The campground is small and each campsite is spaced quite far apart. 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. This year, looking at usage to this point and where we normally are, its much higher. Visitors periodically turn the field into a shooting range, so you might hear gunshots nearby. on official, secure websites. The cell service is excellent, and there are numerous breathtaking views. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Job specializations: Outdoor/Nature/Animal. 52 Photos. Here, gain access to the trails of Hamilton Mesa (249), Rociada (250) and Valdez (224). Aspen Basin Campground There are two vault toilets available at Upper Bonito, a nice feature that helps minimize human impacts. 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 . There are sandstone cliffs, canyons, the La Ventana Natural Arch, the Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway, and the Cebolla and West Malpais Wilderness Areas. Additional dispersed camping can be found throughout Gila National Forest, including along Copper Creek Road. Weve included a few good options for dispersed campsites in these national forest in the sections below, and have also linked to the dispersed camping regulations page for each forest below: To better visualize where each of these National Forests are located in New Mexico, take a look at the USFS map below: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is the other governmental agency that permits dispersed camping in New Mexico. A choice between dispersed camping and a free USFS campground. Santa Fe National Forest. 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. Where is the best dispersed camping site near Santa Fe?Following are enlisted some of the best dispersed camping sites near Santa Fe, New Mexico: There are several horse corrals and an abundance of horseback riding (and hiking) trails nearby. respect the fire conditions warnings and practice no-trace camping principles. The Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial launch of the summer recreation season on the 1.6-million-acre Santa Fe National Forest . The quiet campground is located in a strand of ponderosa pine in the Santa Fe National Forest. During the summer, the landscape is blanketed in vibrant wildflowers. Off of NM-68, Co Rd 435 leads you into free BLM land camping. 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. San Antonio Campground is adjacent to the San Antonio River, tucked into a forest of ponderosa pine at 7,600 feet above sea level. I use these in conjunction with a free, open source topo like Caltopo or Gaia GPS. Be warned, after rain or a lot of melting snow the dirt here turns to a think sludge than can stick even the burliest of tires! The Santa Fe National Forest, an easy drive from both Albuquerque or Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a wide diversity of recreation . I work remotely so I camp a lot in my RV. The national forest has portions to the east of Santa Fe, and across the Rio Grande, west of Santa Fe. In a pinch, you can even try stealth camping as long as your vehicle blends in with the crowd. CamperAdvise also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other affiliate sites. Beautiful views of the Rio Grande cutting its way through the canyon below. Unless otherwise noted, primitive camping is permitted practically everywhere in the Santa Fe National Forest. You can even comfortably camp all winterlong if you know where to look! However, not all of them have this luxury. Holloman Lake is very close to White Sands National Park and a heck of a lot less busy. This will help preserve the health of the riparian area and protect sensitive animals and plants found here. 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. However, we wouldnt recommend counting on it since those are technically reserved for paid campers. FREE Camping Near Santa Fe, NM Santa Fe National Forest, How I Found A Killer, Free RV Camping Spot in Santa Fe New Mexico, My Winnebago RV Gets a Name Free RV Camping Santa Fe, NM, Tent Camping Smoky Mountain National Park, Camping World In Asheville North Carolina, Ouachita National Forest Dispersed Camping Map, Tent Camping Near Garden Of The Gods Colorado, Next 2 miles = gravel road about 2.5 vehicles wide, Final 2 miles = gravel road about 1 vehicle wide. Although the parking lot is windswept, you will conveniently find a silent area. Visitors should be prepared for hot summer days and cool nights. These areas generally do not offer any amenities although occasionally you will find a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. The campground is bordered by Holy Ghost Creek, which provides picturesque views of the forest and mountains. From Interstate 25, take Exit 1 and then turn east onto University Road/Dripping Springs Road. The best campsites are within about a half mile in either direction from Juan Tomas Trailhead (GPS coordinates: 35.034879, -106.320276). Angel Peak is normally pretty mellow, but does become something of a local party spot on nicer weekends, especially around holidays. Fire regulations must be observed at all times. In mid-December, it can get very cold. The campsites themselves are quite spacious but theres not a whole lot of privacy in between them. The access road gets rough and slick, especially after rains. The entirety of 435 is BLM land so you can tent or auto camp anywhere you like. Valles Caldera was impossible! It often gets very windy, making Holloman Lake better for RVs, trailers, vans, and other self-contained vehicles rather than tents. 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. Youre just a few minutes from some excellent climbing and the Continental Divide trail is nearby for those hoping to do some hiking. This is hands down one of the most beautiful places in New Mexico, in my opinion. Forestry, Nature, Outdoor, Recreation. Dark Canyon is perhaps the best and is suitable for small to medium RVs and trailers in addition to tents and vans. Do keep in mind that there is not water source so youll want to come prepared with all that youll need for your trip. Also, even in a non-roaring vehicle, the road is steep and washed out right now, so drive carefully. Im not aware of any other free campsites in the immediate area. Given that Santa Fe is only 15 minutes away, you should have no problem finding everything you need for your trip. Parks Ranch Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The following free campsites are among the very best in New Mexico (in my opinion). Contests and special offers from The Santa Fe New Mexican and advertising partners. You have a couple options after turning off Highway 522 onto Forest Road 9. Given that Santa Fe is only 15 minutes away, you should have no problem finding everything you need for your trip. This is a large area of dispersed camping. Posted 11:06:55 PM. CONTACT. 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. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. Write a Review. 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. There are several different options for camping here. Just before you enter Santa Fe National Forest near Headquarter Wells is a small slice of BLM land (GPS coordinates: 35.692300, -106.086200). Overall, this is a nice place to set up camp. Dispersed camping certainly isnt in short supply near Carlsbad Caverns. 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 . Developed campgrounds offer amenities ranging from electrical hookups for RV or trailer camping, to only a toilet. Dispersed camping is abundant throughout the Sandia Ranger District in Cibola National Forest near Albuquerque. The Aspen Basin Campground is situated next to the Santa Fe Ski Basins huge parking lot. It remains to be seen what will come of this, but theres the potential it could be worse than its ever been.. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Because it is BLM dispersed, there are no facilities at all, and it has a Nomadland feel to it. The bathrooms are nice, but the one in black bear loop is the nicest. Volunteers have helped Forest Service workers in cleanup efforts following weekends that have seen large amounts of trash left behind by campers. Hikers and horseriders can access the adjacent wilderness via a number of paths at this place. Is dispersed camping allowed in Santa Fe National Forest. Campendium is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. Additional information on each site is available on the SFNF websites Recreation page. 3. Sort By. With more people seeking dispersed sites since the ordered closure of campgrounds in late March, campers have been venturing deeper along Forest Service roads than in years past. To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 8.3/10 Very nicely developed site. In terms of wildlife, dont be surprised if you see quail, doves, cattle, and much more. Parks. Pets are allowed, and activities in the area include hiking, mountain biking, fishing, swimming, and kayaking on the San Juan River. The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and . ) or https:// means you've safely 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. The SFNF offers a multitude of recreational opportunities to its visitors. When searching for a good campsite ourselves, we prefer to use acombination of several online apps/websitesalong with publically available USFS/BLM maps. This article discussed everything about the best dispersed camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Cimarron Campground, in the Carson National Forest, is an equestrian dream. Overall, this is a wonderful part of the state and a great place for dispersed camping. connected to the .gov website. 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. We won't share it with anyone else. Dates: March 27, 2023 - August 25, 2023 (option to extend to November) . 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. However, there are some basic guidelines youll need to adhere to. These maps are published by the Forest Service and display the entire network of forest service roads in a given National Forest. I get 3G on Sprint towers near the check in kiosk and LTE on T-Mobile in the same spot. 6. Located in the Valle Vidal Management Unit, Cimarron Campground is surrounded by more than 100,000 acres of pristine high desert wilderness. Ive never seen this much human waste and trash being left out in the forest, Hurley said. 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. From here, youll also be able to access hiking trails up into the mountains of southern New Mexico. There are no vault toilets here so plan to pack out human waste as if you were dispersed camping. Do you ever get that feeling Get me out of here! Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Where is the best dispersed camping site near Santa Fe? Our dispersed camping checklist has all the camping essentials plus specific items for dispersed camping. The Dyrt PRO is our favorite resource for planning your trip. Theres even a vault toilet here. Last week, Keola Salazar and her husband, Keith, brought their three young children up to the Jemez Mountains from Albuquerque for their first camping trip of the season. Beautiful wilderness scenery abounds and there are plenty of hiking opportunities nearby. 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. 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. Navajo Dam, NM 87419, Phone: 505-632-2278, 25 Best Campgrounds in New Mexico for Locals & Tourists Restaurants, HotelsBack to Top or Beautiful places near me, what to do, restaurants for breakfast, travel guide, nearest beach, What to do near my location downtown at night in fall, winter, spring, spa near me, summer, places to go, wedding venues near me, beach, wedding venues, open parks, hotels near me, burger, nature park, nice restaurants near me: UT, Indianapolis, From Kansas City, Mackinac Island, Chattanooga, RI, From Chicago, Sacramento, Nantucket, Girls Getaways, Santa Barbara, PA, Michigan beaches. Holy Ghost Group Area Parks, RV Parks. 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. My destination was a boondocking spot in the Santa Fe National Forest. Its something of a tight turn off Highway 70 through the entrance gate, especially in a big rig. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. Forest visitors are asked to follow campfire safety guidelines and adhere to the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics. 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. Yet, I personally prefer staying at Parks Ranch Campground, a primitive BLM campground that allows free camping for up to 14 days. This is BLM land, so dispersed camping is permitted, just dont pitch your tent too close to the developed campground. Its probably on par for what wed get for a big holiday weekend like Memorial Day weekend, but now its every weekend, said Leah Hurley, recreation staff officer for the Jemez and Cuba Ranger Districts. If youre looking for dispersed camping near Santa Fe, then the Caja should be high on your short list. Located just southeast of Albuquerque, West Mesa Road dispersed camping is another gem. Full Time position. 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. 11 Forest Lane CamperAdvise is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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. Heres how to track these down on your own: Dispersed camping is far from the only way to camp for free in New Mexico. 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! Stores and gas stations are merely a couple of minutes away. New Mexico. Your best bet is to contact the Ranger District or refer to the helpful map for Mananita that displays dispersed campsites. Although there is occasional traffic noise, it becomes calmer as you get farther into the campgrounds. Youll see a couple large dispersed campsites just after you exit Highway 180 towards the campground. So I abandoned the Jemez, blew by Valles Caldera, and headed towards some free camping near Los Alamos. The Cimarron Campground may be rustic but provides equestrian and non-equestrian campers one of the most memorable experiences found in few places in the United States. These regions usually do not have any amenities, though you may occasionally come across a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. Santa Fe National Forest. You can access these sites from either direction, although RVs and trailers should arrive via Highway 217 from the east for the smoothest approach. It describes nearly 2,400 . God willing, there will still be significant snow coverage above 9,000' feet in March. Its not hard to see why its such a popular RV snowbirding destination. Holloman Lake is one of the best places for dispersed camping near White Sands National Park. Use existing sites and fire rings when available. Home. Its located in Northeast New Mexico about an hour off I-25. It does get busy here thanks to the proximity to Santa Fe. 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. Pros and Cons of living and or traveling in a van with a dog or without a dog. Stewards is partnering with Prescott National Forest to provide a 32-week paid, professional Recreation Specialist Assistant opportunity. Its a little over an hour away and is notable for its badland scenery, especially its hoodoo formations. Angel Peak is an excellent place to stop for an overnight on your way to or from the Four Corners Monument. Santa Fe National Forest Camping: Campendium has 195 reviews of 63 Campgrounds in Santa Fe National Forest. 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 map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Chief of the . Campgrounds include: Vista Linda, San Antonio, Redondo, Paliza, and Jemez . Thats it! Santa Fe, which is located in New Mexico, has to offer everything if you are looking for dispersed camping in New Mexico. Also, even in a non-roaring vehicle, the road is steep and washed out right now, so drive carefully. Distance Highest Rated Most Reviews Category. One of the most important considerations when dispersed camping in New Mexico is to follow Leave No Trace principles. You have permission to edit this article. Its easy to find, and theres lots of room for dispersed camping. I am a Freelance Architect. Santa Fe, NM We have a petit, green friendly, casita with passive solar and vaulted ceilings. 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. Receive a list of headlines from the latest edition of The New Mexican in your inbox every morning. Nearby Forest Road 462 is rough but has excellent dispersed campsites if you can reach them. Recreation Technician - Inyo National Forest. A few of these cross into neighboring states, with Coronado National Forest being primarily located in adjacent Arizona. Last but not least is the lake itself. A lot of mountain biking and hiking trails are located nearby if youre into those activities. It boasts four concrete telescope pads (camping isnt allowed on these) and requires campers to use red light filters on all flashlights and headlamps to minimize light pollution. Only a handful of campsites. Most passenger vehicles can continue up the road. One of our favorite things about dispersed camping is the lack of permits, reservations, and other requirements youll often find at developed campgrounds. Historic Downtown Golden. GPS: 36.0711, -107.0096 Mills Canyon Campground is part of Kiowa National Grassland administered together with Cibola National Forest. FS-88 Cuba, NM 505-438-5300 Official Website. In January, Los Alamos hiker Coco Rae published Hiking Trails in Valles Caldera National Preserve, the first comprehensive guide to the 20-year-old preserve's trail system. Informacin detallada del sitio web y la empresa: hunzaguides.com, +923008504627, +925813457050, +923335044414, +923015044414, +923438926352 Hunza Guides Pakistan - Tours, Trekking & Expeditions