Top Free Dispersed Camping near Bernalillo, NM

Searching for a dispersed campsite near Bernalillo? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Bernalillo just for you.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Bernalillo, NM (29)

Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Bernalillo

145 Reviews of 29 Bernalillo Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
    September 2, 2024

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Stunning Space for Small Vehicles

    Everything about this place is gorgeous. The 360 views from the top are incredible. I didn’t go down into the valley to see what was available but a man came through and mentioned there were options there too.

    On the top of the ridge you’re a little limited for spots but it wasn’t busy enough to cause me an issue. My closest neighbor was a few hundred yards away just like I like it.

    I car camp in a small SUV and the road is definitely not as well worn in as others. You’re also pretty close to the sides of the mountain on a winding rock path so larger or trailered vehicles are probably not ideal.

    The wild horses are active. I saw them in the neighborhood coming through and they came through camp a few times in the evening/night. Dog didn’t love it but they gave us about 30ft of space and didn’t bother much.

    Love this spot but definitely keep size and safety in mind.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Jemez Boondocking
    August 22, 2024

    Jemez Boondocking

    Jemez mountains

    Jemez is a popular camping destination.  There are boon docking and campgrounds available.   I do not recommend trying to bring a rig of any size through the Gilman tunnels.  Best access for large rigs is taking 126 and accessing FS 376 from that route.

    The Jemez are by far our favorite mountains to camp in within a 3 hr radius of my home.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
    August 17, 2024

    Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    Good in a pinch

    Plenty of spots and easy to get to. The only catch is you will need to find a spot away from the multiple large piles of trash.

    The surrounding area was pretty and sunset was great!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
    July 15, 2024

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Superb

    From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the sheer beauty of the surroundings. The panoramic views of the mountains and valleys are simply stunning, making every moment a perfect photo opportunity. The site is well-maintained, with plenty of flat areas for tents and parking. And at this place i also wish to try Chicken Strips

  • Camper-submitted photo from Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
    July 8, 2024

    Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed

    Secluded clearings with plenty of room

    This campsite is beautiful and right next to the lake. Perfect for some chill camping. There are multiple clearing along this road. Each one is big enough for several cars and even a couple groups. The clearings are far enough apart that you can make some noise without bothering the other campers. You need a bit of clearance to be able to drive the road but not much as my Crosstrek did it great. Even on July 4th this site wasn’t busy. We only saw one other camper since most people choose to pay for a campground right on the lake

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed
    June 25, 2024

    Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    A lot of trash

    I drove in and was immediately stopped by park rangers. They told me they were letting people know they will be shutting this location down do to people not being decent. If it is still open, you’ll see a lot of trash. Certain sites looked better than others. Flat land with not a lot to do.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
    June 21, 2024

    Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    Roads are a little rough

    Nice place to stop. I was the only one there. There’s a couple spots when you first get in, and then there’s more further up but the roads get worse. There were coyotes around.

  • Camper-submitted photo from FR376 Dispersed
    June 20, 2024

    FR376 Dispersed

    My Go-To

    I live in Albuquerque, and this road is one of my constant summer repeats. You got water, shade, privacy and an adventure. It's about 1.5 hours from Abq and it takes you through the Gilman Tunnels which is always a fun stop and view. The road is a little bumpy and rocky, but there's probably 100 dispersed camping spots. There's ones right on the river, in forrest spots or meadows, you choose! There are no bathrooms, water, or cell service. Everyone has got their spot in Jemez, but this road offers endless possibilities, for all types of campers!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
    June 20, 2024

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Hidden Gem

    Didn't camp here but came to enjoy the beautiful sunset. Drove a short distance from Albuquerque through Placitas, saw so many horses! This is an open space that overlooks the tail of Albuquerque, and the vistas beyond. I came for the sunset but would definitely stay if I was car camping. Wouldn't necessarily set up a tent for me, but some are braver than others!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
    June 10, 2024

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    beautiful

    The road to drive up is through a neighborhood and is 2 miles of windy road it was a little hard to maneuver with my 32’ trailer I just had to go slow nothing crazy. I was the only one around and the view was great, it was a little windy but it didn’t shake the trailer or anything. The only reason I’m giving 4 stars and not 5 is because or the rebar I found sticking out of the ground. At first I thought it was random but then I found 2 other pieces sticking straight out of the ground and they were in there deep

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)
    June 9, 2024

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Secluded spaces

    Quiet, secluded spaces especially if you drive out the road far. We didn’t see any other people or campers but heard guns being shot in the morning and there were old shells at our campsite.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
    June 5, 2024

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Worth it

    I had some trouble finding the entrance, you have to get in from the southeast side of the neighborhood, @ Llano el Norte street, but other than that I’ve spoiled myself with finding such a great campsite so early on in my trip. Definitely windy.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)
    May 27, 2024

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Amazing views!

    Stayed: May 26, 2024 Cost: FREE Site: 35.84243° N, 106.37266° W Cell Service: Solid LTE AT&T and T-Mobile Equipment: Forester / Tent

    Different apps give this different names. It is Forest Road 181 within Santa Fe National Forest, directly off of Highway 4.

    This is some great National Forest camping. Seemed like plenty of room when you first turn in and the you can go left or right. We went left and continued to the end of the road. There were a few sites along the drive back, but we pulled up the satellite map and wanted to keep going. It gets pretty rocky and you’ll need a bit of clearance in some spots.

    To get to the end of the road site, when you pull off Highway 4, take a left and then eventually a right at the fork in the road further beyond (~1.5 miles from Highway 4). There were a couple more sites along this road, not very level, so we continued on and are so glad we did! About 30 min from Hwy 4 to end of this road. Elevation is just over 8,000 feet at this point.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
    May 23, 2024

    Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    A safe place to sleep outside Santa Fe

    It's a pretty nice and mostly flat area of land with dirt roads. Most vehicles can access the roads we went on. Pretty quiet and while we did have neighbors we were by no means packed in there like sardines.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
    May 11, 2024

    Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    Busy

    Arrived around 9pm on a Friday night it was busy and pretty tough to find an open spot. It’s a nice area and stayed quiet all night. Road is rough would not go with a low clearance car

  • Camper-submitted photo from Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
    May 8, 2024

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    huge mesa dispersed camping at top of windy road

    Really easy to get to, up this lil windy residential road, go slow, that opens up into a huge public land past an open gate. Lots of paths from cars, just follow anyone you'd like and then pull over beside any ol bush. Don't run over any cactus.

    Stayed for two nights and the sunsets were awesome. During the day it was very very windy but not too hot. Saw some wild horses the first morning but when I got too close one of them starting running toward me and I said hell no. Classic dispersed desert camping but with good service and close to Albuquerque.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
    May 8, 2024

    Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    Tent camp Santa fe

    I haven't camped yet.This is my 1st day here.And I just got the app so I'll have to come back and give her a few after i've finished my trip

  • Camper-submitted photo from FR376 Dispersed
    April 27, 2024

    FR376 Dispersed

    Amazing

    This camp spot is one of the best free camp sites in New Mexico. Would definitely go again. Highly recommend to anyone who loves to camp and drive four wheelers

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
    April 21, 2024

    Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    Just enough trees for privacy, slightly steep ramp

    Can make it up to camp with 2 wheel drive low clearance. Maybe some minor scraping as you leave/arrive over a bit of a rough ramp lip. Turn left at top of main entrance ramp to avoid worst road section which goes up to peak. Enough site separation I didn’t really hear others except when they were walking by on the road. Road makes a nice hike to the peak. There are large camp sites short walks from the road too, probably awesome for families with big tents, wouldn’t even see the road where passers by walk from some of those sites.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District
    April 21, 2024

    Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District

    Roughish road, nice quiet spots

    I like it. A bit less traveled than other nearby campground. Road almost more accessible to this camp ground for low clearance. Might scrape a bit going up final ramp to Cedro peak one, but not terribly either. Some local traffic passes through regularly, including an Amazon delivery van a day. To be honest I didn’t make it all the way in to the pin shown on the dyrt, had no issues anyway. Not even a ranger visit.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cibola NP
    April 2, 2024

    Cibola NP

    Quick Overnight

    We came here planning on staying at Coyote Trailhead that was listed. Turns out you can't overnight park at the actual trailheads. And to get to the dispersed camping you have to have a jeep or similar rock climbing type vehicle & not towing anything. Crazy steep rock face in the middle of the road near the trailhead. So we turned around, saw this spot and no one was there. We spent the night, boondocking. No one bothered us.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
    March 25, 2024

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Great dispersed spot

    Your on top of a mesa like area so it may be a little windy, it was when we went. Stayed for 1 night. It was very clean and no one else was around other than a few walkers in the morning.



Guide to Bernalillo

Camping near Bernalillo, New Mexico, offers a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed sites, perfect for all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for family-friendly spots or quiet retreats, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Explore Bandelier National Monument: This area is rich in history and stunning landscapes. One camper mentioned, "The hiking right from the campground is great - the two hikes are definitely worth doing," highlighting the trails available near Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument.
  • Visit Cochiti Lake: Enjoy water activities like fishing and boating. A reviewer noted, "Cochiti Army Core of Engineer CG: Good location to visit both Albuquerque and Santa Fe," making it a great base for exploring nearby attractions at Cochiti Recreation Area.
  • Check out the local wildlife: Many campers enjoy spotting wildlife in the area. One camper shared, "There were coyotes around," while staying at Dispersed Camping off FS 542.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Santa Fe Skies RV Park said, "The bathrooms were clean (water was hot!!!)" which is a big plus for many.
  • Family-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer activities for kids. One parent mentioned, "Jump pad, playground, mini golf and a really nice pool were the highlights" at Albuquerque KOA Journey.
  • Quiet and peaceful settings: Campers often enjoy the tranquility of the area. A reviewer at Route 66 RV Resort noted, "Extremely clean. Quiet. Good internet," making it a great spot for relaxation.

What you should know:

  • Location matters: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can be noisy. A camper at Albuquerque KOA Journey mentioned, "It is right off I-40, very convenient, but very noisy."
  • Limited services at dispersed sites: If you choose to camp at places like Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite, be prepared for no water or trash services. One camper said, "You will need to find a spot away from the multiple large piles of trash."
  • Weather can be unpredictable: Campers should be ready for changing conditions. A visitor at Jemez Falls Campground noted, "Winter Temps get down to 16 degrees F," so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose kid-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. One parent shared, "This KOA is in a seemingly not ideal part of town... And my kids loved every second of it!" at Albuquerque KOA Journey.
  • Plan for safety: Make sure to keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Cochiti Recreation Area mentioned, "Great place to catch-up on online business," indicating a need for supervision in busy areas.
  • Bring entertainment: Having games or activities can keep kids engaged. A reviewer at Turquoise Trail Campground said, "The campground is clean, the sites are well groomed," making it a nice spot for family fun.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground. A visitor at Santa Fe Skies RV Park noted, "The sites are a bit tight from the adjoining sites," so plan accordingly.
  • Look for amenities: Many RV parks offer useful features like dump stations and electric hookups. A camper at Route 66 RV Resort appreciated the "pool, club house group BBQ area," which adds to the experience.
  • Be mindful of noise: Some RV parks can be near busy roads. A reviewer at Albuquerque KOA Journey mentioned the "interstate noise could be an issue," so consider that when booking.

Camping near Bernalillo, New Mexico, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking peace and quiet.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Bernalillo, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Bernalillo, NM is Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site with a 4.8-star rating from 15 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Bernalillo, NM?

    TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Bernalillo, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.