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Dispersed Camping

Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed is located in the Santa Fe National Forest, featuring a mix of forested areas and open spaces. Temperatures can range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include Fenton Lake State Park, which offers fishing and hiking opportunities.

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Location

Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

35.89273891 N
106.70669027 W

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Connectivity

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Jemez Boondocking

Jemez Boondocking

33 min away

Jemez Dispersed

Jemez Dispersed

34 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
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    No Coverage
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Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • WiFi
  • 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 Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed needs a permit.

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3 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 14, 2025

Bugs and poop… but beautiful.

I liked this spot don’t get me wrong, it was beautiful and nestled in the mountains so very secluded and quiet BUT the poop that littered this campsite made this site basically uninhabitable. A bummer but when nature calls, literally, you gotta do what you gotta do.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed by Nora S., June 14, 2025
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed by Nora S., June 14, 2025
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2024

Secluded clearings with plenty of room

This campsite is beautiful and right next to the lake. Perfect for some chill camping. There are multiple clearing along this road. Each one is big enough for several cars and even a couple groups. The clearings are far enough apart that you can make some noise without bothering the other campers. You need a bit of clearance to be able to drive the road but not much as my Crosstrek did it great. Even on July 4th this site wasn’t busy. We only saw one other camper since most people choose to pay for a campground right on the lake

Sitesecond main clearing
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed by Josh K., July 8, 2024
  • main road 378
  • Review photo of Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed by Josh K., July 8, 2024
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Sep. 28, 2023

Views, hiking, peaceful

The road is a bit rough, but easy access and close enough to the lake that I drove over to kayak after setting up camp. Fire pits set up, the first area is a big open space with a beautiful cliff view, we had it to ourselves but could be busy, if you drive further up there are areas to camp that would have more privacy if needed. Very quiet and peaceful. It does get cold at night since at approximately 8,000 elevation.

Siteno designated sites other than built fire ring
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed by Maeci W., September 28, 2023
  • Review photo of Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed by Maeci W., September 28, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fenton Lake Campground currently open for camping?

Yes, Road 378 near Fenton Lake offers dispersed camping that is open to the public. This area features multiple clearings along the road that serve as campsites. While the specific opening dates may vary based on seasonal conditions, the dispersed camping area generally remains accessible when weather permits. For the most current status information, it's advisable to check with the local ranger district or forest service office before planning your trip.

Where can I find a detailed map of Fenton Lake Campground?

Detailed maps of the Road 378 dispersed camping area near Fenton Lake can be obtained from the local Forest Service office that manages the Jemez area. The USFS website also offers maps and information about dispersed camping in the Santa Fe National Forest. Additionally, you can check with the New Mexico Game and Fish Department for maps of Fenton Lake State Park and surrounding areas. Stopping by the ranger station in the Jemez area is another good option for obtaining local maps with campsite locations.

Are there cabins available at Fenton Lake Campground?

No, there are no cabins available at the Road 378 dispersed camping area near Fenton Lake. This is a primitive dispersed camping location with basic fire pits but no permanent structures or rental accommodations. Campers need to bring all their own equipment and supplies for tent or vehicle camping. For cabin accommodations, you would need to look at established campgrounds or private rentals in the broader Jemez Mountains region.

Is there free camping available near Fenton Lake in the Jemez area?

Yes, Road 378 near Fenton Lake offers free dispersed camping. The area features multiple clearings along the road that can accommodate several vehicles and camping groups. Each clearing is spaced far enough apart to provide privacy. The sites include basic fire pits and beautiful surroundings with cliff views, and the location is conveniently close to the lake for kayaking and other water activities. The road can be a bit rough in places, so some vehicles may have difficulty accessing certain areas. This dispersed camping follows typical Forest Service rules with no facilities or services provided.