Off the road leading to Taos Ski Valley, Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping spreads along the Hondo River within Carson National Forest. This free dispersed camping area provides multiple sites positioned directly beside the flowing water, though privacy remains limited with most spots visible from the road.
Campers set up along the riverbank where the sound of moving water provides a natural backdrop. The forested setting includes trees suitable for hammock hanging, and fire pits appear at several locations when fire restrictions allow. Sites accommodate both tent camping and car camping, with some requiring short walks from parking areas. Brittani M. found it "one of the cleanest campsites off a road I've been to."
Basic vault toilets serve the area at select locations. The road can become challenging during storms, with reviewers noting mudslides after heavy rain. Cell service remains spotty, particularly Verizon coverage. Most sites operate on a first-come basis, with riverside spots filling quickly during peak periods.
For campers wanting developed facilities, Lower Hondo Campground sits just over a mile northeast with more structured amenities.
Description
Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. It means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables, fire pits and toilets are provided.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingArroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping is located in New Mexico
Coordinates
36.5352633 N
105.56338475 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/10/26
VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 4/10/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/10/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/10/26
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 4/10/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/10/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
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 Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 37 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 26 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 2 hrs 48 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 39 min from Farmington, NM
