Santa Fe National Forest's FR376 corridor runs through forested terrain near the Jemez River, giving free-camping visitors a choice of roughly 100 dispersed sites spread across several miles of forest road. Site types vary considerably: some sit directly on the river, others occupy shaded forest pockets, and a few open onto meadow clearings. The road is bumpy and rocky in sections, so higher-clearance vehicles handle it more comfortably, though reviewers have navigated it in standard trucks and even in light snow. Horseshoe Springs Campground and San Antonio Campground sit within a couple of miles for campers who want developed alternatives nearby.
Several sites have established fire rings, and the road also connects to an OHV trail that climbs partway up the mountain. On high-traffic weekends, OHVs, motorcycles, and vehicles with speakers can generate significant noise throughout the corridor. Weekday visits tend to be noticeably quieter. Maya T. sums up the draw as "water, shade, privacy and an adventure," which holds when crowds are thinner.
No amenities exist here. No bathrooms, no potable water, no cell service. Pack everything in and out. Fire restrictions sometimes limit open fires to gas stoves only, and one reviewer flagged a full closure in late 2024, so checking current USFS alerts before the drive is worth the extra step. For a broader look at dispersed camping near Santa Fe National Forest, the forest has additional free-camping corridors across the region. Summer weekends fill fast; mid-week visits in spring or fall give the best odds of finding a riverside site.
Description
Primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere on the Santa Fe National Forest unless otherwise posted. These areas generally do not offer any amenities although occasionally you will find a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. Please keep your campsite at least 100 feet from streams and lakes, including riverbanks or areas next to bodies of water. This will help preserve the health of the riparian area and protect sensitive animals and plants found here.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFR376 Dispersed is located in New Mexico near Jemez Springs
Coordinates
35.872805 N
106.663414 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/24/26- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/24/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Alcohol
- Pets
- 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.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 12 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 1 hr 15 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 2 hrs 46 min from Farmington, NM
- 4 hrs 34 min from Pueblo, CO
