The best camping near Bluff with climbing

32mi from Bluff · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Monticello, UT

(112)

Indian Canyon Ranch is a rugged, isolated, off grid property which focuses on enjoying the outdoor beauty of our little corner of the spectacular American South West. Please be advised, that during heavy rain four-wheel drive may be necessary but in all cases low clearance vehicles are not ideal on the last section of road but if you arrive before dark and go slow any vehicle can make it. If you arrive after dark the last bit of road looks more challenging than it actually is due to shadows on the surface caused by the head lights. Units are not heated. Please plan to show up before dark for the best experience and ease of finding the location. Indian Canyon Ranch is proud to be an independent, off grid property with limited solar power and water available. There are no RV hook ups available but there is limited solar power in the rental units and in the communal area but not in the primitive campsites. Campsites are primitive camping only. Showers in the main communal area are solar powered and only hot with the sun and for an hour or so after sunset Joe purchased this property in 2008. At that time, it was 8 acres, and it is now at 20 acres continuous property. The ranch is situated 2 miles off the highway down a bumpy dirt road on the edge of the national forest, this gives you a feeling of being in the wilderness. The south and east sides are boarded by canyons and ruins. All other private properties in the area are 10 acres or more so are well spread out and sparsely populated. All the structures on site were brought here piece by piece and were salvaged from construction projects in Yosemite and Grand Canyon national parks. Water is manually hauled in and the power in the kitchen area is solar generated so please be conscious of water and power use.

3. Mexican Hat Rocks

16mi from Bluff · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Mexican Hat, UT

(354)

We are temporarily closed! Must reserve at least one day prior using this booking engine and text your LICENSE plate number to allow access, two night minimum. Camp spots are not marked but are obvious, choose site when you arrive, refer to map. Please respect No Trespassing signs! Two (2) miles north of Mexican Hat, UT on Hwy 163, turn East, find your spot! Bigger Rigs: Keep to the right at the 'Y' as the road to the San Juan River is steep and a little bumpy! Next to the Bears Ears National Monument, between Valley of the Gods and Monument Valley along the San Juan River is Mexican Hat where you can camp on private property...as this is NOT on the Navajo Reservation, alcohol is allowed. So many things to see! Goosenecks State Park, Natural Bridges, Moki Dugway, Cedar Mesa! Camp on this private estate that was founded in the 1890's by gold and oil prospectors and where John Wayne later crossed the river in several western movies! The night skies are unbeatable as is the quiet solitude that is sadly disappearing in other areas. Mexican Hat Rock and this portion of the San Juan River are accessible only through this estate that is open for your enjoyment, however, if you wish to camp we now ask for a small fee so we can keep it clean, maintain roads and continue our conservation efforts so all can enjoy it forever! Portable toilets are required!!! And please pick up after yourself, dogs and horses. Pack it in, pack it out. Respect your fellow campers and stay on obvious trails and roads, do know that part of this property is marked as 'No Trespassing', please respect signage. No fee is required for day trips to 'The Hat'.

4. Monticello Field Office

85 sites · Monticello, Utah

(3)

So, the Bureau of Land Management has these things called “Field Offices,” where they keeps tabs on public lands through these on-site offices. Now that we’ve covered that, let’s talk about all of the fun you and your crew can have out here! The BLM asserts that this area has some of the “most spectacular landscapes in the United States,” and we’re totally inclined to agree. You’ll find Monticello tucked away into the southeast corner of Utah near the Abajo Mountains (BLM land surrounds the mountains). Archeology buffs will have endless fun exploring the remnants of Ancestral Puebloan life, including cliff dwellings and petroglyphs. Thanks to these awesome and unique landscapes, you can spend your time hiking, camping, rock climbing, and more…all to your heart’s content. Heck, can we come with you?!

5. Manti-La Sal National Forest

Trivia time! Which part of Utah contains the densest black bear and largest elk population? The Manti-La Sal National Forest, of course! How about this one: where does most of the coal mined in Utah come from? Well, 85% of it is mined right here in the Manti-La Sal. This special forest is full of natural surprises, like lofty mountaintops, lush meadows, cavernous sandstone canyons, plus plenty of water. If it sounds like there’s a ton of diversity here, that’s because there truly is! All of this diversity means that there’s a lot to do out here. Near Moab, the forest is home to the La Sal Mountains with their tall peaks and narrow canyons. To the north, on the Wasatch Plateau, you’ll be yearning for your next road trip along the Huntington and Eccles Canyons National Scenic Byways (also called the Energy Loop). And when it comes time to hit the hay at night? You guessed it—there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

(16)

328 sites · Ferron, Utah

32mi from Bluff · 2 sites · Lodging · Blanding, UT

6. RedNeck Ranch

With just over 9 acres the RedNeck Ranch currently offers 2 accommodations. We have the cabin which is 2 bedroom 1 bath with a kitchenette and is attached to a camper trailer allowing up to 11 guests to stay. The second is a bunker underground with 1 bed a bathroom and a kitchenette allowing up to 3 guests (1 child in a cot). In the local area boasts many unique Indian ruins within walking distance. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, and atv use as well.

7. Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

96%

(75)

45mi from Bluff · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Cortez, CO

This magical place, surrounded by over 500,000 acres of protected land, is a 38 acre desert oasis near Mesa Verde, Sand Canyon and Hovenweep. Pitch your tent or park your small pop up or tiny rv (car and pull behind must be under 20 ft total) in a heritage orchard under and alongside magnificent red cliffs. We also have super clean bathroom with hot shower designated for campers. We have a fully equipped community kitchen for cooking, and a gas grill as well. We border Canyons of the Ancients immediately to the North, a 174,000 acre National Monument with the largest concentration of Ancestral Puebloan ("cliff-dweller") and archeological sites in the United States. A favorite public access point to The Canyons of the Ancients is the Sand Canyon trailhead, a five minute drive from the property up the main road. It is visited by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders alike. We are a genuine "oasis" on exquisite high desert land with profound ancient puebloan sites within steps. Ideal home base for your Southwest adventure.

8. Canyon Trails Ranch

44mi from Bluff · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cortez, CO

(104)

The homestead was built in 1911 and was one of the original postal pickups in the area. The ranch is located between Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and backs up to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Our family has lived in McElmo Canyon for over 40 years and the campground has hosted camping and outdoor educational groups since 1965. We are a family run ranch with an operating hay farm, horseback riding business, and carriage shop.

9. FireTree Camping

43mi from Bluff · 2 sites · Tents · Monument Valley, UT

(285)

FireTree offers you peace and serenity in an atmosphere of rustic charm for your desert camping experience. Outside your tent, you can sit and sip a drink in the pure clean air, read a favorite book, have a picnic, or simply gaze at the scenery. Accommodations include restroom with hot showers and potable water. Short walk to campsite (about 50 to 100 feet). We allow car and van camping, but we're not specifically set up for that. Parking spaces may not be level. Please print or download a map from our website, and DO NOT FOLLOW Google Maps or other navigation. https://firetreeinn.com/map.html

10. Canvas Camp

91%

(11)

41mi from Bluff · 3 sites · Lodging · Monticello, UT

An off-grid glamping camp in the mountains with spacious tents, shady porches, flushing toilets, potable water, hot showers, picnic areas, grills and propane fire rings. Close to Moab, Canyonlands, Arches, Butler wash ruins, Bears Ears, natural bridges, Needles, Hovenweep and more. 6 minutes from town.

11. Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

46mi from Bluff · 1 site · Lodging · Cortez, CO

(1)

Play in nature, relax in comfort. 2 spacious safari-style tents nestled in a small orchard with big views of Canyon of the Ancients. Your stay includes a private bathhouse with indoor and outdoor showers. Both tents have king beds and outdoor lounging areas and share a central campfire area. Clifftop hiking with views as far as Mesa Verde. We only accept one reservation at a time so the camp is all yours. The Details The Orchard Camp includes two large safari-style tents, each with a king bed, water cooler, mini-fridge, sheets & towels. The tents share cooking and camp amenities like a two burner Coleman stove and a propane-fueled "fire pit," and games like corn hole. Your private Bathhouse offers two sinks, two showers, two toilets, an outdoor shower and an outdoor sink for your dishes. The Orchard, with its young fruit trees and wildflowers, is your private garden. The Property You'll have access to roam much of this 38 acre property which includes a hay farm, cliffside and clifftop trail and a section of McElmo Creek. We just ask that folks stay away from the private residence on site, which is well-marked. We love pets and kids but due to the Wildlife with a capital W (and the occasional skunk) with whom we share this land we must limit our guests to humans ages 8 and up. Southwest Colorado is a land of extremes. We get hot, cold and everything in between. The tents are canvas so we offer electric blankets and small space heaters for colder days, and fans for the warmer days. And in advance, we apologize for the high cleaning fee. When you're here you'll understand why with the large showerhouse and all its windows, the large canvas tents and big decks, etc.

12. Westerner RV Park

42mi from Bluff · 45 sites · Monticello, UT

Nestled beside the renowned Hideout Golf Course, our campground offers a unique blend of serene natural beauty and proximity to some of the most breathtaking destinations in San Juan County. Surrounded by lush trees and vibrant wildlife, this location provides an ideal escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Monticello serves as a gateway to a variety of national parks and monuments, including the iconic Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Canyonlands National Park, and Arches National Park. Additionally, the stunning Glen Canyon (also known as Lake Powell), Natural Bridges, Hovenweep, and Mesa Verde are all within a short drive, making it easy to explore these remarkable sites. Don’t forget to visit the famous Four Corners, where Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico converge—perfect for capturing a memorable photo in four states at once! For those seeking state parks, nearby attractions include the Newspaper Rock Historical Monument, Edge of the Cedars Museum, and the picturesque Goosenecks State Park. Come stay with us and immerse yourself in the unforgettable experience of Utah's Canyon Country!

32mi from Bluff · 2 sites · Lodging · Blanding, UT

Camper favorites near Bluff

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

RedNeck Ranch

With just over 9 acres the RedNeck Ranch currently offers 2 accommodations. We have the cabin which is 2 bedroom 1 bath with a kitchenette and is attached to a camper trailer allowing up to 11 guests to stay. The second is a bunker underground with 1 bed a bathroom and a kitchenette allowing up to 3 guests (1 child in a cot). In the local area boasts many unique Indian ruins within walking distance. Hiking, biking, rock climbing, and atv use as well.

Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

96%

(75)

45mi from Bluff · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Cortez, CO

This magical place, surrounded by over 500,000 acres of protected land, is a 38 acre desert oasis near Mesa Verde, Sand Canyon and Hovenweep. Pitch your tent or park your small pop up or tiny rv (car and pull behind must be under 20 ft total) in a heritage orchard under and alongside magnificent red cliffs. We also have super clean bathroom with hot shower designated for campers. We have a fully equipped community kitchen for cooking, and a gas grill as well. We border Canyons of the Ancients immediately to the North, a 174,000 acre National Monument with the largest concentration of Ancestral Puebloan ("cliff-dweller") and archeological sites in the United States. A favorite public access point to The Canyons of the Ancients is the Sand Canyon trailhead, a five minute drive from the property up the main road. It is visited by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders alike. We are a genuine "oasis" on exquisite high desert land with profound ancient puebloan sites within steps. Ideal home base for your Southwest adventure.

Canyon Trails Ranch

44mi from Bluff · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cortez, CO

(104)

The homestead was built in 1911 and was one of the original postal pickups in the area. The ranch is located between Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument and backs up to Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. Our family has lived in McElmo Canyon for over 40 years and the campground has hosted camping and outdoor educational groups since 1965. We are a family run ranch with an operating hay farm, horseback riding business, and carriage shop.

FireTree Camping

43mi from Bluff · 2 sites · Tents · Monument Valley, UT

(285)

FireTree offers you peace and serenity in an atmosphere of rustic charm for your desert camping experience. Outside your tent, you can sit and sip a drink in the pure clean air, read a favorite book, have a picnic, or simply gaze at the scenery. Accommodations include restroom with hot showers and potable water. Short walk to campsite (about 50 to 100 feet). We allow car and van camping, but we're not specifically set up for that. Parking spaces may not be level. Please print or download a map from our website, and DO NOT FOLLOW Google Maps or other navigation. https://firetreeinn.com/map.html

Canvas Camp

91%

(11)

41mi from Bluff · 3 sites · Lodging · Monticello, UT

An off-grid glamping camp in the mountains with spacious tents, shady porches, flushing toilets, potable water, hot showers, picnic areas, grills and propane fire rings. Close to Moab, Canyonlands, Arches, Butler wash ruins, Bears Ears, natural bridges, Needles, Hovenweep and more. 6 minutes from town.

Modern Camping in McElmo Canyon

46mi from Bluff · 1 site · Lodging · Cortez, CO

(1)

Play in nature, relax in comfort. 2 spacious safari-style tents nestled in a small orchard with big views of Canyon of the Ancients. Your stay includes a private bathhouse with indoor and outdoor showers. Both tents have king beds and outdoor lounging areas and share a central campfire area. Clifftop hiking with views as far as Mesa Verde. We only accept one reservation at a time so the camp is all yours. The Details The Orchard Camp includes two large safari-style tents, each with a king bed, water cooler, mini-fridge, sheets & towels. The tents share cooking and camp amenities like a two burner Coleman stove and a propane-fueled "fire pit," and games like corn hole. Your private Bathhouse offers two sinks, two showers, two toilets, an outdoor shower and an outdoor sink for your dishes. The Orchard, with its young fruit trees and wildflowers, is your private garden. The Property You'll have access to roam much of this 38 acre property which includes a hay farm, cliffside and clifftop trail and a section of McElmo Creek. We just ask that folks stay away from the private residence on site, which is well-marked. We love pets and kids but due to the Wildlife with a capital W (and the occasional skunk) with whom we share this land we must limit our guests to humans ages 8 and up. Southwest Colorado is a land of extremes. We get hot, cold and everything in between. The tents are canvas so we offer electric blankets and small space heaters for colder days, and fans for the warmer days. And in advance, we apologize for the high cleaning fee. When you're here you'll understand why with the large showerhouse and all its windows, the large canvas tents and big decks, etc.

Westerner RV Park

42mi from Bluff · 45 sites · Monticello, UT

Nestled beside the renowned Hideout Golf Course, our campground offers a unique blend of serene natural beauty and proximity to some of the most breathtaking destinations in San Juan County. Surrounded by lush trees and vibrant wildlife, this location provides an ideal escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Monticello serves as a gateway to a variety of national parks and monuments, including the iconic Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Canyonlands National Park, and Arches National Park. Additionally, the stunning Glen Canyon (also known as Lake Powell), Natural Bridges, Hovenweep, and Mesa Verde are all within a short drive, making it easy to explore these remarkable sites. Don’t forget to visit the famous Four Corners, where Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico converge—perfect for capturing a memorable photo in four states at once! For those seeking state parks, nearby attractions include the Newspaper Rock Historical Monument, Edge of the Cedars Museum, and the picturesque Goosenecks State Park. Come stay with us and immerse yourself in the unforgettable experience of Utah's Canyon Country!

Public campgrounds near Bluff

2.5mi from Bluff · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Monticello Field Office

(1)

Sand Island Campground

sweet little campsite for the night--complete with picnic table and fire pit! (AND potable water faucet located near extremely clean/fresh outhouse).

33mi from Bluff · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manti-La Sal National Forest

(3)

Devils Canyon Campground

Nizhoni Campground

34mi from Bluff · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manti-La Sal National Forest

Dalton Springs Campground

41mi from Bluff · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manti-La Sal National Forest

Buckboard Campground

41mi from Bluff · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manti-La Sal National Forest

Stories from the community

J

Jane

October 2025

24 ft campervan

With pets

We loved Sunset. It was quiet with no highway traffic yet not off a beaten path or hard to find with the directions provided. The walk to the natural rock bridge and 5 kiva site was such an added bonus!

O

Outside18

October 2025

35 ft Class C

3 nights at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

Nice quiet spot, clean porta potty, garbage disposal & picnic tables provided. The Hipcamp.com info needs to be added to the bulletin board.

M

Marquitta

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Anasazi Sites @ Ancient Echoes

An absolute dream! My only regret is that we couldn’t stay longer. Sunset on property was gorgeous! The trails around camp were super fun. Friendly staff. Our pour-over site was tucked away, beautiful, felt safe. Grounds were clean and stocked.

E

Eric

October 2025

Tent

Campground is in a secluded location with easy access to the trailheads and visitor's center. We found a campsite in the back on a loop that didn't get much traffic and allowed some space from the road. There was a large flat tent area in the back part of the site. Restrooms were decent.

T

Terry

October 2025

28 ft travel trailer

1 night at Mexican Hat Rocks

Great views, really well organized site. I hope to return!

A

Annette

October 2025

Tent

Cassie and Evan responded quickly when I texted them. The site is gorgeous and so nice and quiet as well as easy access from the main road.

R

Randy

October 2025

28 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

With lots of rain making boondocking a bit dicey, it was great to have another option. This campground is kinda like an RV park but with more room between sites and great short hikes close by. Good gravel road and pads within the camp were a welcome break from muddy clay. If you don't need hookups or other amenities this is a solid choice. Never saw more than 20 percent occupied.

D

Dennis

October 2025

23 ft campervan

Very beautiful area and a wonderful setup! Highly Recommended

G

Grace

October 2025

25 ft Class C

1 night at Mexican Hat Rocks

Great views and close to Valley of the Gods. Be sure to take your high clearance vehicle down to the river where it looks like the future Grand Canyon is forming.

I

Ian

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Mexican Hat Rocks

Climbing to the top of the Mexican Hat for sunset was such an awesome experience and gave amazing views. Only critisism is that the campsite is pretty close to the highway.

M

Marcy

October 2025

Tent

We greatly enjoyed our two day stay. The location is beautiful. Both nights we watched the sun set over Bears Ears and watched a full moon rise to the east. The campground is very well maintained, easy to find and convenient to Blanding. Best of all was how quiet the location is! Definitely take the time to walk to the end of the road and see the 5 Kiva Ruin!

G

Glen

October 2025

45 ft Class A

With pets

2 nights at Mexican Hat Rocks

It was relaxing and peaceful. Little bit of traffic with people taking pictures and thought maybe a designated photo spot would help with that rather than driving around near the campers, but loved the place.

M

Michael

October 2025

30 ft Class A

1 night at Mexican Hat Rocks

I loved dry camping at Mexican Hat Rocks! What a gorgeous site! The individual campsites are well-marked. It appeared an access gate was being installed during our stay, which is good. Several cars pulled off beyond the large area next to the road and drove into the campground to park in the roads and empty campsites to take photos. That's an issue the access gate will solve. Fantastic experience overall!

C

Charles

October 2025

32 ft Class A

Weekend Trip to Mexican Hat Rocks

The location was peaceful with a lovely background. Night was totally dark and the sky was full of stars. Didn't hear a sound all night long.

L

Lin

September 2025

17 ft Class B

The campsite was easy to find and close to town, but on a quiet and peaceful location.

T

Terri

September 2025

12 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mexican Hat Rocks

Camping directly below Mexican Hat as an unbelievable experience. Highly recommend this location!!!

J

John

September 2025

16 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Mexican Hat Rocks

I loved camping on Sarah's land had a camper van came in after dark easy to find and lots of space you can see so many stars in the night sky then when morning came and BAM!!!! The Mexican Hat was right in your face less than a .25 miles away so awesome!!!

E

Elizabeth

September 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

Good location. Porta Potty was clean. I would camp there again.

S

Shyra

September 2025

24 ft Class C

Cassie and Evan’s campground was amazing! We needed somewhere pretty last minute traveling from Arches National Park to The Grand Canyon in an RV. We absolutely loved how beautiful and off grid it was and the surroundings! They explained how to get there perfectly and the bathrooms were quite clean for porta potties. They give you their personal number if needed. We didn’t have time to walk around the surrounding areas but would love to come back and explore! Will definitely recommend and hope to stay again in the future!

G

Gordon

September 2025

19 ft campervan