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Dispersed Camping

Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite is located near varied terrain with forests and open spaces. Temperatures can range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and Taos Pueblo, offering cultural and natural exploration opportunities.

Description

US Forest Service

Carson National Forest

**This road runs into Taos Pueblo land, please respect this and do not trespass on their land. **

The road is closed in the winter and is popular for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.

Summer and fall the road is open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, but is also open to vehicles. Expect to see motorized traffic. When it is closed for the winter it is a quiet place to cross-country ski or snowshoe.

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Location

Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Taos – Follow US Highway 64 about 16 miles to the horseshoe turn west of Palo Flechado Pass. La Jara Canyon is on the left. The trailhead is signed and parking is available.

Coordinates

36.42039671 N
105.34305767 W

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Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • 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 Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed May. 25, 2025

mannerless and sisrespectful, without people

Its a very beautiful area, too bad you come to nature and enjoy and the stoopid humans have to ruin with there disrespect and zero manners, rangers walked right up to my van, invading my privacy, people park so close to you, you cant enjoy privacy or mother nature Like I SHOULD be able to!!! good riddance nm, ive given you 35 yrs and THIS is what i get!

Reviewed May. 17, 2025

Spring Camping

Early May. Got caught up in a spring snowstorm of several feet. Tent was buried two nights running. The site is worth the wait . . . No services, running crick throughout. Widely spaced sites. Stunning canyon forest with beautiful open areas, an easy walk forest road, more difficult hikes if you’re willing. Stayed 2 weeks as our journey continues . . .

Sitemaybe halfway north on camp road 5
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite by Earl B., May 17, 2025
  • Review photo of Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite by Earl B., May 17, 2025
  • Review photo of Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite by Earl B., May 17, 2025
  • (11) View All
Reviewed May. 14, 2025

Forest Road 5 Dispersed Camping

First off, still very muddy but worth the trip. I stayed 2 nights lots of wildlife, mostly elk and some deer. Frogs are chirping away.

Verizon is excellent—5G after 3-4th campsite.

Sitedon’t know as there was no signage
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed May. 12, 2025

Forest Road 5 dispersed

Loved this area! I think it being early-May and the snow melt that's happening makes the camping experience quite unique: the sounds of rushing water, the birds and frogs chirping, and the elk walking through--it's really special right now! That said, it's SUPER muddy at the moment, so most of the few sites on this short road just aren't accessible--watched a few vehicles try and fail. I can see this road being quite busy when dry.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite by Meghan B., May 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite by Meghan B., May 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite by Meghan B., May 12, 2025
  • (8) View All
Reviewed May. 11, 2025

Serenity

Snowstorm two days after I arrived. Tent reduced by half. No other people for 4 days. Suns out, snow is melting, can’t ask for more.

No facilities. Crick 3x bigger now. Early May. So beautiful.

Site1/2 way up Forest road
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite by Earl B., May 11, 2025
  • Review photo of Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite by Earl B., May 11, 2025
  • Review photo of Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite by Earl B., May 11, 2025
  • (12) View All
Reviewed Sep. 4, 2023

Good Free Spot!

Got there late so we just pulled into the first site we saw. Woke up to a little creek behind us. More people were camping on down the road. And had a few people show up in the morning to go on a walk.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite by Joseph W., September 4, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the elevation of Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite?

Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite is located at 4965 feet.

Are fires allowed at Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is unknown.