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Dispersed Camping

Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping

Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping, near Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while still being close to town. This area offers a mix of open space and privacy, making it ideal for campers who appreciate a little solitude among the trees and shrubs.

The location is known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets, with plenty of room for various camping setups, from tents to larger RVs. Visitors have mentioned that the roads can be a bit rough, but many have found the journey worth it for the peaceful atmosphere. As one camper noted, “Perfect dispersed camp spots close to town but very quiet.”

While there are no official amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, the area does have vault toilets and a picnic pavilion near the entrance. Campers have enjoyed the freedom of choosing their own spots, with enough space to avoid feeling crowded, even during busier times.

For those eager to explore, Caja Del Rio is just a short drive from Santa Fe, where you can dive into local culture and outdoor activities. Whether you're hiking in the nearby Santa Fe National Forest or simply soaking in the stunning views, this location provides a great balance of adventure and relaxation.

Description

National Forest

Santa Fe National Forest

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.

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Location

Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.68955 N
106.09187 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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 Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping needs a permit.


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Dec. 29, 2023

Convenient location with drawbacks

Let me start by saying I'd stay here again. But there was such a pitted road to the right. It's too hard to get off the high banks with our Transit. On the left fork near the pit toilets, better roads but more campers. 5 rvs all in sight of one another. There was rain and snow week before that made roads worse I assume. Not much trash around. Near horse corral that gets use. 17 degrees with wind this morning but clear skies. Shooting nearby as well as the trash dump nearby. But the location can't be beat.

Sitedispersed close to pit toilet
Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping by Renee T., December 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping by Renee T., December 29, 2023
  • Review photo of Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping by Renee T., December 29, 2023
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Nov. 8, 2023

Close to Santa fe

I stayed 4 nights bc it was so close to hiking and town. Very dusty and packed some trash out that was left behind. Pretty quiet with beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping by Tracy T., November 8, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 28, 2023

Quiet with lots of room

Stayed 4 nights. Very quiet. About 15 minutes from downtown Santa Fe. Many sites available. Very dusty due to no recent rain. We have a 26 ft travel trailer. We saw larger Rvs, vans, cars. Tents.

Siteopen area
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Aug. 17, 2023

Great Spot

Perfect dispersed camp spots close to town but very quiet. Except a few evening fun shots. Lots of spots scattered with plenty of privacy.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping by Amanda V., August 17, 2023
  • Review photo of Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping by Amanda V., August 17, 2023
  • Review photo of Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping by Amanda V., August 17, 2023
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 18, 2023

Santa Fe Forest

A lot of camping hundreds and hundreds of acres. Some of the roads are good and some of them or technical.

Sitethere are no site numbers
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping by mont B., May 18, 2023
  • Review photo of Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping by mont B., May 18, 2023
Reviewed Apr. 25, 2023

Lots of Open Space for Dispersed Camping

20 mins from Sata Fe, lots of open roads and land for dispersed camping. Can get a bit crowded and hard to find a spot away from people, but plenty of room.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping by KC H., April 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping by KC H., April 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping by KC H., April 25, 2023
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2023

Beautiful dispersed campground near Santa Fe

A gorgeous and vast dispersed campground just a short drive from Santa Fe. There was enough space and trees/shrubs to offer privacy, and as a solo traveler I felt completely safe sleeping in my crossover. I parked just off the main dirt road between a couple of junipers and still felt like I had the privacy I preferred. You can drive further to get a more secluded space. The only downside: it was very windy and the entire interior of my vehicle was covered in reddish dust. But this place was so beautiful and spaced out that being covered in dust seemed like a small price to pay for a great experience.

The Campground: The main dirt road wasn't in great condition, so the short journey after you turn off of Country Road 62 was very bumpy, but it didn't appear that anyone was having issues navigating it (that might change if there's heavy rainfall). There's a vault toilet and picnic pavilion near the front; this area is also a trailhead. The whole place feels very open and has a nice view of the mountains. 

The area: Very close to Santa Fe. 

Booking: No booking or fee. This is dispersed camping and there are no official "sites" here. When looking for a place to set up, make sure you chose a place that's well-traveled. Seemed like there were enough areas to camp that I don't imagine this place ever gets too full.

Cell Service: I have Verizon, and my service was good.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping by Erin , February 8, 2023
  • Review photo of Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping by Erin , February 8, 2023
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is good.