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Dispersed Camping

American Springs

American Springs is located in New Mexico, featuring both forests and open spaces. Temperatures can range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the Santa Fe National Forest and the cultural attractions of Los Alamos.

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Drive Time

Location

American Springs is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.83705486 N
106.381714 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 12/11/25
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 13 users
    Last on 1/6/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 15 users
    Last on 12/11/25

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
    Last on 12/11/25
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 13 users
    Last on 1/6/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 15 users
    Last on 12/11/25

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if American Springs needs a permit.


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Reviews

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4.5

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5 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the scenic canyon views and peaceful setting, though accessing sites requires navigating a steep, rocky road that challenges some vehicles. Wildlife sightings like elk add appeal, but some expressed disappointment about shooting damage to the area.

Reviewed Jan. 6, 2026

Great view, rugged road

Nice dispersed spot with a fantastic view of the mountains. As of January 2026, the road is a bit rough and gets very deeply rutted after this site. This site is quite clean if you ignore the field that is littered with human waste.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of American Springs by Rain , January 6, 2026
  • Review photo of American Springs by Rain , January 6, 2026
  • Review photo of American Springs by Rain , January 6, 2026
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2025

Disiperssed camping Spot with a view

Lovely spot in nature, nestled in a. few trees that survived the catastrophic fires of 2011. Just sad to see bullet casings litter ground and these trees that survived the most intense fire in new mexico are being shot up and destroyed. Shame on anyone doing this

SiteUn numbered
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of American Springs by Byron M., July 21, 2025
  • Review photo of American Springs by Byron M., July 21, 2025
  • Review photo of American Springs by Byron M., July 21, 2025
Reviewed May. 11, 2025

If you have 4x4 good camping

Probably not a must have, but I highly recommend a four-wheel-drive high clearance to get back into the camp spots here, but there are a handful of spots. Just keep going further back in there either on the left or the right. Give you a good view of Los Alamos and some snow covered peaks.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of American Springs by Mark , May 11, 2025
  • Review photo of American Springs by Mark , May 11, 2025
  • Review photo of American Springs by Mark , May 11, 2025
Reviewed Apr. 23, 2025

Quiet spot, gnarly road

There are two sites here and I stayed at the first one. The road is quite rocky and there’s a large washout just past the first site. Any SUV could handle it but being in an extended length van limits where I can go. Very peaceful with a nice view down the canyon. Elk grazing below were the cherry on top.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of American Springs by Matthew N., April 23, 2025
  • Review photo of American Springs by Matthew N., April 23, 2025
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2023

Great spot

Great spot once you make the steep road up!!! We camped close to the entrance. We explored and found some amazing sites further back

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of American Springs by Nancy B., September 19, 2023
  • Review photo of American Springs by Nancy B., September 19, 2023
  • Review photo of American Springs by Nancy B., September 19, 2023
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is American Springs campground located?

American Springs campground is located on a mountainous terrain that provides views of Los Alamos and snow-covered peaks in the distance. The campground is accessed via a steep, rocky road with a notable washout past the first campsite. The area is situated in a canyon setting, allowing visitors to observe wildlife like elk grazing in the valley below. The campground is positioned in a partially forested area that survived wildfires that affected New Mexico in 2011.

What facilities and amenities are available at American Springs campground?

American Springs is a primitive campground with minimal facilities. There are several dispersed camping spots spread throughout the area, with some located closer to the entrance and others further back that require more challenging access. The campground offers natural features rather than developed amenities, providing scenic views down the canyon. No information indicates the presence of water, toilets, or trash services, so campers should plan to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste.

Do I need a reservation for American Springs campground?

No reservation is required for American Springs campground. This appears to be a first-come, first-served dispersed camping area. There are multiple sites available, with some located near the entrance and others further back that require navigating a rougher road. For the best camping experience, arrive early during peak seasons to secure your preferred spot. Contact the local forest service or land management office for current regulations on length of stay and any seasonal restrictions.