New Mexico is one of the best places for fall, winter, and spring camping. City of Rocks state park, Chihuahuan desert, New Mexico. The Santa Fe National Forest is located in north-central New Mexico and is comprised of 1,587,181 acres. 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. Borrego Mesa Campground Many of the places are level. 5. 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 BLM land, so dispersed camping is permitted, just dont pitch your tent too close to the developed campground. McLarty said these undeveloped sites have a higher accumulation of pine straw and other fuels built up, creating an even higher risk of fire. American Springs Dispersed Camping, Santa Fe National Forest However, we wouldnt recommend counting on it since those are technically reserved for paid campers. New Mexicos national forests and BLM lands are busier than ever before and with that increased use comes a much higher risk of misuse, abuse, and damage. There are approximately 10 campsites set up adjacent to a small lake here where free camping is permitted. Look elsewhere for boondocking in RVs and trailers. Cosmic Campground is clean and well-maintained. Dark Canyon is perhaps the best and is suitable for small to medium RVs and trailers in addition to tents and vans. On the drive in to Cebolla Mesa campground, youll pass several spur roads and roadside pullouts that are suitable for dispersed camping. 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! Mesa De Cuba Dispersed Camping in Santa Fe National Forest, Cuba New Mexico. 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. You have permission to edit this article. This free camping spot is close to the La Cueva Trail if youre of the mind to get a little hike in during your stay. The Management Unit has one dirt road through it and no developed trails for any specific users. The states social-distancing order limiting groups to five or fewer people is another rule to fall by the wayside. PDF Off-Highway Vehicle Guide - New Mexico Department of Game and Fish The campsites here are close enough to Bonito Lake as well as some great hiking and ATV trails in the national forest. American Springs Dispersed Camping, Santa Fe National Forest in Los Alamos, New Mexico: 1 reviews, 7 photos, & 1 tips from fellow RVers. County Rd. The campsites are scattered around a large dirt expanse near the lake. We hope youve found all you need to plan for an amazing dispersed camping vacation near Santa Fe, New Mexico, and were confident youll find the right spot for your next adventure! 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. Receive a list of headlines from the latest edition of The New Mexican in your inbox every morning. Ill happily provide additional suggestions if none of the free campsites above hit the mark for you. The place seemed safe and remarkably tidy for a free camping area adjacent to a metropolis. Summer gets very hot despite the high elevation. Whether gathering of families or gathering pinon nuts and firewood, the forest is a "querencia" - a special place. Picnic tables, fire pits, and small corrals suited for one or two horses are available at each location. Obviously, this isnt worth it if youre just passing through. A lot of mountain biking and hiking trails are located nearby if youre into those activities. Perhaps most popular is Cebolla Mesa Campground at the very end of the road (about 3.5 miles from the turnoff). Although you may find your next campsite by simply utilizing the sources above, we also highly recommend referencing the excellent information available through public agencies maps and resources. This is BLM land, so dispersed camping is permitted, just dont pitch your tent too close to the developed campground. But, if you live in the state and go camping regularly, its definitely worth thinking about. To make finding free campsites in New Mexico even easier, Ive rounded up 9 of my personal favorites to share with you below. 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. The mountains seem to hug the campground, protecting the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem of yucca, juniper, and sage. My destination was a boondocking spot in the Santa Fe National Forest. However, not all of them have this luxury. However, we wouldnt recommend counting on it since those are technically reserved for paid campers. Title: Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Outdoor Recreation Management, Crew Leader . Beautiful views from the top of the plateau. 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. Luckily, it never seems to get very busy here, so chances are youll find a quiet space all to yourself. There are no facilities at Dog Canyon, although you may be able to use the facilities at Oliver Lee. Conservation Legacy hiring Santa Fe National Forest, Outdoor Recreation J. Lubchenco 2. website belongs to an official government organization in the 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. Also, even in a non-roaring vehicle, the road is steep and washed out right now, so drive carefully. Mills Canyon Campground is another free campground thats well worth an overnight stop. There are also vault toilets and trash cans. U S National Forest Campground Guide Intermountain Region Overview. The Joe Skeen Campground is located west of Albuquerque adjacent to the El Malpais National Monument on BLM land. The diversity of New Mexicos landscape is reflected in a wide range of recreational opportunities and camping experiences one can find in the state. 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. 11 Forest Lane 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. Its not free, but the New Mexico annual camping pass is still a heck of a deal. 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. Located just north of Truth or Consequences, dont forget to take advantage of the Hot Springs around the area. 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 access road gets rough and slick, especially after rains. 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. Follow it to the end, where youll find the entrance to these free campsites. Here are 5 of the best places for free camping in NewMexico: The site is pretty nice. Both allow dispersed camping with several spots suitable for larger RVs and trailers. Its up in the mountains with lots of scrub pine and juniper. The most tranquil campsites are locate right on Bonito Creek, making for a wonderful camping experience. In fact, Cosmic Campground is the first campground built for amateur astronomers. . Itstruly amazing just how many opportunities there are for free camping in this southwestern state, including many free campsites nearmajor tourist attractions! Theres minimal shade here. Make New Mexico an affordable wintertime boondocking homebase by investing in this annual pass. 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. Where to go Dispersed Camping in Colorado - 303 Magazine Camping is prohibited within 900 feet of any developed water source (guzzler, watering trough, etc.) Cosmic Campground is part of Gila National Forest. Dont Miss: Camping Near Mt Princeton Hot Springs. However, as you pull in, its pretty enormous. Guanella Pass . 16 Usc Chapter 1, Subchapter Cxxi: Jemez National Recreational Area She said her children dont have many opportunities to get outside amid the pandemic and she wanted to take them into the mountains to let them be kids again., It was amazing, Salazar said of a Thursday night spent at their dispersed site in a valley. This is a popular destination, so plan to arrive early on summer weekends here. However, as you pull in, its pretty enormous. 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. However, I dont believe dispersed camping is actually allowed outside of the campground within the scenic area. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 8.3/10 Very nicely developed site. Campground Facilities: 50 Developed Campsites; 7 Electric Sites (30 amp) RV Dump Station; Group Campsites; . 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. Wingert said hes been coming to the Jemez for 35 years and has been saddened to see the amount of trash left by campers increase over time. Be very cautious driving here after heavy rains. 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. The chilly waters are home to brown trout and stocked rainbow trout. Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters . A pool is available, but you must arrive early to get a spot. Along the road, there are plenty of dispersed camping areas, some along the creek. Im not aware of any other free campsites in the immediate area. 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. 6 Bushcraft Basics For Your Next Outdoor Adventure There are sandstone cliffs, canyons, the La Ventana Natural Arch, the Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway, and the Cebolla and West Malpais Wilderness Areas. Is dispersed camping allowed in Santa Fe National Forest. They have camping gear, hiking gear, survival gear and much more, all at 25% off when you click the link below. Read Book U S National Forest Campground Guide Intermountain Region Camping is not free; it costs $30 per night for a tent and $43 per night for an RV. Location: Based out of Durango, CO . The Best Camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico | RV and Tent Campgrounds Forest Information. Use them to help plan your next dispersed camping trip. Located just 45 minutes southeast of Farmington, this stunningly gorgeous slice of the state centers around towering Angel Peak and the surrounding badlands and canyons. Santa Fe is the hub . Home. Not only is camping here free for up to two weeks, but the campground is very clean and well-maintained. Some campers are doing their part, however. "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.". Also Check: Best Portable Power Bank For Camping. Stewards is partnering with Prescott National Forest to provide a 32-week paid, professional Recreation Specialist Assistant opportunity. American Springs has many sites scattered around in the vicinity for dispersed camping. In addition to leaving smoldering campfires, campers have also left piles of trash. 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. Its something of a tight turn off Highway 70 through the entrance gate, especially in a big rig. 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. The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial launch of the summer recreation season on the 1.6-million-acre Santa Fe National Forest . New Mexico is home to some of the best camping in the UnitedStates, bar none. San Antonio Campground, Santa Fe National Forest - Recreation.gov Many full-time boondockers and vandwellers utilize this annual pass. P. List 3. 2. Listed on 2023-02-28. Forest Service employees cant enforce the social-distancing orders, only advise groups on what the guidelines are. Most passenger vehicles can continue up the road. Nearby Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Area and Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area (both also part of Carson National Forest) have countless dispersed camping opportunities. 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! However, there are some basic guidelines youll need to adhere to. Because it is BLM dispersed, there are no facilities at all, and it has a Nomadland feel to it. The next right is FSR 64 J, which as several dispersed campsites along its length. 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. These sites get a fair amount of use given their proximity to Albuquerque, so please leave them in better shape than you found them.