Five national forests (and small sections of two others) plus a heck of lot of BLM land give you plenty of options for setting up camp without spending a single penny. These maps are published by the Forest Service and display the entire network of forest service roads in a given National Forest. Pets are allowed, and activities in the area include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking on the San Juan River. As that designation implies, its incredibly dark here at night. That blaze, started by an improperly extinguished campfire, burned 16,500 acres of forest in the Jemez Mountains, and its scars are still striking to see today. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. 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. You can even comfortably camp all winterlong if you know where to look! Rising from deserts, meadows and grasslands, the mesas, canyons and peaks of the Santa Fe National Forest are a place for re-creation. Category Filters. This free primitive campground has 5 first-come, first-served campsites and offers the best views of the Rio Grande far below. Holloman Lake is one of the best places for dispersed camping near White Sands National Park. 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. L. Westra 8. 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. Pecos/Las Vegas RD, Santa Fe National Forest. Rancheros de Santa Fe is a magnificent destination for your visit, located on Historic Route 66 and near the Santa Fe Trail. Salary: $690 - $800 weekly, Depending on experience . Joe Skeen Campground is located in the El Malpais National Conservation Area, so there are a ton of things to see and do here. The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and trailers. You cant make reservations, but there is a kiosk that lets you pay for your site using a credit card. New Mexico certainly lives up to its name as the Land of Enchantment. 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. The Tres Piedras dispersed camping area is located approximately 30 minutes northwest of Taos and just inside Carson National Forest. 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. Do keep in mind that there is not water source so youll want to come prepared with all that youll need for your trip. . But, if you live in the state and go camping regularly, its definitely worth thinking about. The cell service is excellent, and there are numerous breathtaking views. This area is one of the most biologically and recreationally diverse regions for boondocking in New Mexico. Iron Gate Campground near Pecos, NM. 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. 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. They have camping gear, hiking gear, survival gear and much more, all at 25% off when you click the link below. Given what a gem Tres Piedras is, please be sure to Leave No Trace and keep this forest open to dispersed camping for generations to come. In fact, star parties are held regularly throughout the year with telescopes provided for all to use. Even 4WD vehicles should be cautious about camping here if rain is in the forecast. Santa Fe, NM 87508
Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. . Unfortunately, I dont believe dispersed camping is allowed within the scenic area, even though its administered by the Bureau of Land Management. 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. 3. Hikers and horseriders can access the adjacent wilderness via a number of paths at this place. Overall, this is a wonderful part of the state and a great place for dispersed camping. American Springs Dispersed Camping, Santa Fe National Forest in Los Alamos, New Mexico: 1 reviews, 7 photos, & 1 tips from fellow RVers. The nearby White Mountain Wilderness is another good place to look. 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. Again managed by the BLM, Monticello Point Road is one of the best free campsites in New Mexico because of its convenience. 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! Erik, Google review, Read Also: Camping World Near San Antonio, Home Articles Camping Near Santa Fe | The Santa Fe National Forest. There are several different options for camping here. Though not dispersed camping in the traditional sense, the 10 campsites here are all free and have some basic amenities such as picnic tables, a covered shelter, and access to restrooms. The whole place is breathtakingly beautiful, and New Mexico 475 is declared the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. The campground is in fire zone 112, so be sure to check fire restrictions before your visit. 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). Contests and special offers from The Santa Fe New Mexican and advertising partners. And, it does get quite hot in the summer. GPS Coordinates: 32.21013705590772, -106.61473041202322. There are no facilities at Dog Canyon, although you may be able to use the facilities at Oliver Lee. Lots of people doing one night stays. A lot of mountain biking and hiking trails are located nearby if youre into those activities. 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. This popular campground is open from May through October in the Santa Fe National Forest. Nearby Forest Road 462 is rough but has excellent dispersed campsites if you can reach them. Youll be able to choose a site with enough privacy but not too much isolation, though you could certainly go deeper. 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. Although its only good for dry campsites, you can pay just $4 extra per night for an electric hookup (when available). . Rumpl Puffy Blanket - The coziest camp blanket out there. 62, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 USA. Its something of a tight turn off Highway 70 through the entrance gate, especially in a big rig. Although Parks Ranch is called a campground, dont expect any amenities other than fire rings and tent pads. GPS: 36.0711, -107.0096 Free camping might as well be New Mexicos middle name. 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. 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. 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. Is dispersed camping allowed in Santa Fe National Forest. See Also: Where to Go Dispersed Camping in Arizona. Its also a really tranquil spot. The Joe Skeen Campground is located west of Albuquerque adjacent to the El Malpais National Monument on BLM land. Home. If youre looking for an incredible free campsite with stunning views of Angel Peak and the badlands, look now further than the BLM managed Angel Peak Scenic Area. Overall, this is a great option for free camping in the region! 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. Holy Ghost Group Area. FS-88 Cuba, NM 505-438-5300 Official Website. The Caja del Rio area in Santa Fe National Forest is my favorite place for dispersed camping near Santa Fe. Youve got the basics down and are ready to find your perfect campsite. 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 . Santa Fe BLM Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed. Beautiful views of the Rio Grande cutting its way through the canyon below. There are several designated dispersed sites located throughout the Manzanita Mountains that are interspersed in this excellent trail system. The U.S. National Forest Campground Guide - National, consolidates the nine Regional Guides. 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. Read Also: Camping World Rv Technician Training. The Caja del Rio area is part of Santa Fe National Forest. There is something special about the combination of desert, mountains, and some of the most rugged wilderness in the US that gives New Mexico a certain allure that cant be denied. Santa Fe National Forest. Looking to find more free, dispersed camping? These sites get a fair amount of use given their proximity to Albuquerque, so please leave them in better shape than you found them. There is also an equestrian campground just down the road where you can fill up with water and dump your tanks. For more information on hiking in Pecos Wilderness visit www.fs.usda.com. Campground Facilities: 50 Developed Campsites; 7 Electric Sites (30 amp) RV Dump Station; Group Campsites; . Heres how to track these down on your own: Dispersed camping is far from the only way to camp for free in New Mexico. 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. Also Check: Soledad Canyon Rv & Camping Resort. American Spring Dispersed Camping Check out the pullouts and spur roads along Highway 150 on the way to Taos Ski Valley for starters. It never got too full. Dates: March 27, 2023 - August 25, 2023 (option to extend to November) . Dispersed camping certainly isnt in short supply near Carlsbad Caverns. These regions usually do not have any amenities, though you may occasionally encounter a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. Theyre best suited for tent camping or van camping. Reasonably convenient to I-25 if youre driving from Santa Fe to Denver. Also Check: Best Portable Power Bank For Camping. This is a great place for boondocking in RVs and trailers. However, the campground is relatively easy to access and has some basic amenities to make your stay a bit more comfortable. 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 Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 8.3/10 Very nicely developed site. Here are 30 of the best places to go camping in New Mexico. The place seemed safe and remarkably tidy for a free camping area adjacent to a metropolis. Campgrounds. A small camping fee will possibly be implemented soon (although staying here will still be worth it). 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. Every scenic stop was crawling with people, and every trailhead had a half mile of overflow parking along the road. If youre looking for dispersed camping near Santa Fe, then the Caja should be high on your short list. Call the Smokey Bear Ranger District for more information: (575) 257-4095. Dept. The Dyrt PRO is our favorite resource for planning your trip. However, as you pull in, its pretty enormous. Santa Fe is the hub . Forest Service Rd 268 Dispersed Site. Use them to help plan your next dispersed camping trip. Mills Canyon Campground is part of Kiowa National Grassland administered together with Cibola 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. This way, you dont have to be searching for campground information once youre out there. Only minutes from Old Town Santa Fe, quiet, woodland camping. Not ideal for RVs or trailers. Because it is BLM dispersed, there are no facilities at all, and it has a Nomadland feel to it. There arent any facilities here so be sure to stock up on supplies before setting up camp. 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. It offers nightly movies during the summer and access to hiking trails all year long. The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. Theres minimal shade here. Camping is not free; it costs $30 per night for a tent and $43 per night for an RV. In the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico, the campground is set amid pine and fir trees, just where the aspen trees will start to appear. Fly-fishing is popular on Holy Ghost Creek. Another BLM managed area, the Joe Skeen Campground is the creme de la creme if you are looking for a true campground. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Create a password that only you will remember. Forest visitors are asked to follow campfire safety guidelines and adhere to the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics. Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground. 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. 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. Do not camp within 200 feet of a water source. . Along with the lack of shade, both wind and dust can be issues depending on the time of year. Getting there: 23 miles east of Las Cruces, via US 70 to Aquirre Springs Road. In mid-December, it can get very cold. The dirt access roads can get extremely rough and rutted after it rains. I wish other people did, too, because Id like for my kids to be able to come up here one day and enjoy this place.. Visitors periodically turn the field into a shooting range, so you might hear gunshots nearby. Stores and gas stations are merely a couple of minutes away. Cosmic Campground is clean and well-maintained. By Matt Dahlseid While its beautiful to look out at, Holloman Lake isnt safe for swimming or wading (due to sewage from the air force base, I believe). The campground is small and each campsite is spaced quite far apart. If that isnt enough, how about the fact that youre only about an hour away from Roswell, home of the International UFO Museum and Research Center. Last but not least is the lake itself. [Senate Hearing 106-887] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] S. Hrg. You can access these sites from either direction, although RVs and trailers should arrive via Highway 217 from the east for the smoothest approach. The Santa Fe National Forest, an easy drive from both Albuquerque or Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a wide diversity of recreation . Title: Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Outdoor Recreation Management, Crew Leader . Camping is permitted throughout the full length of the road. Because these campsites are right next to Holloman Air Force Base not to mention a busy highway, its safe to say you shouldnt expect much quiet. As such, please be prepared and always practice Leave No Trace camping. 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. Highly recommended! Listings Map. City of Rocks state park. Here are the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping: You can read more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping here. Routing by HERE 2021; Improve this map; Remove Ads. It's an area within the Santa Fe National Forest so you can dispersed camp for free. You will have plenty of room for trailer/RV camping. Along the road, there are plenty of dispersed camping areas, some along the creek. If you plan on mountain biking or running/hiking, there are some fun single-track routes (Water Canyon and Perimeter Trail) accessible from the campsite. Call the Sadia Ranger District for more information: (505) 281-3304. From Interstate 25, take Exit 1 and then turn east onto University Road/Dripping Springs Road. But the noise really isnt as terrible as you might think. These campsites are exposed to the elements. There are 250 developed campsites with 54 electric sites, perfect for RV camping. There are picnic tables and even a few shade structures at some of the sites, making this an amenity rich free campsite. 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. Dark Canyon is perhaps the best and is suitable for small to medium RVs and trailers in addition to tents and vans. McLarty said these undeveloped sites have a higher accumulation of pine straw and other fuels built up, creating an even higher risk of fire. Weve rounded up some of the best RV parks around Santa Fe, according to campers who have been before. Its up in the mountains with lots of scrub pine and juniper. City of Rocks state park, Chihuahuan desert, New Mexico. Title: Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Outdoor Recreation Management, Crew LeaderDates: March 27See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. Still have questions about dispersed camping in New Mexico? Job specializations: Outdoor/Nature/Animal. 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. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. with a maximum RV limit of 36 feet. U S National Forest Campground Guide Intermountain Region Overview. There are no appropriate areas for dispersed camping along the course, and signs advise vehicles to stay on the road. There was a problem saving your notification. Gaia GPS - Download offline maps for easy navigation! Aside from a teeny little loop hike, the rest of that park was off-limits without a permit, and of course permits were long gone. Perhaps most popular is Cebolla Mesa Campground at the very end of the road (about 3.5 miles from the turnoff). The campground is located within Gila National Forest, which is already one of the most remote and rugged wilderness areas in the United States. Thats it! 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. Just 30 minutes away from White Sands National Park, Dog Canyon dispersed camping is another great area for any size rig. Receive a list of headlines from the latest edition of The New Mexican in your inbox every morning. The campground is bordered by Holy Ghost Creek, which provides picturesque views of the forest and mountains. The Capitan Wilderness is a great place to set up camp for free in south-central New Mexico. Strong cellular reception from most providers. Camping near Santa Fe National Forest. To make finding free campsites in New Mexico even easier, Ive rounded up 9 of my personal favorites to share with you below. "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.". Stay informed of the latest local news by receiving emails as soon as news is posted online. Explore the spur roads off Juan Tomas Road to find other campsites. It gets extremely hot in the summer. High-clearance is all but a must and 4WD is extremely helpful, especially for the last several miles of road. Dont Miss: Camping Near Mt Princeton Hot Springs. With diverse terrain , an abundance of wildlife, and unimaginablyclear views of the Milky Way at night, its not crazy to think that New Mexicowas made for camping. Monongahela national forest map pdf day and overnight hikes west virginias monongahela national forest Fri, 14 Dec 2018 12:46:00 GMT day and overnight hikes west pdf - Hiking is the preferred term, in Canada and the United States, for a long, vigorous walk, usually on trails (), in the countryside, while the word walking is used for shorter, particularly urban walks. Many full-time boondockers and vandwellers utilize this annual pass. The Capitan Wilderness is the place to go for peace and quiet. Photograph by NMTD. In this article, the best dispersed camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico, is discussed. The bathrooms are nice, but the one in black bear loop is the nicest. The site is quite populated, especially in the summer and during the fall aspen viewing days, due to the beautiful qualities and easy access from Santa Fe. In addition, the New Mexico Dispersed camping map below shows all of the campsite locations, with detailed descriptions following. Its not free, but the New Mexico annual camping pass is still a heck of a deal. Pick up your trash or, better yet, pick up trash left behind by others too and make sure to pack out all your waste. The sections that follow include all of the basic information you should know when planning your trip. 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.. Although there is occasional traffic noise, it becomes calmer as you get farther into the campgrounds. The views here are truly stunning and youll be treated to some incredible sunsets and sunrises at Dog Canyon. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. The national forest has portions to the east of Santa Fe, and across the Rio Grande, west of Santa Fe. Santa Fe, NM We have a petit, green friendly, casita with passive solar and vaulted ceilings. A relatively quick and easy drive into Taos. Navajo Dam, NM 87419, Phone: 505-632-2278, 25 Best Campgrounds in New Mexico for Locals & Tourists Restaurants, HotelsBack to Top or Beautiful places near me, what to do, restaurants for breakfast, travel guide, nearest beach, What to do near my location downtown at night in fall, winter, spring, spa near me, summer, places to go, wedding venues near me, beach, wedding venues, open parks, hotels near me, burger, nature park, nice restaurants near me: UT, Indianapolis, From Kansas City, Mackinac Island, Chattanooga, RI, From Chicago, Sacramento, Nantucket, Girls Getaways, Santa Barbara, PA, Michigan beaches. 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. Just make sure youre not on private land (its well-marked) before setting up camp. In terms of wildlife, dont be surprised if you see quail, doves, cattle, and much more. Thats been a recurring issue that costs the U.S. taxpayers millions of dollars every year, McLarty said. Weve compiled our nine favorite dispersed campsites in New Mexico in the list below. Both allow dispersed camping with several spots suitable for larger RVs and trailers. I get 3G on Sprint towers near the check in kiosk and LTE on T-Mobile in the same spot. This free camping spot is close to the La Cueva Trail if youre of the mind to get a little hike in during your stay. Mills Canyon Campground is another free campground thats well worth an overnight stop. Posted 11:06:55 PM. Camping is prohibited within 900 feet of any developed water source (guzzler, watering trough, etc.). Also on the west side of the Organ Mountains, the Dripping Springs dispersed camping area is located about 10 miles east of town. American Springs has many sites scattered around in the vicinity for dispersed camping. This is BLM land, so dispersed camping is permitted, just dont pitch your tent too close to the developed campground. 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. Visit forestcamping.com to learn more. The most tranquil campsites are locate right on Bonito Creek, making for a wonderful camping experience. Santa Fe Skies RV Park offers full-service Santa Fe campsites. $0 - $200 avg/night. 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, with a little knowledge, some basic map reading skills, and some of the excellent resources available we think youll have no problem finding a perfect dispersed campsite for your next trip. Beautiful wilderness scenery abounds and there are plenty of hiking opportunities nearby. Located in Carson National Forest about 45 minutes north of Taos, this area is best known for its peace and quiet as well as its beautiful canyon views. The first stretch of campsites is great for boondocking in RVs and trailers. Its located in Northeast New Mexico about an hour off I-25. I strongly recommend visiting what we call The Jemez (pronounced HEY-mez) . It boasts four concrete telescope pads (camping isnt allowed on these) and requires campers to use red light filters on all flashlights and headlamps to minimize light pollution. It doesnt get very busy here and youll almost certainly find a private campsite. The next right is FSR 64 J, which as several dispersed campsites along its length. 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. G. Snyder 7. Do not camp in areas near trailheads, picnic areas, or developed campgrounds. C. Anderson 6. The campground is rustic and underutilized, and it is far less developed than most. If you have a low-clearance RV, take the first route on the left after passing through the livestock gate. INSET: A pile of trash from a dispersed campsite is collected in a tarp in the Jemez Mountains. 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. Cimarron Campground, in the Carson National Forest, is an equestrian dream. 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 . This will help preserve the health of the riparian area and protect sensitive animals and plants found here. Dust can also be a problem. 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.