Mills Canyon Campground is another free campground thats well worth an overnight stop. Pick up your trash or, better yet, pick up trash left behind by others too and make sure to pack out all your waste. Holy Ghost Creek borders this dispersed camping area. We hope weve provided all of the information you need to plan a great dispersed camping trip in New Mexico. Santa Fe, which is located in New Mexico, has to offer everything if you are looking for dispersed camping in New Mexico. Getting there: 23 miles east of Las Cruces, via US 70 to Aquirre Springs Road. Quiet campsites throughout. Cramming into nooks and crannies all along U.S. Forest Service roads throughout Santa Fe National Forest, recreationists haven't allowed the COVID-19 pandemic to keep them from enjoying their . Holloman Lake is very close to White Sands National Park and a heck of a lot less busy. Check out The Dyrt PRO to get campsite reviews, offline maps, and the best map layers for finding public dispersed camping! The Dyrt PRO is our favorite resource for planning your trip. Within Holy Ghost Canyon, the Santa Fe National Forests Holy Ghost Campground is located on the outskirts of the Pecos Wilderness. This is pretty much only for car camping and tent camping. Around 45 minutes to the town of Carlsbad. The Capitan Wilderness is a great place to set up camp for free in south-central New Mexico. 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. Small RVs and trailers will likely be just fine, but the Bureau of Land Management recommends RVs and trailers head to Sunset Reef Campground or Chosa Campground (both also free) instead. Caja Del Rio dispersed camping is part of the Santa Fe National Forest overseen by the U.S. Forest Service. Be warned, after rain or a lot of melting snow the dirt here turns to a think sludge than can stick even the burliest of tires! Use the custom map layers to find public land, download offline maps, and navigate to your perfect dispersed campsite. And, please be extra cautious after rain as Forest Road 9 can get very muddy. There are two vault toilets available at Upper Bonito, a nice feature that helps minimize human impacts. However, know that the dirt roads here often become incredibly muddy and rutted when it rains. However, about an hour to the north and just to the west of I-25, youll find Springer Lake Wildlife Area and Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge. The Land of Enchantment has a huge range of campingopportunities from primitive tent camping to amenities-filled RV camping tofree remote camping and so much more. Countless other dispersed campsites are scattered across the states public lands. New Mexico is home to some of the best camping in the UnitedStates, bar none. Im not aware of any other free campsites in the immediate area. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. P. List 3. Camping is permitted throughout the full length of the road. Try not to arrive after dark so you dont flood the campground with your headlights. High-clearance is all but a must and 4WD is extremely helpful, especially for the last several miles of road. website belongs to an official government organization in the Developed campgrounds offer amenities ranging from electrical hookups for RV or trailer camping, to only a toilet. City of Rocks state park. The 9 dispersed campsites outlined above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to free campsites in New Mexico. Finally, one of the best resources, specifically for national forest dispersed camping, is to utilize Motor Vehicle Use Maps or MVUMs for short. These areas generally do not offer any amenities although occasionally you will find a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. There are a lot of campgrounds there, and if you have a high-clearance vehicle, youll have even more possibilities. Aside from a handle of picnic shelters and a handful of trees, theres minimal shade. Free camping might as well be New Mexicos middle name. Although you shouldnt expect solitude, camping here is a lot more private than you might expect from a BLM campground. 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. L. Westra 8. Use them to help plan your next dispersed camping trip. Last but not least is the lake itself. During the summer, the landscape is blanketed in vibrant wildflowers. Youll enjoy the campgrounds modest environment. Both of these public agencies broadly permit dispersed camping on the land they manage, so are often the first place you should consider when dispersed camping. This area is one of the most biologically and recreationally diverse regions for boondocking in New Mexico. Holy Ghost Creek borders this dispersed camping area. This is the perfect place to camp before visiting El Malpais, but also makes a great stop for those on a longer road trip and youre just a short distance off of I-40 here. Theres plenty of options to choose from whether you prefer to roughit hunkered down in a four-seasontent and cold-weathersleeping bag while snow piles up outside or keep cozy in your RV at one ofthe states many state park campgrounds that stay open year-round. Dont forget to check out nearby Cat Walk Recreation Area for a short yet scenic daytime hike. This route circumnavigates the majority of the campground, allowing you to avoid the steep entrances on the side roads. Although there is occasional traffic noise, it becomes calmer as you get farther into the campgrounds. Santa Fe National Forest. Juan Tomas Road is part of Cibola National Forest. Long Campground - opens May 27; first come/first served; fee; no potable water Located about 5 miles north of the town of Capitan, this expansive section of Lincoln National Forest isnt known only for its many recreational opportunities its also famous as the place where the real Smokey the Bear was found in 1950. Be sure to let us know in the comments below if you have any questions and be sure to tell us about your trip! Weve rounded up some of the best RV parks around Santa Fe, according to campers who have been before. Job Description Position: SCC Four Corners - Santa Fe National Forest Recreation Management Strike Team Dates: May 29th - August 11th, 2023 Status: Seasonal, Full-time, Camping Program Location: Based out of Durango,CO; Project work will be in the Santa Fe National Forest, NM Stipend: $600 ($400/week living stipend + $200/week housing stipend) Ages: 18 - 30 It is a single room with Kitchenette, shower, bathroom, a queen size bed, and work space. And, it does get quite hot in the summer. Small and medium sized RVs and trailers (up to about 32 feet) will fit here. Out of a handful of options in nearby Cibola National Forest, my favorite free campsites in the area are those along Juan Tomas Road south of Tijeras. Overall, this is a nice place to set up camp. The campground is bordered by Holy Ghost Creek, which provides picturesque views of the forest and mountains. The chilly waters are home to brown trout and stocked rainbow trout. 6. The hiker would not have survived for that long if he hadn't known some survival basics, such as prioritizing his liquid intake by situating himself by a nearby stream and relying on his filtering . 4. Visitors should be prepared for hot summer days and cool nights. In terms of wildlife, dont be surprised if you see quail, doves, cattle, and much more. McLarty said his districts energy release component figures, which correlate with the amount of energy that can be released at the flaming front of a fire, are consistent with levels seen with the Dome Fire of 1996. The sites do have fire rings and theres a lot of space between sites, so you wont feel crowded next to other campers. U S National Forest Campground Guide Intermountain Region Overview. The dispersed camping lifestyle is one of the best reasons to look for the, 6 Must See Dispersed Camping Near Water in Colorado, 8 Amazing Dispersed Camping Near Sedona, Arizona, 13 Amazing Dispersed Camping Near Buena Vista, Colorado. LockA locked padlock 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. Just make sure youre not on private land (its well-marked) before setting up camp. There are no facilities at Dog Canyon, although you may be able to use the facilities at Oliver Lee. Where is the best dispersed camping site near Santa Fe? From Interstate 25, take Exit 1 and then turn east onto University Road/Dripping Springs Road. Although this isnt a typical dispersed campsite, it provides great access to the surrounding wilderness while also being easy to access for a variety or rigs. McLarty said these undeveloped sites have a higher accumulation of pine straw and other fuels built up, creating an even higher risk of fire. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. 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. Share sensitive information only The views here are truly stunning and youll be treated to some incredible sunsets and sunrises at Dog Canyon. Lincoln National Forest is chock full of dispersed campsites. Forest visitors are asked to follow campfire safety guidelines and adhere to the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics. Santa Fe Fire Road is an excellent trail for beginning off-roaders with its smooth surface and several spurs to explore. This guide is designed to help you navigate the various rules and regulations and plan your perfect New Mexico dispersed camping adventure. The dirt access roads can get extremely rough and rutted after it rains. Caja del Rio sits at a lower elevation compared to much of the surrounding National Forest so is a popular place to camp during the shoulder seasons. However, there is no disposal station. Looking to find more dispersed campsites? Matt Dahlseid is a digital enterprise producer and outdoors writer for the Santa Fe New Mexican. 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. Given that Santa Fe is only 15 minutes away, you should have no problem finding everything you need for your trip. There are no vault toilets here so plan to pack out human waste as if you were dispersed camping. FS-88 Cuba, NM 505-438-5300 Official Website. Call the Espanola Ranger District for more information: (505) 753-7331. The mountains seem to hug the campground, protecting the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem of yucca, juniper, and sage. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 8.2/10 A great option near Albuquerque. This is really a great stop just off of Interstate 25 if you are traveling across New Mexico. Santa Fe National Forest Camping: Campendium has 195 reviews of 63 Campgrounds in Santa Fe National Forest. Distance Highest Rated Most Reviews Category. Benefits: Health Benefit Eligible, Sick time and Discretionary time, Food provided while in the field . Call the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands for more information: (575) 374-9652, Get Directions to Mills Canyon Campground. The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and . Looking for more dispersed camping content? Be very cautious driving here after heavy rains. Dispersed camping is permitted on public lands in New Mexico for no more than 14 days within any 28-day period. Dark Canyon is perhaps the best and is suitable for small to medium RVs and trailers in addition to tents and vans. It offers nightly movies during the summer and access to hiking trails all year long. Santa Fe is the hub . The combination of careless campers and a high fire danger in Northern New Mexicos forests have officials wary of whats to come this weekend and throughout the summer. In January, Los Alamos hiker Coco Rae published Hiking Trails in Valles Caldera National Preserve, the first comprehensive guide to the 20-year-old preserve's trail system. Although you may find your next campsite by simply utilizing the sources above, we also highly recommend referencing the excellent information available through public agencies maps and resources. The Santa Fe Trail, Old Spanish Trail and El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro cross portions of the forest, giving you direct access to historic routes. Most of the campsites enjoy some decent privacy and all have access to a vault toilet. Rumpl Puffy Blanket - The coziest camp blanket out there. 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. There are no facilities at Dog Canyon, although you may be able to use the facilities at Oliver Lee. Located in the Valle Vidal Management Unit, Cimarron Campground is surrounded by more than 100,000 acres of pristine high desert wilderness. Theyre best suited for tent camping or van camping. Aldo Leopold Presentations Presentations 1. This is a great place for boondocking in New Mexico, although its important to take things slow on the approach. The first stretch of campsites is great for boondocking in RVs and trailers. 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. Motorized Access to Dispersed Camping: To reduce the risk of future damage to natural and heritage resources, the Santa Fe National Forest proposes to designate motorized access to dispersed camping. Guanella Pass . I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Juan Tomas Road is most notable for its proximity to Albuquerque (about an hour away). The campsites are scattered around a large dirt expanse near the lake. Here are 5 of the best places for free camping in NewMexico: The site is pretty nice. It boasts four concrete telescope pads (camping isnt allowed on these) and requires campers to use red light filters on all flashlights and headlamps to minimize light pollution. Ill happily provide additional suggestions if none of the free campsites above hit the mark for you. Pecos/Las Vegas RD, Santa Fe National Forest. Grant Wingert felt lucky to find a spot along N.M. 126 on Friday afternoon as dispersed sites were filling up fast. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock It often gets very windy, making Holloman Lake better for RVs, trailers, vans, and other self-contained vehicles rather than tents. Cimarron Campground, in the Carson National Forest, is an equestrian dream. * I believe the USFS plans to require a nightly fee here ($10 to $12) in the near future. You can access these sites from either direction, although RVs and trailers should arrive via Highway 217 from the east for the smoothest approach. Want to know the essentials for your next camping trip? Here the Organs stunning panorama of needle-like spires rises just outside your tent. 19.3 mi. The views of the Milky Way are among the very best Ive experienced in the United States. I work remotely so I camp a lot in my RV. Hurley said forest employees on patrol have reported many large groups circling the wagons, or gathering several vehicles, including RVs, at spacious dispersed sites. Youll take the road towards Oliver Lee Memorial State Park and the Oliver Lee developed campground to get here, and the camping area is located on the south side of the road before reaching the state park. 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. You never know how far the camping spaces stretch, but there are always over 100, with roughly a quarter of them taken at any given moment. Strong cellular reception from most providers. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed GPS Coordinates: 32.330230856266205, -106.61224243468386. Do you ever get that feeling Get me out of here! 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. ) or https:// means you've safely GPS: 36.0711, -107.0096 These regions usually do not have any amenities, though you may occasionally come across a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. Be warned, after rain or a lot of melting snow the dirt here turns to a think sludge than can stick even the burliest of tires! 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. . The nearby White Mountain Wilderness is another good place to look. Like that delicious red or green chile, Resumidero Camping Area is a New Mexican favorite. with a maximum RV limit of 36 feet. Not only is camping here free for up to two weeks, but the campground is very clean and well-maintained. Just before you enter Santa Fe National Forest near Headquarter Wells is a small slice of BLM land (GPS coordinates: 35.692300, -106.086200). Reasonably convenient to I-25 if youre driving from Santa Fe to Denver. 3N47 Santa Fe Fire Road is in the 823,000-acre San Bernardino National Forest north of Lytle Creek . Do keep in mind that there is not water source so youll want to come prepared with all that youll need for your trip. Maps are available at all SFNF offices and online that designate roads and trails that are open to motor vehicle traffic. The Caja del Rio area in Santa Fe National Forest is my favorite place for dispersed camping near Santa Fe. I'm in New Mexico. The entirety of 435 is BLM land so you can tent or auto camp anywhere you like. However, we wouldnt recommend counting on it since those are technically reserved for paid campers. There are picnic tables and even a few shade structures at some of the sites, making this an amenity rich free campsite. In addition, many individuals go to New Mexico in RVs to escape the severe northern winters. One of the most important considerations when dispersed camping in New Mexico is to follow Leave No Trace principles. Youll likely see others dispersed camping along BLM Road 7175 on your way to Angel Peak Campground, especially near the Angel Peak Badlands Overlook. Read Also: Camping World In Asheville North Carolina. This article discussed everything about the best dispersed camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Also Check: Soledad Canyon Rv & Camping Resort. [] GPS Coordinates: 32.21013705590772, -106.61473041202322. The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. Last Updated on June 13, 2022 by Ted Mosby. Its located in Northeast New Mexico about an hour off I-25. 3. In this article, the best dispersed camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico, is discussed. Campendium is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. 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. It's an area within the Santa Fe National Forest so you can dispersed camp for free. Here are a few of the most important rules to follow: If youre new to primitive camping outside of developed campgrounds, I strongly recommend reading up on the 7 Leave No Trace principles before your trip. Angel Peak Scenic Area is, as the name describes, incredibly scenic. Parks, RV Parks. The MVUM will have details about seasonal road closures. Forest Service employees cant enforce the social-distancing orders, only advise groups on what the guidelines are. Another site on the more than 5.4 million acres managed by the BLMs LC District Office in New Mexico, this site is accessed via Exit 151 off Interstate 10. You cant make reservations, but there is a kiosk that lets you pay for your site using a credit card. This is a great place for boondocking in RVs and trailers. Although still within Santa Fe National Forest boundaries, Iron Gate Campground is suited for Pecos Wilderness hiking. 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. Thats been a recurring issue that costs the U.S. taxpayers millions of dollars every year, McLarty said. Its a little farther away, but still convenient to White Sands National Park. Write a Review. Hi. Rather, we chose to include the Cosmic Campground because it is free and also one of the most spectacular places to spend a night in the state. Stewards is partnering with Prescott National Forest to provide a 32-week paid, professional Recreation Specialist Assistant opportunity. Overall, this is a wonderful part of the state and a great place for dispersed camping. BLM employees in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas care for 13.5 million acres of public lands plus 42 million acres of Federal oil, natural gas, and minerals for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Also, even in a non-roaring vehicle, the road is steep and washed out right now, so drive carefully. CONTACT. Mills Canyon Campground is part of Kiowa National Grassland administered together with Cibola National Forest. Many of the places are level. Camping in store parking lots (here are which stores allow overnight parking for camping) and casino camping (camping in a casino parking lot) are two additional options. There are also vault toilets and trash cans. 26.9 mi. 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! Located just southeast of Albuquerque, West Mesa Road dispersed camping is another gem. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. You will have plenty of room for trailer/RV camping. . Make New Mexico an affordable wintertime boondocking homebase by investing in this annual pass. As that designation implies, its incredibly dark here at night. (505) 438-5300, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/santafe/recreation/camping-cabins. The access roads arent terribly rough if you have high-clearance, but 4WD is certainly helpful. Cosmic Campground is part of Gila National Forest. The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial launch of the summer recreation season on the 1.6-million-acre Santa Fe National Forest . Additional dispersed camping can be found throughout Gila National Forest, including along Copper Creek Road. There are several designated dispersed sites located throughout the Manzanita Mountains that are interspersed in this excellent trail system. The campground is located within Gila National Forest, which is already one of the most remote and rugged wilderness areas in the United States. Just before you enter Santa Fe National Forest near Headquarter Wells is a small slice of BLM land (GPS coordinates: 35.692300, -106.086200). We have teamed up with Ape Survival to give you a huge 25% off EVERYTHING on their store! Pros and Cons of living and or traveling in a van with a dog or without a dog. However, there is no disposal station. Navajo Lake State Park is made up of three recreation areas, including the well-developed Pine River area, which features a visitor center with interpretive exhibits, several campgrounds, a day-use area, and a full-service marina. 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. The campsites here can accommodate just about any setup, so this is a good option if youre in an RV or pulling a trailer. To help maintain the riparian environment (the river banks or area close to a body of water) healthy and safeguard sensitive species and plants found here, please keep your campsites at least 100 feet away from lakes and streams. Youll take the road towards Oliver Lee Memorial State Park and the Oliver Lee developed campground to get here, and the camping area is located on the south side of the road before reaching the state park. San Antonio Campground is adjacent to the San Antonio River, tucked into a forest of ponderosa pine at 7,600 feet above sea level. Stores and gas stations are merely a couple of minutes away. Although Parks Ranch is called a campground, dont expect any amenities other than fire rings and tent pads. The views here are truly stunning and youll be treated to some incredible sunsets and sunrises at Dog Canyon. By Matt Dahlseid Use existing sites and fire rings when available. From here, youll also be able to access hiking trails up into the mountains of southern New Mexico. Related Post: Where to Go Dispersed Camping in Utah. 13.3 mi. Plan your road trip to Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping in NM with Roadtrippers. 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. Hikers and horseriders can access the adjacent wilderness via a number of paths at this place. However, I dont believe dispersed camping is actually allowed outside of the campground within the scenic area. 191 6633 6608 693 Highpoint Ranch Rd. 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. In addition, the New Mexico BLM lists these helpful rules for dispersed camping: Dispersed camping is permitted on public lands in New Mexico for no more than 14 days within any 28-day period. The Tres Piedras dispersed camping area is located approximately 30 minutes northwest of Taos and just inside Carson National Forest. The sites are nicely spaced, and there were always available spots throughout the weekend. This will show you how to find camping, how to eat healthy, how to lose weight. 2023 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Public Land RV Park Overnight RV Parking Dump Stations Price. Dept. Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground Itstruly amazing just how many opportunities there are for free camping in this southwestern state, including many free campsites nearmajor tourist attractions! Its not free, but the New Mexico annual camping pass is still a heck of a deal. There are approximately 10 campsites set up adjacent to a small lake here where free camping is permitted. Aside from a teeny little loop hike, the rest of that park was off-limits without a permit, and of course permits were long gone. However, the campground is relatively easy to access and has some basic amenities to make your stay a bit more comfortable. It stays a little cooler here than down in Albuquerque thanks to the higher elevation. The dirt access road isnt typically very rough but definitely dont try to camp here with rain in the forecast. Santa Fe, NM 87508 Please park your vehicle near existing roads or existing dispersed campsites. It doesnt get very busy here and youll almost certainly find a private campsite. $0 - $200 avg/night. Dont let these amenities fool you though as these sites are remote and give you a true wilderness experience. Beautiful wilderness scenery abounds and there are plenty of hiking opportunities nearby. Official websites use .gov A .gov To make finding free campsites in New Mexico even easier, Ive rounded up 9 of my personal favorites to share with you below. Not ideal for RVs or trailers. Joe Skeen Campground is located in the El Malpais National Conservation Area, so there are a ton of things to see and do here. The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Chief of the .
santa fe national forest dispersed camping