But, if you live in the state and go camping regularly, its definitely worth thinking about. The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. The Santa Fe National Forest, an easy drive from both Albuquerque or Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a wide diversity of recreation . Mesa De Cuba Dispersed Camping in Santa Fe National Forest, Cuba New Mexico. It has 8 total first-come, first-served campsites (all completely free!) The Pecos Ranger Station of the Santa Fe National Forest is located just down the road on Highway 63 less than 1 mile south of the town of Pecos . 5. . I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. In a pinch, you can even try stealth camping as long as your vehicle blends in with the crowd. Pets are allowed, and activities in the area include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking on the San Juan River. 26.9 mi. Camping is permitted throughout the full length of the road. 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. Theres minimal shade here. Aside from the stargazing, this campground is notable for its remoteness and wide-open desert views. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 9.1/10, Recommended Reading: Dog Friendly Camping Northern California. Beautiful views of the Rio Grande cutting its way through the canyon below. Fenton Lake State Park doesnt seem to be interesting from the outside. 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 Title: Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Outdoor Recreation Management, Crew LeaderDates: March 27See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. Pros and Cons of living and or traveling in a van with a dog or without a dog. Pecos/Las Vegas RD, Santa Fe National Forest. Cebolla Mesa is part of Carson National Forest. 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. 19.3 mi. Gaia GPS - Download offline maps for easy navigation! 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. The mountains seem to hug the campground, protecting the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem of yucca, juniper, and sage. Grant Wingert felt lucky to find a spot along N.M. 126 on Friday afternoon as dispersed sites were filling up fast. Camping is prohibited within 900 feet of any developed water source (guzzler, watering trough, etc.). Please do camp at an already established site in the area, as in recent year campers have been setting up further and further from the designated sites which degrades the wilderness. 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. Almost immediately after this, the dirt access road becomes much rougher. 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. Posted 11:06:55 PM. The views here are truly stunning and youll be treated to some incredible sunsets and sunrises at Dog Canyon. Explore the spur roads off Juan Tomas Road to find other campsites. This will show you how to find camping, how to eat healthy, how to lose weight. Not ideal for RVs or trailers. Getting there: 23 miles east of Las Cruces, via US 70 to Aquirre Springs Road. 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. This will help preserve the health of the riparian area and protect sensitive animals and plants found here. There arent any facilities here so be sure to stock up on supplies before setting up camp. Because of COVID-19, garbage collection has been suspended and all toilet facilities in the forest have been locked. It was the 4th of July holiday weekend, and the Jemez area was packed! Dispersed camping isnt allowed until youre about a mile in if you head to the left (high clearance is recommended, but 2wd will suffice). Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground. Job specializations: Outdoor/Nature/Animal. And, it does get quite hot in the summer. Holloman Lake is one of the best places for dispersed camping near White Sands National Park. Luckily, it never seems to get very busy here, so chances are youll find a quiet space all to yourself. INSET: A pile of trash from a dispersed campsite is collected in a tarp in the Jemez Mountains. Along with the lack of shade, both wind and dust can be issues depending on the time of year. 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. 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. New Mexico certainly lives up to its name as the Land of Enchantment. Overall, this is a great option for free camping in the region! Where is the best dispersed camping site near Santa Fe? Get 20% here. The Borrego Mesa Campground exists adjacent to multiple trailheads leading into the Pecos Wilderness. 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. LaVerne M. Johnson Park. I believe there are plans to install shade shelters in the near future. From here, youll also be able to access hiking trails up into the mountains of southern New Mexico. Given that Santa Fe is only 15 minutes away, you should have no problem finding everything you need for your trip. 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. Picnic tables, fire pits, and small corrals suited for one or two horses are available at each location. This is pretty much only for car camping and tent camping. The campground is rustic and underutilized, and it is far less developed than most. We have teamed up with Ape Survival to give you a huge 25% off EVERYTHING on their store! 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. Mills Canyon Campground is part of Kiowa National Grassland administered together with Cibola National Forest. Dont take anything but the smallest trailer here (and it likely needs high-clearance itself). Make New Mexico an affordable wintertime boondocking homebase by investing in this annual pass. Use them as inspiration, or make it easy on yourself and head to one of these great sites for your next camping trip. Dispersed camping is abundant throughout the Sandia Ranger District in Cibola National Forest near Albuquerque. An official website of the In this article, the best dispersed camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico, is discussed. The park is also close to two major shopping malls as well as the historic villages of Cerrillos and Madrid. 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. Very dark and quiet at night. Forest visitors are asked to follow campfire safety guidelines and adhere to the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics. 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. 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. Forestry, Nature, Outdoor, Recreation. Fee: $7 per night. Beautiful wilderness scenery abounds and there are plenty of hiking opportunities nearby. This guide is designed to help you navigate the various rules and regulations and plan your perfect New Mexico dispersed camping adventure. Solar Power Bank Charger - Keep your gadgets charged with the power of the sun. I live in New Jersey, USA right now and I take my RV every alternate weekend. We hope weve provided all of the information you need to plan a great dispersed camping trip in New Mexico. 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. Related Post: Where to Dispersed Camping in Colorado. Santa Fe is the hub . The most loved ventures at Holy Ghost Campground are hiking and horseback riding. Volunteers have helped Forest Service workers in cleanup efforts following weekends that have seen large amounts of trash left behind by campers. Our final New Mexico dispersed campsite in this guide isnt actually a dispersed site. 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. The dirt access road isnt typically very rough but definitely dont try to camp here with rain in the forecast. (505) 438-5300, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/santafe/recreation/camping-cabins. Here are the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping: You can read more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping here. Unless otherwise noted below, the Santa Fe National Forests campgrounds and picnic areas are open. If youre looking for dispersed camping near Santa Fe, then the Caja should be high on your short list. The first stretch of campsites is great for boondocking in RVs and trailers. Here are 5 of the best places for free camping in NewMexico: The site is pretty nice. Most of the BLM land in the state is located east of Farmington, or down south around Las Cruces. The hiker would not have survived for that long if he hadn't known some survival basics, such as prioritizing his liquid intake by situating himself by a nearby stream and relying on his filtering . A relatively quick and easy drive into Taos. LockA locked padlock 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. Most of the states cities and towns have easy access to the outdoors, whether it be the Pecos Wilderness outside of Santa Fe, Cibola National Forest outside of Albuquerque, or the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces. Youll see a couple large dispersed campsites just after you exit Highway 180 towards the campground. The entirety of 435 is BLM land so you can tent or auto camp anywhere you like. The sections that follow include all of the basic information you should know when planning your trip. Last but not least is the lake itself. Thats been a recurring issue that costs the U.S. taxpayers millions of dollars every year, McLarty said. The USFS advises RVs and trailers to look elsewhere for camping. Status: Seasonal, Full time, Non-Exempt . There are just two or three marked campsites here. For more information on hiking in Pecos Wilderness visit www.fs.usda.com. Also, even in a non-roaring vehicle, the road is steep and washed out right now, so drive carefully. Listing for: American Conservation Experience. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. The best campsites are within about a half mile in either direction from Juan Tomas Trailhead (GPS coordinates: 35.034879, -106.320276). Fire regulations must be observed at all times. Finding good dispersed camping near Albuquerque is surprisingly difficult. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 8.2/10 A great option near Albuquerque. Official websites use .gov A .gov 18.7 mi. Mark Komadina Park Manager mark.komadina@emnrd.nm.gov. The combination of careless campers and a high fire danger in Northern New Mexicos forests have officials wary of whats to come this weekend and throughout the summer. J. Boyle 9. There are twenty- seven developed campgrounds of which fourteen met the selection criteria. Just be mindful that this campground offers little to no shade, so youll have to bring your own with one of the best campervan awnings for boondocking in New Mexico. Forest Information. I use these in conjunction with a free, open source topo like Caltopo or Gaia GPS. Photograph by NMTD. It offers nightly movies during the summer and access to hiking trails all year long. Is dispersed camping allowed in Santa Fe National Forest. There are approximately 10 campsites set up adjacent to a small lake here where free camping is permitted. Listings Map. 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. Most campsites have partial shade. Holy Ghost Group Area. Its not far off of the highway, but far enough that it still feels private. GPS Coordinates: 32.330230856266205, -106.61224243468386. 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. 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. Weve compiled our nine favorite dispersed campsites in New Mexico in the list below. Dark Canyon is perhaps the best and is suitable for small to medium RVs and trailers in addition to tents and vans. Theres plenty of options to choose from whether you prefer to roughit hunkered down in a four-seasontent and cold-weathersleeping bag while snow piles up outside or keep cozy in your RV at one ofthe states many state park campgrounds that stay open year-round. Title: Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Outdoor Recreation Management, Crew Leader . Campgrounds. Within Holy Ghost Canyon, the Santa Fe National Forests Holy Ghost Campground is located on the outskirts of the Pecos Wilderness. 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. 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. 3N47 Santa Fe Fire Road is in the 823,000-acre San Bernardino National Forest north of Lytle Creek . There are several great dispersed campsites if you continue further into the national forest, but the ones located on Forest Service Road 64 J are easy to access and close to services making them a good option. Angel Peak is an excellent place to stop for an overnight on your way to or from the Four Corners Monument. Its not free, but the New Mexico annual camping pass is still a heck of a deal. 4. The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Chief of the . Just before you enter Santa Fe National Forest near Headquarter Wells is a small slice of BLM land (GPS coordinates: 35.692300, -106.086200). Most passenger vehicles can continue up the road. 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 crowds of holiday campers were making me wish I was somewhere else some place peaceful, quiet, and uncrowded. L. Westra 8. 191 6633 6608 693 Highpoint Ranch Rd. Just before you enter Santa Fe National Forest near Headquarter Wells is a small slice of BLM land (GPS coordinates: 35.692300, -106.086200). The map linked above brings you to the largest camping area, although there are many more opportunities if you venture further in. The next right is FSR 64 J, which as several dispersed campsites along its length. Write a Review. Visitors should be prepared for hot summer days and cool nights. Here, gain access to the trails of Hamilton Mesa (249), Rociada (250) and Valdez (224). Additional information on each site is available on the SFNF websites Recreation page. This route circumnavigates the majority of the campground, allowing you to avoid the steep entrances on the side roads. Use existing sites and fire rings when available. It doesnt get very busy here and youll almost certainly find a private campsite. 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. Looking for dispersed camping in New Mexico? Sort By. The book details over 25 trails and includes topographical maps, trail conditions and recommendations for mountain bike. Pet Friendly . However, not all of them have this luxury. Heres how to track these down on your own: Dispersed camping is far from the only way to camp for free in New Mexico. This graded forest road provides access to the Santa Fe National Forest for about half the year, or at least until the snow melts. Rancheros de Santa Fe is famous for its gorgeous, natural setting, attracting visitors worldwide. Juan Tomas Road is part of Cibola National Forest. Erik, Google review, Read Also: Camping World Near San Antonio, Home Articles Camping Near Santa Fe | The Santa Fe National Forest. 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. Every scenic stop was crawling with people, and every trailhead had a half mile of overflow parking along the road. "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.". Pick up your trash or, better yet, pick up trash left behind by others too and make sure to pack out all your waste. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:LightMap. Please, please, please! Its also a great place for boondocking in RVs and trailers of all sizes. Photograph: Alamy. Ive never seen this much human waste and trash being left out in the forest, Hurley said. Create a password that only you will remember. Its a little farther away, but still convenient to White Sands National Park. The stars were really bright outside and the air was fresh and it was just like, I think we could feel ourselves relax.. 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. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed. One of the most important considerations when dispersed camping in New Mexico is to follow Leave No Trace principles. Located in the Valle Vidal Management Unit, Cimarron Campground is surrounded by more than 100,000 acres of pristine high desert wilderness. 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. 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. 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. Beautiful views from the top of the plateau. Theyre best suited for tent camping or van camping. In general, there is much less BLM land here than in some other states in the region, but it is still and excellent place to look for dispersed campsites. The chilly waters are home to brown trout and stocked rainbow trout. I'm in New Mexico. Dont Miss: Camping Near Mt Princeton Hot Springs. Camping near Santa Fe National Forest. New Mexico is home to some of the best camping in the UnitedStates, bar none. Rumpl Puffy Blanket - The coziest camp blanket out there. Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler - The ultimate camping cooler. Even 4WD vehicles should be cautious about camping here if rain is in the forecast. There are several designated dispersed sites located throughout the Manzanita Mountains that are interspersed in this excellent trail system. 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. This is BLM land, so dispersed camping is permitted, just dont pitch your tent too close to the developed campground. Reservation sites may be booked at Recreation.gov. You have a couple options after turning off Highway 522 onto Forest Road 9. On the drive in to Cebolla Mesa campground, youll pass several spur roads and roadside pullouts that are suitable for dispersed camping. Beautiful views of the desert in every direction. 11 Forest Lane 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. More of that wide-open desert-like terrain, Monticello Point Road has plenty of space for any size rig and the sunshine you need for solar. 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. The Santa Fe National Forest offers beautiful camping areas that range from low to high elevation, high desert to forested and primitive to developed. Many of the places are level. P. List 3. It does get busy here thanks to the proximity to Santa Fe. There are two vault toilets available at Upper Bonito, a nice feature that helps minimize human impacts. Home. A few of these cross into neighboring states, with Coronado National Forest being primarily located in adjacent Arizona.