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. 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. 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 . Follow it to the end, where youll find the entrance to these free campsites. 2023 This site is owned and operated by CamperAdvise. When searching for a good campsite ourselves, we prefer to use acombination of several online apps/websitesalong with publically available USFS/BLM maps. Lincoln National Forest is chock full of dispersed campsites. Last but not least is the lake itself. J. Boyle 9. I use these in conjunction with a free, open source topo like Caltopo or Gaia GPS. 2023 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. A vault toilet is located on-site. ( This guide is designed to help you navigate the various rules and regulations and plan your perfect New Mexico dispersed camping adventure. The campsites are scattered around a large dirt expanse near the lake. Jemez Falls Campground (Santa Fe National Forest) Another well-located New Mexico campground, Jemez Falls Campground has 52 campsites perfect for tents and smaller RVs. Rancheros de Santa Fe is a magnificent destination for your visit, located on Historic Route 66 and near the Santa Fe Trail. Santa Fe, which is located in New Mexico, has to offer everything if you are looking for dispersed camping in New Mexico. Aside from a handle of picnic shelters and a handful of trees, theres minimal shade. 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. Get your space case on! Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Santa Fe BLM You can even comfortably camp all winterlong if you know where to look! 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. Many full-time boondockers and vandwellers utilize this annual pass. C. Anderson 6. Recommended Reading: Dispersed Camping Near Eugene Oregon. The following free campsites are among the very best in New Mexico (in my opinion). 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. It doesnt get very busy here and youll almost certainly find a private campsite. See Also: Where to Go Dispersed Camping in Arizona. 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. 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. There are a lot of campgrounds there, and if you have a high-clearance vehicle, youll have even more possibilities. American Springs has many sites scattered around in the vicinity for dispersed camping. The bathrooms are nice, but the one in black bear loop is the nicest. New Mexico certainly lives up to its name as the Land of Enchantment. Photograph: Alamy. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed. Unfortunately, I dont believe dispersed camping is allowed within the scenic area, even though its administered by the Bureau of Land Management. If youre looking for dispersed camping near Santa Fe, then the Caja should be high on your short list. 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. The best campsites are within about a half mile in either direction from Juan Tomas Trailhead (GPS coordinates: 35.034879, -106.320276). Fee: $7 per night. Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters 11 Forest Lane Santa Fe, NM 87508 (505 . It has 8 total first-come, first-served campsites (all completely free!) The states social-distancing order limiting groups to five or fewer people is another rule to fall by the wayside. * I believe the USFS plans to require a nightly fee here ($10 to $12) in the near future. The Santa Fe National Forest, an easy drive from both Albuquerque or Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a wide diversity of recreation . Although its only good for dry campsites, you can pay just $4 extra per night for an electric hookup (when available). However, as you pull in, its pretty enormous. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Guanella Pass . Camping is prohibited within 900 feet of any developed water source (guzzler, watering trough, etc.) Holloman Lake is very close to White Sands National Park and a heck of a lot less busy. 5. The space is 18x20 and can accommodate 2-4 people. Obviously, this isnt worth it if youre just passing through. There are also a handful of free developed campgrounds in the area, such as Cave Campground which is part of the Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The sections that follow include all of the basic information you should know when planning your trip. The road is roughly six miles from the interstate to the campground. By Matt Dahlseid Beautiful views from the top of the plateau. The access roads arent terribly rough if you have high-clearance, but 4WD is certainly helpful. It offers nightly movies during the summer and access to hiking trails all year long. The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Chief of the . Highly recommended! The Borrego Mesa Campground exists adjacent to multiple trailheads leading into the Pecos Wilderness. Parks Ranch Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. However, there is no disposal station. Dont forget to check out our other state specific dispersed camping guides: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1. The dirt access roads can get extremely rough and rutted after it rains. with a maximum RV limit of 36 feet. 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. Santa Fe Fire Road is an excellent trail for beginning off-roaders with its smooth surface and several spurs to explore. The first couple campsites along the gravel section of the access road are best for RVs and trailers. 26.7 mi. But, if you live in the state and go camping regularly, its definitely worth thinking about. CONTACT. Independent. Share sensitive information only Holy Ghost Creek borders this dispersed camping area. With just 12 campsites (three with their own horse corrals) spread between two camping loops (upper and lower), youll never have too much company around. Additional information on each site is available on the SFNF websites Recreation page. The campground is in fire zone 112, so be sure to check fire restrictions before your visit. Also, even in a non-roaring vehicle, the road is steep and washed out right now, so drive carefully. D. McCullough 6. 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. 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. In fact, star parties are held regularly throughout the year with telescopes provided for all to use. Im not aware of any other free campsites in the immediate area. 6. The amenities at established campgrounds range from electricity hookups for motorhomes to just a toilet. There are approximately 10 campsites set up adjacent to a small lake here where free camping is permitted. . 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). 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. The campground is located within Gila National Forest, which is already one of the most remote and rugged wilderness areas in the United States. Spotlight. The most tranquil campsites are locate right on Bonito Creek, making for a wonderful camping experience. Mills Canyon Campground is part of Kiowa National Grassland administered together with Cibola National Forest. 5. 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. As I am a Freelancer I can work anywhere so most of my work is done inside my camper remotely. "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.". I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. Stay informed of the latest local news by receiving emails as soon as news is posted online. The stars were really bright outside and the air was fresh and it was just like, I think we could feel ourselves relax.. Ive been coming up here for 35 years and so I have a sense of ownership for the Jemez, Wingert said. Just 30 minutes away from White Sands National Park, Dog Canyon dispersed camping is another great area for any size rig. 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. One of the most important considerations when dispersed camping in New Mexico is to follow Leave No Trace principles. Many of the places are level. 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. This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. 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. Its located in Northeast New Mexico about an hour off I-25. Job specializations: Outdoor/Nature/Animal. On the drive in to Cebolla Mesa campground, youll pass several spur roads and roadside pullouts that are suitable for dispersed camping. Here are 5 of the best places for winter camping in NewMexico: Use our guide to winter camping and our winter camping gear guide to further help plan your New Mexico camping trip! GPS: 36.0711, -107.0096 Youre in luck. Aside from the stargazing, this campground is notable for its remoteness and wide-open desert views. Almost immediately after this, the dirt access road becomes much rougher. Within Holy Ghost Canyon, the Santa Fe National Forests Holy Ghost Campground is located on the outskirts of the Pecos Wilderness. 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. Apart from that, theres another reason why RVers flock to New Mexico. My destination was a boondocking spot in the Santa Fe National Forest. Where is the best dispersed camping site near Santa Fe? Unless notified otherwise, dispersed camping is permitted practically everywhere at the Santa Fe National Forest. 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. 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. Heron Lake State Park Campground is located in Rio Arriba County in northern New Mexico and is the perfect place to kayak, sail, windsurf, fish, and explore hiking trails around the lake's perimeter. The whole place is breathtakingly beautiful, and New Mexico 475 is declared the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. The Joe Skeen Campground is located west of Albuquerque adjacent to the El Malpais National Monument on BLM land. Its not hard to see why its such a popular RV snowbirding destination. Solo Stove - Elevate your campfire with this smoke-free fire pit. Do you ever get that feeling Get me out of here! No matter though the free Angel Peak Campground is a great alternative. $0 - $200 avg/night. You will have plenty of room for trailer/RV camping. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay in a spectacular location with views of the valley, mountains, and amazing sunsets. You wont get any wilderness experience camping here, but you can fish in the lake, and its always good to have options for free camping! The Rio Medio Trailhead, one of the primary trailheads within the Pecos Wilderness, lies adjacent to and south of the campground. Camping is not free; it costs $30 per night for a tent and $43 per night for an RV. The Caja del Rio area is part of Santa Fe National Forest. To aid in the effort, Hurley said Sandoval County law enforcement officials, who do have authority to enforce the emergency orders, have been making rounds through the forests. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area Nederland. Also on the west side of the Organ Mountains, the Dripping Springs dispersed camping area is located about 10 miles east of town. INSET: A pile of trash from a dispersed campsite is collected in a tarp in the Jemez Mountains. This is BLM land, so dispersed camping is permitted, just dont pitch your tent too close to the developed campground. Yet, I personally prefer staying at Parks Ranch Campground, a primitive BLM campground that allows free camping for up to 14 days. Just be aware, the mosquitos can be pretty bad here. Not ideal for RVs or trailers. US; New Mexico; Santa Fe; Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping. respect the fire conditions warnings and practice no-trace camping principles. Theres minimal shade here. Visit forestcamping.com to learn more. Like that delicious red or green chile, Resumidero Camping Area is a New Mexican favorite. Forest Service Rd 268 Dispersed Site. Mills Canyon Campground is another free campground thats well worth an overnight stop. Theres even a vault toilet here. However, know that the dirt roads here often become incredibly muddy and rutted when it rains. We hope weve provided all of the information you need to plan a great dispersed camping trip in New Mexico. Routing by HERE 2021; Improve this map; Remove Ads. The entire area of Holy Ghost Creek is home to a variety of fauna and birds. Located just north of Truth or Consequences, dont forget to take advantage of the Hot Springs around the area. There is more space than you can think of in . Please also visit the USFS or BLM website for the area you plan on visiting (or talk to a ranger) for the most up-to-date information on current rules, restrictions, and area closures. Borrego Mesa Campground This year, looking at usage to this point and where we normally are, its much higher. RVs and trailers should stick to the first couple pullouts rather than attempting to drive up to the plateau. G. Snyder 7. Angel Creek Scenic Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Campendium is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. 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. 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. Quiet campsites throughout. Dont forget to check out nearby Cat Walk Recreation Area for a short yet scenic daytime hike. Mark Komadina Park Manager mark.komadina@emnrd.nm.gov. Sort By. In addition to Sunset Reef Campground and Chosa Campground, the BLM lands near Carlsbad Caverns National Park are littered with dispersed campsites. Dark Canyon is perhaps the best and is suitable for small to medium RVs and trailers in addition to tents and vans. Looking for dispersed camping in New Mexico? Santa Fe National Forest Camping: Campendium has 195 reviews of 63 Campgrounds in Santa Fe National Forest. Parks. Weve rounded up some of the best RV parks around Santa Fe, according to campers who have been before. The Capitan Wilderness is a great place to set up camp for free in south-central New Mexico. United States. 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.. If you do decide to camp here be sure to explore the surrounding Angel Peak area. To make finding free campsites in New Mexico even easier, Ive rounded up 9 of my personal favorites to share with you below. Here are some of the best National Forest Campgrounds in New Mexico as experienced by Fred and Suzi Dow, authors and publishers of the U.S. National Forest Campground Guide website and eBooks. L. Westra 8. In terms of location, this site is about 35 minutes south of the Sierra Vista free campsite. Title: Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Outdoor Recreation Management, Crew Leader . In fact, Cosmic Campground is the first campground built for amateur astronomers. This includes everything from where dispersed camping is allowed in New Mexico, to what to bring, and how to minimize your impact. The campsites here can accommodate just about any setup, so this is a good option if youre in an RV or pulling a trailer. Holloman Lake is one of the best places for dispersed camping near White Sands National Park. The Management Unit has one dirt road through it and no developed trails for any specific users. This is true dispersed camping so you wont find any amenities here. Its a little over an hour away and is notable for its badland scenery, especially its hoodoo formations. Maps are available at all SFNF offices and online that designate roads and trails that are open to motor vehicle traffic. Also Check: Best Portable Power Bank For Camping. Cowles - first come/first served; fee; Dalton Canyon Area - dispersed camping area; Davis Willow - dispersed camping area; El Porvenir - first come/first served; fee; no potable water; E.V. It often gets very windy, making Holloman Lake better for RVs, trailers, vans, and other self-contained vehicles rather than tents. Receive a list of headlines from the latest edition of The New Mexican in your inbox every morning. Cebolla Mesa is part of Carson National Forest. There are no appropriate areas for dispersed camping along the course, and signs advise vehicles to stay on the road. 2. Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Dept. The first campsites appear just off Forest Road 24 near Headquarters Well. Here, gain access to the trails of Hamilton Mesa (249), Rociada (250) and Valdez (224). The Forest used three methods to designate access to motorized dispersed camping: (1) Designating specific routes leading to dispersed campsites . Fenton Lake State Park doesnt seem to be interesting from the outside. Valles Caldera was impossible! This is hands down one of the most beautiful places in New Mexico, in my opinion. The diversity of New Mexicos landscape is reflected in a wide range of recreational opportunities and camping experiences one can find in the state. Be very cautious driving here after heavy rains. 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. Forestry, Nature, Outdoor, Recreation. This area is one of the most biologically and recreationally diverse regions for boondocking in New Mexico. An official website of the 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. 19.3 mi. Its a great place to hunker down or a good jumping-off point if you want to explore some quirky New Mexico towns. Call the Glenwood Ranger District for more information: (575) 539-2481, Location: Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Cosmic Campground is part of Gila National Forest. This will minimize your impact and ensure your campsite can be enjoyed by future visitors. The landscapes are otherworldly and not overrun with visitors, making this a classic New Mexico destination. My favorite are the dispersed campsites just off County Road C001 in the Capitan Gap area on the way to the Capitan Mountain trailhead. 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. Here are the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping: You can read more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping here. Locals from adjacent settlements use it largely for picnicking, but it also serves those who stay overnight before starting a horseback or backpack trip into the Pecos. 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. 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. 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. San Antonio Campground was completely rebuilt and reopened . The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. 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. Although the parking lot is windswept, you will conveniently find a silent area. If you have a low-clearance RV, take the first route on the left after passing through the livestock gate. It never got too full. Rising from deserts, meadows and grasslands, the mesas, canyons and peaks of the Santa Fe National Forest are a place for re-creation. Look elsewhere for boondocking in RVs and trailers. Nearby Forest Road 462 is rough but has excellent dispersed campsites if you can reach them. Both allow dispersed camping with several spots suitable for larger RVs and trailers. If you want a home base to camp that allows you to travel into Santa Fe itself often, Black Canyon is a perfect distance. The access road gets rough and slick, especially after rains. 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 quiet campground is located in a strand of ponderosa pine in the Santa Fe National Forest. connected to the .gov website. There are twenty- seven developed campgrounds of which fourteen met the selection criteria. American Spring Dispersed Camping The 9 dispersed campsites outlined above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to free campsites in New Mexico. Learn more about New Mexico State Parks Annual Camping Pass. Even 4WD vehicles should be cautious about camping here if rain is in the forecast. But the noise really isnt as terrible as you might think. 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. We won't share it with anyone else. Plan your road trip to Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping in NM with Roadtrippers. The Caja del Rio area in Santa Fe National Forest is my favorite place for dispersed camping near Santa Fe. You have permission to edit this article. 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 next right is FSR 64 J, which as several dispersed campsites along its length. Whether gathering of families or gathering pinon nuts and firewood, the forest is a "querencia" - a special place. New Mexico is undoubtedly one of the best states for wintercamping. In terms of wildlife, dont be surprised if you see quail, doves, cattle, and much more. 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. 15.0 mi. Its some of the best desert camping in the state. Distance Highest Rated Most Reviews Category. Title: Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Outdoor Recreation Management, Crew LeaderDates: March 27See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. The map linked above brings you to the largest camping area, although there are many more opportunities if you venture further in. Countless other dispersed campsites are scattered across the states public lands. S R att Ra nc prin g R SANTA TERESA WILDERNESS T6 S R2 0 E T6 S R2 1 E T7 S R2 2 E T7 S R2 1 E T7 S R22 E T8 S R22 E Heres a quick list of the free campsites I dive into below: Or, browse these free campsites on our New Mexico dispersed camping map to find one near you. Matt Dahlseid is a digital enterprise producer and outdoors writer for the Santa Fe New Mexican. 52 Photos. Due to that close proximity to large cities in New Mexico and Texas, dont be surprised if you find several sites with big rigs and side-by-sides to explore rougher roads. . 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. 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. The Tres Piedras dispersed camping area is located approximately 30 minutes northwest of Taos and just inside Carson National Forest. Public Land RV Park Overnight RV Parking Dump Stations Price. Home. The level of development at these Campgrounds ranges from a near wilderness camping experience to recreational vehicle friendly Campground. Dont hesitate to reach out. 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. Pets are allowed, and activities in the area include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking on the San Juan River. Hurley said forest employees on patrol have reported many large groups circling the wagons, or gathering several vehicles, including RVs, at spacious dispersed sites. FS-88 Cuba, NM 505-438-5300 Official Website. Resumidero Camping Area. This free primitive campground has 5 first-come, first-served campsites and offers the best views of the Rio Grande far below. 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. 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. 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. 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. Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler - The ultimate camping cooler. Located in the Valle Vidal Management Unit, Cimarron Campground is surrounded by more than 100,000 acres of pristine high desert wilderness.
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