The best campgrounds near Mexican Hat, Utah with climbing

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate resource for camping enthusiasts! Whether you're an experienced climber or just starting out, we've got you covered near Mexican Hat, Utah. With over 420 options specifically tailored to climbers in this area, you're sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Looking for some insider knowledge? Check out our top campsites, including The Needles Outpost Campground (811 reviews), Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), and The Adventure Haven (204 reviews). And don't worry about roughing it too much - popular amenities like potable water, cooking equipment, and showers are available at many of our sites. When you're ready for a break from climbing, take advantage of the area's other popular activities like horseback riding, off-roading (OHV), and hiking. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!

95% (726)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sunset Over Bears Ears National Monument

Welcome to Hipcamp, the ultimate resource for camping enthusiasts! Whether you're an experienced climber or just starting out, we've got you covered near Mexican Hat, Utah. With over 420 options specifically tailored to climbers in this area, you're sure to find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV. Looking for some insider knowledge? Check out our top campsites, including The Needles Outpost Campground (811 reviews), Bright Star Campground (211 reviews), and The Adventure Haven (204 reviews). And don't worry about roughing it too much - popular amenities like potable water, cooking equipment, and showers are available at many of our sites. When you're ready for a break from climbing, take advantage of the area's other popular activities like horseback riding, off-roading (OHV), and hiking. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!

95% (726)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

96%

(625)

37mi from Mexican Hat · 10 sites · Tents, RVs · Blanding, UT

Watch the sun come up over the Sleeping Ute Mountain in Colorado and enjoy a gorgeous sunset as the sun sets over the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. We are off the grid and have no electricity or water. Our graveled camping sites are easy to access. We are located next to a paved road. You do not need high clearance vehicles or 4-wheel drive. Camp in a natural high desert environment consisting of cedar and pinion trees, Brigham tea, sagebrush, etc. Great views of the night sky. An ancient Indian mound is on site. The Five Kiva Ruin and Nations Natural Bridge are within hiking distance. Minutes away is the town of Blanding with restaurants, hospital, gas stations and a dump station. Its only a short drive to five different National Monuments: Bears Ears, Natural Bridges, Rainbow Bridge, Hovenweep, and Canyon of The Ancients. Take a scenic drive over the Blue Mountain and Elk Ridge. Southeastern Utah is full of archeology history to hike and explore.

2. Indian Canyon Ranch

95%

(112)

47mi from Mexican Hat · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Monticello, UT

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

95%

(354)

1.5mi from Mexican Hat · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Mexican Hat, UT

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. RedNeck Ranch

47mi from Mexican Hat · 2 sites · Lodging · Blanding, UT

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.

5. FireTree Camping

95%

(285)

25mi from Mexican Hat · 2 sites · Tents · Monument Valley, UT

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

Public campgrounds near Mexican Hat

100%

(1)

Sand Island Campground

16mi from Mexican Hat · 25 sites · Tents, RVs · in Monticello Field Office

Nizhoni Campground

46mi from Mexican Hat · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manti-La Sal National Forest

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

100%

(3)

Devils Canyon Campground

47mi from Mexican Hat · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · in Manti-La Sal National Forest

Stories from the community

J

Jane

October 2025

24 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

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.

E

Eric

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

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

1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

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

1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

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

1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

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

1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

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

1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

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

1 night at Sunset Campground on Ruin Road

It was a nice quiet campground. The portal potty was clean and didn’t smell. Peg and I had a nice quiet evening there. Thanks Cassie

K

Kevin

September 2025

40 ft fifth wheel

1 night at Mexican Hat Rocks

Easy in, easy out. We took the area very near the entrance. Lots of people in/out for photos of the “hat” but all were respectful of our space. We drove down further after unhooking to see what other spots looked like. We are a 40’ 5-er; others might have worked but maneuverability would have been tight. Our spot was ideal and easy leveling. The road in and out is certainly no worse than many boondocking spots. Just, as usual, take it slow. Beautiful spot, thanks to JL for making it available.