Off Highway 163 in southeastern Utah, Mexican Hat Rock sits on Bureau of Land Management property where red rock desert meets the San Juan River valley. The dispersed camping area lies just over a mile from the town of Mexican Hat, accessible via a dirt road that includes one steep section and a sharp turn near the bottom.
Campers navigate confusion about fees and access routes here. Aaron V. explains the entry road "technically goes through private land" where signs may suggest payment, but "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." Eleven defined sites spread along the road, each marked by rock fire rings and level parking areas. The sites offer direct views of the distinctive rock formation that gives the area its name.
Wind exposure affects comfort levels significantly. Reviewers note the flat terrain provides little natural windbreak, making the area "extremely windy with no wind coverage" according to some visitors. Summer temperatures can reach 104°F, while shoulder seasons provide more moderate conditions. The road becomes challenging when wet, requiring four-wheel drive capability in muddy conditions.
RVs up to 24 feet can navigate the access road successfully, though longer rigs may struggle with the sharp turn. Cell service varies by carrier, with some reporting no T-Mobile coverage. The sites lack restrooms, water, or other developed amenities. Highway noise from distant traffic remains audible but doesn't dominate the soundscape.
Visit during spring or fall for the most comfortable weather conditions, and bring extra tie-downs for windy nights.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMexican Hat Rock is located in Utah near Mexican Hat
Coordinates
37.17146706 N
109.8486458 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 users
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 6/10/26- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 33 usersLast on 6/10/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 users
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 6/10/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 33 usersLast on 6/10/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Mexican Hat Rock needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 3 min from Farmington, NM
- 2 hrs 58 min from Flagstaff, AZ
- 3 hrs 36 min from Grand Junction, CO
- 4 hrs 41 min from St. George, UT
