Yet, I personally prefer staying at Parks Ranch Campground, a primitive BLM campground that allows free camping for up to 14 days. 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. I work remotely so I camp a lot in my RV. Navajo Lake State Park is made up of three recreation areas, including the well-developed Pine River area, which features a visitor center with interpretive exhibits, several campgrounds, a day-use area, and a full-service marina. Ok, now were on to the fun part! Ill happily provide additional suggestions if none of the free campsites above hit the mark for you. 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. However, we wouldnt recommend counting on it since those are technically reserved for paid campers. United States government. 3. Restrooms:NoWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. We won't share it with anyone else. Luckily, it never seems to get very busy here, so chances are youll find a quiet space all to yourself. Last but not least is the lake itself. The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Chief of the . Read Also: Camping World Rv Technician Training. The Santa Fe National Forest, the Cibola National Forest, and the Gila National Forest are some of the best places to find dispersed campgrounds in New Mexico. 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 Look elsewhere for boondocking in RVs and trailers. I use a snow depth tool to estimate the snow coverage in a given area leading up to my trip, but find this to be . This is a large area of dispersed camping. Getting there: 23 miles east of Las Cruces, via US 70 to Aquirre Springs Road. It never seems to get very busy here. Located in the Sendia Ranger District of Cibola National Forest and just outside of Albuquerque youll find the Manzanita dispersed camping area. Weve compiled our nine favorite dispersed campsites in New Mexico in the list below. Dispersed camping is abundant throughout the Sandia Ranger District in Cibola National Forest near Albuquerque. This is BLM land, so dispersed camping is permitted, just dont pitch your tent too close to the developed campground. Youre just a few minutes from some excellent climbing and the Continental Divide trail is nearby for those hoping to do some hiking. The campground is bordered by Holy Ghost Creek, which provides picturesque views of the forest and mountains. 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 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. A few of these cross into neighboring states, with Coronado National Forest being primarily located in adjacent Arizona. In the mornings and evenings, you may see and hear coyotes howling, so keep pets leashed and little children close! If youre looking for dispersed camping near Santa Fe, then the Caja should be high on your short list. 11 Forest Lane 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. 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. Volunteers have helped Forest Service workers in cleanup efforts following weekends that have seen large amounts of trash left behind by campers. 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. Nearby Forest Road 462 is rough but has excellent dispersed campsites if you can reach them. Also, even in a non-roaring vehicle, the road is steep and washed out right now, so drive carefully. Also Check: Best Portable Power Bank For Camping. The national forest has portions to the east of Santa Fe, and across the Rio Grande, west of Santa Fe. Visitors periodically turn the field into a shooting range, so you might hear gunshots nearby. Reservation sites may be booked at Recreation.gov. ABOVE: Grant Wingert of Albuquerque stands at the dispersed campsite he secured Friday along N.M. 126 in the Jemez Mountains for the weekend. Visit forestcamping.com to learn more. These maps are published by the Forest Service and display the entire network of forest service roads in a given National Forest. Call the Glenwood Ranger District for more information: (575) 539-2481, Location: Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park. 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. The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial launch of the summer recreation season on the 1.6-million-acre Santa Fe National Forest . Its not far off of the highway, but far enough that it still feels private. A pool is available, but you must arrive early to get a spot. Riverview Rv Park & Campground. 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 bathrooms are nice, but the one in black bear loop is the nicest. It is located near a dump, which is intriguing, yet there were no flies or odors in October. Holloman Lake is one of the best places for dispersed camping near White Sands National Park. Dept. United States. The states social-distancing order limiting groups to five or fewer people is another rule to fall by the wayside. For more information on hiking in Pecos Wilderness visit www.fs.usda.com. C. Anderson 6. 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 F . It stays a little cooler here than down in Albuquerque thanks to the higher elevation. The sites do have fire rings and theres a lot of space between sites, so you wont feel crowded next to other campers. These areas generally do not offer any amenities although occasionally you will find a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. Looking to find more free, dispersed camping? Rancheros de Santa Fe is a magnificent destination for your visit, located on Historic Route 66 and near the Santa Fe Trail. Santa Fe, NM 87508 Pecos/Las Vegas RD, Santa Fe National Forest. 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 . U S National Forest Campground Guide Intermountain Region Overview. Las but certainly not least on our list of the best places for dispersed camping in New Mexico is Cebolla Mesa. If you are looking for a place to camp, there are several options nearby in the Santa Fe National Forest or Pecos Canyon State Park. 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.. Ten units, picnic tables, and fire rings are included. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. 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. Unfortunately, theres quite a bit of trash here (an all too common sight at dispersed campsites nowadays). Call the Questa Ranger District for more information: (575) 586-0520, Get Directions to Cebolla Mesa Campground. So I abandoned the Jemez, blew by Valles Caldera, and headed towards some free camping near Los Alamos. 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. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. The map linked above brings you to the largest camping area, although there are many more opportunities if you venture further in. Within Holy Ghost Canyon, the Santa Fe National Forest's Holy Ghost Campground is located on the outskirts of the Pecos Wilderness. So then what will Memorial Day weekend look like? An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. Holloman Lake is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Listings Map. 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. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Independent. The campground is small and each campsite is spaced quite far apart. US; New Mexico; Santa Fe; Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping. 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. 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 campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and . The first stretch of campsites is great for boondocking in RVs and trailers. 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 . To help maintain the riparian environment (the river banks or area close to a body of water) healthy and safeguard sensitive species and plants found here, please keep your campsites at least 100 feet away from lakes and streams. BLM New Mexico. This is true dispersed camping so you wont find any amenities here. They have camping gear, hiking gear, survival gear and much more, all at 25% off when you click the link below. 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. Camping is not free; it costs $30 per night for a tent and $43 per night for an RV. Beautiful views of the desert in every direction. Dont take anything but the smallest trailer here (and it likely needs high-clearance itself). Call the Las Cruces District Office for more information: (575) 525-4300. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 8.2/10 A great option near Albuquerque. Cosmic Campground is clean and well-maintained. 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. Our dispersed camping checklist has all the camping essentials plus specific items for dispersed camping. Despite the proximity to the national park, theres always plenty of room to spread out here. Holy Ghost Creek borders this dispersed camping area. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Its a great place to hunker down or a good jumping-off point if you want to explore some quirky New Mexico towns. [] Summer gets very hot despite the high elevation. City of Rocks state park, Chihuahuan desert, New Mexico. 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. The most loved ventures at Holy Ghost Campground are hiking and horseback riding. 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. The campsites here are close enough to Bonito Lake as well as some great hiking and ATV trails in the national forest. 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. Camping is prohibited within 900 feet of any developed water source (guzzler, watering trough, etc.) From Interstate 25, take Exit 1 and then turn east onto University Road/Dripping Springs Road. And, it does get quite hot in the summer. Youll enjoy the campgrounds modest environment. New Mexico has no shortage of interesting rock formations, and this cluster of boulders, near . Peak to Peak RV Park. 2023 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. Do keep in mind that there is not water source so youll want to come prepared with all that youll need for your trip. Where is the best dispersed camping site near Santa Fe? In addition to leaving smoldering campfires, campers have also left piles of trash. Plan your road trip to Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping in NM with Roadtrippers. God willing, there will still be significant snow coverage above 9,000' feet in March. Use them as inspiration, or make it easy on yourself and head to one of these great sites for your next camping trip. Expect plenty of peace and quiet, despite some daytime OHV use. Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters 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. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. The mountains seem to hug the campground, protecting the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem of yucca, juniper, and sage. Choose wisely! Status: Seasonal, Full time, Non-Exempt . 8. 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. Campgrounds include: Vista Linda, San Antonio, Redondo, Paliza, and Jemez . There are several horse corrals and an abundance of horseback riding (and hiking) trails nearby. 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. Your real name will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more! However, we wouldnt recommend counting on it since those are technically reserved for paid campers. Here's a short list of tried and true camping spots in Colorado, that were either tried by us or recommended by a reliable source. The sites are nicely spaced, and there were always available spots throughout the weekend. The diversity of New Mexicos landscape is reflected in a wide range of recreational opportunities and camping experiences one can find in the state. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. These regions usually do not have any amenities, though you may occasionally encounter a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. 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. Restrooms:Vault toiletsWater:NoCrowds:LightMap. 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. Benefits: Health Benefit Eligible, Sick time and Discretionary time, Food provided while in the field . Aldo Leopold Presentations Presentations 1. There is more space than you can think of in . The entire area of Holy Ghost Creek is home to a variety of fauna and birds. Ive been coming up here for 35 years and so I have a sense of ownership for the Jemez, Wingert said. See Also: Where to Go Dispersed Camping in Arizona. 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! In that area is also the Valles Caldera (pronounced VIE-ay) , the site of an old supervolcano eruption that is now a nature preserve. Santa Fe Skies RV Park offers full-service Santa Fe campsites. 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 road is roughly six miles from the interstate to the campground. A great alternative to camping at Holloman Lake are the free dispersed campsites off Dog Canyon Road (GPS Coordinates: 32.7442, -105.9306). 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. In addition to Sunset Reef Campground and Chosa Campground, the BLM lands near Carlsbad Caverns National Park are littered with dispersed campsites. Read Also: Camping World In Asheville North Carolina. FS-88 Cuba, NM 505-438-5300 Official Website. Get 20% here. The campground is in fire zone 112, so be sure to check fire restrictions before your visit.