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Dispersed Camping

Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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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.

Connectivity

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    Verified by 2 users

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.

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

9 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 10, 2025

Our Go-To spot in the Angel Fire/Taos area

Each time we make a trip to the area, I look into different dispersed areas, but always come back to this one.

The road can be a little bumpy, but there was numerous spots along the way. Decently sized, mostly flat areas to set up for the night. Some spots the entrance is steep, so be wary of small cars if it’s muddy.

This area hasn’t ever been super busy when we come, there are fire pits at most sites, and a good amount of downed branches/small sticks for fire wood.

We always look forward to coming back this way when we are in the area.

Ps. There are cattle in the area, but they’ve left us alone each time, they can be quite curious looking across the creek bed.

SiteAbout 3/4 of the way down from 64
Month of VisitAugust
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite by Cameron L., August 10, 2025
  • Review photo of Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite by Cameron L., August 10, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 28, 2025

Great Area

Its a bit of a drive from Taos on US 64 as the roads are twisty and you can't go fast. Much easier drive from Eagle's Nest. Multiple sites, we picked one on the left side of the road and aways a bit. Had a fire ring and no restrictions but we didn't have a fire as we didn't want to gather fire wood. Spot was level enough for us to make it work. Temps got down into the mid-40s -- even in July. You could kinda hear other campers in other sites but it wasn't invasive or anything. Area was very green and clean. Would camp here again.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 4, 2025

Beautiful area!

We stayed here for 2 days at the beginning of June 2025.  There are several sites along FR-5, though some might require high clearance or 4wd.  When we stayed, the ground was still quite damp - I would have stayed longer, but there were 3 days of rain in the forecast, and I felt there was a significant risk of getting stuck.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite by Michael S., June 4, 2025
  • Review photo of Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite by Michael S., June 4, 2025
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, there is no coverage for AT&T, no coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.