The first stretch of campsites is great for boondocking in RVs and trailers. Santa Fe Skies RV Park offers full-service Santa Fe campsites. Grant Wingert felt lucky to find a spot along N.M. 126 on Friday afternoon as dispersed sites were filling up fast. 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. The campground is located within Gila National Forest, which is already one of the most remote and rugged wilderness areas in the United States. Resumidero Camping Area. Dark Canyon is perhaps the best and is suitable for small to medium RVs and trailers in addition to tents and vans. Many of these MVUMs also display where dispersed camping is permitted, typically indicated by two dots on either side of a given road. Some campers are doing their part, however. 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. Look elsewhere for boondocking in RVs and trailers. US; New Mexico; Santa Fe; Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping. New Mexico is home to some of the best camping in the UnitedStates, bar none. 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. Forest Service officials say they have seen a significant increase in the usage of dispersed, or undeveloped, campsites this spring compared to what they would typically see this time of year. Its some of the best desert camping in the state. Take your orientation skills and discover what a southwest landscape looked like when buffalo roamed the area. 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! Rancheros de Santa Fe is famous for its gorgeous, natural setting, attracting visitors worldwide. Camping - Jemez Springs When searching for a good campsite ourselves, we prefer to use acombination of several online apps/websitesalong with publically available USFS/BLM maps. There are approximately 10 campsites set up adjacent to a small lake here where free camping is permitted. Holy Ghost Group Area There are several sites that have a fire ring, picnic table and shelter, and can accommodate big rigs. American Springs has many sites scattered around in the vicinity for dispersed camping. New Mexico has no shortage of interesting rock formations, and this cluster of boulders, near . The bathrooms are nice, but the one in black bear loop is the nicest. The MVUM will have details about seasonal road closures. Write a Review. 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. However, not all of them have this luxury. 26.7 mi. 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! New Mexico Dispersed Camping: The Complete Guide - TMBtent Dust can also be a problem. Campgrounds. Youll be able to choose a site with enough privacy but not too much isolation, though you could certainly go deeper. 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. Santa Fe National Forest dispersed camping help : r/NewMexico I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. Youre just a few minutes from some excellent climbing and the Continental Divide trail is nearby for those hoping to do some hiking. Holloman Lake is very close to White Sands National Park and a heck of a lot less busy. Dispersed camping certainly isnt in short supply near Carlsbad Caverns. The 9 dispersed campsites outlined above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to free campsites in New Mexico. 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. It stays a little cooler here than down in Albuquerque thanks to the higher elevation. Its easy to find, and theres lots of room for dispersed camping. Maps are available at all SFNF offices and online that designate roads and trails that are open to motor vehicle traffic. The Santa Fe National Forest, an easy drive from both Albuquerque or Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a wide diversity of recreation . Looking for dispersed camping in New Mexico? It's an area within the Santa Fe National Forest so you can dispersed camp for free. Weve compiled our nine favorite dispersed campsites in New Mexico in the list below. The states social-distancing order limiting groups to five or fewer people is another rule to fall by the wayside. The Aspen Basin Campground is situated next to the Santa Fe Ski Basins huge parking lot. Getting there: 23 miles east of Las Cruces, via US 70 to Aquirre Springs Road. Mesa De Cuba Dispersed Camping in Santa Fe National Forest, Cuba New Mexico. Use the custom map layers to find public land, download offline maps, and navigate to your perfect dispersed campsite. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) Contests and special offers from The Santa Fe New Mexican and advertising partners. We hope weve provided all of the information you need to plan a great dispersed camping trip in New Mexico. This popular campground is open from May through October in the Santa Fe National Forest. I work remotely so I camp a lot in my RV. Volunteers have helped Forest Service workers in cleanup efforts following weekends that have seen large amounts of trash left behind by campers. 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. 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.. Parks Ranch Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In a pinch, you can even try stealth camping as long as your vehicle blends in with the crowd. 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. We won't share it with anyone else. 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. ( I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. 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. Youre in luck. Unless otherwise noted, primitive camping is permitted practically everywhere in the Santa Fe National Forest. And, please be extra cautious after rain as Forest Road 9 can get very muddy. Each campsite is large and spacious (and most are wheelchair accessible). Very dark and quiet at night. Call the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands for more information: (575) 374-9652, Get Directions to Mills Canyon Campground. The landscapes are otherworldly and not overrun with visitors, making this a classic New Mexico destination. Fenton Lake State Park doesnt seem to be interesting from the outside. 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. United States government. J. Boyle 9. Ive seen people stay here in RVs and trailers up to around 24 feet, but its probably better to find a different campsite, unless youre comfortable navigating rough roads. There are several designated dispersed sites located throughout the Manzanita Mountains that are interspersed in this excellent trail system. Please park your vehicle near existing roads or existing dispersed campsites. Reservation sites may be booked at Recreation.gov. These maps are published by the Forest Service and display the entire network of forest service roads in a given National Forest. About a 15-minute drive away, Bandelier National Monument is a fun spot to visit and climb in some cliff houses. 8. Routing by HERE 2021; Improve this map; Remove Ads. Small and medium sized RVs and trailers (up to about 32 feet) will fit here. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Forestry, Nature, Outdoor, Recreation. Developed campgrounds offer amenities ranging from electrical hookups for RV or trailer camping, to only a toilet. There are two vault toilets available at Upper Bonito, a nice feature that helps minimize human impacts. - Department of The Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations for We think of this as the essential information to lay a foundation for your perfect camping trip. Cowles - first come/first served; fee; Dalton Canyon Area - dispersed camping area; Davis Willow - dispersed camping area; El Porvenir - first come/first served; fee; no potable water; E.V. 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 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. Although there is occasional traffic noise, it becomes calmer as you get farther into the campgrounds. Cimarron Campground, in the Carson National Forest, is an equestrian dream. Dont hesitate to reach out. And, it does get quite hot in the summer. Try not to arrive after dark so you dont flood the campground with your headlights. Invalid password or account does not exist. 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. This is pretty much only for car camping and tent camping. $0 - $200 avg/night. Stewards is partnering with Prescott National Forest to provide a 32-week paid, professional Recreation Specialist Assistant opportunity. Currently, the Vaulted toilet is not in use. Read Also: Camping World Rv Technician Training. 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! To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. Theres even a vault toilet here. However, as you pull in, its pretty enormous. Youll enjoy the campgrounds modest environment. Photograph by NMTD. Dispersed camping isnt allowed until youre about a mile in if you head to the left (high clearance is recommended, but 2wd will suffice). Only have a campfire if it is permitted, and always be sure it is completely extinguished. The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and trailers. Follow it to the end, where youll find the entrance to these free campsites. High-clearance is all but a must and 4WD is extremely helpful, especially for the last several miles of road. I believe there are plans to install shade shelters in the near future. Outdoor Recreation Specialist Resource Assistant Job Fairfield They have camping gear, hiking gear, survival gear and much more, all at 25% off when you click the link below. Its located in Northeast New Mexico about an hour off I-25. Located just southeast of Albuquerque, West Mesa Road dispersed camping is another gem. Use existing sites and fire rings when available. Unfortunately, I dont believe dispersed camping is allowed within the scenic area, even though its administered by the Bureau of Land Management. You can even comfortably camp all winterlong if you know where to look! Do not camp within 200 feet of a water source. The SFNF offers a multitude of recreational opportunities to its visitors. There is lots of hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities. The Capitan Wilderness is the place to go for peace and quiet. Dont let these amenities fool you though as these sites are remote and give you a true wilderness experience. 6 Bushcraft Basics For Your Next Outdoor Adventure PDF Off-Highway Vehicle Guide - New Mexico Department of Game and Fish The next right is FSR 64 J, which as several dispersed campsites along its length. Camping - Pecos National Historical Park (U.S - National Park Service Call the Espanola Ranger District for more information: (505) 753-7331. G. Snyder 7. Call the Farmington Field Office for more information: (505) 564-7600. Call the Sadia Ranger District for more information: (505) 281-3304. McLarty said these undeveloped sites have a higher accumulation of pine straw and other fuels built up, creating an even higher risk of fire. Where is the best dispersed camping site near Santa Fe?Following are enlisted some of the best dispersed camping sites near Santa Fe, New Mexico: A few of these cross into neighboring states, with Coronado National Forest being primarily located in adjacent Arizona. 6. People disregarding fire safety is nothing new. By Matt Dahlseid Our dispersed camping checklist has all the camping essentials plus specific items for dispersed camping. From Interstate 25, take Exit 1 and then turn east onto University Road/Dripping Springs Road. 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. Parks, RV Parks. 7 Best Sites for Free Camping in New Mexico - Drivin' & Vibin'