Hi. Please know that you will be required to bring your own water. Dont let these amenities fool you though as these sites are remote and give you a true wilderness experience. If you want a home base to camp that allows you to travel into Santa Fe itself often, Black Canyon is a perfect distance. Long Campground - opens May 27; first come/first served; fee; no potable water 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 Official websites use .gov A .gov Beautiful wilderness scenery abounds and there are plenty of hiking opportunities nearby. Looking to find more dispersed campsites? 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. As such, please be prepared and always practice Leave No Trace camping. What really makes West Mesa one of the best free campsites in New Mexico, however, is easy access to nearby mountain biking and hiking trails. Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area, Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Area and Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area, New Mexico State Parks Annual Camping Pass, my favorite apps and websites to find dispersed campsites. Explore the spur roads off Juan Tomas Road to find other campsites. Photograph: Alamy. Camping is not permitted anywhere in Pecos National Historical Park. In terms of wildlife, dont be surprised if you see quail, doves, cattle, and much more. The best way to do this is typically by reaching out directly to the relevant USFS Ranger District or BLM Office in the area youd like to camp to inquire on camping locations. Resumidero Camping Area. On the drive in to Cebolla Mesa campground, youll pass several spur roads and roadside pullouts that are suitable for dispersed camping. Our dispersed camping checklist has all the camping essentials plus specific items for dispersed camping. Recommended Reading: Dispersed Camping Near Eugene Oregon. 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. Only minutes from Old Town Santa Fe, quiet, woodland camping. Full Time position. Fenton Lake State Park This popular campground is open from May through October in the Santa Fe National Forest. Just 30 minutes away from White Sands National Park, Dog Canyon dispersed camping is another great area for any size rig. Please keep your campsite at least 100 feet from streams and lakes, including riverbanks or areas next to bodies of water. GPS Coordinates: 32.21013705590772, -106.61473041202322. 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 national forest has portions to the east of Santa Fe, and across the Rio Grande, west of Santa Fe. Holloman Lake is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 8.3/10 Very nicely developed site. Parks. Youll enjoy the campgrounds modest environment. Cosmic Campground is clean and well-maintained. Santa Fe is the hub . Fire regulations must be observed at all times. Dispersed camping is available on BLM and National Forest Service land throughout the state which happens to be a liberating experience. The access roads arent terribly rough if you have high-clearance, but 4WD is certainly helpful. City of Rocks state park, Chihuahuan desert, New Mexico. Erik, Google review, Read Also: Camping World Near San Antonio, Home Articles Camping Near Santa Fe | The Santa Fe National Forest. Do keep in mind that there is not water source so youll want to come prepared with all that youll need for your trip. Finding good dispersed camping near Albuquerque is surprisingly difficult. 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. U S National Forest Campground Guide Intermountain Region Overview. This is probably tops of all the best free campgrounds in New Mexico though it is limited to a seven-day stay instead of the typical 14 days. However, as you pull in, its pretty enormous. 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. During the summer, the landscape is blanketed in vibrant wildflowers. Most of the BLM land in the state is located east of Farmington, or down south around Las Cruces. Where is the best dispersed camping site near Santa Fe? Use the custom map layers to find public land, download offline maps, and navigate to your perfect dispersed campsite. The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. 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! The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. 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. Solar Power Bank Charger - Keep your gadgets charged with the power of the sun. Looking for dispersed camping in New Mexico? Each of the nine campsites has a picnic table and fire rings. This is hands down one of the most beautiful places in New Mexico, in my opinion. Yet, I personally prefer staying at Parks Ranch Campground, a primitive BLM campground that allows free camping for up to 14 days. Fenton Lake State Park doesnt seem to be interesting from the outside. The entirety of 435 is BLM land so you can tent or auto camp anywhere you like. Parks Ranch Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. A choice between dispersed camping and a free USFS campground. 106-887 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 ========= It has 8 total first-come, first-served campsites (all completely free!) United States. Dispersed camping an escape for some, a headache for others. The map above leads to one of the more popular dispersed sites along Forest Service road 462DC1, but there are many additional sites in the surrounding area. You have permission to edit this article. Lincoln National Forest is chock full of dispersed campsites. This is BLM land, so dispersed camping is permitted, just dont pitch your tent too close to the developed campground. Its over 40 miles from the nearest significant source of light so the night skies are great for stargazing. 4. Recreation Technician - Inyo National Forest. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. I'm in New Mexico. Each campsite is large and spacious (and most are wheelchair accessible). Both allow dispersed camping with several spots suitable for larger RVs and trailers. The nearby White Mountain Wilderness is another good place to look. Countless other dispersed campsites are scattered across the states public lands. website belongs to an official government organization in the Write a Review. You can cross reference the two and often see areas that have established campsites in Google Maps. Its a great place to hunker down or a good jumping-off point if you want to explore some quirky New Mexico towns. connected to the .gov website. The 9 dispersed campsites outlined above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to free campsites in New Mexico. Unless otherwise noted below, the Santa Fe National Forests campgrounds and picnic areas are open. Aiden Salazar, 10, right, aims an arrow at a target Friday as his brother Wyatt, 6, watches at their dispersed campsite in the Jemez Mountains. 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. We think of this as the essential information to lay a foundation for your perfect camping trip. It doesnt get very busy here and youll almost certainly find a private campsite. Some campers are doing their part, however. However, not all of them have this luxury. Its up in the mountains with lots of scrub pine and juniper. 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. Salary: $690 - $800 weekly, Depending on experience . Even 4WD vehicles should be cautious about camping here if rain is in the forecast. The most loved ventures at Holy Ghost Campground are hiking and horseback riding. The whole place is breathtakingly beautiful, and New Mexico 475 is declared the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. A quick drive into Santa Fe. The views here are truly stunning and youll be treated to some incredible sunsets and sunrises at Dog Canyon. 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. Santa Fe Fire Road is an excellent trail for beginning off-roaders with its smooth surface and several spurs to explore. Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping is a National Forest in Santa Fe. Last Updated on June 13, 2022 by Ted Mosby. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. Also Check: Best Portable Power Bank For Camping. Dark Canyon is perhaps the best and is suitable for small to medium RVs and trailers in addition to tents and vans. I use these in conjunction with a free, open source topo like Caltopo or Gaia GPS. 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. In terms of location, this site is about 35 minutes south of the Sierra Vista free campsite. Ive never seen this much human waste and trash being left out in the forest, Hurley said. An official website of the FREE Camping Near Santa Fe, NM Santa Fe National Forest, How I Found A Killer, Free RV Camping Spot in Santa Fe New Mexico, My Winnebago RV Gets a Name Free RV Camping Santa Fe, NM, Tent Camping Smoky Mountain National Park, Camping World In Asheville North Carolina, Ouachita National Forest Dispersed Camping Map, Tent Camping Near Garden Of The Gods Colorado, Next 2 miles = gravel road about 2.5 vehicles wide, Final 2 miles = gravel road about 1 vehicle wide. Caja del Rio sits at a lower elevation compared to much of the . Dept. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Hikers and horseriders can access the adjacent wilderness via a number of paths at this place. This free primitive campground has 5 first-come, first-served campsites and offers the best views of the Rio Grande far below. The Capitan Wilderness is part of Lincoln National Forest. Overall, this is a nice place to set up camp. Here are 30 of the best places to go camping in New Mexico. Lots of people doing one night stays. It is a single room with Kitchenette, shower, bathroom, a queen size bed, and work space. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:LightMap. I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. Iron Gate Campground near Pecos, NM. New Mexico's first State Park is set in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains pine forest, along Little Tesuque Creek. 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. I am a Freelance Architect. 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 road to get here is easily passable for trailers and RVs, so this is a good option if youre traveling in a larger vehicle. Hikers and horseriders can access the adjacent wilderness via a number of paths at this place. High-clearance is all but a must and 4WD is extremely helpful, especially for the last several miles of road. This is a great place for boondocking in New Mexico, although its important to take things slow on the approach. Forest Information. Title: Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Outdoor Recreation Management, Crew Leader . Highly recommended! However, there is no disposal station. 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. San Antonio Campground was completely rebuilt and reopened . Aside from a handle of picnic shelters and a handful of trees, theres minimal shade. The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and trailers. The diversity of New Mexicos landscape is reflected in a wide range of recreational opportunities and camping experiences one can find in the state. Santa Fe National Forest Camping: Campendium has 195 reviews of 63 Campgrounds in Santa Fe National Forest. Learn how to plan your route, create GPS files, navigate offline, and even print you own maps. 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. They have camping gear, hiking gear, survival gear and much more, all at 25% off when you click the link below. 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. Invalid password or account does not exist. During the May 8-10 weekend, McLarty said he and his team found 38 improperly extinguished campfires. The entire area of Holy Ghost Creek is home to a variety of fauna and birds. The past meets the present in this environment where year-round day-use, water focused . Reasonably convenient to I-25 if youre driving from Santa Fe to Denver. Additional information on each site is available on the SFNF websites Recreation page. There is a lot of open space where stands of Ponderosa pine dot the grassy plains. Sort By. In this article, the best dispersed camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico, is discussed. The USFS advises RVs and trailers to look elsewhere for camping. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. Photograph by NMTD. This is a popular destination, so plan to arrive early on summer weekends here. 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. Its not far off of the highway, but far enough that it still feels private. Restrooms:Vault toiletsWater:NoCrowds:BusyMap. 19.3 mi. Its probably on par for what wed get for a big holiday weekend like Memorial Day weekend, but now its every weekend, said Leah Hurley, recreation staff officer for the Jemez and Cuba Ranger Districts. 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. Plan your road trip to Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping in NM with Roadtrippers. Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground The Joe Skeen Campground is located west of Albuquerque adjacent to the El Malpais National Monument on BLM land. You will have plenty of room for trailer/RV camping. Info:Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District, 575-525-4300. Fireside Rv Park & Cabins. Location: Based out of Durango, CO . Just before you enter Santa Fe National Forest near Headquarter Wells is a small slice of BLM land (GPS coordinates: 35.692300, -106.086200). Dispersed camping is permitted on public lands in New Mexico for no more than 14 days within any 28-day period. Holy Ghost Creek borders this dispersed camping area. 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. There was a problem saving your notification. Two trails depart from the site: The six-mile Baylor Pass Trail climbs to a saddle with views of the Mesilla Valley, while the four-mile Pine Tree Trail forms a loop at the base of the mountains. 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. Your real name will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more! Looking for more dispersed camping content? The Aspen Basin Campground is situated next to the Santa Fe Ski Basins huge parking lot. Call the Glenwood Ranger District for more information: (575) 539-2481, Location: Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Dispersed camping certainly isnt in short supply near Carlsbad Caverns. Another site on the more than 5.4 million acres managed by the BLMs LC District Office in New Mexico, this site is accessed via Exit 151 off Interstate 10. Holloman Lake is one of the best places for dispersed camping near White Sands National Park. The chilly waters are home to brown trout and stocked rainbow trout. 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. The campground is in fire zone 112, so be sure to check fire restrictions before your visit. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay in a spectacular location with views of the valley, mountains, and amazing sunsets. Hurley said forest employees on patrol have reported many large groups circling the wagons, or gathering several vehicles, including RVs, at spacious dispersed sites. BLM New Mexico. This will help preserve the health of the riparian area and protect sensitive animals and plants found here. Call the Carlsbad Field Office for more information: (575) 234-5960. It's an area within the Santa Fe National Forest so you can dispersed camp for free. Santa Fe National Forest Campgrounds, Santa Fe: See traveler reviews, 2 candid photos, and great deals for Santa Fe National Forest Campgrounds, ranked #14 of 22 specialty lodging in Santa Fe and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. 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. The Best 10 RV Parks in Boulder, CO Prospect Rv Park. Beautiful views from the top of the plateau. Follow it to the end, where youll find the entrance to these free campsites. The natural area is a beautiful combination of desert scrub and low-elevation pinion-juniper and oak woodlands. Read Also: Camping World Rv Technician Training. Although still within Santa Fe National Forest boundaries, Iron Gate Campground is suited for Pecos Wilderness hiking. This is the perfect place to camp before visiting El Malpais, but also makes a great stop for those on a longer road trip and youre just a short distance off of I-40 here. 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. That said, there are plenty of campsite options, so you shouldnt have a tough time finding a spot. Independent. The campground is located within Gila National Forest, which is already one of the most remote and rugged wilderness areas in the United States. You have a couple options after turning off Highway 522 onto Forest Road 9. Although its only good for dry campsites, you can pay just $4 extra per night for an electric hookup (when available). 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. . The Caja del Rio area is part of Santa Fe National Forest. There arent any facilities here so be sure to stock up on supplies before setting up camp. For more information on hiking in Pecos Wilderness visit www.fs.usda.com. 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. The Caja del Rio area in Santa Fe National Forest is my favorite place for dispersed camping near Santa Fe. I believe there are plans to install shade shelters in the near future. I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. ( Angel Creek Scenic Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Luckily, it never seems to get very busy here, so chances are youll find a quiet space all to yourself. Here are 5 of the best places for free camping in NewMexico: The site is pretty nice. There are a lot of campgrounds there, and if you have a high-clearance vehicle, youll have even more possibilities. 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.