Free and first-come, this BLM dispersed area sits along the rim of the Rio Grande Gorge near the John Dunn Bridge, accessed via roughly 4.5 miles of unpaved road from Highway 64. High clearance is recommended. Campers in trailers up to 24 feet have made it in from the highway side, but the switchback road down toward the bridge is steep enough that RVs and trailers should avoid it entirely. A vault toilet is available near the bridge, though reaching it requires driving or hiking down those switchbacks.
Sites are spread across several pull-offs along the ridge, with many positions close to the gorge edge and open sightlines down to the river and bridge below. Bighorn sheep have been spotted in the area. Anglers and rock climbers can access the river corridor, and a hot springs sits roughly a mile's walk from the upper camping area. "Sunsets are epic here," notes Emma S., who spent five nights on the rim. Wind picks up regularly, particularly in March.
Nearby, Rio Grande Rivercamp by John Dunn Bridge sits at river level just below, and Rio Grande Bridge Overlook offers another ridge-top option to the northeast. Cell service is available. Taos is reachable in 30 to 40 minutes depending on the route taken. This spot works best for self-sufficient campers in high-clearance vehicles who want direct gorge access without a fee.
Description
With two outstanding Wild and Scenic Rivers and three developed recreation areas, the BLM’s Taos Field Office is a great place to experience a whitewater rafting challenge; enjoy a breathtaking view of a river gorge; hike miles of developed trails; camp under the stars; view wildlife; or visit important prehistoric, historic, or active cultural sites. Come and explore over 594,000 acres of your public lands. The Field Office also administers over 4 million acres of Federal mineral estate.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDispersed Camping Near Taos is located in New Mexico near Arroyo Hondo
Coordinates
36.53932556480124 N
105.70908931425879 W
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/26/26
VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 36 usersLast on 7/26/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/26/26
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 36 usersLast on 7/26/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- 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 Dispersed Camping Near Taos needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 37 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 26 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 2 hrs 41 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 19 min from Farmington, NM
