Navajo tour or drive it in a high-clearance tow vehicle rather than your RV, and consider a tour to reach the restricted backcountry areas you cannot visit on your own. Respect that this is the Navajo Nation: alcohol is prohibited, and you should follow local guidance and photography etiquette. Carry plenty of water and fuel given the remoteness, watch for afternoon monsoon storms in summer, and remember the Navajo Nation observes daylight saving time even though most of Arizona does not.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Kayenta
What are the best places to camp near Kayenta and Monument Valley?
The standout for views is The View Campground, on the public Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, with dry RV sites and the classic vista of the Mittens right from your spot, plus full restrooms and showers. For full hookups, Goulding's Monument Valley RV Park sits under the red cliffs at the historic Goulding's Lodge with water, 50 amp power, cable, and resort amenities, and the Monument Valley KOA Journey offers full-hookup sites near the Utah line. The National Park Service also runs the free Sunset View Campground at Navajo National Monument. Choose The View for scenery, Goulding's or the KOA for comfort and big-rig hookups.
Does Goulding's RV Park have full hookups?
Yes. Goulding's Monument Valley RV Park offers full hookups with water, 50 amp electric power, and cable TV at its RV sites, set under the towering red cliffs at the historic Goulding's Lodge just west of Monument Valley. Guests also get access to the lodge's amenities, including the Stagecoach Restaurant, a trading-post museum, an indoor pool, a convenience store, and a laundromat. This makes it the most comfortable full-hookup base for visiting Monument Valley, especially for big rigs needing 50 amp power for desert air conditioning. By contrast, The View Campground on the tribal park is dry camping with no hookups, trading amenities for that unbeatable view of the buttes.
How much does it cost to camp near Monument Valley?
Costs span a wide range. The free, first-come Sunset View Campground at Navajo National Monument, run by the National Park Service, is the budget option, though it suits smaller rigs with no hookups. The View Campground on the public tribal park charges a moderate nightly rate for dry RV sites, where you pay mainly for the incomparable view. The private full-hookup parks cost more: Goulding's sits at the upper end for its setting and resort amenities, and the KOA is in the mid private-park range. Costs peak in the busy spring and fall. Factor in the remoteness, where fuel and groceries run higher, plus a guided Navajo tour.
How far ahead should I reserve near Kayenta?
For the prime spring and fall seasons, book the private parks ahead. Goulding's Monument Valley RV Park and the Monument Valley KOA fill during the peak months when the light and temperatures are best, so reserve directly as early as you can if you have fixed dates. The View Campground on the tribal park also draws strong demand for its views. The National Park Service's Sunset View Campground at Navajo National Monument is first-come and free, so you cannot reserve it; arrive early to claim a smaller-rig site. Summer and winter are quieter, so shorter notice often works then, but the shoulder seasons require planning.
When is the best time to visit Monument Valley by RV?
Spring and fall are the best times, with comfortable high-desert temperatures and the beautiful, angled light that makes the buttes glow at sunrise and sunset. These are also the busiest seasons, so book the private parks ahead. Summer is hot, often into the 90s, with dramatic afternoon monsoon thunderstorms, so full-hookup sites with air conditioning help; the early and late hours are still magical. Winter is cold, quiet, and starkly beautiful, sometimes with snow dusting the red rock, though some camping is limited. For the ideal balance of weather, light, and open campgrounds, target the spring and fall shoulder months.
Can big rigs camp near Monument Valley?
Yes, at the private parks. Goulding's Monument Valley RV Park and the Monument Valley KOA Journey both handle big rigs with full-hookup sites. Access is good, since US highways 160 and 163 are well-maintained and fine for big rigs. The View Campground on the tribal park can take RVs for dry camping but has no hookups, and the NPS Sunset View Campground suits smaller rigs. The key thing big rigs should avoid is the 17-mile Valley Drive loop into Monument Valley itself, which is a rough dirt road; leave the RV at camp and take a guided Navajo tour or drive the loop in a high-clearance tow vehicle instead.
Is there public camping at Monument Valley?
Yes, in a couple of forms. The View Campground sits on the public Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, offering dry RV sites with the classic view of the Mittens, full restrooms, and showers, run by the Navajo park rather than a private company. Separately, the National Park Service operates the free, first-come Sunset View Campground at Navajo National Monument, a small public campground closer to Kayenta that suits smaller rigs. So while the most comfortable full-hookup options are the private Goulding's and KOA parks, you do have public, scenery-focused choices on tribal and national-monument land if you prefer a more rustic and lower-cost stay.
Can I drive my RV into Monument Valley?
You can reach the visitor center and The View area on paved roads, but you should not take a big rig onto the famous 17-mile Valley Drive loop, which is a rough, washboarded dirt road that winds among the buttes. That route is better suited to a guided Navajo tour vehicle or a high-clearance car. The smart approach is to camp at Goulding's, the KOA, or The View, then explore the valley either on a guided Navajo tour, which also reaches restricted backcountry areas, or by driving the loop in your tow vehicle. Leaving the RV at camp protects both your rig and the rough scenic road.
What should I know about visiting the Navajo Nation?
Kayenta and Monument Valley are on the Navajo Nation, so a few things differ from the rest of Arizona. Alcohol is prohibited across the Navajo Nation, so do not bring or consume it. The Navajo Nation observes daylight saving time even though most of Arizona does not, so your clock may differ from nearby off-reservation areas; double-check tour and opening times. Distances between services are long, so fuel up and stock groceries in Kayenta. Respect local customs and photography etiquette, especially around residents and ceremonies, and consider a guided Navajo tour, which supports the local community and reaches areas you cannot visit on your own.
How far is Monument Valley from Kayenta?
Monument Valley is about 25 miles north of Kayenta on US Highway 163, a straightforward drive on a good highway. Kayenta itself is the main service town for the area, with fuel, groceries, lodging, and restaurants, while the camping and the iconic scenery are concentrated up at the valley. So most RVers fuel and provision in Kayenta, then base at one of the campgrounds near the valley entrance, such as Goulding's, the KOA, or The View. The drive north on US-163 is scenic in its own right, passing the famous Forrest Gump Point where the highway stretches dramatically toward the distant buttes.
Are there hookups at The View Campground?
No. The View Campground, on the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, offers dry RV sites with no electric, water, or sewer hookups. What it does provide is a full restroom and shower facility for campers and, more importantly, the unobstructed classic view of the Mittens and Merrick Butte right from your campsite, which is the whole reason to stay there. If you camp at The View, plan to dry camp with full fresh water and a charged battery or generator within the campground's rules. RVers who need hookups for air conditioning or longer stays should choose the private Goulding's or KOA parks and drive over for the views.
What is there to do around Kayenta besides Monument Valley?
While Monument Valley is the main draw, the area holds more. Navajo National Monument, run by the National Park Service near Kayenta, preserves spectacular ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and offers ranger-guided hikes and a free campground. The scenic drives across the region are stunning, including US-163 north into Utah past Forrest Gump Point. Guided Navajo tours reveal the culture, history, and backcountry of the valley that you cannot see on your own. Further afield, the broader Four Corners region includes Canyon de Chelly and the approaches to the Grand Canyon's less-visited corners. The Navajo Nation setting itself, with its culture and vast landscapes, is part of the experience.
What are the best places to camp near Kayenta and Monument Valley?
The standout for views is The View Campground, on the public Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, with dry RV sites and the classic vista of the Mittens right from your spot, plus full restrooms and showers. For full hookups, Goulding's Monument Valley RV Park sits under the red cliffs at the historic Goulding's Lodge with water, 50 amp power, cable, and resort amenities, and the Monument Valley KOA Journey offers full-hookup sites near the Utah line. The National Park Service also runs the free Sunset View Campground at Navajo National Monument. Choose The View for scenery, Goulding's or the KOA for comfort and big-rig hookups.
Does Goulding's RV Park have full hookups?
Yes. Goulding's Monument Valley RV Park offers full hookups with water, 50 amp electric power, and cable TV at its RV sites, set under the towering red cliffs at the historic Goulding's Lodge just west of Monument Valley. Guests also get access to the lodge's amenities, including the Stagecoach Restaurant, a trading-post museum, an indoor pool, a convenience store, and a laundromat. This makes it the most comfortable full-hookup base for visiting Monument Valley, especially for big rigs needing 50 amp power for desert air conditioning. By contrast, The View Campground on the tribal park is dry camping with no hookups, trading amenities for that unbeatable view of the buttes.
How much does it cost to camp near Monument Valley?
Costs span a wide range. The free, first-come Sunset View Campground at Navajo National Monument, run by the National Park Service, is the budget option, though it suits smaller rigs with no hookups. The View Campground on the public tribal park charges a moderate nightly rate for dry RV sites, where you pay mainly for the incomparable view. The private full-hookup parks cost more: Goulding's sits at the upper end for its setting and resort amenities, and the KOA is in the mid private-park range. Costs peak in the busy spring and fall. Factor in the remoteness, where fuel and groceries run higher, plus a guided Navajo tour.
How far ahead should I reserve near Kayenta?
For the prime spring and fall seasons, book the private parks ahead. Goulding's Monument Valley RV Park and the Monument Valley KOA fill during the peak months when the light and temperatures are best, so reserve directly as early as you can if you have fixed dates. The View Campground on the tribal park also draws strong demand for its views. The National Park Service's Sunset View Campground at Navajo National Monument is first-come and free, so you cannot reserve it; arrive early to claim a smaller-rig site. Summer and winter are quieter, so shorter notice often works then, but the shoulder seasons require planning.
When is the best time to visit Monument Valley by RV?
Spring and fall are the best times, with comfortable high-desert temperatures and the beautiful, angled light that makes the buttes glow at sunrise and sunset. These are also the busiest seasons, so book the private parks ahead. Summer is hot, often into the 90s, with dramatic afternoon monsoon thunderstorms, so full-hookup sites with air conditioning help; the early and late hours are still magical. Winter is cold, quiet, and starkly beautiful, sometimes with snow dusting the red rock, though some camping is limited. For the ideal balance of weather, light, and open campgrounds, target the spring and fall shoulder months.
Can big rigs camp near Monument Valley?
Yes, at the private parks. Goulding's Monument Valley RV Park and the Monument Valley KOA Journey both handle big rigs with full-hookup sites. Access is good, since US highways 160 and 163 are well-maintained and fine for big rigs. The View Campground on the tribal park can take RVs for dry camping but has no hookups, and the NPS Sunset View Campground suits smaller rigs. The key thing big rigs should avoid is the 17-mile Valley Drive loop into Monument Valley itself, which is a rough dirt road; leave the RV at camp and take a guided Navajo tour or drive the loop in a high-clearance tow vehicle instead.
Is there public camping at Monument Valley?
Yes, in a couple of forms. The View Campground sits on the public Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, offering dry RV sites with the classic view of the Mittens, full restrooms, and showers, run by the Navajo park rather than a private company. Separately, the National Park Service operates the free, first-come Sunset View Campground at Navajo National Monument, a small public campground closer to Kayenta that suits smaller rigs. So while the most comfortable full-hookup options are the private Goulding's and KOA parks, you do have public, scenery-focused choices on tribal and national-monument land if you prefer a more rustic and lower-cost stay.
Can I drive my RV into Monument Valley?
You can reach the visitor center and The View area on paved roads, but you should not take a big rig onto the famous 17-mile Valley Drive loop, which is a rough, washboarded dirt road that winds among the buttes. That route is better suited to a guided Navajo tour vehicle or a high-clearance car. The smart approach is to camp at Goulding's, the KOA, or The View, then explore the valley either on a guided Navajo tour, which also reaches restricted backcountry areas, or by driving the loop in your tow vehicle. Leaving the RV at camp protects both your rig and the rough scenic road.
What should I know about visiting the Navajo Nation?
Kayenta and Monument Valley are on the Navajo Nation, so a few things differ from the rest of Arizona. Alcohol is prohibited across the Navajo Nation, so do not bring or consume it. The Navajo Nation observes daylight saving time even though most of Arizona does not, so your clock may differ from nearby off-reservation areas; double-check tour and opening times. Distances between services are long, so fuel up and stock groceries in Kayenta. Respect local customs and photography etiquette, especially around residents and ceremonies, and consider a guided Navajo tour, which supports the local community and reaches areas you cannot visit on your own.
How far is Monument Valley from Kayenta?
Monument Valley is about 25 miles north of Kayenta on US Highway 163, a straightforward drive on a good highway. Kayenta itself is the main service town for the area, with fuel, groceries, lodging, and restaurants, while the camping and the iconic scenery are concentrated up at the valley. So most RVers fuel and provision in Kayenta, then base at one of the campgrounds near the valley entrance, such as Goulding's, the KOA, or The View. The drive north on US-163 is scenic in its own right, passing the famous Forrest Gump Point where the highway stretches dramatically toward the distant buttes.
Are there hookups at The View Campground?
No. The View Campground, on the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, offers dry RV sites with no electric, water, or sewer hookups. What it does provide is a full restroom and shower facility for campers and, more importantly, the unobstructed classic view of the Mittens and Merrick Butte right from your campsite, which is the whole reason to stay there. If you camp at The View, plan to dry camp with full fresh water and a charged battery or generator within the campground's rules. RVers who need hookups for air conditioning or longer stays should choose the private Goulding's or KOA parks and drive over for the views.
What is there to do around Kayenta besides Monument Valley?
While Monument Valley is the main draw, the area holds more. Navajo National Monument, run by the National Park Service near Kayenta, preserves spectacular ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings and offers ranger-guided hikes and a free campground. The scenic drives across the region are stunning, including US-163 north into Utah past Forrest Gump Point. Guided Navajo tours reveal the culture, history, and backcountry of the valley that you cannot see on your own. Further afield, the broader Four Corners region includes Canyon de Chelly and the approaches to the Grand Canyon's less-visited corners. The Navajo Nation setting itself, with its culture and vast landscapes, is part of the experience.







