Small and medium sized RVs and trailers (up to about 32 feet) will fit here. The Capitan Wilderness is part of Lincoln National Forest. You can always find a toilet at the extreme west end of the parking area. Picnic tables, fire pits, and small corrals suited for one or two horses are available at each location. There is a lot of open space where stands of Ponderosa pine dot the grassy plains. The Tres Piedras dispersed camping area is located approximately 30 minutes northwest of Taos and just inside Carson National Forest. Guanella Pass . The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area (often simply called Bisti Badlands) is an alternative to Angel Peak. Almost immediately after this, the dirt access road becomes much rougher. Call the Glenwood Ranger District for more information: (575) 539-2481, Location: Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park. This area is one of the most biologically and recreationally diverse regions for boondocking in New Mexico. 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 . The nearby White Mountain Wilderness is another good place to look. Just before you enter Santa Fe National Forest near Headquarter Wells is a small slice of BLM land (GPS coordinates: 35.692300, -106.086200). Its up in the mountains with lots of scrub pine and juniper. The Management Unit has one dirt road through it and no developed trails for any specific users. [Senate Hearing 106-887] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] S. Hrg. Only have a campfire if it is permitted, and always be sure it is completely extinguished. There is more space than you can think of in . As such, please be prepared and always practice Leave No Trace camping. The views of the Milky Way are among the very best Ive experienced in the United States. Camping is permitted throughout the full length of the road. The Capitan Wilderness is the place to go for peace and quiet. Hurley said forest employees on patrol have reported many large groups circling the wagons, or gathering several vehicles, including RVs, at spacious dispersed sites. Just make sure youre not on private land (its well-marked) before setting up camp. There is lots of hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities. Hikers and horseriders can access the adjacent wilderness via a number of paths at this place. Additional information on each site is available on the SFNF websites Recreation page. Parks Ranch Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Also Check: Best Portable Power Bank For Camping. Although the parking lot is windswept, you will conveniently find a silent area. Most of the campsites enjoy some decent privacy and all have access to a vault toilet. There are picnic tables and even a few shade structures at some of the sites, making this an amenity rich free campsite. Fee: $7 per night. Plan your road trip to Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping in NM with Roadtrippers. Following are enlisted some of the best dispersed camping sites near Santa Fe, New Mexico: Is dispersed camping allowed in Santa Fe National Forest?Unless notified otherwise, dispersed camping is permitted practically everywhere at the Santa Fe National Forest. Share sensitive information only My favorite are the dispersed campsites just off County Road C001 in the Capitan Gap area on the way to the Capitan Mountain trailhead. 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. Youve got the basics down and are ready to find your perfect campsite. Santa Fe National Forest. You will have plenty of room for trailer/RV camping. Angel Peak Scenic Area is, as the name describes, incredibly scenic. By Matt Dahlseid Santa Fe, which is located in New Mexico, has to offer everything if you are looking for dispersed camping in New Mexico. They have camping gear, hiking gear, survival gear and much more, all at 25% off when you click the link below. GPS Coordinates: 32.21013705590772, -106.61473041202322. Follow it to the end, where youll find the entrance to these free campsites. An injured man, notably an experienced hiker, spent 14 days stranded in Santa Fe National Forest before he was found by another hiker by a creek. 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. More of that wide-open desert-like terrain, Monticello Point Road has plenty of space for any size rig and the sunshine you need for solar. Dont Miss: Camping Near Mt Princeton Hot Springs. The dispersed camping lifestyle is one of the best reasons to look for the best dispersed camping in New Mexico. Santa Fe, NM 87508 Want to know the essentials for your next camping trip? Is dispersed camping allowed in Santa Fe National Forest. Volunteers have chipped in to help Hurleys small staff pick up garbage, but they cant keep up and its been accumulating in areas they havent had time to reach. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. 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. People disregarding fire safety is nothing new. Read Also: Camping World In Asheville North Carolina. One of our favorite things about dispersed camping is the lack of permits, reservations, and other requirements youll often find at developed campgrounds. Along with the lack of shade, both wind and dust can be issues depending on the time of year. 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. Campgrounds include: Vista Linda, San Antonio, Redondo, Paliza, and Jemez . 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. Here, gain access to the trails of Hamilton Mesa (249), Rociada (250) and Valdez (224). Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed The stars were really bright outside and the air was fresh and it was just like, I think we could feel ourselves relax.. It is a single room with Kitchenette, shower, bathroom, a queen size bed, and work space. Also, even in a non-roaring vehicle, the road is steep and washed out right now, so drive carefully. American Springs Dispersed Camping, Santa Fe National Forest in Los Alamos is rated 10.0 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. Free camping in New Mexico doesnt get much more scenic than Angel Peak Scenic Area. Dispersed camping is generally limited to 14 days within any continuous 30 day period. This will help preserve the health of the riparian area and protect sensitive animals and plants found here. There are no facilities at Dog Canyon, although you may be able to use the facilities at Oliver Lee. Each trip he makes he said he usually takes two to three bags of other peoples garbage with him to throw away when he gets home. The campgrounds trailhead connects to a 350-mile network of Pecos Wilderness trails, including Holy Ghost Trail, connecting to Skyline Trail and scenic Stewart Lake. The whole place is breathtakingly beautiful, and New Mexico 475 is declared the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. If you do decide to camp here be sure to explore the surrounding Angel Peak area. Ive never seen this much human waste and trash being left out in the forest, Hurley said. Call the Questa Ranger District for more information: (575) 586-0520, Get Directions to Cebolla Mesa Campground. No matter though the free Angel Peak Campground is a great alternative. The states social-distancing order limiting groups to five or fewer people is another rule to fall by the wayside. 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. The campsites here are close enough to Bonito Lake as well as some great hiking and ATV trails in the national forest. 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. Holy Ghost Group Area. You have permission to edit this article. Sort By. 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. It describes nearly 2,400 . The entire area of Holy Ghost Creek is home to a variety of fauna and birds. Many full-time boondockers and vandwellers utilize this annual pass. Angel Peak is normally pretty mellow, but does become something of a local party spot on nicer weekends, especially around holidays. Please park your vehicle near existing roads or existing dispersed campsites. The map linked above brings you to the largest camping area, although there are many more opportunities if you venture further in. Posted 11:06:55 PM. BLM New Mexico. 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 . A choice between dispersed camping and a free USFS campground. As that designation implies, its incredibly dark here at night. Holy Ghost Group Area The Best 10 RV Parks in Boulder, CO Prospect Rv Park. 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. Stores and gas stations are merely a couple of minutes away. Just a half hour to both Carlsbad National Park to the north and Guadalupe National Park in Texas to the south. 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: City of Rocks state park, Chihuahuan desert, New Mexico. These regions usually do not have any amenities, though you may occasionally come across a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. However, as you pull in, its pretty enormous. . Dont forget to check out nearby Cat Walk Recreation Area for a short yet scenic daytime hike. Its a little over an hour away and is notable for its badland scenery, especially its hoodoo formations. The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. On the drive in to Cebolla Mesa campground, youll pass several spur roads and roadside pullouts that are suitable for dispersed camping. Its a little farther away, but still convenient to White Sands National Park. 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. Youll see a couple large dispersed campsites just after you exit Highway 180 towards the campground. Developed campgrounds offer amenities ranging from electrical hookups for RV or trailer camping, to only a toilet. Restrooms:NoWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. 26.7 mi. . 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 sections that follow include all of the basic information you should know when planning your trip. ) or https:// means you've safely On the other hand, the roads differ depending on where youre going. 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. This article discussed everything about the best dispersed camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Its easy to find, and theres lots of room for dispersed camping. The views here are truly stunning and youll be treated to some incredible sunsets and sunrises at Dog Canyon. Its not free, but the New Mexico annual camping pass is still a heck of a deal. Please do camp at an already established site in the area, as in recent year campers have been setting up further and further from the designated sites which degrades the wilderness. The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and trailers. You will have plenty of room for trailer/RV camping. Santa Fe National Forest Campgrounds. The Santa Fe National Forest, the Cibola National Forest, and the Gila National Forest are some of the best places to find dispersed campgrounds in New Mexico. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. You have a couple options after turning off Highway 522 onto Forest Road 9. Weve compiled our nine favorite dispersed campsites in New Mexico in the list below. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. We hope weve provided all of the information you need to plan a great dispersed camping trip in New Mexico. While forest officials have been frustrated with the carelessness of some campers, they say they want the forests to remain open and understand the need for people to get outside and unwind during these challenging times. I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. Thats been a recurring issue that costs the U.S. taxpayers millions of dollars every year, McLarty said. CR435 BLM Camping - Velarde, New Mexico. Im not aware of any other free campsites in the immediate area. It never seems to get very busy here. There are no appropriate areas for dispersed camping along the course, and signs advise vehicles to stay on the road. Located just southeast of Albuquerque, West Mesa Road dispersed camping is another gem. The dirt access roads can get extremely rough and rutted after it rains. During the May 8-10 weekend, McLarty said he and his team found 38 improperly extinguished campfires. 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. The amenities at established campgrounds range from electricity hookups for motorhomes to just a toilet. Weve included a few good options for dispersed campsites in these national forest in the sections below, and have also linked to the dispersed camping regulations page for each forest below: To better visualize where each of these National Forests are located in New Mexico, take a look at the USFS map below: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the other governmental agency that permits dispersed camping in New Mexico. Golden Clear Creek R V Park. The USFS advises RVs and trailers to look elsewhere for camping. It is located near a dump, which is intriguing, yet there were no flies or odors in October. Our free printable cheat sheet outlines how to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next trip. Fireside Rv Park & Cabins. There was a problem saving your notification. This graded forest road provides access to the Santa Fe National Forest for about half the year, or at least until the snow melts. The next right is FSR 64 J, which as several dispersed campsites along its length. Holy Ghost Creek borders this dispersed camping area. You can access these sites from either direction, although RVs and trailers should arrive via Highway 217 from the east for the smoothest approach. Dont take anything but the smallest trailer here (and it likely needs high-clearance itself). Here are 5 of the best places for free camping in NewMexico: The site is pretty nice. Many of the places are level. 5. Campground Facilities: 50 Developed Campsites; 7 Electric Sites (30 amp) RV Dump Station; Group Campsites; . The national forest has portions to the east of Santa Fe, and across the Rio Grande, west of Santa Fe. Invalid password or account does not exist. Aguirre Spring Campground has the convenience of being close to the states second-largest city, yet its location on the east side of the mountains makes the site feel remote. Primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere on the Santa Fe National Forest unless otherwise posted. Try not to arrive after dark so you dont flood the campground with your headlights. Most passenger vehicles can continue up the road. New Mexico is one of the best places for fall, winter, and spring camping. Cramming into nooks and crannies all along U.S. Forest Service roads throughout Santa Fe National Forest, recreationists havent allowed the COVID-19 pandemic to keep them from enjoying their days and nights out in nature. In that area is also the Valles Caldera (pronounced VIE-ay) , the site of an old supervolcano eruption that is now a nature preserve. American Springs has many sites scattered around in the vicinity for dispersed camping. Not only is camping here free for up to two weeks, but the campground is very clean and well-maintained. This free primitive campground has 5 first-come, first-served campsites and offers the best views of the Rio Grande far below. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock But, if you live in the state and go camping regularly, its definitely worth thinking about. Call the Smokey Bear Ranger District for more information: (575) 257-4095. We have teamed up with Ape Survival to give you a huge 25% off EVERYTHING on their store! Reasonably convenient to I-25 if youre driving from Santa Fe to Denver. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed. However, as you pull in, its pretty enormous. Use them as inspiration, or make it easy on yourself and head to one of these great sites for your next camping trip. American Spring Dispersed Camping A unique option for free camping in eastern New Mexico where public lands are more sparse is the Bosque Redondo Park near Fort Sumner and Sumner Lake State Park. A lot of mountain biking and hiking trails are located nearby if youre into those activities. Here are the best and closest campgrounds to Santa Fe, NM, in order of proximity: Black Canyon Campground (8 miles). J. Lubchenco 2. Read Also: Camping World Rv Technician Training. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. RVs and trailers should stick to the first couple pullouts rather than attempting to drive up to the plateau. Riverview Rv Park & Campground. The quiet campground is located in a strand of ponderosa pine in the Santa Fe National Forest. Protect our public lands by always treating them with respect. Within Holy Ghost Canyon, the Santa Fe National Forests Holy Ghost Campground is located on the outskirts of the Pecos Wilderness. 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! 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. Around 45 minutes to the town of Carlsbad. I believe there are plans to install shade shelters in the near future. Ok, now were on to the fun part! Although you must camp in a designated campsite, Mills Canyon used to allow proper dispersed camping and retains much of this primitive charm. These regions usually do not have any amenities, though you may occasionally come across a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. 26.9 mi. The dirt access road isnt typically very rough but definitely dont try to camp here with rain in the forecast. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) 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). Use existing sites and fire rings when available. 191 6633 6608 693 Highpoint Ranch Rd. connected to the .gov website. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay in a spectacular location with views of the valley, mountains, and amazing sunsets. Historic Downtown Golden. The access roads arent terribly rough if you have high-clearance, but 4WD is certainly helpful. 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. . Highly recommended! Check out the pullouts and spur roads along Highway 150 on the way to Taos Ski Valley for starters. You can even comfortably camp all winterlong if you know where to look! 2023 This site is owned and operated by CamperAdvise. 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. Category Filters. A quick drive into Santa Fe. Write a Review. The most popular campsites are right on the lakeside itself. Rumpl Puffy Blanket - The coziest camp blanket out there. Its not hard to see why its such a popular RV snowbirding destination. Forest visitors are asked to follow campfire safety guidelines and adhere to the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics. The chilly waters are home to brown trout and stocked rainbow trout. God willing, there will still be significant snow coverage above 9,000' feet in March. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. I am a Freelance Architect. Status: Seasonal, Full time, Non-Exempt . Learn how to plan your route, create GPS files, navigate offline, and even print you own maps. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 9.1/10, Recommended Reading: Dog Friendly Camping Northern California. A great alternative to camping at Holloman Lake are the free dispersed campsites off Dog Canyon Road (GPS Coordinates: 32.7442, -105.9306). The Upper Bonito Recreation Area is a great designated dispersed camping area near the White Mountain Wilderness in Lincoln National Forest. Camping is prohibited within 900 feet of any developed water source (guzzler, watering trough, etc.). However, we wouldnt recommend counting on it since those are technically reserved for paid 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. Youll be able to choose a site with enough privacy but not too much isolation, though you could certainly go deeper. 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. You cant make reservations, but there is a kiosk that lets you pay for your site using a credit card. Again managed by the BLM, Monticello Point Road is one of the best free campsites in New Mexico because of its convenience. Although you shouldnt expect solitude, camping here is a lot more private than you might expect from a BLM campground. The campsites are scattered around a large dirt expanse near the lake. Ill happily provide additional suggestions if none of the free campsites above hit the mark for you. J. Boyle 9. 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. 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. The sites are nicely spaced, and there were always available spots throughout the weekend. The campground is rustic and underutilized, and it is far less developed than most. The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and . Here are the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping: You can read more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping here. The Dyrt PRO is our favorite resource for planning your trip. Rising from deserts, meadows and grasslands, the mesas, canyons and peaks of the Santa Fe National Forest are a place for re-creation. This is really a great stop just off of Interstate 25 if you are traveling across New Mexico. Just be aware, the mosquitos can be pretty bad here. Angel Peak is an excellent place to stop for an overnight on your way to or from the Four Corners Monument. It has 8 total first-come, first-served campsites (all completely free!) Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: camping-cap-du-roc.com Site officiel du camping Cap du Roc Port la Nouvelle dans l'Aude dans la rgion Occitanie Caja Del Rio dispersed camping is part of the Santa Fe National Forest overseen by the U.S. Forest Service. Last Updated on June 13, 2022 by Ted Mosby. Call the Carlsbad Field Office for more information: (575) 234-5960. Do you ever get that feeling Get me out of here! It stays a little cooler here than down in Albuquerque thanks to the higher elevation. 4. Although Parks Ranch is called a campground, dont expect any amenities other than fire rings and tent pads. Within Holy Ghost Canyon, the Santa Fe National Forest's Holy Ghost Campground is located on the outskirts of the Pecos Wilderness. 62, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 USA. 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. 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. Resumidero Camping Area. 2023 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. This route circumnavigates the majority of the campground, allowing you to avoid the steep entrances on the side roads. Given that Santa Fe is only 15 minutes away, you should have no problem finding everything you need for your trip. There are no amenities, but there's plenty of room to spread out. Overall, this is a great option for free camping in the region! This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. Mills Canyon Campground is another free campground thats well worth an overnight stop. Ive been coming up here for 35 years and so I have a sense of ownership for the Jemez, Wingert said. The Organ MountainsDesert Peaks National Monument preserves nearly half a million acres of rocky peaks and narrow canyons, much of it in Las Crucess backyard. I work remotely so I camp a lot in my RV. C. Anderson 6. 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! Junction City - Schreiner Park Campground, Upper Teton View - Toppings Lake Dispersed Campsites 8-16, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground, Video: Where to Camp in Quartzsite, Arizona. Along the road, there are plenty of dispersed camping areas, some along the creek. 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 best campsites are within about a half mile in either direction from Juan Tomas Trailhead (GPS coordinates: 35.034879, -106.320276).