Best Dispersed Camping near Mexican Hat, UT
Want to go dispersed camping near Mexican Hat? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Mexican Hat, Utah (31)
1. Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping
43 Reviews•428 Photos•1165 SavesMexican Hat, Utah- Pets
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Market
- Alcohol
2. Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping
32 Reviews•78 Photos•719 SavesMexican Hat, UtahLots of sites, all free, primitive. GREAT views of the Mexican Hat geological features. Good for 2wd cars.
- Dispersed
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
3. Muley Point — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
8 Reviews•40 Photos•321 SavesMexican Hat, Utah- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed
7 Reviews•33 Photos•173 SavesMexican Hat, UtahThe beautiful Cedar Mesa sandstone monoliths, pinnacles and other geological features of this enchanting area are known as a Miniature Monument Valley. These sandstone sentinels were eroded by wind and water over eons of time. The 17 mile loop through the Valley of the Gods is a graded gravel and clay surface road (San Juan County Road #242), that has a few sharp turns, and crosses several washes. Driving time is approximately one to two hours. It is suitable for passenger cars when the road conditions are dry. However, road conditions vary throughout the year with regional weather conditions. Local inquiry should be made during and after periods of inclement weather. There are several car camps along this route. However, no campfires are allowed.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
6. Comb Wash Dispersed Camping Area
10 Reviews•30 Photos•129 SavesBlanding, UtahLooking for a retreat from the hustle of daily life - where the stars are bright, the air is clear, and the only noise is a nearby owl hooting into the night? BLM Utah provides outstanding camping opportunities for every comfort-level. From remote, backcountry camping to front-country developed sites, you will find the perfect campsite on BLM Utah-managed lands. BLM camping areas provide differing levels of services - plan ahead and be prepared, bring water, and the appropriate means to deal with your trash and human/dog waste.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
8. Valley of the Gods
2 Reviews•6 Photos•68 SavesMexican Hat, Utah- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
9. Butler Wash Dispersed - Bears Ears
3 Reviews•26 Photos•73 SavesBluff, UtahFree dispersed, also known as primitive, camping is allowed at the Monticello Field Office, Manti-La Sal National Forest, and Bears Ears National Monument except where posted. Any in-canyon camping on Cedar Mesa requires a permit, available at recreation.gov. For dispersed camping, remember the following regulations: • There is a 14-day camping limit while occupying any campsite on BLM-managed lands. • Only travel on designated routes. Off-road driving is not permitted. • The best campsites are found, not made. Do not create new campsites or alter existing ones. • Use existing fire rings or use a fire pan. Collect only dead and down wood; do not cut limbs. • Don’t leave fires unattended. Remember to drown and stir campfires before you go to bed or leave your site. • Be aware of any current fire restrictions. • No dispersed camping in the vicinity of developed recreation sites such as picnic areas, campgrounds, or trailheads. • Find an even site to camp on without trenching, digging, leveling, or trimming tree limbs to fit your tent or trailer. • Be courteous of other campers. • Pack it in, pack it out, including human waste.
- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
10. Butler Wash Pay Station Dispersed Camping
1 Review•17 Photos•8 SavesBluff, UtahFully primitive off grid camping - no amenities. Please remember to Leave No Trace.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Recent Dispersed Reviews near Mexican Hat, Utah
127 Reviews of 31 Mexican Hat Campgrounds
Christopher Evans B.
Traveler
Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed
February Solitude
Arrived at East Gate about 3:30 pm, 10% of sites filled. Camped between Sitting Hen and Rooster Buttes, and saw nobody until dawn. No cell phone service where I camped and sporadic on road which was just as well. Easy road with few must-slow-down-below-3-mph-because-of-rocks areas. For me, rubbernecking with a camera out the window is the most dangerous driving hazard and it is plentiful along this drive 😜.
Jeff V.Traveler
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.
Rex S.Traveler
Mexican Hat Rock
They charge, but great spot
Very cool site! Nice and Quiet and the site we selected was very level. Would definitely stay here again.
- HHannah M.
Scout
BLM Dispersed on San Juan River
Gorgeous river views!
River views in the morning are so pretty. Roads a bit rocky comin in, we didnt have any problems in our subaru crosstreck but could be tough if the geound gets muddy.
- Jeff V.Traveler
Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping
Great, but...
Be prepared for no water unless there has been recent rains, and even then there likely won't be any.
It can get windy, so be ready for that, and you'll need to bring your own firewood as well. It's beautiful but there aren't any amenities beyond (maybe) a fire pit.
I'd argue there are better spots on Cedar Mesa itself, but the Valley of the Gods is a beautiful alternative to the more famous Monument Valley.
Both Natural Bridges and Hovenweap are worth the short (an hour at most) drives from camp, and both have developed campgrounds for those looking for toilets or other aspects of civilization.
- EEthan R.Traveler
Mexican Hat Rock
Incredibly Surprised
Never in my life have I heard of Mexican Hat, let alone the rock it’s named after. Jeez this place was cool, the river was beautiful, the dispersed camping areas were great under the stars, and that dang Mexican Hat Rock juxtaposed to the unforgiving sea of desert just put a huge smile on my face.
- RRhys R.
GuideValley of the Gods Road Dispersed
Peaceful and Amazing Views
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.
Great views at every spot and barely any road noise from the highway. Good AT&T coverage.
No fires allowed here so keep that in mind
- RRhys R.Guide
Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping
Impassable for 2WD Vehicle
You need clearance to be able to enter this spot, there’s a large rut which stopped us from getting into the spot, we had to turn around - so only attempt to come here if you have a 4x4 or a vehicle with clearance
Jessica C.GuideValley of the Gods Dispersed Camping
Valley of the gods
So beautiful. Plenty of dispersed sites. Even on a Friday at 5pm! Sacred. Revenant. Be respectful of this beautiful land!
Dallas H.ScoutMexican Hat Rock
Quiet and lots of cool landscapes
Not free anymore but still an enjoyable experience. I was the only camper there on a weekday.
marine J.Guide
Recapture Reservoir Dispersed PullOff - Blanding Utah
Perfect for an overnight stay close to Blanding Utah
Several spots on N Radio Hill Rd E off the 191 a few miles north of Blanding Utah. Paved road. Very quiet. Perfect for an overnight stay on your way to Moab. Some spots are very spacious. Access to the reservoir with boat landing. Trash container at the end of the road.
- VViktoriaScout
Mexican Hat Rock
No Desperse Camping anymore
I arrived here late afternoon, big sign in the beginning- pay online under www.mexicanhatrocks.com - it’s 18$ per night for just a place to park- no toilets. . No reception with T-mobile to pay online. Went to gooseneck state park campground instead, only 10$ per night and they have toilets.
- ttyra H.Scout
Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping
Secluded
Nice secluded place. Was very quiet with no one around. Went in July, only complaint is it was hot with almost no shade.
- AAlfred H.Traveler
BLM Dispersed on San Juan River
Above San Juan river
Road entrance only with high clearance vehicles- for our expedition truck the road further down was narrow and very rocky but doable. At the end there is space to turn and a level place to park. Nice view
- JJames K.Guide
Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping
Great dispersed spot
There are spots for RV's and other spots where you need a 4WD. Beautiful setting with many dispersed sites available. It was very hot, but not much you can do about that…
AT&T service was strong.
Steve M.
Ranger
Butler Wash Dispersed - Bears Ears
Secluded, serene, and silent beauty!
Way up there where it's hard to breathe! Had to do things slowly and deliberately but a beautiful setting. No way to get to Bears Ears National Monument unless I had a 4x4 and I have a Subaru outback. Found a great spot that was completely quiet and perfect for stargazing. No bear issues but no facilities of any kind whatsoever. Go prepare!
- AAlfred H.Traveler
Picket Road BLM
Quiet with view
A big rig friendly place with space for several cars. The road get a little washed out the further you drive in. High clearance and 4x4 recommended especially when it’s raining. Stunning view
MP C.TravelerBLM Dispersed on San Juan River
Beautiful and quiet
We stayed 2 nights. Absolutely beautiful and peaceful. The views are amazing. No shade available so bring your own or camp in cooler months. We have a 24 ft. C-class RV and plenty of sites to pick from. Level ground. Site are a good distance apart and we saw one other camp far from us. No problem with the road. No hook ups but fire rings. No place to dump trash but it was very clean. Pack in pack out.
- FFelix S.Guide
Valley of the Gods
Not secluded
When we arrived it was howling wind and blowing sand. We worried the side of our van would be nothing but primer in the morning. Fortunately by the morning it was sunny and calm with stunning vistas. The area is exposed with few secluded opportunities. Despite mid week in May, many spots were taken. That said, it was so beautiful we would not hesitate to visit again.
Daniel B.TravelerValley of the Gods Dispersed Camping
Great spot with amazing views.
Stayed one night and saw amazing stars in the sky.
Amelia P.TravelerValley of the Gods Dispersed Camping
Awesome place to camp
Awesome views
- CChristine R.Scout
Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping
We found a great spot to park our RV!
We entered Valley of the Gods from the west side, at the bottom of the Moki Dugway. We passed Lee's Ranch, went another mile or so and found a great flat area on the left hand side of the road, with an awesome view of Balanced Rock. We actually drove the entire road the next day and thanked our lucky stars that we parked our trailer where we did. Trying to pull an RV all the way through is definitely not advised.
- BBridgette H.Scout
Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping
Epic is an understatement
Even tho we got caught in some crazy storms and broken glasses sent us home early we had such a good time exploring and will absolutely go back!!
- Berton M.
LegendValley of the Gods Road Dispersed
Boondocking Perfection
The scenery is amazing and there are ample places to camp. Very little cell reception. The dirt road is in good shape.
- LLeonard S.Traveler
Devil's Canyon Dispersed Site
Okay spot in the trees
I want to first confirm the location. I'm camping there. It is across the road from the turnoff to road 5507. You'll see a small meadow with a few almost-flat spots. There's a little hill to the east that affords a little bit of the view down to the flats below. This is pine forest, but not dense. Starlink works well if you get the meadow site on the south so you can point it north.
- FFrancois T.Guide
Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed
Amazing views
We found a spot about 3km in from the 163 entrance. Great views. Windy in the afrernoon but dies down around 5pm.
- AAmina B.Guide
BLM Dispersed on San Juan River
Amazing place for peace and quiet
We could stay here for two nights on our own, probably because the entrance is so rocky that is quite dissuasive for RV or buses. The road after that is quick and easy, amazing views on the river, beautiful starry nights up there
Guide to Mexican Hat
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Mexican Hat, Utah, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape into nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Valley of the Gods for dispersed campers
- The Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping area is known for its breathtaking views and ample space, making it a favorite among those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
- Visitors often rave about the incredible stargazing opportunities, with minimal light pollution allowing for clear night skies filled with stars.
- Be prepared for a lack of amenities; this spot is perfect for those who enjoy a more rugged camping experience, as there are no electric hookups or water sources available.
Scenic drives while free camping near Mexican Hat
- The drive to Muley Point — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers stunning vistas of the San Juan River and Monument Valley, making it a must-see for any road trip in the area.
- Accessing this site is relatively easy, even for smaller vehicles, and the unpaved roads provide a thrilling adventure for those looking to explore the rugged terrain.
- Campers can enjoy the isolation and tranquility of the area, with plenty of spots to set up camp and take in the surrounding beauty.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Mexican Hat, Utah
- When visiting Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping, ensure your vehicle has adequate clearance, as some areas may be challenging for standard cars.
- Always bring your own supplies, including water and firewood, as many dispersed sites, like Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed, do not offer these amenities.
- Respect the land and its history; many campers emphasize the importance of leaving no trace and being mindful of the sacred nature of the surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Mexican Hat, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Mexican Hat, UT is Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 43 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Mexican Hat, UT?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 dispersed camping locations near Mexican Hat, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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