Best Dispersed Camping near Oljato-Monument Valley, UT

Four-wheel drive helps when accessing Oljato Monument Valley's more remote camping spots after rain. The City Park Campground and Recreation Area both have basic sites where you can camp far from crowds. You'll need to bring everything with you, including water, since these areas don't have any facilities. When setting up camp, stay at least 200 feet from water sources and roads to follow public land rules. Most places limit camping to 14 days at a time. The dirt roads leading to good camping spots can be rough, so a vehicle with high clearance makes things easier. Check current fire rules before your trip as they change with the seasons. The nearest supplies are about 30 miles away in Kayenta, so stock up before heading out. Pack out all your trash when you leave to keep these areas clean for others.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah (25)

    1. Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping

    36 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    23 miles
    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."

    "Road condition: probably want all wheel drive, but you might get to some spots without it

    Fee: there’s a hand-painted sign that says to pay online but it was unclear who manages the site."

    2. Valley of the Gods Dispersed Camping

    46 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    28 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Free primitive camping with amazing views. No facilities. Pack in and pack out. Plenty of spaces to chose from."

    3. Muley Point — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

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

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Mexican Hat Rock

    9 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    23 miles

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

    "Total awesomeness 😎 I'm confused though about the sign near entrance requiring a fee with no amenities. 🤔 This is BLM land!"

    5. Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    27 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."

    6. Valley of the Gods

    4 Reviews
    Mexican Hat, UT
    28 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. Comb Wash Dispersed Camping Area

    10 Reviews
    Blanding, UT
    45 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"

    8. Butler Wash Dispersed - Bears Ears

    4 Reviews
    Bluff, UT
    38 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."

    9. Snow Flat Camp 13 - Bears Ears

    1 Review
    Mexican Hat, UT
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 587-1510

    "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."

    10. Butler Wash Pay Station Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Bluff, UT
    36 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Oljato-Monument Valley, UT

141 Reviews of 25 Oljato-Monument Valley 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 27, 2024

    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!

  • Casawndra P.
    Jan. 17, 2022

    Comb Wash Dispersed Camping Area

    Super Cool-Middle of Nowhere

    Comb Ridge is incredible, read about it!

    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 no service

    very spaced out-i stayed in one of the first areas so i can’t speak to how good the road is but it is dirt and sand.

    i had no service

    felt very safe!🤍

    Pack in pack out-leave no trace and that also means don’t leave trash in the campfire ring🤍

  • Jeff V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 24, 2025

    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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2025

    Burch Canyon Road near Natural Bridges National Monument

    Great boon docking near Natural Bridges National monument and Bears Ears

    Very nice boon docking area near Natural Bridges national Monument.  No toilets or water but the visitors center is a short drive and has restrooms open 24 hours, WIFI and fresh drinking water.  At least 20 campsites.


Guide to Oljato-Monument Valley

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah, where stunning landscapes and serene environments await outdoor enthusiasts. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Oljato-Monument Valley, Utah

  • Be prepared for limited amenities; many spots, like Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping, do not offer drinking water or trash disposal, so plan accordingly.
  • Access can vary; some areas require high-clearance vehicles, especially if you venture into spots like Muley Point — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which is known for its breathtaking views but may challenge standard vehicles.
  • Respect the land and its history; many dispersed camping areas are on native lands, and it's essential to leave no trace and follow local guidelines.

Valley of the Gods for dispersed campers

  • The Valley of the Gods offers stunning vistas and ample dispersed camping opportunities, making it a favorite among nature lovers.
  • Be ready for windy conditions; campers have noted that the area can get quite breezy, especially in the afternoons, so secure your gear.
  • This location is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along to enjoy the scenic beauty.

Dispersed campers should check out Mexican Hat Rock

  • Mexican Hat Rock provides a unique backdrop for camping, with its iconic rock formation adding to the picturesque landscape.
  • While it offers a quiet experience, be aware that some reviews mention recent changes to the camping fees, so check for updates before you go.
  • The area is known for its beautiful night skies, making it an excellent spot for stargazing away from city lights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping spots near Monument Valley?

Monument Valley offers several dispersed camping options nearby. Valley of the Gods Road Dispersed provides accessible sites right off the main road for most vehicles, with more remote spots available for those with high clearance vehicles. Another excellent option is Dispersed Mexican Hat Camping, which offers big rig friendly spots with views of the iconic Mexican Hat formation. Both locations provide beautiful desert vistas characteristic of the Monument Valley region. These areas typically have no facilities, so bring everything you need including water and waste disposal options. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and be prepared for variable weather conditions, particularly strong winds during spring.

Is free camping available on BLM land near Monument Valley?

Yes, free camping is available on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land near Monument Valley. Comb Wash Dispersed Camping Area within Bears Ears National Monument offers free dispersed camping with designated spots and open flat spaces. The first few spots are accessible by any vehicle, though be cautious of soft sandy roads after rain. Muley Point — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area also offers free dispersed camping on BLM land with spectacular views. These areas typically have no amenities, so pack in all necessary supplies including water and pack out all trash. While free, campers should follow standard dispersed camping regulations including the 14-day stay limit and camping in previously established sites when possible.

Are there fishing opportunities near Monument Valley dispersed camping areas?

Fishing opportunities exist near Monument Valley, though they're limited due to the arid desert environment. Blue Notch Canyon Primitive — Glen Canyon National Recreation Area offers lakeside primitive camping with potential fishing access. The campground sits along the lake with incredible views, making it an ideal spot for anglers. Butler Wash Dispersed - Bears Ears is situated at higher elevation where small streams might provide seasonal fishing opportunities. When planning a fishing trip in this region, check with local authorities for regulations, as permits may be required. Due to the remote nature of these areas, bring ample water and supplies. Weather conditions can change rapidly, affecting water levels and fishing conditions.

What are the boondocking options for RVs near Monument Valley?

Monument Valley offers several boondocking options suitable for RVs. Picket Road BLM provides big rig friendly spaces with stunning views, though the road gets washed out further in (high clearance recommended, especially during rain). Burch Canyon Road near Natural Bridges National Monument offers approximately 20 boondocking sites relatively close to amenities - the visitor center at Natural Bridges provides 24-hour restrooms, Wi-Fi, and fresh drinking water. Most boondocking areas around Monument Valley lack hookups, water, and dump stations, so arrive with full tanks and empty waste containers. Level spots can be limited for larger RVs, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.