Unless notified otherwise, dispersed camping is permitted practically everywhere at the 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 . Do keep in mind that there is not water source so youll want to come prepared with all that youll need for your trip. D. McCullough 6. The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. Unfortunately, I dont believe dispersed camping is allowed within the scenic area, even though its administered by the Bureau of Land Management. The recreation area shall be comprised of approximately 57,000 acres of lands and interests in lands within the Santa Fe National Forest as generally depicted on the map entitled "Jemez National Recreation AreaProposed" and dated September 1992. The Santa Fe BLM is conveniently located just outside of Santa Fe. Independent. Heres how to track these down on your own: Dispersed camping is far from the only way to camp for free in New Mexico. Your real name will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more! Please keep your campsite at least 100 feet from streams and lakes, including riverbanks or areas next to bodies of water. Its a little over an hour away and is notable for its badland scenery, especially its hoodoo formations. The stars were really bright outside and the air was fresh and it was just like, I think we could feel ourselves relax.. Gaia GPS - Download offline maps for easy navigation! Forest Service Rd 268 Dispersed Site. Juan Tomas Road is most notable for its proximity to Albuquerque (about an hour away). Routing by HERE 2021; Improve this map; Remove Ads. Most campsites have partial shade. In addition to Sunset Reef Campground and Chosa Campground, the BLM lands near Carlsbad Caverns National Park are littered with dispersed campsites. There is also an equestrian campground just down the road where you can fill up with water and dump your tanks. This is true dispersed camping so you wont find any amenities here. The Joe Skeen Campground is located west of Albuquerque adjacent to the El Malpais National Monument on BLM land. Just before you enter Santa Fe National Forest near Headquarter Wells is a small slice of BLM land (GPS coordinates: 35.692300, -106.086200). 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. A lot of mountain biking and hiking trails are located nearby if youre into those activities. You can always find a toilet at the extreme west end of the parking area. There are many places in the forest that you can experience the trails! Its a little farther away, but still convenient to White Sands National Park. San Antonio Campground was completely rebuilt and reopened . Fenton Lake State Park 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 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. 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! That means no water, no trash service, and no restrooms. The park is also close to two major shopping malls as well as the historic villages of Cerrillos and Madrid. Youll see a couple large dispersed campsites just after you exit Highway 180 towards the campground. Forest visitors are asked to follow campfire safety guidelines and adhere to the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics. Not only is camping here free for up to two weeks, but the campground is very clean and well-maintained. 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. Free camping might as well be New Mexicos middle name. Be very cautious driving here after heavy rains. We think of this as the essential information to lay a foundation for your perfect camping trip. Fee: $7 per night. The Capitan Wilderness is part of Lincoln National Forest. You can even comfortably camp all winterlong if you know where to look! on official, secure websites. The campground is located within Gila National Forest, which is already one of the most remote and rugged wilderness areas in the United States. Lincoln National Forest is chock full of dispersed campsites. Youll enjoy the campgrounds modest environment. Be sure to let us know in the comments below if you have any questions and be sure to tell us about your trip! Posted 11:06:55 PM. Out of a handful of options in nearby Cibola National Forest, my favorite free campsites in the area are those along Juan Tomas Road south of Tijeras. Beautiful views from the top of the plateau. 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. Due to that close proximity to large cities in New Mexico and Texas, dont be surprised if you find several sites with big rigs and side-by-sides to explore rougher roads. The most tranquil campsites are locate right on Bonito Creek, making for a wonderful camping experience. Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in. A small camping fee will possibly be implemented soon (although staying here will still be worth it). Here are the best and closest campgrounds to Santa Fe, NM, in order of proximity: Black Canyon Campground (8 miles). Rising from deserts, meadows and grasslands, the mesas, canyons and peaks of the Santa Fe National Forest are a place for re-creation. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Located in the Sendia Ranger District of Cibola National Forest and just outside of Albuquerque youll find the Manzanita dispersed camping area. It describes nearly 2,400 . There are several sites that have a fire ring, picnic table and shelter, and can accommodate big rigs. Status: Seasonal, Full time, Non-Exempt . Primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere on the Santa Fe National Forest unless otherwise posted. 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. Aiden Salazar, 10, right, aims an arrow at a target Friday as his brother Wyatt, 6, watches at their dispersed campsite in the Jemez Mountains. Title: Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Outdoor Recreation Management, Crew Leader . The dirt access roads can get extremely rough and rutted after it rains. City of Rocks state park, Chihuahuan desert, New Mexico. 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. 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. Its not far off of the highway, but far enough that it still feels private. The Caja del Rio area in Santa Fe National Forest is my favorite place for dispersed camping near Santa Fe. Learn more about New Mexico State Parks Annual Camping Pass. Youll likely see others dispersed camping along BLM Road 7175 on your way to Angel Peak Campground, especially near the Angel Peak Badlands Overlook. Aside from a handle of picnic shelters and a handful of trees, theres minimal shade. Beautiful wilderness scenery abounds and there are plenty of hiking opportunities nearby. In addition, with a little knowledge, some basic map reading skills, and some of the excellent resources available we think youll have no problem finding a perfect dispersed campsite for your next trip. However, the campground is relatively easy to access and has some basic amenities to make your stay a bit more comfortable. Extremely beautiful desert scenery throughout the canyon. The dirt access road isnt typically very rough but definitely dont try to camp here with rain in the forecast. This way, you dont have to be searching for campground information once youre out there. An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account. As that designation implies, its incredibly dark here at night. Las but certainly not least on our list of the best places for dispersed camping in New Mexico is Cebolla Mesa. The staff is knowledgeable about the area and will help you arrange activities and tours to the local sites. However, there are some basic guidelines youll need to adhere to. 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. If that isnt enough, how about the fact that youre only about an hour away from Roswell, home of the International UFO Museum and Research Center. The views here are truly stunning and youll be treated to some incredible sunsets and sunrises at Dog Canyon. The Forest used three methods to designate access to motorized dispersed camping: (1) Designating specific routes leading to dispersed campsites . Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Additional information on each site is available on the SFNF websites Recreation page. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. There are also a handful of free developed campgrounds in the area, such as Cave Campground which is part of the Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Forest Service employees cant enforce the social-distancing orders, only advise groups on what the guidelines are. CONTACT. Its also a really tranquil spot. A great alternative to camping at Holloman Lake are the free dispersed campsites off Dog Canyon Road (GPS Coordinates: 32.7442, -105.9306). Want to know the essentials for your next camping trip? 15.0 mi. 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 first stretch of campsites is great for boondocking in RVs and trailers. J. Lubchenco 2. They have camping gear, hiking gear, survival gear and much more, all at 25% off when you click the link below. With its stunning deserts, towering mesas, and unique rock formations, New Mexico is a top destination for camping. Aldo Leopold Presentations Presentations 1. The whole place is breathtakingly beautiful, and New Mexico 475 is declared the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. The campground is small and each campsite is spaced quite far apart. 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. Santa Fe Skies RV Park offers full-service Santa Fe campsites. Explore the spur roads off Juan Tomas Road to find other campsites. Historic Downtown Golden. The Santa Fe National Forest, an easy drive from both Albuquerque or Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a wide diversity of recreation . For starters, its an International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Fire regulations must be observed at all times. 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. Whether you camp in a tent or a recreational vehicle (RV), there are campgrounds in U.S. National Forests and Grasslands to satisfy the needs of most campers. 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. 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). 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. 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. United States government. 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 Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area (often simply called Bisti Badlands) is an alternative to Angel Peak. One of our favorite things about dispersed camping is the lack of permits, reservations, and other requirements youll often find at developed campgrounds. The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and trailers. Many full-time boondockers and vandwellers utilize this annual pass. The Capitan Wilderness is the place to go for peace and quiet. The access roads arent terribly rough if you have high-clearance, but 4WD is certainly helpful. It is located near a dump, which is intriguing, yet there were no flies or odors in October. There are 250 developed campsites with 54 electric sites, perfect for RV camping. 52 Photos. Science. The first couple campsites along the gravel section of the access road are best for RVs and trailers. Call the Sadia Ranger District for more information: (505) 281-3304. This is BLM land, so dispersed camping is permitted, just dont pitch your tent too close to the developed campground. Erik, Google review, Read Also: Camping World Near San Antonio, Home Articles Camping Near Santa Fe | The Santa Fe National Forest. 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. 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). Although there is occasional traffic noise, it becomes calmer as you get farther into the campgrounds. The MVUM will have details about seasonal road closures. Santa Fe, NM 87508 New Mexico certainly lives up to its name as the Land of Enchantment. This is probably tops of all the best free campgrounds in New Mexico though it is limited to a seven-day stay instead of the typical 14 days. 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. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. [Senate Hearing 106-887] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] S. Hrg. On the drive in to Cebolla Mesa campground, youll pass several spur roads and roadside pullouts that are suitable for dispersed camping. However, theres a ton of room to spread out, so youre sure to find something quiet and peaceful, especially if youre willing to brave the rough roads. 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. Additional dispersed camping can be found throughout Gila National Forest, including along Copper Creek Road. Read Also: Camping World In Asheville North Carolina. In terms of location, this site is about 35 minutes south of the Sierra Vista free campsite. 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! Finding good dispersed camping near Albuquerque is surprisingly difficult. This article discussed everything about the best dispersed camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Youll be able to choose a site with enough privacy but not too much isolation, though you could certainly go deeper. Reservation sites may be booked at Recreation.gov. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Many of these MVUMs also display where dispersed camping is permitted, typically indicated by two dots on either side of a given road. Make New Mexico an affordable wintertime boondocking homebase by investing in this annual pass. The bathrooms are nice, but the one in black bear loop is the nicest. Photograph: Alamy. This is really a great stop just off of Interstate 25 if you are traveling across New Mexico. The Aspen Basin Campground is situated next to the Santa Fe Ski Basins huge parking lot. During the May 8-10 weekend, McLarty said he and his team found 38 improperly extinguished campfires. Receive a list of headlines from the latest edition of The New Mexican in your inbox every morning. Thanks to campground reviews on The Dyrt, you can be ready and prepared, before you embark on your Santa Fe camping adventure. Given that Santa Fe is only 15 minutes away, you should have no problem finding everything you need for your trip. The quiet campground is located in a strand of ponderosa pine in the Santa Fe National Forest. Located just southeast of Albuquerque, West Mesa Road dispersed camping is another gem. Nearby Columbine-Hondo Wilderness Area and Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area (both also part of Carson National Forest) have countless dispersed camping opportunities. In mid-December, it can get very cold. 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. Use the custom map layers to find public land, download offline maps, and navigate to your perfect dispersed campsite. Whether gathering of families or gathering pinon nuts and firewood, the forest is a "querencia" - a special place. Despite the proximity to the national park, theres always plenty of room to spread out here. In this article, the best dispersed camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico, is discussed. Holy Ghost Group Area This is pretty much only for car camping and tent camping. . : 1142 Siler Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505; (505 . We won't share it with anyone else. 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. Santa Fe, NM We have a petit, green friendly, casita with passive solar and vaulted ceilings. You never know how far the camping spaces stretch, but there are always over 100, with roughly a quarter of them taken at any given moment. 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. There is an otherworldly aura to camping here, so please be respectful, Leave No Trace, and enjoy this wonderful place in our public lands. Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-983-7175. New Mexico has no shortage of interesting rock formations, and this cluster of boulders, near . This is a popular destination, so plan to arrive early on summer weekends here. Small and medium sized RVs and trailers (up to about 32 feet) will fit here. 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. Theres even a vault toilet here. [] 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. Borrego Mesa Campground . The Dyrt PRO is our favorite resource for planning your trip. Restrooms:Vault toiletsWater:NoCrowds:LightMap. It typically doesnt get very busy here. Related Post: Where to Dispersed Camping in Colorado. If you do decide to camp here be sure to explore the surrounding Angel Peak area. Dispersed camping isnt allowed until youre about a mile in if you head to the left (high clearance is recommended, but 2wd will suffice). C. Anderson 6. Ive never seen this much human waste and trash being left out in the forest, Hurley said. Distance Highest Rated Most Reviews Category. By Matt Dahlseid Read Also: Camping World Rv Technician Training. The level of development at these Campgrounds ranges from a near wilderness camping experience to recreational vehicle friendly Campground. American Springs Dispersed Camping, Santa Fe National Forest in Los Alamos is rated 10.0 of 10 at RV LIFE Campground Reviews. Youre just a few minutes from some excellent climbing and the Continental Divide trail is nearby for those hoping to do some hiking. 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 . CamperAdvise also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other affiliate sites. Cebolla Mesa is part of Carson National Forest. Where is the best dispersed camping site near Santa Fe? It has everything you need for a comfortable stay in a spectacular location with views of the valley, mountains, and amazing sunsets. I work remotely so I camp a lot in my RV. Fenton Lake State Park doesnt seem to be interesting from the outside. ) or https:// means you've safely Please know that you will be required to bring your own water. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Restrooms:Vault toiletsWater:NoCrowds:BusyMap. White Sands National Park offers miles of trails, boardwalk viewing areas, and ten primitive camping sites. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. There are several designated dispersed sites located throughout the Manzanita Mountains that are interspersed in this excellent trail system. From Interstate 25, take Exit 1 and then turn east onto University Road/Dripping Springs Road. The best way to do this is typically by reaching out directly to the relevant USFS Ranger District or BLM Office in the area youd like to camp to inquire on camping locations. Restrooms:NoWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. Santa Fe BLM Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Yet, I personally prefer staying at Parks Ranch Campground, a primitive BLM campground that allows free camping for up to 14 days. Cosmic Campground is clean and well-maintained. 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. The closer to the lake you get, the rougher the road gets, but all vehicles should be fine, unless it just rained. Its some of the best desert camping in the state. Because it is BLM dispersed, there are no facilities at all, and it has a Nomadland feel to it. You have permission to edit this article. You have a couple options after turning off Highway 522 onto Forest Road 9. There was a problem saving your notification. Info:Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District, 575-525-4300. 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. 5. Guanella Pass . . Overall, this is a great option for free camping in the region! Beautiful views of the desert in every direction. In fact, star parties are held regularly throughout the year with telescopes provided for all to use. The Capitan Wilderness is a great place to set up camp for free in south-central New Mexico. Gordon Gulch Dispersed Area Nederland. Itstruly amazing just how many opportunities there are for free camping in this southwestern state, including many free campsites nearmajor tourist attractions! Last but not least is the lake itself. It takes just a 15-minute drive from the city to get into the Santa Fe National Forest and find yourself in Black Canyon Campground. The access road gets rough and slick, especially after rains. 2023 This site is owned and operated by CamperAdvise. It never got too full. The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Chief of the . Dispersed camping is generally limited to 14 days within any continuous 30 day period.
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