Best Dispersed Camping near Kayenta, AZ

Several free dispersed camping areas exist near Kayenta, Arizona, across the Utah border in the Mexican Hat region. Valley of the Gods offers highly-rated dispersed sites with drive-in access suitable for tents and RVs. The unpaved roads are generally well-maintained but may become muddy when wet. No drinking water, toilets, or other facilities are available at these primitive sites.

Muley Point, located within Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, provides dispersed camping with panoramic views of Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, and Goosenecks State Park. Access requires navigating dirt roads that can be challenging in wet conditions. One camper noted, "The dirt road is well maintained but when it gets wet it can get muddy quick." Sites are first-come, first-served with no amenities. The area sits at 6,300 feet elevation and experiences significant winds. Some visitors report vehicle restrictions on certain access roads, particularly the Moki Dugway which has an 11% grade and 15mph limit.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Kayenta, Arizona (7)

    1. Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping

    37 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    39 miles
    Website

    "After entering, the dirt road to the right takes you to camping in front of the Mexican Hat there’s quite a few spots that are big rig friendly."

    "Road condition: probably want all wheel drive, but you might get to some spots without it Fee: there’s a hand-painted sign that says to pay online but it was unclear who manages the site."

    2. Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping

    49 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    46 miles
    Website

    "Plus even if your vehicle can handle the soft soils you'll wreck the road for everyone once the deep ruts dry out and harden."

    "Free primitive camping with amazing views. No facilities. Pack in and pack out. Plenty of spaces to chose from."

    3. Muley Point — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 574-4386

    "Free dispersed camping on BLM land. If you don't want to back track and are continuing south, the only road down is very steep and winding and you'll want to take it slow."

    "Some sites are accessible without high clearance but these probably fill fast."

    4. Mexican Hat Rock

    10 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    39 miles

    "The entry road off the highway technically goes through private land."

    "Total awesomeness 😎 I'm confused though about the sign near entrance requiring a fee with no amenities. 🤔 This is BLM land!"

    5. Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 587-1500

    "This time we got the remote site we were hoping for. Most sites are right off the main road. Easily accessible by rv’s and cars. Our site was off the main road."

    "The first spots at the beginning of the road were meh, best for an RV not my taste for tent camping as they are super open with little privacy from the road."

    6. Valley of the Gods

    5 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    47 miles

    "Easy access with 2-wheel drive for the first .5 of the loop at least (we didn’t go any farther). Breathtaking view of the 7-sisters and plenty of flat ground for tents."

    "The valley of the gods is astoundingly, beautiful and spending the night in the valley was near perfection."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Kayenta, AZ

122 Reviews of 7 Kayenta Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2023

    Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed

    Easy to access amazing sunsets!

    Second time camping with my kids here. This time we got the remote site we were hoping for.

    Most sites are right off the main road. Easily accessible by rv’s and cars. Our site was off the main road. Don’t venture off the main road without high clearance and perhaps 4 wheel drive. If you can tho the few sites set up this way are even more remote and awesome!

    Only bummer was no campfires allowed at this time.

    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. The trees do bring bids with them…

    Amazing views and no light pollution or sound at night.

  • Jeff V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 24, 2025

    Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping

    Great Place, but bring water and firewood

    It's a breathtakingly beautiful spot with a fair amount of simple pull offs for camping.  Unless it's raining or just finished there won't be any water.  There is precious little vegetation as well, but a fair amount of rock outcroppings to block the wind, which howls come spring and is far more common than precipitation.

    Speaking of which, don't push your luck if it has rained recently, as the clay softens and becomes slick, packing around tires, and everything else.  Plus even if your vehicle can handle the soft soils you'll wreck the road for everyone once the deep ruts dry out and harden.

    Some sites have fire rings but that's the extent of facilities, although there might be a port-a-potty by the western entrance to the road, closer to the Moki Dugway.   Summers get hot, and I'd head up to Cedar Mesa if so. 

    There ample dispersed camping on Cedar Mesa, as well as plenty of scraps to get a fire going.  This is one of the greatest concentrations of smaller Ancestral Puebloan (formerly Anasazi, which is controversial and regarded as insulting by today's Pueblo tribes) villages, so there are a life time of ruins to explore.  

    Researching ahead of time will pay off, but both the BLM station by the Kane Gulch trailhead and the Natural Bridges National Monument visitor center have maps, guidebooks, and advice.  Please follow the regulations, as this is a sacred ancestral site for numerous indigenous peoples. 

    The Recapture Lodge at the east end of Bluff has decades worth of old maps to hidden sites for those who want a hotel (I recommend them highly, having visited off and on since the 1990s).  They'll give great advice if asked. 

    Both Natural Bridges and Hovenweap offer something precious in short supply across southern Utah, amazing and beautiful hiking, abundant ruins, and few visitors (this is the rare part).  Both are far more enjoyable than Arches or Zion, which are now overrun by tourists. 

    Valley of the Gods, Cedar Mesa, and the nearby national monuments (also Canyonlands, which isn't as packed as the other famous national parks) offer a chance to experience Utah's red rock country without standing shoulder to shoulder with other visitors.  That's getting increasingly difficult to find as the beauty of the region is well known by now. 

    p.s. Those wanting even more solitude should ask about the off site ruins managed by Hovenweap: you'll often have these to yourself.

  • Rita Marie C.
    Mar. 23, 2021

    Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping

    Beautiful spot for my first nights in Utah

    After entering, the dirt road to the right takes you to camping in front of the Mexican Hat there’s quite a few spots that are big rig friendly. The first road to the left I’d advise for slightly smaller rigs, but I took my short bus down there just fine. Down the hill there’s Mexican Hat Rd which seems to stretch forever. A wide variety of spots and all a close walk to the river. There’s also a dirt road that veers down - I’d only recommend for 4x4 high clearance vehicles, and probably not if it’s too wet. If you follow that road all the way down there’s actually a white sand beach to play in the water.

  • Kelsey L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2018

    Muley Point — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    Dispersed camping with stunning views

    Free dispersed camping on BLM land. If you don't want to back track and are continuing south, the only road down is very steep and winding and you'll want to take it slow. Well maintained dirt road is the only way to get there. To get your vehicle closer to the edge for a better view may require 4WD vehicles.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed

    Milky way!

    Super beautiful spot. The first spots at the beginning of the road were meh, best for an RV not my taste for tent camping as they are super open with little privacy from the road.

    We drove down a bit more towards the sailors and found the perfect spot with no view of the road. AWD AND HIGH CLEARANCE preferred. Heard some cars but didn’t see them, not a big deal. Beware of potential flooding, it was dry when we went but had flooded the night before.

    Very few bugs until nighttime, lots of hummingbirds and lizards. Some wind. Dope view of the milky way at night!

  • Charlene H.
    Aug. 8, 2019

    Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping

    Views for days

    Free primitive camping with amazing views. No facilities. Pack in and pack out. Plenty of spaces to chose from.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Valley of the Gods

    Brilliant Views in a secluded area

    A absolutely spectacular place for FREE! Easy access with 2-wheel drive for the first .5 of the loop at least (we didn’t go any farther). Breathtaking view of the 7-sisters and plenty of flat ground for tents. There are no amenities like restrooms or potable water and the campsite is a patch of flat dirt but even with all of that we still thought the sights made up for it.

    As for the actual camping in the area, would be best to arrive after or near sundown seeing as it was in the 100’s most of the afternoon and evening. The ground is also extremely dry and hard but with a mallet you can get the stake in and it will stick like concrete. The afternoon was very windy and made it a challenge to set up but the wind died down in the evening. We did lose a stake to the rock solid ground and it actually snapped the paracord handle so be prepared for that possibility.

    Overall, even though it does have its downsides, it is a breathtaking, secluded, free camping area and we would go again.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Mexican Hat Rock

    Confusing sign at entrance, great FREE dispersed camping beyond!

    The entry road off the highway technically goes through private land. It seems that landowner has tried to capitalize on people who don’t know better, or just don’t want to go any further down the road. The sign as you turn off only applies to those areas immediately after it. Once you go a little further and cross over the cattle grate on the road to the left at the fork you’re in BLM land and the campsites are free. There are 11 total that are pretty clearly defined by rock campfire rings and open flat-ish areas for vehicles.

    We visited for the first time tonight and found it empty except for 1. Went all the way to the end of the road to scope out all the sites and settled on the second to last. Beautiful view of Mexican Hat Rock and a reasonably level and open camp area.

    There’s one steep section but it seems somewhat maintained. Did the whole road without issue in a 24’ 2WD Sprinter 3500XD fully loaded. 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. H

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping

    Top Spot

    Top spot. We were completely alone with our camper van at our spot, surrounded by mountains in the distance and prairie. 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. The access is via a gravel road and is easily manageable even with a 2WD vehicle up to the first spots. Only the first few meters require a bit of courage ;)


Guide to Kayenta

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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kayenta, AZ?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kayenta, AZ is Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Kayenta, AZ?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Kayenta, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.