Dispersed camping certainly isnt in short supply near Carlsbad Caverns. It gets extremely hot in the summer. Visit forestcamping.com to learn more. 15.0 mi. This includes all of the national forests in New Mexico (more on that below) as well as a significant amount of BLM land. There are just two or three marked campsites here. I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. Unfortunately, I dont believe dispersed camping is allowed within the scenic area, even though its administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Please, please, please! Iron Gate Campground near Pecos, NM. The place seemed safe and remarkably tidy for a free camping area adjacent to a metropolis. Located in Arizonas Sonoran Desert, Quartzsite is a popular RVing destination, especially for th With more than 30 parks to choose from, Arizonas state park system is filled with diverse landsc Arkansas excellent state park system provides RVers and tent campers with well-maintained campgr Indiana RV Campgrounds: 7 Places to Camp, Hike, and Explore the Hoosier State. This area is one of the most biologically and recreationally diverse regions for boondocking in New Mexico. There are several different options for camping here. 5. It was the 4th of July holiday weekend, and the Jemez area was packed! Our final New Mexico dispersed campsite in this guide isnt actually a dispersed site. New Mexico is one of the best places for fall, winter, and spring camping. Santa Fe, NM 87508 L. Westra 8. The campground is small and each campsite is spaced quite far apart. This is really a great stop just off of Interstate 25 if you are traveling across New Mexico. The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area (often simply called Bisti Badlands) is an alternative to Angel Peak. Info:Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District, 575-525-4300. Stay informed of the latest local news by receiving emails as soon as news is posted online. A few of these cross into neighboring states, with Coronado National Forest being primarily located in adjacent Arizona. Call the Farmington Field Office for more information: (505) 564-7600. New Mexico certainly lives up to its name as the Land of Enchantment. Distance Highest Rated Most Reviews Category. The Santa Fe National Forest offers beautiful camping areas that range from low to high elevation, high desert to forested and primitive to developed. Dont forget to check out nearby Cat Walk Recreation Area for a short yet scenic daytime hike. Although its only good for dry campsites, you can pay just $4 extra per night for an electric hookup (when available). New Mexico. Despite the proximity to the national park, theres always plenty of room to spread out here. A relatively quick and easy drive into Taos. This is a great place for boondocking in New Mexico, although its important to take things slow on the approach. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 9.1/10, Recommended Reading: Dog Friendly Camping Northern California. Many of the places are level. Many full-time boondockers and vandwellers utilize this annual pass. The map above leads to one of the more popular dispersed sites along Forest Service road 462DC1, but there are many additional sites in the surrounding area. Call the Espanola Ranger District for more information: (505) 753-7331. Check out our Dispersed Camping App guide here. The quiet campground is located in a strand of ponderosa pine in the Santa Fe National Forest. Users have dubbed it quiet and convenient, and its close to the Dripping Springs Natural Area for good hiking trails. GPS Coordinates: 32.21013705590772, -106.61473041202322. It is located near a dump, which is intriguing, yet there were no flies or odors in October. INSET: A pile of trash from a dispersed campsite is collected in a tarp in the Jemez Mountains. US; New Mexico; Santa Fe; Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping. American Springs has many sites scattered around in the vicinity for dispersed camping. The campsites are scattered around a large dirt expanse near the lake. Its not far off of the highway, but far enough that it still feels private. You cant make reservations, but there is a kiosk that lets you pay for your site using a credit card. D. McCullough 6. See 12 traveler reviews, 17 photos and blog posts New Mexico Free Camping Cuba Mesa De Cuba Dispersed Camping . The Best 10 RV Parks in Boulder, CO Prospect Rv Park. This campground is less established than most, and it caters largely to individuals looking for somewhere to stay overnight before beginning a Pecos backpacking trip. Dark Canyon is perhaps the best and is suitable for small to medium RVs and trailers in addition to tents and vans. . The past meets the present in this environment where year-round day-use, water focused . Located just southeast of Albuquerque, West Mesa Road dispersed camping is another gem. BLM New Mexico. Youll enjoy the campgrounds modest environment. Because it is BLM dispersed, there are no facilities at all, and it has a Nomadland feel to it. S R att Ra nc prin g R SANTA TERESA WILDERNESS T6 S R2 0 E T6 S R2 1 E T7 S R2 2 E T7 S R2 1 E T7 S R22 E T8 S R22 E Youre in luck. Use existing sites and fire rings when available. Pet Friendly . Ten units, picnic tables, and fire rings are included. Heres a quick list of the free campsites I dive into below: Or, browse these free campsites on our New Mexico dispersed camping map to find one near you. United States government. Call the Carlsbad Field Office for more information: (575) 234-5960. I wish other people did, too, because Id like for my kids to be able to come up here one day and enjoy this place.. The Management Unit has one dirt road through it and no developed trails for any specific users. Solar Power Bank Charger - Keep your gadgets charged with the power of the sun. Just be mindful that this campground offers little to no shade, so youll have to bring your own with one of the best campervan awnings for boondocking in New Mexico. Unless notified otherwise, dispersed camping is permitted practically everywhere at the Santa Fe National Forest. . Campendium is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. The entire area of Holy Ghost Creek is home to a variety of fauna and birds. Here are the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping: You can read more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping here. I'm in New Mexico. Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters 11 Forest Lane Santa Fe, NM 87508 (505 . The U.S. National Forest Campground Guide - National, consolidates the nine Regional Guides. Wingert said hes been coming to the Jemez for 35 years and has been saddened to see the amount of trash left by campers increase over time. Resumidero Camping Area. Although still within Santa Fe National Forest boundaries, Iron Gate Campground is suited for Pecos Wilderness hiking. We have teamed up with Ape Survival to give you a huge 25% off EVERYTHING on their store! U S National Forest Campground Guide Intermountain Region Overview. Recommended Reading: Dispersed Camping Near Eugene Oregon. Aside from a handle of picnic shelters and a handful of trees, theres minimal shade. During the May 8-10 weekend, McLarty said he and his team found 38 improperly extinguished campfires. Fire regulations must be observed at all times. The mountains seem to hug the campground, protecting the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem of yucca, juniper, and sage. Primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere on the Santa Fe National Forest unless otherwise posted. In the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico, the campground is set amid pine and fir trees, just where the aspen trees will start to appear. Weve compiled our nine favorite dispersed campsites in New Mexico in the list below. Its located in Northeast New Mexico about an hour off I-25. Get 20% here. No matter though the free Angel Peak Campground is a great alternative. Please always follow the7 Leave No Trace principles(especially packing out all your trash,properly disposing of human waste, respecting campfire bans, and only using previously-used campsites) when dispersed camping in New Mexico. In general, there is much less BLM land here than in some other states in the region, but it is still and excellent place to look for dispersed campsites. Located just north of Truth or Consequences, dont forget to take advantage of the Hot Springs around the area. Two trails depart from the site: The six-mile Baylor Pass Trail climbs to a saddle with views of the Mesilla Valley, while the four-mile Pine Tree Trail forms a loop at the base of the mountains. Looking to find more free, dispersed camping? The Albuquerque resident has been making the trip to the Jemez to camp since he was a young child, and he said the trash issue has gotten progressively worse over time. 106-887 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 ========= Although Parks Ranch is called a campground, dont expect any amenities other than fire rings and tent pads. Holloman Lake is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This way, you dont have to be searching for campground information once youre out there. These areas generally do not offer any amenities although occasionally you will find a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. The first campsites appear just off Forest Road 24 near Headquarters Well. In addition to the basic pit toilet, there are four cosmic observation pads where you can set up your telescope or simply enjoy the night sky. These National Forests are home to some excellent dispersed camping opportunities, and offer some of the most remote wilderness youll find anywhere in the world! Thats it! In addition to leaving smoldering campfires, campers have also left piles of trash. Hikers and horseriders can access the adjacent wilderness via a number of paths at this place. Each of the nine campsites has a picnic table and fire rings. Many campers have ignored the Leave No Trace principles, strewing refuse around their campsites and leaving piles of trash at day-use areas that have remained open, despite ever-present signs that ask people to pack out their garbage. Rio ChamaCampgroundPart of the Santa Fe National Forest in the northern partof the state, this free New Mexico campground has 9 total campsites and can accommodateRVs up to 20. . Title: Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Outdoor Recreation Management, Crew LeaderDates: March 27See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. 10 LGBTQ+-Friendly Campgrounds Throughout the U.S. Video: 5 Amazing Places to Camp for Free in the Western U.S. 5 National Park Sites Where You Can Boondock (or Find Boondocking Closeby), Best Campgrounds Near 4 of Baja Californias National Parks, How to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Where to Camp, The Best RV Campgrounds for Stargazing Adventures, How to Visit Prescott National Forest by RV and Where to Camp, How to Visit Coconino National Forest by RV and Where to Camp, 5 Alternatives to Utahs Popular National Parks, 5 Mid-Atlantic State Parks Worthy of a Detour. Countless other dispersed campsites are scattered across the states public lands. A pool is available, but you must arrive early to get a spot. Finally, one of the best resources, specifically for national forest dispersed camping, is to utilize Motor Vehicle Use Maps or MVUMs for short. There is something special about the combination of desert, mountains, and some of the most rugged wilderness in the US that gives New Mexico a certain allure that cant be denied. The Cottonwood Campground can be found in the San Juan River area below the dam, which is world-renowned for excellent trout fishing and boasts seven day-use areas and several hiking trails. 2023 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. The Pecos Ranger Station of the Santa Fe National Forest is located just down the road on Highway 63 less than 1 mile south of the town of Pecos . Santa Fe, which is located in New Mexico, has to offer everything if you are looking for dispersed camping in New Mexico. Rising from deserts, meadows and grasslands, the mesas, canyons and peaks of the Santa Fe National Forest are a place for re-creation. This is a large area of dispersed camping. Even though dispersed camping isnt allowed here, Cosmic Campground is hands down my favorite place for free camping in New Mexico and its not even close. An injured man, notably an experienced hiker, spent 14 days stranded in Santa Fe National Forest before he was found by another hiker by a creek. The dirt access road isnt typically very rough but definitely dont try to camp here with rain in the forecast. Just before you enter Santa Fe National Forest near Headquarter Wells is a small slice of BLM land (GPS coordinates: 35.692300, -106.086200). Check out the pullouts and spur roads along Highway 150 on the way to Taos Ski Valley for starters. Riverview Rv Park & Campground. Parks, RV Parks. Aside from the stargazing, this campground is notable for its remoteness and wide-open desert views. Looking to find more dispersed campsites? The access roads arent terribly rough if you have high-clearance, but 4WD is certainly helpful. Dept. It's an area within the Santa Fe National Forest so you can dispersed camp for free. If youre looking for dispersed camping near Santa Fe, then the Caja should be high on your short list. Sort By. Vault toilets are available on the entrance road in, and this makes a great spot to spot when visiting Fort Sumner or just passing through on your next road trip. GPS Coordinates: 32.330230856266205, -106.61224243468386. Their mother, Keola Salazar, said her children had spent a lot of time indoors due to the COVID-19 pandemic and she and her husband, Keith Salazar, wanted to bring them to the mountains to let them be kids again.. In that area is also the Valles Caldera (pronounced VIE-ay) , the site of an old supervolcano eruption that is now a nature preserve. If you have a low-clearance RV, take the first route on the left after passing through the livestock gate. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler - The ultimate camping cooler. The Capitan Wilderness is a great place to set up camp for free in south-central New Mexico. Given what a gem Tres Piedras is, please be sure to Leave No Trace and keep this forest open to dispersed camping for generations to come. Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground. Unless otherwise noted, primitive camping is permitted practically everywhere in the Santa Fe National Forest. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area Nederland. Why Youll Love Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground is a highly rated Good Sam RV park in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Holy Ghost Group Area. Fly-fishing is popular on Holy Ghost Creek. Because the Aspen Basin Campground provides access to a breathtakingly beautiful environment, it can be quite busy during the days of summer and fall aspen viewing days. Las but certainly not least on our list of the best places for dispersed camping in New Mexico is Cebolla Mesa. The diversity of New Mexicos landscape is reflected in a wide range of recreational opportunities and camping experiences one can find in the state. The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. Theres even a vault toilet here. Is dispersed camping allowed in Santa Fe National Forest. Please park your vehicle near existing roads or existing dispersed campsites. There are no facilities at Dog Canyon, although you may be able to use the facilities at Oliver Lee. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial launch of the summer recreation season on the 1.6-million-acre Santa Fe National Forest . Here are 5 of the best places for free camping in NewMexico: The site is pretty nice. Hikers and horseriders can access the adjacent wilderness via a number of paths at this place. However, there is no disposal station. However, we wouldnt recommend counting on it since those are technically reserved for paid campers. This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. However, as you pull in, its pretty enormous. Science. Call the Sadia Ranger District for more information: (505) 281-3304. This is pretty much only for car camping and tent camping. CamperAdvise also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other affiliate sites. Apart from that, theres another reason why RVers flock to New Mexico. It does get busy here thanks to the proximity to Santa Fe. Following are enlisted some of the best dispersed camping sites near Santa Fe, New Mexico: Is dispersed camping allowed in Santa Fe National Forest?Unless notified otherwise, dispersed camping is permitted practically everywhere at the Santa Fe National Forest. Find additional details ondispersed camping in National Forestsand on BLM land in New Mexico in the sections below: There are six National Forests and one National Grassland located in New Mexico that are managed by the USFS. Independent. Official websites use .gov A .gov No matter the time of year you visit, youll have excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including chances to see red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and Gimbels quail. Located in the Valle Vidal Management Unit, Cimarron Campground is surrounded by more than 100,000 acres of pristine high desert wilderness. Grant Wingert felt lucky to find a spot along N.M. 126 on Friday afternoon as dispersed sites were filling up fast. Restrooms:Vault toiletsWater:NoCrowds:LightMap. The first International Dark Sky Sanctuary to be located on USFS lands means that youll be treated to some of the best stargazing in the world here, an experience not to be missed! Cosmic Campground is clean and well-maintained. Stewards is partnering with Prescott National Forest to provide a 32-week paid, professional Recreation Specialist Assistant opportunity. Ive never seen this much human waste and trash being left out in the forest, Hurley said. The campsites themselves are quite spacious but theres not a whole lot of privacy in between them. Within Holy Ghost Canyon, the Santa Fe National Forests Holy Ghost Campground is located on the outskirts of the Pecos Wilderness. Locals from adjacent settlements use it largely for picnicking, but it also serves those who stay overnight before starting a horseback or backpack trip into the Pecos. The campsites here can accommodate just about any setup, so this is a good option if youre in an RV or pulling a trailer. Please keep your campsite at least 100 feet from streams and lakes, including riverbanks or areas next to bodies of water. This will minimize your impact and ensure your campsite can be enjoyed by future visitors. Write a Review. Receive a list of headlines from the latest edition of The New Mexican in your inbox every morning. So I abandoned the Jemez, blew by Valles Caldera, and headed towards some free camping near Los Alamos. Whether gathering of families or gathering pinon nuts and firewood, the forest is a "querencia" - a special place. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Obviously, this isnt worth it if youre just passing through. They have camping gear, hiking gear, survival gear and much more, all at 25% off when you click the link below. The book details over 25 trails and includes topographical maps, trail conditions and recommendations for mountain bike. The map linked above brings you to the largest camping area, although there are many more opportunities if you venture further in. As such, please be prepared and always practice Leave No Trace camping. Create a password that only you will remember. From Interstate 25, take Exit 1 and then turn east onto University Road/Dripping Springs Road. Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-983-7175. Read Also: Camping World In Asheville North Carolina. Restrooms:Vault toiletsWater:NoCrowds:BusyMap. Ok, now were on to the fun part! The Santa Fe National Forest, an easy drive from both Albuquerque or Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a wide diversity of recreation . Most passenger vehicles can continue up the road. Youll likely see others dispersed camping along BLM Road 7175 on your way to Angel Peak Campground, especially near the Angel Peak Badlands Overlook. Looking for more dispersed camping content? Spotlight. This is a great place for boondocking in RVs and trailers. Located just 45 minutes southeast of Farmington, this stunningly gorgeous slice of the state centers around towering Angel Peak and the surrounding badlands and canyons. Developed campgrounds offer amenities ranging from electrical hookups for RV or trailer camping, to only a toilet. Santa Fe National Forest. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. Use them to help plan your next dispersed camping trip. A great alternative to camping at Holloman Lake are the free dispersed campsites off Dog Canyon Road (GPS Coordinates: 32.7442, -105.9306). Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters Six got to the point where they were moving outside the campfire area or just about to jump outside it when they were found and put out by fire crews, McLarty said. Dispersed camping isnt allowed until youre about a mile in if you head to the left (high clearance is recommended, but 2wd will suffice). We hope youve found all you need to plan for an amazing dispersed camping vacation near Santa Fe, New Mexico, and were confident youll find the right spot for your next adventure! Guanella Pass . Reservation sites may be booked at Recreation.gov. That means no water, no trash service, and no restrooms. Photograph: Alamy. In addition, the New Mexico BLM lists these helpful rules for dispersed camping: The map below gives you a sense of where BLM managed land is located in New Mexico: There are many resources available to help you find dispersed camping areas in New Mexico, first and foremost of which is this guide! Many of these MVUMs also display where dispersed camping is permitted, typically indicated by two dots on either side of a given road. There is lots of hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities. Just make sure youre not on private land (its well-marked) before setting up camp. Also Check: Best Portable Power Bank For Camping. There are no vault toilets here so plan to pack out human waste as if you were dispersed camping. Developed sites for camping and picnicking are among the most popular, offering scenic vistas, access to fishing and hiking, and perhaps even a little peace and quiet. About a 15-minute drive away, Bandelier National Monument is a fun spot to visit and climb in some cliff houses. But, if you live in the state and go camping regularly, its definitely worth thinking about. Mark Komadina Park Manager mark.komadina@emnrd.nm.gov. This is BLM land, so dispersed camping is permitted, just dont pitch your tent too close to the developed campground. It typically doesnt get very busy here. Its not hard to see why its such a popular RV snowbirding destination. It's located in an alpine meadow and provides easy access to the San Pedro Parks Wilderness through both Vega Redonda Trail #34 and Corralitos Trail #452. Forest visitors are asked to follow campfire safety guidelines and adhere to the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics. The campground is located within Gila National Forest, which is already one of the most remote and rugged wilderness areas in the United States. Call the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands for more information: (575) 374-9652, Get Directions to Mills Canyon Campground. Extremely beautiful desert scenery throughout the canyon. Mills Canyon Campground is part of Kiowa National Grassland administered together with Cibola National Forest. The campground is in fire zone 112, so be sure to check fire restrictions before your visit. The road to get here is easily passable for trailers and RVs, so this is a good option if youre traveling in a larger vehicle. The Caja del Rio area in Santa Fe National Forest is my favorite place for dispersed camping near Santa Fe. Its not free, but the New Mexico annual camping pass is still a heck of a deal. The Capitan Wilderness is part of Lincoln National Forest. The first stretch of campsites is great for boondocking in RVs and trailers. Angel Peak Scenic Area is, as the name describes, incredibly scenic. Also, even in a non-roaring vehicle, the road is steep and washed out right now, so drive carefully. Do keep in mind that there is not water source so youll want to come prepared with all that youll need for your trip. Angel Peak is an excellent place to stop for an overnight on your way to or from the Four Corners Monument. Just be aware, the mosquitos can be pretty bad here. With diverse terrain , an abundance of wildlife, and unimaginablyclear views of the Milky Way at night, its not crazy to think that New Mexicowas made for camping. Like that delicious red or green chile, Resumidero Camping Area is a New Mexican favorite. A quick drive into Santa Fe. And, please be extra cautious after rain as Forest Road 9 can get very muddy. Though not dispersed camping in the traditional sense, the 10 campsites here are all free and have some basic amenities such as picnic tables, a covered shelter, and access to restrooms. The first couple campsites along the gravel section of the access road are best for RVs and trailers. Fenton Lake State Park doesnt seem to be interesting from the outside. McLarty said these undeveloped sites have a higher accumulation of pine straw and other fuels built up, creating an even higher risk of fire. [] God willing, there will still be significant snow coverage above 9,000' feet in March. Beautiful views of the Rio Grande cutting its way through the canyon below. This is BLM land, so dispersed camping is permitted, just dont pitch your tent too close to the developed campground. Last week, Keola Salazar and her husband, Keith, brought their three young children up to the Jemez Mountains from Albuquerque for their first camping trip of the season. Protect our public lands by always treating them with respect. Camping near Santa Fe National Forest. Expect plenty of peace and quiet, despite some daytime OHV use. This free campground features 10 campsites that all have picnic tables, a fire grill, and plenty of space for your tent. These sites get a fair amount of use given their proximity to Albuquerque, so please leave them in better shape than you found them. Campgrounds. Given that Santa Fe is only 15 minutes away, you should have no problem finding everything you need for your trip. Navajo Dam, NM 87419, Phone: 505-632-2278, 25 Best Campgrounds in New Mexico for Locals & Tourists Restaurants, HotelsBack to Top or Beautiful places near me, what to do, restaurants for breakfast, travel guide, nearest beach, What to do near my location downtown at night in fall, winter, spring, spa near me, summer, places to go, wedding venues near me, beach, wedding venues, open parks, hotels near me, burger, nature park, nice restaurants near me: UT, Indianapolis, From Kansas City, Mackinac Island, Chattanooga, RI, From Chicago, Sacramento, Nantucket, Girls Getaways, Santa Barbara, PA, Michigan beaches. If youre looking for dispersed camping near Santa Fe, then the Caja should be high on your short list. Here are the best and closest campgrounds to Santa Fe, NM, in order of proximity: Black Canyon Campground (8 miles). Follow it to the end, where youll find the entrance to these free campsites. Juan Tomas Road is part of Cibola National Forest. During the summer, the landscape is blanketed in vibrant wildflowers. Picnic tables, fire pits, and small corrals suited for one or two horses are available at each location.
