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The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. ) or https:// means you've safely There are 250 developed campsites with 54 electric sites, perfect for RV camping. So I abandoned the Jemez, blew by Valles Caldera, and headed towards some free camping near Los Alamos. I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. 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. On the drive in to Cebolla Mesa campground, youll pass several spur roads and roadside pullouts that are suitable for dispersed camping. My destination was a boondocking spot in the Santa Fe National Forest. Dept. Reservation sites may be booked at Recreation.gov. Job in Bishop - CA California - USA , 93514. Title: Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Outdoor Recreation Management, Crew Leader . This includes all of the national forests in New Mexico (more on that below) as well as a significant amount of BLM land. This is the name that will be used to identify you within the system. Borrego Mesa Campground Theres minimal shade here. 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. Although its only good for dry campsites, you can pay just $4 extra per night for an electric hookup (when available). There are no amenities, but there's plenty of room to spread out. CamperAdvise also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other affiliate sites. Dates: March 27, 2023 - August 25, 2023 (option to extend to November) . Call the Las Cruces District Office for more information: (575) 525-4300. 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. In addition, the New Mexico BLM lists these helpful rules for dispersed camping: The map below gives you a sense of where BLM managed land is located in New Mexico: There are many resources available to help you find dispersed camping areas in New Mexico, first and foremost of which is this guide! Rumpl Puffy Blanket - The coziest camp blanket out there. Aspen Basin Campground Receive a list of headlines from the latest edition of The New Mexican in your inbox every morning. 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. Beautiful views of the desert in every direction. It typically doesnt get very busy here. GPS: 36.0711, -107.0096 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. Hurley said forest employees on patrol have reported many large groups circling the wagons, or gathering several vehicles, including RVs, at spacious dispersed sites. The quiet campground is located in a strand of ponderosa pine in the Santa Fe National Forest. Dispersed camping an escape for some, a headache for others. Our dispersed camping checklist has all the camping essentials plus specific items for dispersed camping. Just be aware, the mosquitos can be pretty bad here. The Santa Fe National Forest offers beautiful camping areas that range from low to high elevation, high desert to forested and primitive to developed. When searching for a good campsite ourselves, we prefer to use acombination of several online apps/websitesalong with publically available USFS/BLM maps. Even 4WD vehicles should be cautious about camping here if rain is in the forecast. Apart from that, theres another reason why RVers flock to New Mexico. 106-887 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 ========= The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and trailers. The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and . Fee: $7 per night. A small camping fee will possibly be implemented soon (although staying here will still be worth it). During the summer, the landscape is blanketed in vibrant wildflowers. The landscapes are otherworldly and not overrun with visitors, making this a classic New Mexico destination. on official, secure websites. Read Also: Camping World In Asheville North Carolina. 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. The first couple campsites along the gravel section of the access road are best for RVs and trailers. 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 dirt access roads can get extremely rough and rutted after it rains. "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.". Pecos/Las Vegas RD, Santa Fe National Forest. Distance Highest Rated Most Reviews Category. Iron Gate Campground near Pecos, NM. 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. Although there is occasional traffic noise, it becomes calmer as you get farther into the campgrounds. However, I dont believe dispersed camping is actually allowed outside of the campground within the scenic area. 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. The whole place is breathtakingly beautiful, and New Mexico 475 is declared the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. Almost immediately after this, the dirt access road becomes much rougher. This is a popular destination, so plan to arrive early on summer weekends here. 19.3 mi. Write a Review. Do not camp in areas near trailheads, picnic areas, or developed campgrounds. Within Holy Ghost Canyon, the Santa Fe National Forest's Holy Ghost Campground is located on the outskirts of the Pecos Wilderness. Lincoln National Forest is chock full of dispersed campsites. Guide to Camping on the Tour du Mont Blanc, Guide to Hiking from Aspen to Crested Butte, Guide to Camping on the West Highland Way, Guide to Camping on the Walkers Haute Route, The Ultimate Guide to the Coast to Coast Walk, The Complete Guide to Snowshoeing in Rocky Mountain National Park, How to find dispersed campsites in New Mexico, The Best Dispersed Camping Areas in New Mexico, Santa Fe National Forest Dispersed Camping, Lincoln National Forest Dispersed Camping, Coronado National Forest Dispersed camping, Bureau of Land Management Dispersed Camping in New Mexico(BLM), Albuquerque District Office (Albuquerque), the New Mexico BLM lists these helpful rules for dispersed camping, combination of several online apps/websites, Cibola National Forest & Kiowa National Grassland MVUM, Upper Bonito Recreation Area Dispersed Camping, Kiowa National Grassland (administered by Cibola NF). The dispersed camping lifestyle is one of the best reasons to look for the best dispersed camping in New Mexico. GPS Coordinates: 32.330230856266205, -106.61224243468386. 4. The MVUM will have details about seasonal road closures. Solo Stove - Elevate your campfire with this smoke-free fire pit. The Santa Fe National Forest, an easy drive from both Albuquerque or Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a wide diversity of recreation . . Ten units, picnic tables, and fire rings are included. It often gets very windy, making Holloman Lake better for RVs, trailers, vans, and other self-contained vehicles rather than tents. It never got too full. Campgrounds include: Vista Linda, San Antonio, Redondo, Paliza, and Jemez . Nearby Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Area and Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area (both also part of Carson National Forest) have countless dispersed camping opportunities. However, there are some basic guidelines youll need to adhere to. 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! So then what will Memorial Day weekend look like? 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. CR435 BLM Camping - Velarde, New Mexico. Beautiful views of the Rio Grande cutting its way through the canyon below. Maps are available at all SFNF offices and online that designate roads and trails that are open to motor vehicle traffic. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. Check out the pullouts and spur roads along Highway 150 on the way to Taos Ski Valley for starters. See Also: Where to Go Dispersed Camping in Arizona. Hi. Thats it! 15 USFS Santa Fe National Forest: 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, NM 87508; (505) 438-5300 16 USFS Gila National Forest: 3005 E Camino del Bosque, Silver City, NM 88061; (575) 388-8201 17 USFS Carson National Forest: 208 Cruz Alta Road, Taos, NM 87571; (575) 758-6200 18 City of Santa Fe Parks & Rec. Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground 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. Long Campground - opens May 27; first come/first served; fee; no potable water American Spring Dispersed Camping website belongs to an official government organization in the Please, please, please! Dont forget to check out nearby Cat Walk Recreation Area for a short yet scenic daytime hike. Dont forget to check out our other state specific dispersed camping guides: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1. Theres a lot of room to spread out, so you should have at least a little privacy from your closest neighbor. Weve rounded up some of the best RV parks around Santa Fe, according to campers who have been before. This will minimize your impact and ensure your campsite can be enjoyed by future visitors. 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. However, know that the dirt roads here often become incredibly muddy and rutted when it rains. Rio ChamaCampgroundPart of the Santa Fe National Forest in the northern partof the state, this free New Mexico campground has 9 total campsites and can accommodateRVs up to 20. . 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. If you plan on mountain biking or running/hiking, there are some fun single-track routes (Water Canyon and Perimeter Trail) accessible from the campsite. This is the perfect place to camp before visiting El Malpais, but also makes a great stop for those on a longer road trip and youre just a short distance off of I-40 here. A few of these cross into neighboring states, with Coronado National Forest being primarily located in adjacent Arizona. Its a great place to hunker down or a good jumping-off point if you want to explore some quirky New Mexico towns. Historic Downtown Golden. This article discussed everything about the best dispersed camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Choose wisely! The sites do have fire rings and theres a lot of space between sites, so you wont feel crowded next to other campers. 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. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. Call the Espanola Ranger District for more information: (505) 753-7331. Youll be able to choose a site with enough privacy but not too much isolation, though you could certainly go deeper. The threat of a fire is the most pressing concern for Luke McLarty, fire battalion chief of the Jemez Ranger District. Santa Fe BLM ( Nightly rate based on last price paid . 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. 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. The Aspen Basin Campground is situated next to the Santa Fe Ski Basins huge parking lot. 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. 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. There are sandstone cliffs, canyons, the La Ventana Natural Arch, the Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway, and the Cebolla and West Malpais Wilderness Areas. Hikers and horseriders can access the adjacent wilderness via a number of paths at this place. Camping is not permitted anywhere in Pecos National Historical Park. 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. Santa Fe Skies RV Park offers full-service Santa Fe campsites. There are several designated dispersed sites located throughout the Manzanita Mountains that are interspersed in this excellent trail system. Another BLM managed area, the Joe Skeen Campground is the creme de la creme if you are looking for a true campground. Dont Miss: Camping Near Mt Princeton Hot Springs. LockA locked padlock J. Boyle 9. Although you shouldnt expect solitude, camping here is a lot more private than you might expect from a BLM campground. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock There is something special about the combination of desert, mountains, and some of the most rugged wilderness in the US that gives New Mexico a certain allure that cant be denied. This is a great place for boondocking in New Mexico, although its important to take things slow on the approach. 4. Dont take anything but the smallest trailer here (and it likely needs high-clearance itself). The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. Campendium is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. During the May 8-10 weekend, McLarty said he and his team found 38 improperly extinguished campfires. Volunteers have helped Forest Service workers in cleanup efforts following weekends that have seen large amounts of trash left behind by campers. Youll see a couple large dispersed campsites just after you exit Highway 180 towards the campground. The campground is located within Gila National Forest, which is already one of the most remote and rugged wilderness areas in the United States. Elkhart, Indiana, might be the RV capital of the world, but most travelers would be surprised to Tennis Has Met Its Match: Play Pickleball at These 45 RV Campgrounds, 18 Campgrounds Where You Can Stay Cool This Summer. The campground is in fire zone 112, so be sure to check fire restrictions before your visit. I am a freelance architect by profession but a camper by passion. Looking to find more dispersed campsites? Although you must camp in a designated campsite, Mills Canyon used to allow proper dispersed camping and retains much of this primitive charm. 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. 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. 2. From here, youll also be able to access hiking trails up into the mountains of southern New Mexico. Many of the places are level. Whether gathering of families or gathering pinon nuts and firewood, the forest is a "querencia" - a special place. That blaze, started by an improperly extinguished campfire, burned 16,500 acres of forest in the Jemez Mountains, and its scars are still striking to see today. In addition to leaving smoldering campfires, campers have also left piles of trash. Unless otherwise noted, primitive camping is permitted practically everywhere in the Santa Fe National Forest. You will have plenty of room for trailer/RV camping. This guide is designed to help you navigate the various rules and regulations and plan your perfect New Mexico dispersed camping adventure. Your real name will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more! with a maximum RV limit of 36 feet. Santa Fe, NM 87508 The first stretch of campsites is great for boondocking in RVs and trailers. To make finding free campsites in New Mexico even easier, Ive rounded up 9 of my personal favorites to share with you below. Mills Canyon Campground is part of Kiowa National Grassland administered together with Cibola National Forest. Campgrounds. Follow it to the end, where youll find the entrance to these free campsites. 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. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 8.2/10 A great option near Albuquerque. Countless other dispersed campsites are scattered across the states public lands. Angel Creek Scenic Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. . There is also an equestrian campground just down the road where you can fill up with water and dump your tanks. Fire regulations must be observed at all times. In fact, Cosmic Campground is the first campground built for amateur astronomers. Juan Tomas Road is part of Cibola National Forest. Photograph by NMTD. Ive never seen this much human waste and trash being left out in the forest, Hurley said. There are no facilities at Dog Canyon, although you may be able to use the facilities at Oliver Lee. If you do decide to camp here be sure to explore the surrounding Angel Peak area. Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:LightMap. The closer to the lake you get, the rougher the road gets, but all vehicles should be fine, unless it just rained.