Dispersed camping opportunities in the Lincoln National Forest area near Luna, New Mexico offer equestrians varied terrain at elevations between 6,000-8,000 feet. The region features a mix of juniper, ponderosa pine, and meadow landscapes that create diverse camping environments. Weather patterns include afternoon thunderstorms during summer months and occasional snow at higher elevations from November through March.
What to do
Trail riding to mountain vistas: Access multiple trailheads directly from Baca Campground with routes suitable for experienced riders. "This is dispersed camping. No water no trash cans so pack it in pack it out. This said I always have an enjoyable stay. I nearly always see lots of wildlife. The campsite s are large and widely spaced," notes Jamie P.
Wildlife photography opportunities: Early mornings at Three Rivers Campground provide excellent chances to photograph local wildlife. "It is 4 miles from the Three Rivers Petroglyph National Park and the portal to the White Mountain Wilderness area in the Lincoln National Forrest. This area is great for car/RV camping....but also great for backpack camping," explains Angela C.
Seasonal creek exploration: During spring runoff, follow the small seasonal creeks through Upper Bonito area. "Lots of dispersed camping areas don't have toilets, but this one does. Lots of first come first served campsites along the little creek," shares Kala J.
What campers like
Isolation from crowds: Guebara Tank Camp provides excellent separation between sites for equestrian campers requiring space. "Not to many trees that are tall so u get cover but not complete seclusion but enof to where it's enjoyable and u see the sky at nights," reports Brandon C.
Cell service reliability: Connectivity remains surprisingly good despite the remote location. "All kinds of dispersed camping available. It was late November and cold so I stayed where I had electric service. Good cell phone service. I plan on staying for a full week and working from here," notes Teresa T. about West Mesa Trailhead.
Diverse terrain for different camping styles: The region offers both open meadows and forested areas within short distances. "Skyline Campground has absolutely stunning camping at the peak of a mountain. You have 360 views of the region, but beware, the wind can get quite torrential and there is not a ton of shade but there is some!" warns Michael.
What you should know
Water logistics: No natural water sources exist at most dispersed sites. "Quick stop to sleep on our way home. We pulled in at dark, sometime early morning I think, so didn't spend much time here but the spots were easy to find, clean and ours at least had a fire ring," shares Kolby B. about camping at Baca.
Road condition variability: Access roads to Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area can deteriorate quickly after rain. "The drive in is a bit long and the road is rocky and washy in some places," cautions Haley S.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in the region, particularly during summer months. "Good little camp ground..stow your food away from tent had a bear visit while there..also the road getting there is prone to flash floods," warns a camper at Three Rivers Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Emergency preparation: Cell service gaps exist between sites, requiring additional safety planning. "Not a bad place for a night. Decent spot but probably won't be back," notes Haley S., highlighting the importance of having emergency plans when camping with children.
Seasonal planning considerations: Summer afternoons often bring thunderstorms while winter brings snow challenges. "Wrong time of year too come to Baca, snow covered. Able too park, spent one nite. Saw one other camper maybe two hundred yards away. Very quite. I'll be back when the weather warms up for sure," shares Jerry R.
Kid-friendly water features: Skyline Campground offers accessible hiking trails for different age groups. "Me and two of my buddy's went there and had a great time hiking and just hanging around camp and chilling," reports Mike M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: Equestrian camping requires careful site selection for rig and trailer parking. "It's about a 6 miles drive in on a forest road. Nice gravel road and well maintained. Dozens of spots to park your rig with tree cover along the main loop. Lots of small roads off of the main loop with more camp spots," explains Neal K. about Baca Campground.
Generator restrictions: Many dispersed sites prohibit generator use, requiring alternative power sources. "We have stayed here many time, the owners are great and the rv park is great," notes Lee C. about Twin Spruce RV Park, one of the few locations with hookups near the dispersed camping areas.
Road clearance requirements: High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing most horse-friendly camping areas. "Easy to find and not a rough drive. I saw several dirt pull offs surrounded by trees before parking. This was a very private remote area in the forest," reports Nikki B. about West Mesa Trailhead BLM Dispersed.
