Searching for the best camping near Arenas Valley, NM? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Arenas Valley, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"Easy to find, no rough roads, clean and quiet campsite. There were about 10 other campers when I was here. Would definitely stay here again"
"Right off the road, 4 campsites. The last one is a little more open and we will def be coming back."
"This is a Gila National Forest Access Road just west of the Continental Divide on highway 90. "
"There are two main spurs before the road gets too rough for most cars and those spurs also have two to three well spaced out campsites each. "
"If you want a camp spot off the beaten path, this is it. Perfect for tent camping/car camping."
"This is open BLM land. When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road."
"You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it."
TravelerThis is open BLM land. When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road. Great views, desert terrain. I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great.
GuideThis is a Gila National Forest Access Road just west of the Continental Divide on highway 90. It has multiple fairly level and easily accessible boondocking sites. It's far enough from the highway to be quiet. The only real drawback is the Cattle droppings here and there. We spent the night, so can't comment on other activities in the area, but there are roads and trails leading out of the location and into the Forest.
TravelerStopped here to spend the night in July because it was cooler (~7500 ft elevation), free, quiet and beautiful. It's just a place to camp in the National Forest. No amenities.
TravelerThere’s several campsites around the trail head. I found a great secluded spot along a rough back road area, my express van with chunky tires was able to clear the bumps in the roadway. Cell service is excellent for Verizon even wandering around the trails back here.
GuideThis trail requires 4x4 and high clearance. It is a bumpy road for all 3+ miles into the mountainside. But it is far worth the drive for the seclusion. There are plenty of spaces to camp before the creek. But we kept going for about 3 miles, hit a road gate, and started traveling into the valley. It will eventually open up and you will see meadow creek. Spots to the left and right of the fork, we settled at the bottom. No service in the valley. Extremely magical, and serene. Leave it better than you left it please! If you want a camp spot off the beaten path, this is it. Perfect for tent camping/car camping.
Scout4-5 dispersed spots on road 4242d before reaching the summit on bear mountain road (where the coordinates take you to). A narrow, rocky road with some low-hanging trees. Our sprinter made it but it was tight. The best spot was where the road dead-ends. Lots of shelter but not a ton of sunlight.
TravelerEasy to find, no rough roads, clean and quiet campsite. There were about 10 other campers when I was here. Would definitely stay here again
GuideRight off the road, 4 campsites. The last one is a little more open and we will def be coming back. Pretty stars, and 2 bars of service for Verizon. Please remember to clean up after yourself! Unfortunately there was a lot of old glass, among other trash. Also be careful on the road, it’s 30, but people fly down it not thinking of others on the road. It is a tight squeeze to get a truck back there, Tacoma, but we got tucked in just fine. Also there’s a woodsy sign leading into the forest! Cool to see an iconic owl!
GuideWe were hoping to stay at the Gila Hot Springs campground, but it was full. Although the hot springs were oh so tempting, we're glad it turned out that way. First, FREE! Second, fabulous views, stars, and amazing quiet.
All along Route 15 in the mountains to the south of Gila Hot Springs are numerous pull-offs, pull-outs, and pull-throughs where you can camp overnight. I wouldn't recommend a long stay, but we found a little road off up a gentle embankment with a killer view. There were many others we would have gladly stayed at too. We are pulling a 17-ft travel trailer but some of the spots are wide and broad and would fit a much larger rig.
No-one but a masochist would drive along Route 15 at night (slow, steep, winding) and so there was zero car noise all night. This would be true for any of the pullouts, so even though you're close to the road, there aren't any cars so it doesn't matter much. No cell service, but there isn't cell service anywhere in the area, even in Gila Hot Springs.
We drove to the cliff dwellings in the morning, took a leisurely 20-30 minutes.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Arenas Valley, New Mexico, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Arenas Valley, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Arenas Valley, NM is Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Arenas Valley, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 dispersed camping locations near Arenas Valley, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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