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Map showing campground location near Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico
Camper submitted image from Forest Road 438 DispersedView 2 Photos
CampingMap showing campground location near Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico

Forest Road 438 Dispersed

2 ReviewsAdd Review

Forest Road 438 Dispersed sits on public land managed by the Forest Service, providing undeveloped camping spots for self-sufficient campers. This dispersed area requires visitors to bring their own water, waste disposal solutions, and camping equipment since no facilities are provided on-site. The location puts campers northwest of Ranchos de Taos, with access via forest roads that may require higher-clearance vehicles depending on conditions. Nearby alternatives include Forest Service 439 and several developed campgrounds for those seeking amenities.

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Location

Dispersed Camping

Forest Road 438 Dispersed is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

36.26865084165356 N
105.5005642955577 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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Features

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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.

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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Cameron L.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2025

Nice little spot

Numerous spots along the forest road and some are tucked off the road a bit. The spot we found about a 1/2 mile or so past the bridge has a little fire ring and right next to the little creek. Surprisingly not a lot of bugs for being so close to the water!

Plenty happy with this place for the night and not too far from Taos.

Month of VisitAugust
Emma H.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed May. 26, 2025

Dispersed camping near Taos

Stumbled on this location by chance when another location nearby was closed. Long forest road with approximately 8-10 dispersed campsites along the road. All sites seemed decently big with most having river access. Our site had a fire pit and was away from the road, which is a plus. My boyfriend was able to fish along the river at our site while I stayed in the hammock- super nice. Even though we were right next to the water, there were less bugs than anticipated. Downside was that the forest road was pretty busy during the day and there was some trash left behind from previous campers. Good location and only 20 or so minutes from town.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Forest Road 438 Dispersed by Emma H., May 26, 2025
  • Review photo of Forest Road 438 Dispersed by Emma H., May 26, 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Forest Road 438 Dispersed offers about 8-10 dispersed campsites spread along a forest road, with most sites featuring river or creek access. Sites are generally spacious, and some are set back from the road for added privacy. Many spots come with established fire rings. The area provides a peaceful setting with surprisingly minimal bugs despite the proximity to water. This location serves as a good backup option when other nearby campgrounds are full. The road has a bridge crossing, with additional sites available about half a mile beyond it. This free dispersed camping area follows typical Forest Service regulations with no formal amenities or services.

Is there cell phone reception at Forest Road 438 Dispersed?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and no coverage for Verizon.