Whether gathering of families or gathering pinon nuts and firewood, the forest is a "querencia" - a special place. Like that delicious red or green chile, Resumidero Camping Area is a New Mexican favorite. GPS: 36.0711, -107.0096 Santa Fe, which is located in New Mexico, has to offer everything if you are looking for dispersed camping in New Mexico. Given that Santa Fe is only 15 minutes away, you should have no problem finding everything you need for your trip. US; New Mexico; Santa Fe; Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping. The Santa Fe National Forest is located in north-central New Mexico and is comprised of 1,587,181 acres. 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. Developed campgrounds offer amenities ranging from electrical hookups for RV or trailer camping, to only a toilet. The Dyrt PRO is our favorite resource for planning your trip. Volunteers have helped Forest Service workers in cleanup efforts following weekends that have seen large amounts of trash left behind by campers. Historic Downtown Golden. The crowds of holiday campers were making me wish I was somewhere else some place peaceful, quiet, and uncrowded. ) or https:// means you've safely Overall, this is a wonderful part of the state and a great place for dispersed camping. You cant make reservations, but there is a kiosk that lets you pay for your site using a credit card. Beautiful views of the Rio Grande cutting its way through the canyon below. Its up in the mountains with lots of scrub pine and juniper. Reasonably convenient to I-25 if youre driving from Santa Fe to Denver. The Borrego Mesa Campground exists adjacent to multiple trailheads leading into the Pecos Wilderness. The book details over 25 trails and includes topographical maps, trail conditions and recommendations for mountain bike. However, theres a ton of room to spread out, so youre sure to find something quiet and peaceful, especially if youre willing to brave the rough roads. White Sands National Park offers miles of trails, boardwalk viewing areas, and ten primitive camping sites. Learn more about New Mexico State Parks Annual Camping Pass. City of Rocks state park, Chihuahuan desert, New Mexico. I know a lot of full-time boondockers who split their winters between New Mexico (utilizing the annual camping pass) and Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Arizona (the LTVAs near Quartzsite are very popular) and Southern California. website belongs to an official government organization in the The dispersed camping lifestyle is one of the best reasons to look for the best dispersed camping in New Mexico. Related Post: Where to Go Dispersed Camping in Utah. Here are the best and closest campgrounds to Santa Fe, NM, in order of proximity: Black Canyon Campground (8 miles). Around 45 minutes to the town of Carlsbad. The campground is located within Gila National Forest, which is already one of the most remote and rugged wilderness areas in the United States. Located just southeast of Albuquerque, West Mesa Road dispersed camping is another gem. There are many places in the forest that you can experience the trails! 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. 62, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 USA. This free primitive campground has 5 first-come, first-served campsites and offers the best views of the Rio Grande far below. Call the Las Cruces District Office for more information: (575) 525-4300. There are twenty- seven developed campgrounds of which fourteen met the selection criteria. This article discussed everything about the best dispersed camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Be sure to let us know in the comments below if you have any questions and be sure to tell us about your trip! LockA locked padlock My destination was a boondocking spot in the Santa Fe National Forest. With its stunning deserts, towering mesas, and unique rock formations, New Mexico is a top destination for camping. This free campground features 10 campsites that all have picnic tables, a fire grill, and plenty of space for your tent. 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. Rancheros de Santa Fe is a magnificent destination for your visit, located on Historic Route 66 and near the Santa Fe Trail. Ive been coming up here for 35 years and so I have a sense of ownership for the Jemez, Wingert said. You wont get any wilderness experience camping here, but you can fish in the lake, and its always good to have options for free camping! U S National Forest Campground Guide Intermountain Region Overview. Looking to find more dispersed campsites? Benefits: Health Benefit Eligible, Sick time and Discretionary time, Food provided while in the field . Dispersed camping is generally limited to 14 days within any continuous 30 day period. They close the office at 6 p.m., but if you arrive later, they will have a list of available places on which you can leave money in an envelope labeled with your spot number. ABOVE: Grant Wingert of Albuquerque stands at the dispersed campsite he secured Friday along N.M. 126 in the Jemez Mountains for the weekend. Just 30 minutes away from White Sands National Park, Dog Canyon dispersed camping is another great area for any size rig. Dont Miss: Camping Near Mt Princeton Hot Springs. 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. 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. 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. There is an otherworldly aura to camping here, so please be respectful, Leave No Trace, and enjoy this wonderful place in our public lands. Unless otherwise noted, primitive camping is permitted practically everywhere in the Santa Fe National Forest. with a maximum RV limit of 36 feet. Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler - The ultimate camping cooler. Write a Review. From Interstate 25, take Exit 1 and then turn east onto University Road/Dripping Springs Road. In the mornings and evenings, you may see and hear coyotes howling, so keep pets leashed and little children close! Fenton Lake State Park doesnt seem to be interesting from the outside. Fenton Lake State Park [Senate Hearing 106-887] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] S. Hrg. Getting there: 23 miles east of Las Cruces, via US 70 to Aquirre Springs Road. Developed campgrounds across Northern New Mexico will remain closed during one of the busiest camping weekends of the year, but campers are expected to be out in force anyway. About a 15-minute drive away, Bandelier National Monument is a fun spot to visit and climb in some cliff houses. Gaia GPS - Download offline maps for easy navigation! Use existing sites and fire rings when available. L. Westra 8. 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. Many of the places are level. Camping is not permitted anywhere in Pecos National Historical Park. 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. Thats a cause for concern for Forest Service employees whose resources are already stretched thin as they deal with the impact of the surge in dispersed campers, particularly in Pecos Canyon and the Jemez Mountains. Although there is occasional traffic noise, it becomes calmer as you get farther into the campgrounds. 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! The campsites here are close enough to Bonito Lake as well as some great hiking and ATV trails in the national forest. Santa Fe Skies RV Park offers full-service Santa Fe campsites. The entire area of Holy Ghost Creek is home to a variety of fauna and birds. Within Holy Ghost Canyon, the Santa Fe National Forests Holy Ghost Campground is located on the outskirts of the Pecos Wilderness. Also, even in a non-roaring vehicle, the road is steep and washed out right now, so drive carefully. Parks, RV Parks. Its over 40 miles from the nearest significant source of light so the night skies are great for stargazing. It is located near a dump, which is intriguing, yet there were no flies or odors in October. There are several great dispersed campsites if you continue further into the national forest, but the ones located on Forest Service Road 64 J are easy to access and close to services making them a good option. Finally, one of the best resources, specifically for national forest dispersed camping, is to utilize Motor Vehicle Use Maps or MVUMs for short. 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. With just 12 campsites (three with their own horse corrals) spread between two camping loops (upper and lower), youll never have too much company around. Aldo Leopold Presentations Presentations 1. Cimarron Campground, in the Carson National Forest, is an equestrian dream. On the other hand, the roads differ depending on where youre going. Campendium is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. Our free printable cheat sheet outlines how to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next trip. Its easy to find, and theres lots of room for dispersed camping. Recommended Reading: Dispersed Camping Near Eugene Oregon. Although Parks Ranch is called a campground, dont expect any amenities other than fire rings and tent pads. The complete list of MVUMs for all New Mexicos National Forests can be found at the links below: We often have a motor vehicle use map open in one tab and Google Maps satellite view in the other to help find dispersed campsites. Get 20% here. The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and trailers. Listing for: American Conservation Experience. Overall, this is a nice place to set up camp. We hope weve provided all of the information you need to plan a great dispersed camping trip in New Mexico. The most loved ventures at Holy Ghost Campground are hiking and horseback riding. Looking for more dispersed camping content? Highly recommended! Tres Piedras couldnt be easier to get to, simply take Highway 64 west (if coming from Taos area) until you pass the Tres Piedras Ranger Station. 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. Although still within Santa Fe National Forest boundaries, Iron Gate Campground is suited for Pecos Wilderness hiking. 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 There are no appropriate areas for dispersed camping along the course, and signs advise vehicles to stay on the road. Mesa De Cuba Dispersed Camping in Santa Fe National Forest, Cuba New Mexico. Check-out is strictly at 11 a.m., and the administration begins cleaning the showers and restrooms at that time, so you must leave early, which can be frustrating. FS-88 Cuba, NM 505-438-5300 Official Website. Forest visitors are asked to follow campfire safety guidelines and adhere to the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics. 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. Ten units, picnic tables, and fire rings are included. The views of the Milky Way are among the very best Ive experienced in the United States. 6. 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. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. 15.0 mi. Holloman Lake is one of the best places for dispersed camping near White Sands National Park. Additional information on each site is available on the SFNF websites Recreation page. This includes everything from where dispersed camping is allowed in New Mexico, to what to bring, and how to minimize your impact. According to users, the road condition is broken down as such: The initial four sites are accessible to lower clearance vehicles, but youll need a 44 vehicle with higher clearance if you want to camp further back. Some campers are doing their part, however. Theres even a vault toilet here. The USFS advises RVs and trailers to look elsewhere for camping. There are no vault toilets here so plan to pack out human waste as if you were dispersed camping. If youre looking for dispersed camping near Santa Fe, then the Caja should be high on your short list. Receive a list of headlines from the latest edition of The New Mexican in your inbox every morning. Check out our Dispersed Camping App guide here. New Mexico certainly lives up to its name as the Land of Enchantment. Riverview Rv Park & Campground. There are no facilities at Dog Canyon, although you may be able to use the facilities at Oliver Lee. I use a snow depth tool to estimate the snow coverage in a given area leading up to my trip, but find this to be . Finding good dispersed camping near Albuquerque is surprisingly difficult. 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. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 8.2/10 A great option near Albuquerque. "This is a pretty sprawling campground, with all kinds of sites (tent only, large sites with only 30 amp service, some sites with full hook up, others with just water & electric and a few water only.". 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. Youll enjoy the campgrounds modest environment. There are sandstone cliffs, canyons, the La Ventana Natural Arch, the Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway, and the Cebolla and West Malpais Wilderness Areas. 19.3 mi. Expect plenty of peace and quiet, despite some daytime OHV use. Dont let these amenities fool you though as these sites are remote and give you a true wilderness experience. Youll enjoy the campgrounds modest environment. There are 250 developed campsites with 54 electric sites, perfect for RV camping. Be very cautious driving here after heavy rains. In this article, the best dispersed camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico, is discussed. It has 8 total first-come, first-served campsites (all completely free!) Most of the campsites enjoy some decent privacy and all have access to a vault toilet. This is true dispersed camping so you wont find any amenities here. Campgrounds include: Vista Linda, San Antonio, Redondo, Paliza, and Jemez . Check out The Dyrt PRO to get campsite reviews, offline maps, and the best map layers for finding public dispersed camping! . Cosmic Campground is clean and well-maintained. The views here are truly stunning and youll be treated to some incredible sunsets and sunrises at Dog Canyon. 2. Many of these MVUMs also display where dispersed camping is permitted, typically indicated by two dots on either side of a given road. Spotlight. Youre just a few minutes from some excellent climbing and the Continental Divide trail is nearby for those hoping to do some hiking. 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. There is lots of hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities. The threat of a fire is the most pressing concern for Luke McLarty, fire battalion chief of the Jemez Ranger District. There is also an equestrian campground just down the road where you can fill up with water and dump your tanks. 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. The bathrooms are nice, but the one in black bear loop is the nicest. Youll likely see others dispersed camping along BLM Road 7175 on your way to Angel Peak Campground, especially near the Angel Peak Badlands Overlook. Ok, now were on to the fun part! If you do decide to camp here be sure to explore the surrounding Angel Peak area. However, not all of them have this luxury. Developed campgrounds offer amenities ranging from electrical hookups for RV or trailer camping, to only a toilet. The SFNF offers a multitude of recreational opportunities to its visitors. McLarty said these undeveloped sites have a higher accumulation of pine straw and other fuels built up, creating an even higher risk of fire. It is a single room with Kitchenette, shower, bathroom, a queen size bed, and work space. The first stretch of campsites is great for boondocking in RVs and trailers. Invalid password or account does not exist. Youll be able to choose a site with enough privacy but not too much isolation, though you could certainly go deeper. If you are looking for a place to camp, there are several options nearby in the Santa Fe National Forest or Pecos Canyon State Park. Please know that you will be required to bring your own water. It never seems to get very busy here. Theres a lot of room to spread out, so you should have at least a little privacy from your closest neighbor. However, we wouldnt recommend counting on it since those are technically reserved for paid campers. The Capitan Wilderness is the place to go for peace and quiet. These maps are published by the Forest Service and display the entire network of forest service roads in a given National Forest. We won't share it with anyone else. These regions usually do not have any amenities, though you may occasionally come across a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. The map linked above brings you to the largest camping area, although there are many more opportunities if you venture further in. Also Check: Soledad Canyon Rv & Camping Resort. However, as you pull in, its pretty enormous. Do keep in mind that there is not water source so youll want to come prepared with all that youll need for your trip. There is a lot of open space where stands of Ponderosa pine dot the grassy plains. Angel Peak is normally pretty mellow, but does become something of a local party spot on nicer weekends, especially around holidays. Learn how to plan your route, create GPS files, navigate offline, and even print you own maps. The landscapes are otherworldly and not overrun with visitors, making this a classic New Mexico destination. Located in the Valle Vidal Management Unit, Cimarron Campground is surrounded by more than 100,000 acres of pristine high desert wilderness. A choice between dispersed camping and a free USFS campground. There are also a handful of free developed campgrounds in the area, such as Cave Campground which is part of the Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Even 4WD vehicles should be cautious about camping here if rain is in the forecast. Quiet campsites throughout. My favorite are the dispersed campsites just off County Road C001 in the Capitan Gap area on the way to the Capitan Mountain trailhead. * I believe the USFS plans to require a nightly fee here ($10 to $12) in the near future. Call the Sadia Ranger District for more information: (505) 281-3304. 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. The park is also close to two major shopping malls as well as the historic villages of Cerrillos and Madrid. The views here are truly stunning and youll be treated to some incredible sunsets and sunrises at Dog Canyon. Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground. Visitors should be prepared for hot summer days and cool nights. Home. The space is 18x20 and can accommodate 2-4 people. Angel Creek Scenic Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Call the Smokey Bear Ranger District for more information: (575) 257-4095. The campground is small and each campsite is spaced quite far apart. It's an area within the Santa Fe National Forest so you can dispersed camp for free. Not much to complain about here the access road is a little bumpy, but nothing that any passenger vehicle cant handle as long as you take things slow. Pecos/Las Vegas RD, Santa Fe National Forest. 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 . Most passenger vehicles can continue up the road. Info:Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District, 575-525-4300. 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. Its a great place to hunker down or a good jumping-off point if you want to explore some quirky New Mexico towns. Campgrounds. Camping is not free; it costs $30 per night for a tent and $43 per night for an RV. The nearby White Mountain Wilderness is another good place to look. Although its only good for dry campsites, you can pay just $4 extra per night for an electric hookup (when available). It describes nearly 2,400 . It doesnt get very busy here and youll almost certainly find a private campsite. By Matt Dahlseid Only have a campfire if it is permitted, and always be sure it is completely extinguished. mdahlseid@sfnewmexican.com, Coco Rae hopes trail guide will help encourage others to explore Valles Caldera, Newly elected Santa Fe County magistrate arrested on DWI charge, Santa Fe Bite has new owners, but old owners remain on board, Bodybuilder, SFPD bicycle officer often patrolled the Plaza, Another troubled Espaola complex teeters, Longtime weatherman forecasts a new life outside TV, Accused judge removed from bench in wake of DWI charge, Bipartisan criticism after Lujan Grisham intervenes in Medicaid procurement process, Predictions: Horsemen go all the way; Demons upset everyone, Magistrate pleads not guilty to DWI; attorney says Khalsa weighing resignation. 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. The first campsites appear just off Forest Road 24 near Headquarters Well. Beautiful views from the top of the plateau. Its a little over an hour away and is notable for its badland scenery, especially its hoodoo formations. American Springs has many sites scattered around in the vicinity for dispersed camping. Visitors periodically turn the field into a shooting range, so you might hear gunshots nearby. There are just two or three marked campsites here. Follow it to the end, where youll find the entrance to these free campsites. This is a great place for boondocking in New Mexico, although its important to take things slow on the approach. 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. 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 want a home base to camp that allows you to travel into Santa Fe itself often, Black Canyon is a perfect distance. The whole place is breathtakingly beautiful, and New Mexico 475 is declared the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. You arent far from both Bloomfield and Farmington when camping here, which makes it fairly easy to stock up on everything you need before heading out. Try not to arrive after dark so you dont flood the campground with your headlights. The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and . The map linked above brings you to the largest camping area, although there are many more opportunities if you venture further in. respect the fire conditions warnings and practice no-trace camping principles. 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. Take your orientation skills and discover what a southwest landscape looked like when buffalo roamed the area. Protect our public lands by always treating them with respect. Dont hesitate to reach out. LaVerne M. Johnson Park. 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. Use the custom map layers to find public land, download offline maps, and navigate to your perfect dispersed campsite. CamperAdvise also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other affiliate sites. Just be aware, the mosquitos can be pretty bad here. Most campsites have partial shade. The Joe Skeen Campground is located west of Albuquerque adjacent to the El Malpais National Monument on BLM land. New Mexico has no shortage of interesting rock formations, and this cluster of boulders, near . This way, you dont have to be searching for campground information once youre out there. Looking to find more free, dispersed camping? Posted 11:06:55 PM. The Santa Fe National Forest has a variety of lovely camping places that range from high to low altitude, from high desert to forested, and from basic to develop. The level of development at these Campgrounds ranges from a near wilderness camping experience to recreational vehicle friendly Campground. . Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed 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.