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Best Campgrounds near Mexican Hat, UT

459 Reviews

Mexican Hat, Utah, situated along the San Juan River, provides dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and nearby developed campgrounds. Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping offers free primitive sites with scenic desert views approximately 7 miles northeast of Mexican Hat. The region includes several dispersed camping areas directly adjacent to Mexican Hat Rock, a distinctive geological formation that serves as the town's namesake. Goosenecks State Park Campground provides established sites with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Camping options range from primitive tent sites along the river to RV-accessible areas with varying levels of amenities.

The Mexican Hat area features a desert climate with limited shade and extreme temperature fluctuations. Road conditions vary significantly, with some dispersed sites accessible by standard vehicles while others require high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. "The road is in great shape. Plenty of places to camp off Valley of the Gods Rd. If you're looking to get away from everything, this is your spot," noted one visitor about the Valley of the Gods area. Cell service is inconsistent throughout the region, with some areas having moderate coverage while others have none. Most dispersed camping areas lack drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities, requiring visitors to be fully self-sufficient. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.

Campers consistently highlight the exceptional night sky viewing opportunities throughout the Mexican Hat region. The area's remote location creates minimal light pollution, allowing for remarkable stargazing experiences. According to one visitor, "During my 2 am pee, the milky way was out of control!" Several reviews mention the solitude and privacy available at dispersed sites, with neighbors often a quarter-mile or more away. Proximity to attractions such as Monument Valley, Valley of the Gods, and Goosenecks State Park makes the area a convenient base for regional exploration. Riverside camping spots along the San Juan River are particularly popular, offering scenic views and the sound of flowing water. The dramatic red rock landscape creates a unique backdrop for camping experiences throughout the Mexican Hat region.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mexican Hat, Utah (66)

    1. Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping

    46 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    7 miles
    Website

    "The towns of Mexican hat and Bluff are nearby to resupply or pick up so thing you forgot. If you’re looking to get away from everything, this is your spot."

    "Best place to camp near blanding/Mexican hat. Will say the road was relatively rough and is not suitable for large rvs and maybe some RWD/low clearance vehicles."

    2. Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping

    36 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    1 mile
    Website

    "Better ones if you go down the hill behind Mexican Hat rock next to the river. Lots to explore. Seen a bunch of deer."

    "Mexican Hat is free dispursed camping on BLM land outside of the town of Mexican Hat Utah. There are sites available for RVs, tents, vans, etc."

    3. Goosenecks State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 678-2238

    $10 / night

    "We enjoyed our stay at Gooseneck State Park in Utah. $10 per day. Pretty good ATT Service. This is a remote location with no water or hookups. You must be fully contained."

    "You get to walk around at the edge of the cliffs."

    4. Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed

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

    "We found a spot about 3km in from the 163 entrance. Great views. Windy in the afrernoon but dies down around 5pm."

    "Very easy to drive on road, we took a 2WD car and had no issues. Plenty of spots so you’ll always find a place to camp for the night."

    5. Muley Point — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 574-4386

    "Crazy and scary drive coming from Mexican Hat to the south climbing up Moki Dugway to get here. It is not for the feint of heart. 11% grade, 15mph limit and gravel with some washboards."

    "Beautiful spot that gets quite a bit of traffic--we had a lot of people on a Wednesday pulling up next to our site to enjoy the view or have an evening picnic."

    6. Mexican Hat Rock

    9 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    1 mile

    "Never in my life have I heard of Mexican Hat, let alone the rock it’s named after."

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

    7. Sand Island Recreation Area — Bears Ears National Monument

    21 Reviews
    Bluff, UT
    16 miles

    $15 / night

    "We stopped here on our loop of the Utah big 5. Weren't expecting much but it surprised us! There was a nice river and some petroglyphs a short walk away. Water fill and some picnic tables."

    "Scattered water spigots, vault toilets at both loops and a trash dumpster at entrance by the boat ramp area. 15$ nite for camping. 14 day limit."

    8. Sleeping Bear Campground

    18 Reviews
    Monument Valley, UT
    15 miles
    +1 (435) 444-7777

    $20 / night

    "Having drove past the packed KOA campground in Monument Vally, we arrived at Sleeping Bear with huge smiles on our faces... couldn't believe what a beautiful location it was and only one other van there"

    "Grill and picnic tables close by. Entire site to ourselves absolutely perfect."

    9. Gouldings RV and Campground

    39 Reviews
    Monument Valley, UT
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 727-3235

    "The campground is with 5 miles of the MV entrance.  Clean restrooms and great sights. "

    "If you get to the campgrounds early enough you can set up a tent at the edge. This way you will have a clear view of Monument Valley with no other tents or distractions in the way."

    10. Hummingbird Campground

    23 Reviews
    Monument Valley, UT
    19 miles
    +1 (435) 444-5714

    $30 / night

    "It was super close to entrance of Monument valley. Soft sand for tents that made it super comfortable and they even have an amazing hike- we did it at sunrise and loved it."

    "Was looking for a spot close to Monument Valley and came across this gem. It is located in the property of a Navajo Family. There are 8-10 spots on their property."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mexican Hat, UT

110 Photos of 66 Mexican Hat Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mexican Hat, UT

459 Reviews of 66 Mexican Hat Campgrounds

Guide to Mexican Hat

Camping near Mexican Hat, Utah, offers stunning landscapes and a chance to connect with nature. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore the Valley of the Gods: This area is perfect for those who love scenic drives and breathtaking views. One camper mentioned, "We entered Valley of the Gods from the west side... found a great flat area on the left hand side of the road, with an awesome view of Balanced Rock" at Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping.
  • Stargazing: The night sky is a highlight for many campers. A visitor shared, "Stayed one night and saw amazing stars in the sky" while camping at Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping.
  • Visit Monument Valley: Just a short drive away, this iconic landscape is a must-see. One camper noted, "Great Time with great people" at the Monument Valley KOA.

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping, lack basic facilities such as drinking water and toilets. A camper noted, "NO drinking_water, NO toilets" at this site.
  • Road Conditions: Some areas require a vehicle with good clearance. A reviewer at Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping mentioned, "There are smaller trails that require 4WD with a bit of clearance."
  • Weather Considerations: The heat can be intense during summer months. One camper shared, "Only complaint is it was hot with almost no shade" at Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Established Campgrounds: Places like Gouldings RV and Campground offer more amenities, making it easier for families. A camper mentioned, "Great views, laundry, restroom facilities" at this campground.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of things to do. One family enjoyed the "Navajo taco dinner" and a sunrise tour at Hummingbird Campground.
  • Bring Entertainment: With limited activities at some sites, it's good to have games or books. A visitor at Sleeping Bear Campground noted, "The views are great... we had time to go explore the Valley of the Gods."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Conditions: RVers should confirm site suitability. One camper at Gouldings RV and Campground mentioned, "Our site was very unlevel."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Dust can be an issue in some areas. A reviewer at Goosenecks State Park Campground advised, "Road gets really really bumpy the farther down the left side you go."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Since some campgrounds lack amenities, it's wise to stock up. A camper at Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping noted, "There isn’t a gate or anything like that" for payment, indicating a more rustic experience.

Camping near Mexican Hat, Utah, is a unique experience filled with natural beauty and adventure. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds in Mexican Hat, Utah?

Mexican Hat offers several camping options. Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping is located on BLM land around the town, with sites available directly at the base of Mexican Hat Rock. Some spots are accessible with 2WD vehicles, while others require 4WD. For a unique experience, Muley Point — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers spectacular views, though reaching it requires navigating the challenging Moki Dugway. Other nearby options include camping along the San Juan River or in the surrounding desert landscapes. Most dispersed camping areas in Mexican Hat are primitive with no amenities except for occasional camper-made fire pits, so come prepared with all necessary supplies.

How much does it cost to camp in Mexican Hat, Utah?

Camping costs around Mexican Hat vary by site type. Goosenecks State Park Campground charges $10 per day for primitive camping with stunning canyon views but no hookups or water. It's a self-contained camping experience with vault toilets. In contrast, the free Mexican Hat Rock dispersed camping areas provide cost-free options on BLM land. These free sites offer no amenities but provide beautiful desert camping under the stars. For those heading slightly further from Mexican Hat, Sand Island Recreation Area offers developed camping with water fill stations and picnic tables for a modest fee.

What RV camping options are available near Mexican Hat?

Valles RV Park offers full hookups near Mexican Hat Rock, though it has no bathroom facilities. It's a simple, convenient option for RVers who need connections. For those comfortable with boondocking, Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed provides big-rig-friendly sites in a scenic area. If you're willing to drive about an hour from Mexican Hat, Blue Mountain RV Park in Blanding offers more amenities and reliable cell service. Many RVers also use the dispersed camping areas around Mexican Hat, with some spots accessible to larger rigs, particularly those to the right of Mexican Hat Rock Road.

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