RV Parks In Monticello, Utah
37.8714° N, 109.3429° W
Quick Overview
Monticello sits at about 7,000 feet on the eastern edge of Utah's canyon country, tucked below the Abajo Mountains and ringed by public land. For RVers it is one of the best bases in southeast Utah, because it puts you within reach of Canyonlands National Park's Needles District, the vast Bears Ears National Monument and the red-rock playground around Moab, without the crowds and premium prices of Moab itself. The elevation also means cooler nights than the desert floor, which is a real gift in summer.
In town, Mountain View RV Park & Campground is the go-to full-service option. It offers level gravel sites with full hookups and 50-amp service, showers and easy big-rig access, all with a view toward the mountains. Canyonlands Basecamp is another private choice nearby, with spacious dry-camping sites, a central water fill and an on-site dump station for guests, plus genuinely dark skies for stargazing. Both make comfortable staging points for day trips into the parks.
For public camping, Devils Canyon Campground sits in the cool ponderosa pines of the Manti-La Sal National Forest just off US-191. It has no hookups but offers drinking water and a quiet forest setting, with a mix of first-come and reservable sites through Recreation.gov. Beyond the developed campgrounds, the surrounding BLM and national-forest land opens up abundant dispersed boondocking for self-contained rigs willing to trade hookups for solitude and views.
A few things shape a trip here. This is high country, so nights stay cold even in July and shoulder seasons can bring snow into May. Services are concentrated in Monticello itself, so fuel and provision in town before heading into Bears Ears, where stores and cell coverage thin out fast. And it is worth checking the current status of the Canyonlands Needles District before you build a trip around it, since it has faced temporary fire-related closures. US-191 is the paved main artery connecting Monticello to Moab 55 miles north and Blanding 21 miles south, and it handles big rigs easily. If you want an affordable, high-desert base for some of the best red rock in the West, Monticello delivers.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Monticello
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All Dump Stations Near Monticello
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old West RV Park | 0.3 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Westerner RV Park | 0.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mountain View RV Park And Campground | 0.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Dalton Spring Campground | 4.9 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Devils Canyon Campground | 10.1 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Blanding RV Park | 19.3 mi | N/A | RV Park | Varies |
| Sunset Campground | 20.2 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Blue Mountain RV & Trading | 20.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Blue Mountain RV Park/trailer | 24.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Dove Creek Camp Spot | 28.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Old West RV Park
0.3 miWesterner RV Park
0.4 miMountain View RV Park And Campground
0.7 miDalton Spring Campground
4.9 miDevils Canyon Campground
10.1 miBlanding RV Park
19.3 miSunset Campground
20.2 miBlue Mountain RV & Trading
20.3 miBlue Mountain RV Park/trailer
24.4 miDove Creek Camp Spot
28.7 miTraveling to Monticello by RV
US-191 is the paved backbone of this region, running north-south through Monticello and connecting it to Moab about 55 miles north and Blanding 21 miles south. US-491 heads east toward Cortez, Colorado, roughly 55 miles away. These are the routes big rigs should stick to, because they are well-graded and paved. The many forest, monument and canyon roads branching off into Bears Ears and the Abajo Mountains are a different story: plenty are unpaved, rough and unsuitable for large or low-clearance RVs, so scout them before committing.
Monticello is your last real supply stop before large stretches of remote public land, so fuel up, fill fresh water and stock groceries here. Cell coverage is decent in town but drops off quickly once you head into the monument, so download maps and reservation confirmations in advance. Remember the elevation: at 7,000 feet your engine and your body both work harder, and weather can shift fast, so watch forecasts and carry layers even on a summer day trip into the canyons.
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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 Monticello, Utah, 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 Monticello
Monticello is a noticeably cheaper base than Moab for the same red-rock access, which is a big part of its appeal. Private full-hookup sites at Mountain View RV Park & Campground and dry sites at Canyonlands Basecamp generally run in the mid $30s to $50s per night depending on season and hookups, well under peak Moab resort pricing. Public forest camping at Devils Canyon is far cheaper, typically in the teens to low $20s for a no-hookup forest site, and dispersed BLM and national-forest boondocking is free if you are self-contained.
Your biggest variable costs out here are fuel and provisioning, since services are concentrated in town and everything gets more remote and expensive the deeper you go into Bears Ears. Budget for the drive distances to Canyonlands and Moab, and consider mixing a night or two of full hookups in town with free dispersed nights on public land to stretch your money. National-park entrance fees or an America the Beautiful pass are worth factoring in if you plan to visit Canyonlands or other federal sites during your stay.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Monticello
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Best Time to Visit Monticello by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
18F - 40F
Crowds: Low
Cold and snowy at 7,000 feet with many facilities closed for the season. Only fully self-contained, winter-ready rigs should attempt it. Red-rock touring is possible on clear days but expect ice and short daylight.
Spring
Mar - May
32F - 60F
Crowds: Medium
Variable weather that can still bring snow into May, but excellent for red-rock touring once it warms. Wildflowers and green desert. Book private sites ahead as canyon-country visitation picks up.
Summer
Jun - Aug
52F - 85F
Crowds: High
The prime reason to choose Monticello: warm days but cool nights while Moab bakes. Afternoon monsoon storms in July and August bring flash-flood risk in slot canyons. Full-hookup sites book up on weekends.
Fall
Sep - Oct
38F - 65F
Crowds: Medium
The best all-around season: crisp, clear, stable weather and thinning crowds. Ideal for hiking Bears Ears and the Abajos. Nights get cold fast, so keep your rig winter-aware toward late October.
Explore the Monticello Area
Respect the elevation. At 7,000 feet Monticello runs 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the desert floor, and nights are genuinely cold even in midsummer, so pack layers and a good sleeping setup. Shoulder seasons can surprise you with snow into May and again in fall, so check the forecast before a spring red-rock run. This is also the reason many RVers love Monticello in July and August, when Moab bakes and Monticello stays comfortable.
Stock up in town before heading out. Monticello has fuel, groceries and propane, but Bears Ears and the surrounding public land have almost no services, so top off everything first. If you plan to boondock on BLM or forest land, go in self-contained with full water and empty tanks, and follow fire restrictions, which are common in dry months. Finally, verify the current status of the Canyonlands Needles District before building your itinerary around it, since fire closures have affected access, and have a backup plan among the many other canyons and trails nearby.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Monticello
What are the best RV parks in Monticello, UT?
For full hookups, Mountain View RV Park & Campground in town is the top pick, with level gravel sites, 50-amp service, sewer, water and showers, plus easy access for big rigs. Canyonlands Basecamp is a nearby private option built around spacious dry-camping sites, a central water fill and an on-site dump station, with excellent dark skies. For public camping, Devils Canyon Campground in the Manti-La Sal National Forest offers quiet, no-hookup forest sites just off US-191. Add in abundant BLM and forest dispersed camping, and Monticello gives you everything from full hookups to free boondocking within a short drive.
Does Monticello have full-hookup RV sites?
Yes. Mountain View RV Park & Campground offers full hookups with 50-amp electric, water and sewer on level gravel pads, along with showers, and it accommodates larger rigs. That makes it the most comfortable base in town for RVers who want to plug in after a day in the canyons. Canyonlands Basecamp is primarily dry camping but provides a central water fill and an on-site dump station for guests. If full hookups are essential to your trip, book Mountain View ahead in the busy spring and fall seasons. Otherwise, the area rewards self-contained rigs with lots of cheaper and free options.
Can I boondock or camp for free near Monticello?
Absolutely, and it is one of the best reasons to base here. Monticello is surrounded by BLM and Manti-La Sal National Forest land that allows dispersed camping at no charge, so self-contained rigs can find quiet, scenic sites with mountain or canyon views. Go in with full fresh water and empty holding tanks, pack out everything, and check for seasonal fire restrictions, which are common in the dry months. Forest and monument access roads vary widely in quality, so scout before taking a big rig down an unpaved road. Devils Canyon Campground offers a cheap developed alternative if you want a designated forest site with drinking water.
Is Monticello a good base for Canyonlands and Bears Ears?
Yes, it is one of the best. Monticello sits about an hour from Canyonlands National Park's Needles District and is surrounded by Bears Ears National Monument, with Moab and its parks about 55 miles north. Basing here gives you access to world-class red rock at lower prices and with fewer crowds than staying in Moab. One caveat: the Needles District has faced temporary fire-related closures, so verify its current status before building a trip around it and keep backup plans among the many other canyons and trails nearby. Blanding, 21 miles south, adds more Bears Ears access and services.
What hookups and amp service can I expect near Monticello?
It depends on where you stay. Mountain View RV Park & Campground provides full hookups with 50-amp electric, water and sewer, which covers most big rigs comfortably. Canyonlands Basecamp is dry camping with a shared water fill and a dump station rather than site hookups. Public options like Devils Canyon Campground and dispersed BLM or forest sites have no hookups at all, so you rely on your own batteries, solar, generator and tanks. If you need reliable 50-amp power for air conditioning or heavy appliances, plan on the in-town park; if you are set up for off-grid, the free and cheap options open up.
When is the best time to RV in Monticello?
Fall is the standout, with crisp, clear, stable weather and thinning crowds, ideal for hiking Bears Ears and the Abajo Mountains. Summer is the other big draw because Monticello's 7,000-foot elevation keeps nights cool while Moab and the desert floor bake, though July and August bring monsoon storms and flash-flood risk in slot canyons. Spring is good for red-rock touring but can still deliver snow into May. Winter is cold and snowy with many facilities closed, best left to fully self-contained, winter-ready rigs. For most travelers, September and October offer the finest all-around conditions.
Is Monticello good for big rigs?
In town, yes. Mountain View RV Park & Campground has level gravel pads and ample large sites designed for big rigs, and US-191 through town is a well-graded, paved highway that handles long coaches and trailers without trouble. The catch is the backcountry: many forest, monument and canyon access roads around Bears Ears are unpaved, narrow, rough or steep, and are not suitable for large or low-clearance RVs. Stick to paved US-191 and US-491 for travel, base your big rig at the in-town park, and use a tow vehicle or day trips for exploring the rougher roads into the canyons and mountains.
How cold does it get at night in Monticello?
Cold, even in summer, because of the 7,000-foot elevation. Summer overnight lows commonly dip into the low 50s, spring and fall nights fall into the 30s, and winter lows drop into the teens with snow. This is exactly why RVers escape here in July and August when lower-elevation desert towns are miserably hot. Pack layers, a warm sleeping setup and be ready to run your furnace on shoulder-season nights. The flip side is delicious: warm, dry days for hiking and canyon touring paired with cool, comfortable nights for sleeping, which is a rare combination in the desert Southwest during summer.
Where do I get fuel, water and supplies near Monticello?
Monticello itself is your supply hub, with fuel, groceries and propane in town. It is the last reliable stop before large stretches of remote public land in Bears Ears, so top off fuel, fill your fresh-water tank and stock groceries before heading out. Blanding, 21 miles south, and Moab, 55 miles north, offer additional services, while Cortez, Colorado is about 55 miles east. Once you leave town for the monument or dispersed camping, expect almost no services and spotty cell coverage, so download maps and confirmations in advance. Planning your provisioning around Monticello keeps a remote canyon-country trip smooth and low-stress.
Do I need reservations for campgrounds near Monticello?
For the private full-hookup park, yes, especially in the busy spring and fall red-rock seasons and on summer weekends, so book Mountain View RV Park & Campground ahead. Devils Canyon Campground in the national forest offers a mix of first-come and reservable sites through Recreation.gov, so check availability before you arrive. Dispersed BLM and national-forest boondocking is first-come and free, no reservation needed, but you must be self-contained. If your trip depends on a specific hookup site during a peak weekend, reserve early; if you are flexible and off-grid capable, you can often find dispersed camping on the fly around the Abajos and Bears Ears.
What is there to do around Monticello?
Plenty. Monticello is a gateway to Canyonlands National Park's Needles District, roughly an hour away, and sits within Bears Ears National Monument, a vast landscape of canyons, cultural sites and mesas to explore. The Abajo Mountains just west offer cool high-country hiking, forest roads and trails above 11,000 feet. Moab and its parks, including Arches, are about 55 miles north for a bigger day trip. Dark skies make for outstanding stargazing right from camp. Mountain biking, backcountry driving and photography round out the options. Because it is less crowded than Moab, you get big scenery with more solitude and easier logistics.
Are the campgrounds near Monticello open year-round?
Mostly seasonal. The private parks and the forest campground operate primarily spring through fall, and high-elevation public sites like Devils Canyon close or become inaccessible with snow in winter. Many facilities shut down entirely in the cold months, and Canyonlands Needles has its own seasonal and closure considerations. Winter camping around Monticello is really only for fully self-contained, winter-ready rigs prepared for cold, snow and closed services. If you want reliable hookups and open campgrounds, plan your visit for late spring through fall. Always confirm current operating dates and any closures with each park or the relevant agency before you arrive.
Is there cell service and connectivity around Monticello?
In town, cell coverage is decent and you can generally get online, but it degrades quickly once you head into Bears Ears National Monument, the national forest or dispersed camping areas, where you may have no signal at all. This matters for navigation, reservations and safety, so download offline maps, park information and any booking confirmations while you still have service in Monticello. If staying connected is important for remote work, base at the in-town RV park where coverage is best, and treat backcountry days as unplugged. Carry a paper map or GPS device as a backup for the remote canyon and forest roads.
What are the best RV parks in Monticello, UT?
For full hookups, Mountain View RV Park & Campground in town is the top pick, with level gravel sites, 50-amp service, sewer, water and showers, plus easy access for big rigs. Canyonlands Basecamp is a nearby private option built around spacious dry-camping sites, a central water fill and an on-site dump station, with excellent dark skies. For public camping, Devils Canyon Campground in the Manti-La Sal National Forest offers quiet, no-hookup forest sites just off US-191. Add in abundant BLM and forest dispersed camping, and Monticello gives you everything from full hookups to free boondocking within a short drive.
Does Monticello have full-hookup RV sites?
Yes. Mountain View RV Park & Campground offers full hookups with 50-amp electric, water and sewer on level gravel pads, along with showers, and it accommodates larger rigs. That makes it the most comfortable base in town for RVers who want to plug in after a day in the canyons. Canyonlands Basecamp is primarily dry camping but provides a central water fill and an on-site dump station for guests. If full hookups are essential to your trip, book Mountain View ahead in the busy spring and fall seasons. Otherwise, the area rewards self-contained rigs with lots of cheaper and free options.
Can I boondock or camp for free near Monticello?
Absolutely, and it is one of the best reasons to base here. Monticello is surrounded by BLM and Manti-La Sal National Forest land that allows dispersed camping at no charge, so self-contained rigs can find quiet, scenic sites with mountain or canyon views. Go in with full fresh water and empty holding tanks, pack out everything, and check for seasonal fire restrictions, which are common in the dry months. Forest and monument access roads vary widely in quality, so scout before taking a big rig down an unpaved road. Devils Canyon Campground offers a cheap developed alternative if you want a designated forest site with drinking water.
Is Monticello a good base for Canyonlands and Bears Ears?
Yes, it is one of the best. Monticello sits about an hour from Canyonlands National Park's Needles District and is surrounded by Bears Ears National Monument, with Moab and its parks about 55 miles north. Basing here gives you access to world-class red rock at lower prices and with fewer crowds than staying in Moab. One caveat: the Needles District has faced temporary fire-related closures, so verify its current status before building a trip around it and keep backup plans among the many other canyons and trails nearby. Blanding, 21 miles south, adds more Bears Ears access and services.
What hookups and amp service can I expect near Monticello?
It depends on where you stay. Mountain View RV Park & Campground provides full hookups with 50-amp electric, water and sewer, which covers most big rigs comfortably. Canyonlands Basecamp is dry camping with a shared water fill and a dump station rather than site hookups. Public options like Devils Canyon Campground and dispersed BLM or forest sites have no hookups at all, so you rely on your own batteries, solar, generator and tanks. If you need reliable 50-amp power for air conditioning or heavy appliances, plan on the in-town park; if you are set up for off-grid, the free and cheap options open up.
When is the best time to RV in Monticello?
Fall is the standout, with crisp, clear, stable weather and thinning crowds, ideal for hiking Bears Ears and the Abajo Mountains. Summer is the other big draw because Monticello's 7,000-foot elevation keeps nights cool while Moab and the desert floor bake, though July and August bring monsoon storms and flash-flood risk in slot canyons. Spring is good for red-rock touring but can still deliver snow into May. Winter is cold and snowy with many facilities closed, best left to fully self-contained, winter-ready rigs. For most travelers, September and October offer the finest all-around conditions.
Is Monticello good for big rigs?
In town, yes. Mountain View RV Park & Campground has level gravel pads and ample large sites designed for big rigs, and US-191 through town is a well-graded, paved highway that handles long coaches and trailers without trouble. The catch is the backcountry: many forest, monument and canyon access roads around Bears Ears are unpaved, narrow, rough or steep, and are not suitable for large or low-clearance RVs. Stick to paved US-191 and US-491 for travel, base your big rig at the in-town park, and use a tow vehicle or day trips for exploring the rougher roads into the canyons and mountains.
How cold does it get at night in Monticello?
Cold, even in summer, because of the 7,000-foot elevation. Summer overnight lows commonly dip into the low 50s, spring and fall nights fall into the 30s, and winter lows drop into the teens with snow. This is exactly why RVers escape here in July and August when lower-elevation desert towns are miserably hot. Pack layers, a warm sleeping setup and be ready to run your furnace on shoulder-season nights. The flip side is delicious: warm, dry days for hiking and canyon touring paired with cool, comfortable nights for sleeping, which is a rare combination in the desert Southwest during summer.
Where do I get fuel, water and supplies near Monticello?
Monticello itself is your supply hub, with fuel, groceries and propane in town. It is the last reliable stop before large stretches of remote public land in Bears Ears, so top off fuel, fill your fresh-water tank and stock groceries before heading out. Blanding, 21 miles south, and Moab, 55 miles north, offer additional services, while Cortez, Colorado is about 55 miles east. Once you leave town for the monument or dispersed camping, expect almost no services and spotty cell coverage, so download maps and confirmations in advance. Planning your provisioning around Monticello keeps a remote canyon-country trip smooth and low-stress.
Do I need reservations for campgrounds near Monticello?
For the private full-hookup park, yes, especially in the busy spring and fall red-rock seasons and on summer weekends, so book Mountain View RV Park & Campground ahead. Devils Canyon Campground in the national forest offers a mix of first-come and reservable sites through Recreation.gov, so check availability before you arrive. Dispersed BLM and national-forest boondocking is first-come and free, no reservation needed, but you must be self-contained. If your trip depends on a specific hookup site during a peak weekend, reserve early; if you are flexible and off-grid capable, you can often find dispersed camping on the fly around the Abajos and Bears Ears.
What is there to do around Monticello?
Plenty. Monticello is a gateway to Canyonlands National Park's Needles District, roughly an hour away, and sits within Bears Ears National Monument, a vast landscape of canyons, cultural sites and mesas to explore. The Abajo Mountains just west offer cool high-country hiking, forest roads and trails above 11,000 feet. Moab and its parks, including Arches, are about 55 miles north for a bigger day trip. Dark skies make for outstanding stargazing right from camp. Mountain biking, backcountry driving and photography round out the options. Because it is less crowded than Moab, you get big scenery with more solitude and easier logistics.
Are the campgrounds near Monticello open year-round?
Mostly seasonal. The private parks and the forest campground operate primarily spring through fall, and high-elevation public sites like Devils Canyon close or become inaccessible with snow in winter. Many facilities shut down entirely in the cold months, and Canyonlands Needles has its own seasonal and closure considerations. Winter camping around Monticello is really only for fully self-contained, winter-ready rigs prepared for cold, snow and closed services. If you want reliable hookups and open campgrounds, plan your visit for late spring through fall. Always confirm current operating dates and any closures with each park or the relevant agency before you arrive.
Is there cell service and connectivity around Monticello?
In town, cell coverage is decent and you can generally get online, but it degrades quickly once you head into Bears Ears National Monument, the national forest or dispersed camping areas, where you may have no signal at all. This matters for navigation, reservations and safety, so download offline maps, park information and any booking confirmations while you still have service in Monticello. If staying connected is important for remote work, base at the in-town RV park where coverage is best, and treat backcountry days as unplugged. Carry a paper map or GPS device as a backup for the remote canyon and forest roads.
All Dump Stations Near Monticello (27)
RV ParkOld West RV Park
RV ParkWesterner RV Park
RV ParkMountain View RV Park And Campground
RV ParkDalton Spring Campground
RV ParkDevils Canyon Campground
RV Park with Dump StationsBlanding RV Park
RV ParkBlue Mountain RV & Trading
RV Park





