The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Chama, New Mexico
Camper submitted image from Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management AreaView 17 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Chama, New Mexico

Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area

6 ReviewsAdd Review

Fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching all come together at Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area, a dispersed camping area managed by New Mexico Wildlife Services just outside Chama. The site sits at roughly 8,000 feet in the Southern Rockies, with access to creeks, small ponds, and deeper water farther into the wilderness area. Elk and mule deer sightings are common, particularly at sunrise and sunset, and anglers can reach fishing spots by obtaining a gate combination that opens a road running deep into the property.

The road in deserves attention before you go. Potholes are frequent and unavoidable in places, and while the surface is manageable when dry, conditions can deteriorate significantly after rain. Despite that, the site accommodates RVs up to 45 feet, and reviewers note there is ample level ground for setup. Shade is limited. A few tall conifers mark the camping area, but much of the site sits in the open.

Two vault toilets serve the campground. As Andrea P. notes, they are "not always well-maintained so check for toilet paper before you commit." Verizon users report two to three bars of service within the camping area itself, though coverage drops off farther into the wildlife management area. No water hookups or electrical connections are available. Horses are accommodated with on-site pens. A valid habitat stamp is required to camp here, and Game and Fish officers do make periodic checks, so have your documentation ready before arrival.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Route 66 Road Trip

Camping The Route 66 Road Trip

Route 66 Road Trip Segment: Amarillo, TX to Kingman

Amarillo to Kingman: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsEdward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area is located in New Mexico near Chama

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

36.922232567245736 N
106.57882097635166 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/17/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 9/17/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 9/17/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 9/17/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • 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.

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

New Mexico Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
33%
17%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 23, 2026

Great place so close to Chama

What a gem to find and we had it all to ourselves Not even 10 min from town and only 5 or 6 secluded spots between big conifers Lots of hiking and wildlife seeing around. 2 well kept vault toilets also available. Roads were dry but could be very bad and muddy after rain so be aware of that

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area by Angelika H., June 23, 2026
  • Review photo of Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area by Angelika H., June 23, 2026
  • Review photo of Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area by Angelika H., June 23, 2026
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2025

Beautiful location, somehow always get the best sleep of my life here

I've camped at this site several times now, and I don't know what it is but I sleep so soundly here.  The road is in rough shape.  Two pit toilets, not always well-maintained so check for toilet paper before you commit.  The Sargeant is gorgeous.  Good fishing opportunities, and I pretty much always see elk and/or mule deer.

There are pens for horses, and in the camping area I have 2-3 bars of service (Verizon).  Much of the wildlife area does not have cell reception.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area by Andrea P., July 28, 2025
  • Review photo of Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area by Andrea P., July 28, 2025
  • Review photo of Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area by Andrea P., July 28, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2025

Quiet Close to Chama RV Friendly Scenic

This camp spot is a great find! We wanted to stay close to Chama but not be crowded in an RV park and this is just the ticket. There are some deep potholes but our RV had no problem. There are two pit toilets. There are a few tall trees but not much shade. There's a bunch of level parking and setup was a breeze. Lots of space to park our rig!  There is nice hiking and gorgeous views. It was absolutely silent all night long. There were a few people coming and going during the day, but it's really not crowded for as close to town as it is. We had the local Game and Fish constabulary come and make sure that we had the correct habitat stamp on our hunting licenses so that we had a right to be here. We were very glad that we found this place and it was a wonderful place to stay. Stayed two nights.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area by Olympia H., July 28, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2025

Don’t get your hopes up!

One of the worst roads in I have experienced. Deep potholes are so pervasive that you can’t avoid them. No shade at all and it’s very hard to tell where to set up. I’m just glad I will only be here for one night.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2025

Edward Sargeant Wildlife Area

The spot is really close (2 miles) to the town of Chama, New Mexico (elevation about 8,000ft in Southern Rockies) and has one outdoor toilet, open areas for RVs or tents no electrical hook ups or water. Pets allowed. Wonderful views of the mountains and a good road and trail for hiking and biking and horseback riding. There are creeks, small ponds, maybe a lake deeper in, fir, aspen, and pine trees. You can roam off the road/trail anywhere. iIf you get a combination to the lock on the gate you can drive your vehicle down I rode that goes deep into the wilderness area for fishing and hunting. It is run by the New Mexico wild wildlife services. At sunrise or sunset you are very likely to see elk maybe even a whole herd and other wildlife. You cannot camp there in the winter but it’s great for cross country skiing. There’s also a laundromat just down the road, probably a mile from the camping area. I live in the region and often go there throughout the year to take my dog on walks or cross country ski.

Sitedispersed open camping
Month of VisitMay
  • Chamita Creek @Edward Sargeant Wildlife Area
    Play button icon
  • Review photo of Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area by Nattalie G., July 4, 2025
  • Review photo of Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area by Nattalie G., July 4, 2025
  • (4) View All
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Are permits required for Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area?

The Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area doesn't appear to require specific camping permits. However, as a wildlife management area in New Mexico, visitors may need to possess a valid hunting or fishing license, habitat management and access validation, or a Habitat Stamp when engaging in these activities. For camping only, no specific permit requirements are indicated. It's advisable to check with New Mexico Department of Game and Fish before your visit to confirm current regulations and requirements.

What trails are available in Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area?

Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area features good roads and trails that are suitable for both hiking and biking. While specific trail names aren't detailed, the area provides opportunities to explore the natural surroundings and enjoy the mountain scenery. The trails appear to be accessible and offer good fishing opportunities along the way. The terrain is generally open with few tall trees, providing expansive views throughout your hike. For more detailed trail information or maps, check with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish before your visit.

Can you camp at Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area?

Yes, camping is permitted at Edward Sargent Wildlife Management Area. Located about 2 miles from Chama, New Mexico at approximately 8,000 feet elevation in the Southern Rockies, this area offers open spaces suitable for both RVs and tents. The campground provides basic amenities including two pit toilets, but no electrical hookups or water are available. The site offers beautiful mountain views and is a good alternative for those wanting to stay near Chama without being in a crowded RV park. Pets are allowed at the campground.