Searching for the perfect place to dispersed camp near Santa Fe? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Search dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots and read camper reviews.
Welcome to the Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed camping area in New Mexico. This spot is perfect for those who enjoy a more rugged, no-frills camping experience. It's a large area with plenty of space to set up camp wherever you can get your vehicle. The main roads are in decent shape, but the side roads can be a bit rough, so be prepared for some bumps.
One of the standout features here is the sheer openness and the beautiful views of the surrounding area. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly stunning, making it a great place for photography or just soaking in the natural beauty. Despite being close to a landfill, you won't notice any smell or garbage, which is a pleasant surprise.
There are no hookups or running water, so come prepared with your own supplies. The only amenity you'll find is a vault toilet near the entrance. Fires are allowed, so you can enjoy a campfire under the stars, but you'll need to bring your own firewood.
Pets are welcome, but keep in mind that not everyone keeps their dogs on a leash, so if you're bringing your furry friend, be prepared for some canine visitors. The area is also popular for activities like hiking and shooting, so it can get a bit noisy at times.
Overall, if you're looking for a free, spacious, and scenic spot near Santa Fe, this dispersed camping area is a solid choice. Just remember to pack out all your trash and leave the place better than you found it. Enjoy your stay!
The Caja del Rio area is a lower elevation and drier section of the Santa Fe National Forest. This is mainly a Piñon-Juniper dominated vegetation zone with areas of sage and mixed grasses. It is often open for recreational opportunities when the rest of the Forest is snowed over. Watch for seasonal road closures due to wet and very muddy roads. It is another good area for solitude and lesser travelled trails.
Welcome to the Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site, a hidden gem near Albuquerque, NM. This spot is perfect for those who love a bit of adventure and don't mind roughing it. The area is wide open, offering stunning views, especially at sunset. You might even catch a glimpse of wild horses roaming around, which adds a magical touch to your stay.
Getting here can be a bit tricky. You'll need to navigate through a residential area and find your way up a winding road. But once you arrive, you'll be rewarded with a vast, open space where you can set up camp pretty much anywhere. Just be mindful of the fragile vegetation and stick to existing paths to help preserve the natural beauty.
One thing to note: it's windy up here. Almost every visitor mentions it, so come prepared. The wind can be a bit of a challenge, but it also keeps things cool during the day. And trust me, the sunsets are worth it. They're absolutely breathtaking.
There are no amenities like toilets, showers, or drinking water, so you'll need to bring everything you need and pack out all your trash. Fires are allowed, but given the dry conditions, it's best to be cautious and maybe skip the campfire altogether.
Pets are welcome, but keep them leashed or under voice command. The area is popular with local walkers, and no one wants a surprise encounter with an unleashed dog.
In short, if you're looking for a peaceful, scenic spot with a touch of wild, this is the place for you. Just come prepared, respect the land, and enjoy the incredible views.
Dispersed Camping off FS 542 is a hidden gem nestled in the Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands in New Mexico. This spot is perfect for those who love a bit of adventure and don't mind roughing it. The road leading in is pretty rugged, so if you're driving a low-clearance vehicle, take it slow and steady.
Once you get here, you'll find a peaceful area with plenty of space between sites, offering a good amount of privacy. The place is known for its quiet nights and stunning views, especially under a full moon or the Milky Way. There's no shortage of natural beauty, with trees providing just enough cover to make you feel secluded without being completely isolated.
Campers have noted that while the area can get busy, especially on weekends, it generally remains quiet and respectful. The lack of amenities means you'll need to come prepared—there are no toilets, showers, or drinking water available. But on the plus side, you can have a campfire, and pets are welcome.
Cell service is surprisingly good here, thanks to a nearby cell tower, so you can stay connected if needed. The area is also free to camp in, which is always a bonus. Just remember to pack out all your trash and leave no trace.
If you're looking for a spot to unwind and enjoy some solitude, Dispersed Camping off FS 542 is worth the bumps and scrapes to get there. Just be sure to arrive before dark to navigate the rough road safely.
The Orilla Verde Recreation Area is located within the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument and along the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River. Nestled along the banks of the Rio Grande and within the steep-walled Rio Grande Gorge, the campgrounds in this area offer nearby access to the river. The elevation along the river is 6,100 feet and the steep canyon rises 800 feet from the river to the Gorge rim.
Because of the dramatic changes in elevation and the diversity of plant life, Orilla Verde draws many species of animals, including raptors (such as eagles and hawks), songbirds, waterfowl, beaver, cougar, ringtail, mule deer, and more. The Rio Grande also has attracted humans since prehistoric times. Evidence of ancient peoples is found throughout the Recreation Area in the form of petroglyphs on the rocks and many other types of archaeological sites.
The climate at Orilla Verde is semi-arid, with summer thunderstorms common in July and August, and snow possible from October through March. Summer temperatures range from 45 to 90 degrees, and winter temperatures range from -15 to 45 degrees
$5 - $15 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Santa Fe, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Santa Fe, NM is Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed with a 4.3-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Santa Fe, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 dispersed camping locations near Santa Fe, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
