Overall, this is a great option for free camping in the region! 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. Its a great place to hunker down or a good jumping-off point if you want to explore some quirky New Mexico towns. Santa Fe National Forest Campgrounds. Be sure to let us know in the comments below if you have any questions and be sure to tell us about your trip! Call the Las Cruces District Office for more information: (575) 525-4300. Angel Peak is an excellent place to stop for an overnight on your way to or from the Four Corners Monument. The recreation area shall be comprised of approximately 57,000 acres of lands and interests in lands within the Santa Fe National Forest as generally depicted on the map entitled "Jemez National Recreation AreaProposed" and dated September 1992. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. You will have plenty of room for trailer/RV camping. The Caja del Rio area in Santa Fe National Forest is my favorite place for dispersed camping near Santa Fe. Itstruly amazing just how many opportunities there are for free camping in this southwestern state, including many free campsites nearmajor tourist attractions! San Antonio Campground is adjacent to the San Antonio River, tucked into a forest of ponderosa pine at 7,600 feet above sea level. There are several sites that have a fire ring, picnic table and shelter, and can accommodate big rigs. 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. The most loved ventures at Holy Ghost Campground are hiking and horseback riding. You can access these sites from either direction, although RVs and trailers should arrive via Highway 217 from the east for the smoothest approach. Most passenger vehicles can continue up the road. Grant Wingert felt lucky to find a spot along N.M. 126 on Friday afternoon as dispersed sites were filling up fast. 15.0 mi. Many of these MVUMs also display where dispersed camping is permitted, typically indicated by two dots on either side of a given road. Check-out is strictly at 11 a.m., and the administration begins cleaning the showers and restrooms at that time, so you must leave early, which can be frustrating. There are no facilities at Dog Canyon, although you may be able to use the facilities at Oliver Lee. Be very cautious driving here after heavy rains. 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 Best 10 RV Parks in Boulder, CO Prospect Rv Park. 5. The MVUM will have details about seasonal road closures. There are several designated dispersed sites located throughout the Manzanita Mountains that are interspersed in this excellent trail system. Guanella Pass . Currently, the Vaulted toilet is not in use. 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. Although its only good for dry campsites, you can pay just $4 extra per night for an electric hookup (when available). Its not hard to see why its such a popular RV snowbirding destination. About a 15-minute drive away, Bandelier National Monument is a fun spot to visit and climb in some cliff houses. Countless other dispersed campsites are scattered across the states public lands. I use these in conjunction with a free, open source topo like Caltopo or Gaia GPS. Because the Aspen Basin Campground provides access to a breathtakingly beautiful environment, it can be quite busy during the days of summer and fall aspen viewing days. However, not all of them have this luxury. Solo Stove - Elevate your campfire with this smoke-free fire pit. There are also vault toilets and trash cans. The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and . I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. 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! Fenton Lake State Park 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. Related Post: Where to Dispersed Camping in Colorado. The staff is knowledgeable about the area and will help you arrange activities and tours to the local sites. The access roads arent terribly rough if you have high-clearance, but 4WD is certainly helpful. 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. Theres minimal shade here. 3. These campsites are exposed to the elements. A vault toilet is located on-site. Dont Miss: Camping Near Mt Princeton Hot Springs. Stay informed of the latest local news by receiving emails as soon as news is posted online. Use existing sites and fire rings when available. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. FS-88 Cuba, NM 505-438-5300 Official Website. The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. Invalid password or account does not exist. respect the fire conditions warnings and practice no-trace camping principles. And, it does get quite hot in the summer. 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. Located in the Valle Vidal Management Unit, Cimarron Campground is surrounded by more than 100,000 acres of pristine high desert wilderness. A pool is available, but you must arrive early to get a spot. Please, please, please! High-clearance is all but a must and 4WD is extremely helpful, especially for the last several miles of road. 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 Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands for more information: (575) 374-9652, Get Directions to Mills Canyon Campground. The Santa Fe National Forest offers beautiful camping areas that range from low to high elevation, high desert to forested and primitive to developed. Theres a lot of room to spread out, so you should have at least a little privacy from your closest neighbor. Do you ever get that feeling Get me out of here! The Santa Fe National Forest is located in north-central New Mexico and is comprised of 1,587,181 acres. 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. Most campsites have partial shade. 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. See Also: Where to Go Dispersed Camping in Arizona. Full Time position. This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. Forest Information. Call the Espanola Ranger District for more information: (505) 753-7331. The nearby White Mountain Wilderness is another good place to look. Its such a health risk for everyone around, the recreationists and our staff.. If you do decide to camp here be sure to explore the surrounding Angel Peak area. Learn how to plan your route, create GPS files, navigate offline, and even print you own maps. Camping is not permitted anywhere in Pecos National Historical Park. The best campsites are within about a half mile in either direction from Juan Tomas Trailhead (GPS coordinates: 35.034879, -106.320276). Youve got the basics down and are ready to find your perfect campsite. The sites are nicely spaced, and there were always available spots throughout the weekend. Our final New Mexico dispersed campsite in this guide isnt actually a dispersed site. Within Holy Ghost Canyon, the Santa Fe National Forests Holy Ghost Campground is located on the outskirts of the Pecos Wilderness. 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 Given that Santa Fe is only 15 minutes away, you should have no problem finding everything you need for your trip. The most tranquil campsites are locate right on Bonito Creek, making for a wonderful camping experience. 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. 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. Free camping might as well be New Mexicos middle name. The Cimarron Campground may be rustic but provides equestrian and non-equestrian campers one of the most memorable experiences found in few places in the United States. Youre in luck. The dispersed camping lifestyle is one of the best reasons to look for the, 6 Must See Dispersed Camping Near Water in Colorado, 8 Amazing Dispersed Camping Near Sedona, Arizona, 13 Amazing Dispersed Camping Near Buena Vista, Colorado. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed. They implore visitors to adhere to the ban on campfires, to follow the states public health orders and practice Leave No Trace principles while enjoying their time outside. Fee: $7 per night. 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. In the mornings and evenings, you may see and hear coyotes howling, so keep pets leashed and little children close! Looking to find more free, dispersed camping? American Springs Dispersed Camping, Santa Fe National Forest in Los Alamos, New Mexico: 1 reviews, 7 photos, & 1 tips from fellow RVers. So I abandoned the Jemez, blew by Valles Caldera, and headed towards some free camping near Los Alamos. 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. The Capitan Wilderness is part of Lincoln National Forest. Also Check: Best Portable Power Bank For Camping. Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground Very dark and quiet at night. 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. You will have plenty of room for trailer/RV camping. Photograph: Alamy. Caja del Rio sits at a lower elevation compared to much of the . 52 Photos. It offers nightly movies during the summer and access to hiking trails all year long. Dont forget to check out nearby Cat Walk Recreation Area for a short yet scenic daytime hike. P. List 3. This is hands down one of the most beautiful places in New Mexico, in my opinion. 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. Cebolla Mesa is part of Carson National Forest. The views here are truly stunning and youll be treated to some incredible sunsets and sunrises at Dog Canyon. These regions usually do not have any amenities, though you may occasionally come across a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. This is really a great stop just off of Interstate 25 if you are traveling across New Mexico. Dust can also be a problem. GPS Coordinates: 32.21013705590772, -106.61473041202322. 2023 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. 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. D. McCullough 6. The park is also close to two major shopping malls as well as the historic villages of Cerrillos and Madrid. Mills Canyon Campground is part of Kiowa National Grassland administered together with Cibola National Forest. 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. Erik, Google review, Read Also: Camping World Near San Antonio, Home Articles Camping Near Santa Fe | The Santa Fe National Forest. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 8.3/10 Very nicely developed site. The Santa Fe National Forest, an easy drive from both Albuquerque or Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a wide diversity of recreation . 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. In addition, many individuals go to New Mexico in RVs to escape the severe northern winters. 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. 3. To make finding free campsites in New Mexico even easier, Ive rounded up 9 of my personal favorites to share with you below. San Antonio Campground was completely rebuilt and reopened . Your best bet is to contact the Ranger District or refer to the helpful map for Mananita that displays dispersed campsites. The entirety of 435 is BLM land so you can tent or auto camp anywhere you like. I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. The campsites are scattered around a large dirt expanse near the lake. GPS: 36.0711, -107.0096 Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: hunzaguides.com, +923008504627, +925813457050, +923335044414, +923015044414, +923438926352 Hunza Guides Pakistan - Tours, Trekking & Expeditions Also, even in a non-roaring vehicle, the road is steep and washed out right now, so drive carefully. Reservation sites may be booked at Recreation.gov. Unfortunately, I dont believe dispersed camping is allowed within the scenic area, even though its administered by the Bureau of Land Management. This area is one of the most biologically and recreationally diverse regions for boondocking in New Mexico. 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. Use them as inspiration, or make it easy on yourself and head to one of these great sites for your next camping trip. Its not far off of the highway, but far enough that it still feels private. 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. Although you must camp in a designated campsite, Mills Canyon used to allow proper dispersed camping and retains much of this primitive charm. There are 250 developed campsites with 54 electric sites, perfect for RV camping. It does get busy here thanks to the proximity to Santa Fe. 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. There are no appropriate areas for dispersed camping along the course, and signs advise vehicles to stay on the road. The USFS advises RVs and trailers to look elsewhere for camping. There are sandstone cliffs, canyons, the La Ventana Natural Arch, the Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway, and the Cebolla and West Malpais Wilderness Areas. Ok, now were on to the fun part! Peak to Peak RV Park. The Cottonwood Campground can be found in the San Juan River area below the dam, which is world-renowned for excellent trout fishing and boasts seven day-use areas and several hiking trails. You have permission to edit this article. McLarty said these undeveloped sites have a higher accumulation of pine straw and other fuels built up, creating an even higher risk of fire. It 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. Fly-fishing is popular on Holy Ghost Creek. 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. The first couple campsites along the gravel section of the access road are best for RVs and trailers. It describes nearly 2,400 . Hi. Restrooms:Vault toiletsWater:NoCrowds:LightMap. City of Rocks state park, Chihuahuan desert, New Mexico. Listings Map. These National Forests are home to some excellent dispersed camping opportunities, and offer some of the most remote wilderness youll find anywhere in the world! Want to know the essentials for your next camping trip? Youll be able to choose a site with enough privacy but not too much isolation, though you could certainly go deeper. 11 Forest Lane 26.9 mi. Finally, one of the best resources, specifically for national forest dispersed camping, is to utilize Motor Vehicle Use Maps or MVUMs for short. However, as you pull in, its pretty enormous. Nearby Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Area and Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area (both also part of Carson National Forest) have countless dispersed camping opportunities. Forest visitors are asked to follow campfire safety guidelines and adhere to the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics. Follow it to the end, where youll find the entrance to these free campsites. Pet Friendly . It never seems to get very busy here. This will show you how to find camping, how to eat healthy, how to lose weight. 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. Dispersed camping an escape for some, a headache for others. This is pretty much only for car camping and tent camping. The Santa Fe BLM is conveniently located just outside of Santa Fe. Las but certainly not least on our list of the best places for dispersed camping in New Mexico is Cebolla Mesa. Check out The Dyrt PRO to get campsite reviews, offline maps, and the best map layers for finding public dispersed camping! 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. Not only is camping here free for up to two weeks, but the campground is very clean and well-maintained. Parks, RV Parks. This is a large area of dispersed camping. 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. 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. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 9.1/10, Recommended Reading: Dog Friendly Camping Northern California. Photograph by NMTD. Santa Fe Skies RV Park offers full-service Santa Fe campsites. Pros and Cons of living and or traveling in a van with a dog or without a dog. Within Holy Ghost Canyon, the Santa Fe National Forest's Holy Ghost Campground is located on the outskirts of the Pecos Wilderness. Do keep in mind that there is not water source (this is the desert after all) so youll want to come prepared with all that youll need for your trip. The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Chief of the . Quiet campsites throughout. (505) 438-5300, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/santafe/recreation/camping-cabins. 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. Although there is occasional traffic noise, it becomes calmer as you get farther into the campgrounds. Only a handful of campsites. In January, Los Alamos hiker Coco Rae published Hiking Trails in Valles Caldera National Preserve, the first comprehensive guide to the 20-year-old preserve's trail system. Santa Fe Fire Road is an excellent trail for beginning off-roaders with its smooth surface and several spurs to explore. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. We have teamed up with Ape Survival to give you a huge 25% off EVERYTHING on their store! Motorized Access to Dispersed Camping: To reduce the risk of future damage to natural and heritage resources, the Santa Fe National Forest proposes to designate motorized access to dispersed camping.