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While its beautiful to look out at, Holloman Lake isnt safe for swimming or wading (due to sewage from the air force base, I believe). 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 dirt access road isnt typically very rough but definitely dont try to camp here with rain in the forecast. As that designation implies, its incredibly dark here at night. In mid-December, it can get very cold. There are many places in the forest that you can experience the trails! Please, please, please! There is a lot of open space where stands of Ponderosa pine dot the grassy plains. Matt Dahlseid is a digital enterprise producer and outdoors writer for the Santa Fe New Mexican. 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. A choice between dispersed camping and a free USFS campground. Las but certainly not least on our list of the best places for dispersed camping in New Mexico is Cebolla Mesa. Ive seen people stay here in RVs and trailers up to around 24 feet, but its probably better to find a different campsite, unless youre comfortable navigating rough roads. Camping near Santa Fe National Forest. Public Land RV Park Overnight RV Parking Dump Stations Price. If you want a home base to camp that allows you to travel into Santa Fe itself often, Black Canyon is a perfect distance. 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. The whole place is breathtakingly beautiful, and New Mexico 475 is declared the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. Overall, this is a great option for free camping in the region! 5. It remains to be seen what will come of this, but theres the potential it could be worse than its ever been.. Free camping might as well be New Mexicos middle name. The campsites are scattered around a large dirt expanse near the lake. 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. A relatively quick and easy drive into Taos. Rancheros de Santa Fe is famous for its gorgeous, natural setting, attracting visitors worldwide. Erik, Google review, Read Also: Camping World Near San Antonio, Home Articles Camping Near Santa Fe | The Santa Fe National Forest. This is really a great stop just off of Interstate 25 if you are traveling across New Mexico. Dates: March 27, 2023 - August 25, 2023 (option to extend to November) . Aside from the stargazing, this campground is notable for its remoteness and wide-open desert views. Santa Fe National Forest Campgrounds. 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. The Santa Fe National Forest offers beautiful camping areas that range from low to high elevation, high desert to forested and primitive to developed. 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. This popular campground is open from May through October in the Santa Fe National Forest. I use these in conjunction with a free, open source topo like Caltopo or Gaia GPS. This guide is designed to help you navigate the various rules and regulations and plan your perfect New Mexico dispersed camping adventure. In this article, the best dispersed camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico, is discussed. Even 4WD vehicles should be cautious about camping here if rain is in the forecast. It stays a little cooler here than down in Albuquerque thanks to the higher elevation. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. 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 closer to the lake you get, the rougher the road gets, but all vehicles should be fine, unless it just rained. In addition to Sunset Reef Campground and Chosa Campground, the BLM lands near Carlsbad Caverns National Park are littered with dispersed campsites. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Developed campgrounds offer amenities ranging from electrical hookups for RV or trailer camping, to only a toilet. 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! Dont let these amenities fool you though as these sites are remote and give you a true wilderness experience. : 1142 Siler Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505; (505 . Here are the best and closest campgrounds to Santa Fe, NM, in order of proximity: Black Canyon Campground (8 miles). Primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere on the Santa Fe National Forest unless otherwise posted. 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. They have camping gear, hiking gear, survival gear and much more, all at 25% off when you click the link below. The chilly waters are home to brown trout and stocked rainbow trout. Home. Most campsites have partial shade. Your best bet is to contact the Ranger District or refer to the helpful map for Mananita that displays dispersed campsites. 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. Ten units, picnic tables, and fire rings are included. 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. Looking for dispersed camping in New Mexico? P. List 3. Youve got the basics down and are ready to find your perfect campsite. 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. 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. The Capitan Wilderness is a great place to set up camp for free in south-central New Mexico. Cebolla Mesa is part of Carson National Forest. 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. Finally, one of the best resources, specifically for national forest dispersed camping, is to utilize Motor Vehicle Use Maps or MVUMs for short. Parks Ranch Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Off of NM-68, Co Rd 435 leads you into free BLM land camping. Call the Carlsbad Field Office for more information: (575) 234-5960. It is a single room with Kitchenette, shower, bathroom, a queen size bed, and work space. Grant Wingert felt lucky to find a spot along N.M. 126 on Friday afternoon as dispersed sites were filling up fast. Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters 11 Forest Lane Santa Fe, NM 87508 (505 . The Santa Fe National Forest, which borders the Village of Jemez Springs, has several campgrounds available for a night under the stars, and close enough to the Village where restaurants, hot springs soaks and even a hot shower at one of the lodging facilities await you. Overall, this is a wonderful part of the state and a great place for dispersed camping. Nearby Forest Road 462 is rough but has excellent dispersed campsites if you can reach them. 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. 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. Im not aware of any other free campsites in the immediate area. 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: The road is roughly six miles from the interstate to the campground. 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. Within Holy Ghost Canyon, the Santa Fe National Forest's Holy Ghost Campground is located on the outskirts of the Pecos Wilderness. The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Chief of the . San Antonio Campground is adjacent to the San Antonio River, tucked into a forest of ponderosa pine at 7,600 feet above sea level. Santa Fe Fire Road is an excellent trail for beginning off-roaders with its smooth surface and several spurs to explore. The Best 10 RV Parks in Boulder, CO Prospect Rv Park. One of the most important considerations when dispersed camping in New Mexico is to follow Leave No Trace principles. You cant make reservations, but there is a kiosk that lets you pay for your site using a credit card. There are several different options for camping here. The Caja del Rio area is part of Santa Fe National Forest. Still have questions about dispersed camping in New Mexico? Heres a quick list of the free campsites I dive into below: Or, browse these free campsites on our New Mexico dispersed camping map to find one near you. Title: Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Outdoor Recreation Management, Crew LeaderDates: March 27See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. Although the parking lot is windswept, you will conveniently find a silent area. A unique option for free camping in eastern New Mexico where public lands are more sparse is the Bosque Redondo Park near Fort Sumner and Sumner Lake State Park. Obviously, this isnt worth it if youre just passing through. These areas generally do not offer any amenities although occasionally you will find a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. Independent. It is located near a dump, which is intriguing, yet there were no flies or odors in October. ABOVE: Grant Wingert of Albuquerque stands at the dispersed campsite he secured Friday along N.M. 126 in the Jemez Mountains for the weekend. There arent any facilities here so be sure to stock up on supplies before setting up camp. A small camping fee will possibly be implemented soon (although staying here will still be worth it). Choose wisely! 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. However, as you pull in, its pretty enormous. INSET: A pile of trash from a dispersed campsite is collected in a tarp in the Jemez Mountains. However, know that the dirt roads here often become incredibly muddy and rutted when it rains. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 8.3/10 Very nicely developed site. However, not all of them have this luxury. There arent any facilities here so be sure to stock up on supplies before setting up camp. During the summer, the landscape is blanketed in vibrant wildflowers. . Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. CamperAdvise also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other affiliate sites. Pick up your trash or, better yet, pick up trash left behind by others too and make sure to pack out all your waste. . Lincoln National Forest is chock full of dispersed campsites. connected to the .gov website. Although still within Santa Fe National Forest boundaries, Iron Gate Campground is suited for Pecos Wilderness hiking. Peak to Peak RV Park. Youll likely see others dispersed camping along BLM Road 7175 on your way to Angel Peak Campground, especially near the Angel Peak Badlands Overlook. Many full-time boondockers and vandwellers utilize this annual pass. 52 Photos. Plan your road trip to Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping in NM with Roadtrippers. For just $225 for out-of-staters ($180 for residents and $100 for resident seniors), this pass allows you to camp at any of New Mexicos state parks for free for 12 months starting from the month of purchase. ( Call the Sadia Ranger District for more information: (505) 281-3304. 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 Rio Medio Trailhead, one of the primary trailheads within the Pecos Wilderness, lies adjacent to and south of the campground. Receive a list of headlines from the latest edition of The New Mexican in your inbox every morning. Info:Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District, 575-525-4300. 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 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. Explore the spur roads off Juan Tomas Road to find other campsites. Users have dubbed it quiet and convenient, and its close to the Dripping Springs Natural Area for good hiking trails. The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. 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. 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. New Mexico is undoubtedly one of the best states for wintercamping. Caja Del Rio dispersed camping is part of the Santa Fe National Forest overseen by the U.S. Forest Service. Rising from deserts, meadows and grasslands, the mesas, canyons and peaks of the Santa Fe National Forest are a place for re-creation. Santa Fe, which is located in New Mexico, has to offer everything if you are looking for dispersed camping in New Mexico. It describes nearly 2,400 . However, there are some basic guidelines youll need to adhere to. I am a freelance architect by profession but a camper by passion. These sites get a fair amount of use given their proximity to Albuquerque, so please leave them in better shape than you found them. Call the Espanola Ranger District for more information: (505) 753-7331. Santa Fe National Forest. . A pool is available, but you must arrive early to get a spot. A few of these cross into neighboring states, with Coronado National Forest being primarily located in adjacent Arizona. Pet Friendly . Because of COVID-19, garbage collection has been suspended and all toilet facilities in the forest have been locked. Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-983-7175. 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.