The most tranquil campsites are locate right on Bonito Creek, making for a wonderful camping experience. 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. Youre in luck. 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. The diversity of New Mexicos landscape is reflected in a wide range of recreational opportunities and camping experiences one can find in the state. The Albuquerque resident has been making the trip to the Jemez to camp since he was a young child, and he said the trash issue has gotten progressively worse over time. On the drive in to Cebolla Mesa campground, youll pass several spur roads and roadside pullouts that are suitable for dispersed camping. Ok, now were on to the fun part! The first couple campsites along the gravel section of the access road are best for RVs and trailers. This is BLM land, so dispersed camping is permitted, just dont pitch your tent too close to the developed campground. FS-88 Cuba, NM 505-438-5300 Official Website. 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. White Sands National Park offers miles of trails, boardwalk viewing areas, and ten primitive camping sites. However, I dont believe dispersed camping is actually allowed outside of the campground within the scenic area. Campground Facilities: 50 Developed Campsites; 7 Electric Sites (30 amp) RV Dump Station; Group Campsites; . Related Post: Where to Go Dispersed Camping in Utah. What are some of your favorite lesser-known hiking/camping/offroading Aside from a handle of picnic shelters and a handful of trees, theres minimal shade. CONTACT. The campground is rustic and underutilized, and it is far less developed than most. Dispersed camping isnt allowed until youre about a mile in if you head to the left (high clearance is recommended, but 2wd will suffice). Restrooms:NoWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. Do not camp in areas near trailheads, picnic areas, or developed campgrounds. Off of NM-68, Co Rd 435 leads you into free BLM land camping. 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 park is also close to two major shopping malls as well as the historic villages of Cerrillos and Madrid. Santa Fe National Forest Camping: Campendium has 195 reviews of 63 Campgrounds in Santa Fe National Forest. Yet, I personally prefer staying at Parks Ranch Campground, a primitive BLM campground that allows free camping for up to 14 days. 10 LGBTQ+-Friendly Campgrounds Throughout the U.S. Video: 5 Amazing Places to Camp for Free in the Western U.S. 5 National Park Sites Where You Can Boondock (or Find Boondocking Closeby), Best Campgrounds Near 4 of Baja Californias National Parks, How to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Where to Camp, The Best RV Campgrounds for Stargazing Adventures, How to Visit Prescott National Forest by RV and Where to Camp, How to Visit Coconino National Forest by RV and Where to Camp, 5 Alternatives to Utahs Popular National Parks, 5 Mid-Atlantic State Parks Worthy of a Detour. The 9 dispersed campsites outlined above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to free campsites in New Mexico. San Antonio Campground was completely rebuilt and reopened . Developed campgrounds across Northern New Mexico will remain closed during one of the busiest camping weekends of the year, but campers are expected to be out in force anyway. Rancheros de Santa Fe is famous for its gorgeous, natural setting, attracting visitors worldwide. 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. The nearby White Mountain Wilderness is another good place to look. The Best Camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico | RV and Tent Campgrounds 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. Stewards is partnering with Prescott National Forest to provide a 32-week paid, professional Recreation Specialist Assistant opportunity. Although you must camp in a designated campsite, Mills Canyon used to allow proper dispersed camping and retains much of this primitive charm. 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 most loved ventures at Holy Ghost Campground are hiking and horseback riding. New Mexico is home to some of the best camping in the UnitedStates, bar none. This free campground features 10 campsites that all have picnic tables, a fire grill, and plenty of space for your tent. Getting there: 23 miles east of Las Cruces, via US 70 to Aquirre Springs Road. Caja del Rio sits at a lower elevation compared to much of the surrounding National Forest so is a popular place to camp during the shoulder seasons. New Mexico's top 10 national and state parks - the Guardian 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. 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. A great alternative to camping at Holloman Lake are the free dispersed campsites off Dog Canyon Road (GPS Coordinates: 32.7442, -105.9306). Here are 30 of the best places to go camping in New Mexico. Almost immediately after this, the dirt access road becomes much rougher. Its a great place to hunker down or a good jumping-off point if you want to explore some quirky New Mexico towns. The Capitan Wilderness is the place to go for peace and quiet. The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and trailers. The Santa Fe National Forest is located in north-central New Mexico and is comprised of 1,587,181 acres. This will minimize your impact and ensure your campsite can be enjoyed by future visitors. The Capitan Wilderness is part of Lincoln National Forest. Forest Information. 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. 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. Developed sites for camping and picnicking are among the most popular, offering scenic vistas, access to fishing and hiking, and perhaps even a little peace and quiet. In that area is also the Valles Caldera (pronounced VIE-ay) , the site of an old supervolcano eruption that is now a nature preserve. Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping, Santa Fe | Roadtrippers Within Holy Ghost Canyon, the Santa Fe National Forest's Holy Ghost Campground is located on the outskirts of the Pecos Wilderness. Take your orientation skills and discover what a southwest landscape looked like when buffalo roamed the area. The Upper Bonito Recreation Area is a great designated dispersed camping area near the White Mountain Wilderness in Lincoln National Forest. Category Filters. This is a popular destination, so plan to arrive early on summer weekends here. There are two vault toilets available at Upper Bonito, a nice feature that helps minimize human impacts. Located just southeast of Albuquerque, West Mesa Road dispersed camping is another gem. Dispersed camping an escape for some, a headache for others 7 Best Sites for Free Camping in New Mexico - Drivin' & Vibin' Distance Highest Rated Most Reviews Category. In mid-December, it can get very cold. The Caja del Rio area is part of Santa Fe National Forest. Volunteers have helped Forest Service workers in cleanup efforts following weekends that have seen large amounts of trash left behind by campers. There is a lot of open space where stands of Ponderosa pine dot the grassy plains. 8. Just be aware, the mosquitos can be pretty bad here. Although the parking lot is windswept, you will conveniently find a silent area. 12 Best States for Dispersed Camping - Go Backpacking It was the 4th of July holiday weekend, and the Jemez area was packed! McLarty said his districts energy release component figures, which correlate with the amount of energy that can be released at the flaming front of a fire, are consistent with levels seen with the Dome Fire of 1996. Forest Service employees cant enforce the social-distancing orders, only advise groups on what the guidelines are. $0 - $200 avg/night. An official website of the Rancheros de Santa Fe is a magnificent destination for your visit, located on Historic Route 66 and near the Santa Fe Trail. Listing for: American Conservation Experience. Our free printable cheat sheet outlines how to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next trip. It is located near a dump, which is intriguing, yet there were no flies or odors in October. Be sure to let us know in the comments below if you have any questions and be sure to tell us about your trip! Camping is prohibited within 900 feet of any developed water source (guzzler, watering trough, etc.) Santa Fe National Forest, Outdoor Recreation Management, Crew Leader C. Anderson 6. Cosmic Campground is clean and well-maintained. 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. The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. This is really a great stop just off of Interstate 25 if you are traveling across New Mexico.