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Camper submitted image from Forest Road 102 DispersedView 16 Photos
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Forest Road 102 Dispersed

5 ReviewsAdd Review

Getting to Forest Road 102 Dispersed takes commitment. The dirt road climbs roughly 3.4 miles into the mountains of Santa Fe National Forest, with ruts, washouts, and a single lane that leaves almost no room to maneuver. One reviewer clocked the drive at 56 minutes for that stretch. High-clearance vehicles and 4x4s handle it best; trailers should stay away entirely.

Campsites are distributed along the road in two broad configurations. Smaller vehicles that can't make the full climb will find walk-in sites scattered off the lower section, where campers have set up tents on hillsides or just off the road. Those who reach the upper mountain find a handful of drive-in sites with picnic tables. The area stays relatively uncrowded, and one camper spent five nights there without pressure from other groups.

Stephanie D. sums up the road plainly: "Not good for trailers." That's the most important planning detail here. Camping is free, fires are permitted, and dogs are welcome. Nearby options include FR 102 Dispersed — Santa Fe National Forest about half a mile southeast and Big Tesuque Campground roughly a mile further along. For those who want to compare free camping near Santa Fe National Forest more broadly, there are additional dispersed areas in the region. This road suits tent campers and van travelers with capable vehicles who don't mind a slow, rough approach in exchange for no fees and low crowds.

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Map & DirectionsForest Road 102 Dispersed is located in New Mexico near Tesuque

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

35.78152853 N
105.82571136 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 23 users
    Last on 9/11/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 23 users
    Last on 9/11/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • 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

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General Info

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Forest Road 102 Dispersed

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3.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Uncrowded dispersed camping with walk-in and some drive-in sites, but extremely challenging road access requiring high-clearance or 4WD vehicles and significant travel time.

Reviewed Aug. 11, 2026

Nice spot

We were going to stay one night, but stayed 3. Weather was cool. Not much traffic. Roads were fairly rough after crossing the creek. Level spot for our tent. Beautiful sunsets.

Sitethe second pull-out
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Forest Road 102 Dispersed by Fraun P., August 11, 2026
  • Review photo of Forest Road 102 Dispersed by Fraun P., August 11, 2026
  • Review photo of Forest Road 102 Dispersed by Fraun P., August 11, 2026
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2025

Borrego Trail-Long, bumpy road

Long, bumpy one-lane dirt road. 2-5mph the whole way. No shoulder. No way to back up or turn around. Lots of ruts and washouts. Only a couple of turn-arounds way up the mountain. Not good for trailers. Best for high clearance or 4x4. Several walk in campsites if you have a small vehicle. If you make it to the top, there’s a handful of nice campsites that you can drive into. We made it, but it was rough! 56 minutes to drive 3.4 miles.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Forest Road 102 Dispersed by Stephanie D., July 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Forest Road 102 Dispersed by Stephanie D., July 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Forest Road 102 Dispersed by Stephanie D., July 12, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Mar. 9, 2025

Beautiful

Not crowded. Stayed 5 days. Camped with Grandkids. Dog. Tent & van. Picnic table a plus

Site0
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jun. 30, 2020

Disperse camping near santa fe

We took this road to get to a hike and saw several people camping off the road or a ways up a hill where rhey had walked in. We saw limited places so be ready for first come first serve. The road is dirt and does have rocks and erosion so proceed with caution. We took our subaru and did just fine. Slow and steady. We can't wait to come back and find a place to pitch our tent!

  • Review photo of Forest Road 102 Dispersed by Emily V., June 30, 2020
  • Review photo of Forest Road 102 Dispersed by Emily V., June 30, 2020
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping spots near Santa Fe?

Forest Road 102 offers several dispersed camping spots near Santa Fe. The best sites are typically located off the main road or up on the hillsides where people have walked in. Sites are limited and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Some campers have found spots with picnic tables, which is a nice bonus for dispersed camping. Look for established pull-offs along the dirt road, but be prepared to search a bit as the prime locations fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons.

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in Santa Fe National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Santa Fe National Forest typically follows standard Forest Service regulations. No special permits are required for casual camping, though stays are usually limited to 14 days within a 30-day period. Practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out all trash and waste. Campfires may be restricted during dry seasons or fire bans. Always check with the Santa Fe National Forest office for current regulations before your trip, as rules can change seasonally based on conditions and forest management policies.

Is 4WD required for accessing dispersed camping areas around Santa Fe?

While 4WD isn't strictly required for Forest Road 102, high clearance vehicles are strongly recommended. The dirt road has rocks, erosion, ruts, and washouts that make travel challenging. Some visitors have managed with Subarus and other AWD vehicles, but travel is extremely slow (2-5mph). The road is narrow with limited opportunities to turn around, making it particularly difficult for larger vehicles or trailers. For those with standard vehicles, there are walk-in campsites available near the beginning of the road if you're willing to carry your gear a short distance.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping near Santa Fe?

The optimal time for dispersed camping near Santa Fe is late spring through early fall, typically May through September. This provides the most moderate temperatures and accessible conditions. Summer offers warm days but cooler nights at higher elevations. Road conditions on Forest Road 102 can deteriorate after rain or snow, so avoiding the wettest seasons will increase your chances of reaching desired camping spots. Fall brings beautiful changing colors but cooler temperatures, so pack accordingly if camping during this season.

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