Planning a dispersed camping trip near Montezuma Creek? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Utah excursion.
Lots of sites, all free, primitive. GREAT views of the Mexican Hat geological features. Good for 2wd cars.
Looking 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.
The 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.
Free 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.
Ranger
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.
Scout
Very remote area. Beautiful night sky. and peace. The entrance is a gate in a private land, drive about 1 mile to BLM land, mostly dirt roads.
Guide
This is BLM Land outside of Mesa Verde National Park. Has quite a few different sites that are all free and have fairly easy access to. The one downside (for us) was that it had just rained and the sites and road are clay which we ended up sinking into and getting stuck in. Luckily a few other campers nearby got up to watch the show and see us dig to get out (eventually they all helped push us out). There's a little road noise from the highway but it didn't bother us.
Each site has a little rock ringed fire pit and a flat area for a tent that we saw.
So if you want a free spot for up to 14 nights and want to check out Mesa Verde (highly recommend it), this is a pretty nice little spot.
Legend
We saw this BLM land on the way to the House of Fire trail came back and passed through to check it out. Flat area with some large trees very open area and since it was weekend there were several families with Atv’s. Very dusty when dry. There were tent campers and rv’s some fire rings. This campground would be about a quarter mile once you pass through The Comb off of 95 about 10 miles north of Blanding on the left. This would be great for group camping.
Scout
Dispersed camping in one of the 15 established camp spots. Not a whole lot of shade but really close to everything.
Legend
BLM land. Plenty of open space. Gravel road with potholes. Difficult entry off the main highway immediately down a steep but short grade and across a creek bottom which may or may not be full of water. The creek bottom is hard pan so not as scary as it sounds unless of course there's rushing water or a flash flood which is rare. But once through that first obstacle, the road is not too bad at all. The views here are incredible. Not crowded at all. Just pick a spot with the view you like and make it home.
TravelerWe only stayed for one night, but we would’ve stayed much longer if it wasn’t so windy/cold. Definitely our fault for visiting in November. We want to come back at the end of summer. The views here were second to none. It was the quiet you would expect from a dispersed camping spot, perfect.
ScoutGreat dispersed, free camping 5 minutes from mesa Verde, and 10 minutes from Cortez.
TravelerThese dispersed campsites were recommended to us and they did not disappoint! Secluded dry camping spots with great views of the monuments.
GuideValley of The Gods is truly an amazing place. The dispersed camping is some of the best I’ve ever experienced. Every campsite is amazing. Do yourself a favor and spend at least one night in The Valley of The Gods if you're passing through Utah.
GuideI started my trip to Mesa Verde NP not quite sure where I was going to camp for the night. I entertained the idea of spending the night inside the park, at the sad, overpriced campground there. Once I discovered they wanted north of 40 bucks for a tent site, I moseyed my way down the hill to this sick little dispersed campground. You can't beat the price (free) and there were plenty of sites to choose from, even during Labor Day week.
I believe the BLM calls this site "Chutes & Ladders". There are 15 or 16 sites available, and unlike a lot of other dispersed camping I've come across, this doesn't seem to be a place where people come to party. It was quiet and there was a lot of space between sites. Plenty of room for trailers if that's your thing. Great place to spend the night!
GuideFree camping in stunning location. Excellent biking.
ScoutEasily one of my favorite places to dispersed camp. 17 mile gravel road which my outback did fine on, just very bumpy. There are campsites everywhere, some just off the road and others have small roads going to them. Incredibly beautiful views camping in the shadow of monuments. It’s always the nice mix of occupied enough that you don’t feel like if something happens that you’re screwed, but with enough distance between campsites that it feels like you’re the only one out there. Also gorgeous views of the stars if the moon isn’t too bright.
LegendThis area is an informal dispersed camping areas. No signage noting this is an official campground. Large dispersed spots suitable for large TTs. Second dispersed camping pod in is best. Just after second camping pod area there is a steep wash dip that will restrict TYs and RVs. No toilets, no water no tables, no fire rings. No cell signal. Two track roads up and down Comb Wash away from the camping area are risky sandy so be prepared.
ScoutWords can’t describe the beauty of this place, mid May was ideal . A bit windy this time of year but only in the mid to late afternoon. Out of a hundred dispersed camp sites there wasn’t one that was left trashed or dirty. Amazingly clean and easy to get to.. if there is one camping bucket list that needs a box it’s this one. A convince store just 8 miles up the road in Mexican Hat for basic supplies and a SteakHouse as well.
GuideArea is closed for wildlife management. There are no dispersed camping sites available near Mesa Verde until June-ish
GuideAcross the main road entrance to Mesa Verda offers camping for all. Nice sites for RVs and tents. No hook ups. Dispersed camping at its best.
GuideFree primitive camping with amazing views. No facilities. Pack in and pack out. Plenty of spaces to chose from.
Legend
This area is more of a photo op than a good dispersed camping area. Road is actually a pvt mining access road. Cell is ok but limited camping...go east and camp at Valley of the Gods instead!!
GuideGreat dispersed camping near Mesa Verde. Tons of marked sites along the road. The road gets a little rougher the further you go in. It’s about a 10min drive to Walmart. The only downside is the dust but that is to be expected.
TravelerYou 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. Beautiful location between Mexican Hat and the San Juan River. dispersed camping so no amenities, and please clean up after yourself.
Traveler
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.
GuideThis park is fully paved with paved, well maintained dispersed camping. Reservatuons can be made online, which I'd suggest. The road up to the park is paved and well maintained. The sites are gorgeous with beautiful fire pits, metal picnic tables and a metal stand for a small grill. Plenty of sun for solar and gorgeous arid vegetation.
GuideWe were chased out of Valley of the Gods by a massive dust storm and came here, finding a nice spot along the San Juan River and right below the hat. Simple, no amenities dispersed camping but the road was in reasonably good shape, even after a light rain. Thanks to the dust storm we were treated to a tremendous sunset!
TravelerGorgeous views in every direction, and very quiet and peaceful. At night time the moon illuminates the rocks and it almost looks like another world. 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. True dispersed camping so come prepared with everything you might need.
Legend
Small lake (water supply?) close to hwy. Seems a network of vehicle tracks around the lake for dispersed camping. No signs present of any restrictions.. fishing? 8700 ft elevation, oak trees around the area. No picnic tables, no fire-rings, no dumpsters, no potable water.. however a single vault toilet is by hwy pull off is present.
FS website has this info: The Monticello Lake Fishing Site is located next to Monticello Lake, a 5 acre lake located about 0.2 miles off FH 49 Loop/Harts Draw down Forest Road #114. The Department of Wildlife Resources of Utah (DWR) stocks this reservoir with Rainbow and Tiger Trout.
Legend
Nice large area, lots of spur roads going to many dispersed camps. Roads have clay so some low spots can be mud holes after rains. Area is at 8850 elv, seems popular for hunting in the fall so be aware from Sept on. Vegetation is mostly oak brush and scattered pine trees and aspen. Cell signal on T-Mobile was almost useless for downloads. This area has a paved road all the way from Monticello, about 8 miles back to town. No toilets, no dumpsters and no water. Two developed FS CGs are close by but seems to have an aggressive approach to dispersed campers using the dumpsters.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Montezuma Creek, 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Montezuma Creek, UT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Montezuma Creek, UT is Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping with a 5-star rating from 43 reviews.
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