Mills Canyon Dispersed

This canyon is a too little known gem tucked away in a corner of the state too few travel, as the near ghost town of Roy demonstrates.  for those wondering why I'd part with secrecy and reveal a local treasure, that's why: we've far too few tourists, unlike Barcelona. 

Back to the canyon, the key attractions are the river, often a rippling stream, and sometimes mere puddles, but still, water in a dry land, and the ruins of a thriving orchard and stagecoach stop, complete with an impressive hotel.  The hotel is the largest ruin, abandoned after a flood destroyed the business more than a century ago.  There are other stone buildings scattered about for those motivated to hike around the valley. 

The canyon remains hidden until you reach the rim and peer down (an excellent method for spotting ruins), and the first Forest Service campground is there, and best for those with larger trailers or lower clearances.

The second Forest Service campground is by the river, complete with picnic tables, iron fire rings, and vault toilets.  Both are free as of this writing.

I've never seen any explicit regulations beyond the obvious (don't do damage that gets us all a bad name) and 4x4 paths exist to get one further up and down the canyon for dispersed camping. 

I'd certainly camp away from large or loud groups if I needed, but neither campground gets a rowdy crowd, or, indeed, much of a crowd. 

p.s.  If you read this far, I'll throw in some nearby treats: Charette Lake, Fort Union, Pecos National Monument and Sugarite State Park all offer insights into the history and natural beauty of this part of NM.