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. 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. The nearby White Mountain Wilderness is another good place to look. From Interstate 25, take Exit 1 and then turn east onto University Road/Dripping Springs Road. Dont forget to check out nearby Cat Walk Recreation Area for a short yet scenic daytime hike. 2023 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. 13.3 mi. Most of the states cities and towns have easy access to the outdoors, whether it be the Pecos Wilderness outside of Santa Fe, Cibola National Forest outside of Albuquerque, or the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces. The access roads arent terribly rough if you have high-clearance, but 4WD is certainly helpful. As with most of the Western United States, much of the public land in New Mexico is managed by two entities: The United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Thats been a recurring issue that costs the U.S. taxpayers millions of dollars every year, McLarty said. There are picnic tables and even a few shade structures at some of the sites, making this an amenity rich free campsite. 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. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:LightMap. Its located in Northeast New Mexico about an hour off I-25. [] High-clearance is all but a must and 4WD is extremely helpful, especially for the last several miles of road. The amenities at established campgrounds range from electricity hookups for motorhomes to just a toilet. You will have plenty of room for trailer/RV camping. It describes nearly 2,400 . Call the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands for more information: (575) 374-9652, Get Directions to Mills Canyon Campground. The Upper Bonito Recreation Area is a great designated dispersed camping area near the White Mountain Wilderness in Lincoln National Forest. Because of COVID-19, garbage collection has been suspended and all toilet facilities in the forest have been locked. Reservation sites may be booked at Recreation.gov. Santa Fe, NM We have a petit, green friendly, casita with passive solar and vaulted ceilings. The Cottonwood Campground features individual sites for RV or tent camping, full restrooms with flushing toilets and potable water, electricity, and cable hookups, and a dump station. Aiden Salazar, 10, right, aims an arrow at a target Friday as his brother Wyatt, 6, watches at their dispersed campsite in the Jemez Mountains. 8. Pros and Cons of living and or traveling in a van with a dog or without a dog. Get 20% here. Weve rounded up some of the best RV parks around Santa Fe, according to campers who have been before. And, please be extra cautious after rain as Forest Road 9 can get very muddy. Santa Fe, which is located in New Mexico, has to offer everything if you are looking for dispersed camping in New Mexico. Restrooms:Vault toiletsWater:NoCrowds:BusyMap. On the other hand, the roads differ depending on where youre going. Unless otherwise noted below, the Santa Fe National Forests campgrounds and picnic areas are open. These maps are published by the Forest Service and display the entire network of forest service roads in a given National Forest. If you want an off-the-grid existence while yet being close to the amenities of a city, New Mexico has a variety of places where you may spread your snowbird wings. In fact, Cosmic Campground is the first campground built for amateur astronomers. website belongs to an official government organization in the Youll see a couple large dispersed campsites just after you exit Highway 180 towards the campground. Another BLM managed area, the Joe Skeen Campground is the creme de la creme if you are looking for a true campground. connected to the .gov website. 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. Heron Lake State Park Campground is located in Rio Arriba County in northern New Mexico and is the perfect place to kayak, sail, windsurf, fish, and explore hiking trails around the lake's perimeter. 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. Free camping might as well be New Mexicos middle name. Cimarron Campground, in the Carson National Forest, is an equestrian dream. Youll enjoy the campgrounds modest environment. Get your space case on! Every scenic stop was crawling with people, and every trailhead had a half mile of overflow parking along the road. Looking to find more free, dispersed camping? We think of this as the essential information to lay a foundation for your perfect camping trip. What really makes West Mesa one of the best free campsites in New Mexico, however, is easy access to nearby mountain biking and hiking trails. Its a little over an hour away and is notable for its badland scenery, especially its hoodoo formations. CamperAdvise also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other affiliate sites. New Mexico certainly lives up to its name as the Land of Enchantment. Create a password that only you will remember. There are no appropriate areas for dispersed camping along the course, and signs advise vehicles to stay on the road. The stars were really bright outside and the air was fresh and it was just like, I think we could feel ourselves relax.. Share sensitive information only Please know that you will be required to bring your own water. Parks Ranch Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The Santa Fe National Forest, which borders the Village of Jemez Springs, has several campgrounds available for a night under the stars, and close enough to the Village where restaurants, hot springs soaks and even a hot shower at one of the lodging facilities await you. 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. See 12 traveler reviews, 17 photos and blog posts New Mexico Free Camping Cuba Mesa De Cuba Dispersed Camping . Thanks to campground reviews on The Dyrt, you can be ready and prepared, before you embark on your Santa Fe camping adventure. The views here are truly stunning and youll be treated to some incredible sunsets and sunrises at Dog Canyon. This is a large area of dispersed camping. The best way to do this is typically by reaching out directly to the relevant USFS Ranger District or BLM Office in the area youd like to camp to inquire on camping locations. 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. A relatively quick and easy drive into Taos. The landscapes are otherworldly and not overrun with visitors, making this a classic New Mexico destination. The first stretch of campsites is great for boondocking in RVs and trailers. F . Resumidero Camping Area. The Best 10 RV Parks in Boulder, CO Prospect Rv Park. The Santa Fe National Forest, an easy drive from both Albuquerque or Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a wide diversity of recreation . Primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere on the Santa Fe National Forest unless otherwise posted. 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. Its not hard to see why its such a popular RV snowbirding destination. Rancheros de Santa Fe is famous for its gorgeous, natural setting, attracting visitors worldwide. Official websites use .gov A .gov The campground is in fire zone 112, so be sure to check fire restrictions before your visit. It typically doesnt get very busy here. Luckily, it never seems to get very busy here, so chances are youll find a quiet space all to yourself. 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 . But the noise really isnt as terrible as you might think. Camping near Santa Fe National Forest. Please also visit the USFS or BLM website for the area you plan on visiting (or talk to a ranger) for the most up-to-date information on current rules, restrictions, and area closures. Ideally located near White Sands National Park, Lincoln National Forest, and Las Cruces, Dog Canyon is a great BLM dispersed camping area in New Mexico. New Mexico is undoubtedly one of the best states for wintercamping. However, the campground is relatively easy to access and has some basic amenities to make your stay a bit more comfortable. 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! This will minimize your impact and ensure your campsite can be enjoyed by future visitors. Riverview Rv Park & Campground. The Caja del Rio area is part of Santa Fe National Forest. 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 SFNF offers a multitude of recreational opportunities to its visitors. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Las but certainly not least on our list of the best places for dispersed camping in New Mexico is Cebolla Mesa. Receive a list of headlines from the latest edition of The New Mexican in your inbox every morning. Erik, Google review, Read Also: Camping World Near San Antonio, Home Articles Camping Near Santa Fe | The Santa Fe National Forest. GPS: 36.0711, -107.0096 respect the fire conditions warnings and practice no-trace camping principles. The staff is knowledgeable about the area and will help you arrange activities and tours to the local sites. I live in New Jersey, USA right now and I take my RV every alternate weekend. Borrego Mesa Campground 15 USFS Santa Fe National Forest: 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, NM 87508; (505) 438-5300 16 USFS Gila National Forest: 3005 E Camino del Bosque, Silver City, NM 88061; (575) 388-8201 17 USFS Carson National Forest: 208 Cruz Alta Road, Taos, NM 87571; (575) 758-6200 18 City of Santa Fe Parks & Rec. ABOVE: Grant Wingert of Albuquerque stands at the dispersed campsite he secured Friday along N.M. 126 in the Jemez Mountains for the weekend. The closer to the lake you get, the rougher the road gets, but all vehicles should be fine, unless it just rained. Here, gain access to the trails of Hamilton Mesa (249), Rociada (250) and Valdez (224). U S National Forest Campground Guide Intermountain Region Overview. . Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock The dirt access road isnt horribly rough, but high-clearance is certainly helpful. Im not aware of any other free campsites in the immediate area. The Joe Skeen Campground is located west of Albuquerque adjacent to the El Malpais National Monument on BLM land. Forest Service employees cant enforce the social-distancing orders, only advise groups on what the guidelines are. Lincoln National Forest is chock full of dispersed campsites. Ideally located near White Sands National Park, Lincoln National Forest, and Las Cruces, Dog Canyon is a great BLM dispersed camping area in New Mexico. The sites are nicely spaced, and there were always available spots throughout the weekend. For just $225 for out-of-staters ($180 for residents and $100 for resident seniors), this pass allows you to camp at any of New Mexicos state parks for free for 12 months starting from the month of purchase. Holloman Lake is one of the best places for dispersed camping near White Sands National Park. Its some of the best desert camping in the state. Gaia GPS - Download offline maps for easy navigation! There are approximately 10 campsites set up adjacent to a small lake here where free camping is permitted. Forestry, Nature, Outdoor, Recreation. Dont hesitate to reach out. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc, Guide to Hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte, Guide to Camping on the West Highland Way, Guide to Camping on the Walkers Haute Route, The Ultimate Guide to the Coast to Coast Walk, The Complete Guide to Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park, How to find dispersed campsites in New Mexico, The Best Dispersed Camping Areas in New Mexico, Santa Fe National Forest Dispersed Camping, Lincoln National Forest Dispersed Camping, Coronado National Forest Dispersed camping, Bureau of Land Management Dispersed Camping in New Mexico(BLM), Albuquerque District Office (Albuquerque), the New Mexico BLM lists these helpful rules for dispersed camping, combination of several online apps/websites, Cibola National Forest & Kiowa National Grassland MVUM, Upper Bonito Recreation Area Dispersed Camping, Kiowa National Grassland (administered by Cibola NF). The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and trailers. Aside from the stargazing, this campground is notable for its remoteness and wide-open desert views. Unless notified otherwise, dispersed camping is permitted practically everywhere at the Santa Fe National Forest. 3N47 Santa Fe Fire Road is in the 823,000-acre San Bernardino National Forest north of Lytle Creek . We have teamed up with Ape Survival to give you a huge 25% off EVERYTHING on their store! Restrooms:Vault toiletsWater:NoCrowds:LightMap. However, as you pull in, its pretty enormous. The chilly waters are home to brown trout and stocked rainbow trout. 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. Grant Wingert felt lucky to find a spot along N.M. 126 on Friday afternoon as dispersed sites were filling up fast. 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. If you have a low-clearance RV, take the first route on the left after passing through the livestock gate. Our final New Mexico dispersed campsite in this guide isnt actually a dispersed site. Make New Mexico an affordable wintertime boondocking homebase by investing in this annual pass. As that designation implies, its incredibly dark here at night. The campsites themselves are quite spacious but theres not a whole lot of privacy in between them. Protect our public lands by always treating them with respect. Fenton Lake State Park The drive in from Highway 337 to the west is much rougher than arriving from Highway 217 to the east, although any passenger vehicle can do it if you take your time (and its not wet). Visitors periodically turn the field into a shooting range, so you might hear gunshots nearby. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. Long Campground - opens May 27; first come/first served; fee; no potable water American Springs Dispersed Camping, Santa Fe National Forest in Los Alamos is rated 10.0 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. We hope weve provided all of the information you need to plan a great dispersed camping trip in New Mexico. 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. . 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. You have a couple options after turning off Highway 522 onto Forest Road 9. The cell service is excellent, and there are numerous breathtaking views. Located in the Sendia Ranger District of Cibola National Forest and just outside of Albuquerque youll find the Manzanita dispersed camping area. 15.0 mi. 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. Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area, Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Area and Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area, New Mexico State Parks Annual Camping Pass, my favorite apps and websites to find dispersed campsites. Restrooms:NoWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. Benefits: Health Benefit Eligible, Sick time and Discretionary time, Food provided while in the field . The best campsites are within about a half mile in either direction from Juan Tomas Trailhead (GPS coordinates: 35.034879, -106.320276). There are several different options for camping here. Unfortunately, theres quite a bit of trash here (an all too common sight at dispersed campsites nowadays). There is a lot of open space where stands of Ponderosa pine dot the grassy plains. Call the Sadia Ranger District for more information: (505) 281-3304. FS-88 Cuba, NM 505-438-5300 Official Website. 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. Call the Questa Ranger District for more information: (575) 586-0520, Get Directions to Cebolla Mesa Campground. Due to that close proximity to large cities in New Mexico and Texas, dont be surprised if you find several sites with big rigs and side-by-sides to explore rougher roads. Currently, the Vaulted toilet is not in use. Campgrounds include: Vista Linda, San Antonio, Redondo, Paliza, and Jemez . Although there is occasional traffic noise, it becomes calmer as you get farther into the campgrounds. Nearby Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Area and Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area (both also part of Carson National Forest) have countless dispersed camping opportunities. Not only is camping here free for up to two weeks, but the campground is very clean and well-maintained. It is best to check current regulations with the relevant USFS or BLM office, but you should plan on adhering to the following asoutlined by the USFS: Always be sure to check for current New Mexico fire regulations by visiting the New Mexico Fire Information website before setting out. A choice between dispersed camping and a free USFS campground. New Mexico is home to some of the best camping in the UnitedStates, bar none. Dont forget to check out our other state specific dispersed camping guides: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1. 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. The road is roughly six miles from the interstate to the campground. Mills Canyon Campground is part of Kiowa National Grassland administered together with Cibola National Forest. However, as you pull in, its pretty enormous. Just before you enter Santa Fe National Forest near Headquarter Wells is a small slice of BLM land (GPS coordinates: 35.692300, -106.086200). The next right is FSR 64 J, which as several dispersed campsites along its length. Caja del Rio sits at a lower elevation compared to much of the . 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 campsites here can accommodate just about any setup, so this is a good option if youre in an RV or pulling a trailer. It is a single room with Kitchenette, shower, bathroom, a queen size bed, and work space. [Senate Hearing 106-887] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] S. Hrg. Given that Santa Fe is only 15 minutes away, you should have no problem finding everything you need for your trip. BLM New Mexico. It doesnt get very busy here and youll almost certainly find a private campsite. Just make sure youre not on private land (its well-marked) before setting up camp. Countless other dispersed campsites are scattered across the states public lands. Although there is occasional traffic noise, it becomes calmer as you get farther into the campgrounds. During the summer, the landscape is blanketed in vibrant wildflowers. The past meets the present in this environment where year-round day-use, water focused . New Mexicos national forests and BLM lands are busier than ever before and with that increased use comes a much higher risk of misuse, abuse, and damage. Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping is a National Forest in Santa Fe. 19.3 mi. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. Looking to find more dispersed campsites? 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. There are no facilities at Dog Canyon, although you may be able to use the facilities at Oliver Lee. Dispersed camping is permitted on public lands in New Mexico for no more than 14 days within any 28-day period. New Mexico's first State Park is set in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains pine forest, along Little Tesuque Creek. The map linked above brings you to the largest camping area, although there are many more opportunities if you venture further in. The campground is bordered by Holy Ghost Creek, which provides picturesque views of the forest and mountains. Plan your road trip to Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping in NM with Roadtrippers. 3. There are no vault toilets here so plan to pack out human waste as if you were dispersed camping. 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. Check out The Dyrt PRO to get campsite reviews, offline maps, and the best map layers for finding public dispersed camping! Learn how to plan your route, create GPS files, navigate offline, and even print you own maps. Developed campgrounds offer amenities ranging from electrical hookups for RV or trailer camping, to only a toilet. Contests and special offers from The Santa Fe New Mexican and advertising partners. Heres how to track these down on your own: Dispersed camping is far from the only way to camp for free in New Mexico. Additional information on each site is available on the SFNF websites Recreation page. Cosmic Campground is clean and well-maintained. Around 45 minutes to the town of Carlsbad. This is BLM land, so dispersed camping is permitted, just dont pitch your tent too close to the developed campground. 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. Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground. In our estimation, the best way to experience these unique landscapes is to spend a night out under the stars and New Mexico offers some incredible free, dispersed camping to make that happen. To be safe, I recommend AWD/4WD and high-clearance if you plan to venture up to the top of the Caja Del Rio Plateau. 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. Dept. * I believe the USFS plans to require a nightly fee here ($10 to $12) in the near future. On the drive in to Cebolla Mesa campground, youll pass several spur roads and roadside pullouts that are suitable for dispersed camping. The mountains seem to hug the campground, protecting the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem of yucca, juniper, and sage. 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. Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters 11 Forest Lane Santa Fe, NM 87508 (505 .