Primitive camping near Kayenta, Arizona provides access to red rock formations and high desert wilderness at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 6,300 feet. Most dispersed sites sit on hard-packed clay soil that becomes problematic during rain events. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F during daytime hours, while winters bring cooler temperatures and occasional snow at higher elevations.
What to do
Explore geological formations: Drive through the Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping area to see unique rock formations up close. "Second time camping with my kids here. This time we got the remote site we were hoping for... Amazing views and no light pollution or sound at night," notes Jason T.
Visit ancestral sites: Cedar Mesa near Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed contains numerous Ancestral Puebloan villages. A camper advises, "This is one of the greatest concentrations of smaller Ancestral Puebloan villages, so there are a life time of ruins to explore. Researching ahead of time will pay off."
Stargazing: The minimal light pollution creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. Brian P. from Valley of the Gods reports, "Once the moon set that night, the stars were amazing on a beautiful clear desert night."
Photography: The rock formations provide stunning photo opportunities at sunrise and sunset. "Rubbernecking with a camera out the window is the most dangerous driving hazard and it is plentiful along this drive," warns Christopher B.
What campers like
Solitude: Even during peak seasons, campers can find isolation. At Valley of the Gods Dispersed, one visitor noted, "It's like being alone on mars. This place is beautiful. The road is in great shape. The scenery is truly out of this world. Plenty of places to camp."
Wildlife viewing: The desert ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. Ariel & John W. at Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping reported, "Hummingbirds galore. Mule deer, coyotes. Amazing night sky."
Unobstructed views: The open terrain offers panoramic vistas in all directions. At Muley Point, Melissa A. describes "360 Degrees of Unbelievable Beauty and Solitude" with "views of Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park and Monument Valley."
Minimal crowds: Weekday visits often result in having areas nearly to yourself. Christopher Evans B. notes, "Arrived at East Gate about 3:30 pm, 10% of sites filled. Camped between Sitting Hen and Rooster Buttes, and saw nobody until dawn."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Strong winds can affect camping comfort, especially at higher elevations. At Muley Point, Linda C. reported "Strong winds (33 mph gusts) when we were there. Rocked our van a bit but the views are worth it."
Road conditions: Access roads vary from well-maintained dirt to challenging routes. At Mexican Hat Rock, Aaron V. advises, "There's one steep section but it seems somewhat maintained. Did the whole road without issue in a 24' 2WD Sprinter 3500XD fully loaded."
Changing regulations: Some previously free areas now charge fees. Jacob B. notes about Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping, "Awesome place but it's now $18p/n plus taxes and fees." Always verify current status.
Facilities: No amenities means bringing everything needed. Thomas R. explains, "The area is large and offers numerous spots along the road; we really enjoyed the night. We didn't have an internet connection with T-Online."
Land ownership: Pay attention to property boundaries. Pano H. advises, "Keep left and drive past the private campground (sign says to pay online) up to the cattle grate into free BLM area."
Tips for camping with families
Timing your arrival: To avoid extreme temperatures, plan accordingly. Brian P. recommends, "We got there around 7PM to avoid the heat of the day. Lots of spots and saw very few people."
Hard ground preparation: The desert soil presents challenges for tent setup. Chris notes, "The ground is also extremely dry and hard but with a mallet you can get the stake in and it will stick like concrete. We did lose a stake to the rock solid ground and it actually snapped the paracord handle."
Wildlife education: Use the experience as a learning opportunity. Alexis W. at Valley of the Gods shares, "Very few bugs until nighttime, lots of hummingbirds and lizards. Some wind. Dope view of the milky way at night!"
Temperature management: Desert temperature swings require preparation. Jason T. explains, "It is hot in July, but cools off at night. Constant breeze, no bugs. Bring shade as there are no trees except for a couple of spots by dry river beds."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Find level spots away from main roads. At Slickhorn Canyon Trailhead Dispersed, the flat parking area provides suitable space for smaller RVs without requiring extensive leveling.
Road navigation: Larger vehicles require careful planning. Trey S. at Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping notes, "Easy to get to, not very level. No hook ups but great boondocking spot."
Length restrictions: Some access roads limit vehicle size. One camper shares, "Long vehicles or trailers may have issue with the 90* turn at the bottom of the steep section but there's at least 3 viable spots before that."
Vehicle clearance: Higher clearance vehicles handle the terrain best. Mike J. cautions, "The roads are rutted and although I see plenty of passenger cars back here, my 25 ft travel trailer pulled by my F150 did all it could to pull thru the ruts, hills and hollows. Don't go off the main road without dessert 4x4 capabilities."
