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Best Dispersed Camping near Mexican Hat, UT

176 Reviews

Valley of the Gods and Mexican Hat Rock provide free dispersed camping on BLM land near Mexican Hat, Utah. Both areas offer primitive sites without amenities, requiring visitors to pack in water and pack out waste. The dirt access roads are generally passable for most vehicles, though some sections may require higher clearance or 4WD during wet conditions.

The Mexican Hat Rock camping area follows Mexican Hat Rock Road with pull-offs suitable for both tents and RVs. Sites near the San Juan River offer more seclusion. According to reviews from The Dyrt, "The spots are nicely spaced out" and "we picked a spot off to the right of Mexican Hat Rock Rd, right at the base of Mexican Hat." Valley of the Gods provides similarly rugged camping with spectacular scenery and is often less crowded. Dark night skies dominate both areas, with minimal light pollution creating excellent stargazing opportunities. Summer temperatures can be extreme, making spring and fall ideal visiting seasons.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Mexican Hat, Utah (34)

    1. Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping

    49 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    7 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping

    37 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    1 mile
    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."

    "You can see some lights from cars on the highway but if it wasn’t for that you would think you were in the middle of nowhere."

    3. Muley Point — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    12 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."

    "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."

    4. Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    5 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."

    5. Mexican Hat Rock

    10 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    1 mile

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

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

    6. Valley of the Gods

    5 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    10 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."

    7. Butler Wash Dispersed - Bears Ears

    4 Reviews
    Bluff, UT
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 587-1500

    "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."

    "The ride on Lower Butler Wash Road to reach this site was no problem for our campervan. Crossed 2 dry washes; took it slow. One of several dispersed sites along road. The site is well off the road."

    8. Butler Wash Pay Station Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Bluff, UT
    15 miles

    "The Lower Butler Wash Road is home to many fantastic car and van camping options. The dirt road is well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles."

    "Dispersed camps are scattered all along this road to the north. No water, no trash, no toilets except the two porta-potties at the pay station. Cell signal is fair to no e depending on location."

    9. Old Hwy 163 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Bluff, UT
    13 miles

    10. Comb Wash Dispersed Camping Area

    10 Reviews
    Blanding, UT
    26 miles
    Website

    "This is a dispersed camping area within Bears Ears National Monument. There are a few designated spots, as well as just open flat spaces where you can set up camp.  "

    "this spot was awesome. somewhat far away from amenities-Blanding is about 25 minutes away be prepared with water and let people know where you are-it can feel pretty isolating just because it’s dry and"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mexican Hat, UT

100 Photos of 34 Mexican Hat Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mexican Hat, UT

176 Reviews of 34 Mexican Hat Campgrounds

  • Amber A.
    Aug. 31, 2016

    Blue Notch Canyon Primitive — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    Lake Powell shoreline dispersed camping

    You really need a jeep to explore this area. It’s incredibly beautiful here: the Utah you picture when your wanderlust kicks up. The campground is a primitive dispersed site along the lake with amazing views all around. This is Bureau of Land Management camping so it’s free and extremely basic, but they do provide drinking water in one place. There are a few little stone pits for fires but I don’t know if they restrict fire making (we used our gas stove to be safe). I hope to return someday.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 16, 2025

    Muley Point — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

    360 Degrees of Unbelievable Beauty and Solitude

    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. You have to go down the way you came up unless you are going north to Blanding. There are road restrictions for vehicle size. I would not attempt when road is wet. We did our homework and were able to make it in a 22’ 2wd camper van. Huge payoff at the end with views of Valley of the Gods, Goosenecks State Park and Monument Valley. Sites are FCFS. We found a pretty level spot that was easy to back into. So quiet. It could get very windy as you are at 6300ft and no cover. But when it is calm, words don’t describe. Perfect dark sky area.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2022

    Comb Wash Dispersed Camping Area

    Awesome Area

    This is a dispersed camping area within Bears Ears National Monument. There are a few designated spots, as well as just open flat spaces where you can set up camp.  The first few spots are accessible by any vehicle, just watch the soft sandy road after a rain. 

    We found a spot close to the main road and didn't have a problem in our 26ft class c.

    Further back you'll find more sites, but you'll have to cross a wash and the sites will likely need a 4wd & high clearance vehicle.

    No cell service. 

    No amenities other than vault toilets. No garbage service.  Area was nice and clean, hopefully it stays that way.

    Some of the sites have picnic tables and a metal fire ring, but some have nothing other than a stone fire ring to mark the spot. 

    No fee.

    Beautiful area, nice hiking and walking available in this whole area.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2023

    Snow Flat Camp 13 - Bears Ears

    Worth the Drive Up

    Snow Flat Rd is rough in a few places for a non-high clearance vehicle, but it's worth it. This site was really good for my campervan, but I don't recommend the drive to this spot for larger campers. The site was large & relatively flat. Had a clean rock fire ring. Private area nearby for toilet setup. Wonderful view from the top of this mesa. Wildflowers were blooming at the site. Site was well off the road. There were a handful of offroaders passing by on their way to/from Comb Wash. Otherwise, very quiet & peaceful. No amenities. No T-Mobile nor AT&T service.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2024

    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

  • 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

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Mexican Hat Rock

    Pretty but mid

    Super awesome view of Mexican Hat. Extremely windy with no wind coverage, super flat and very little privacy. Spots seem more for dry camping with an RV.

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 49 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Mexican Hat, UT?

TheDyrt.com has all 34 dispersed camping locations near Mexican Hat, UT, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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