The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Buckhorn, NM

29 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas surround Buckhorn in the Gila National Forest, with Bear Mountain and Cattlemen Trail being popular options. Bear Mountain offers 4-5 primitive sites at 7500 ft elevation along road 4242D, providing cooler temperatures in summer. Access requires navigating narrow, rocky roads with low-hanging branches that can be tight for larger vehicles. Cattlemen Trail features multiple easily accessible sites with level ground suitable for larger rigs, though the area lacks shade and facilities.

Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping provides more secluded options within the forest, requiring 4x4 and high clearance vehicles to navigate the bumpy terrain. Route 15 offers numerous roadside pullouts south of Gila Hot Springs with spectacular mountain views. A recent review noted, "Fabulous views, stars, and amazing quiet." None of these dispersed areas provide water, toilets, or trash service—pack out everything you bring in. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, with established fire rings present at some sites. Cell service varies significantly by location, with Cattlemen Trail offering strong coverage while forest sites have limited to no connectivity.

Map showing campgrounds near Buckhorn, New MexicoExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Buckhorn, New Mexico (19)

    1. Bear Mountain

    4 Reviews
    Silver City, NM
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 388-8201

    "It's just a place to camp in the National Forest. No amenities."

    "4-5 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."

    2. Bill Evans Lake

    Be the first to review!
    Gila, NM
    13 miles

    3. Pine Flats Campground

    1 Review
    Hanover, NM
    28 miles

    "No facilities, but a beautiful spot. Lots of shade. Dirt road in decent shape. No road signs off of highway 15. Just need to use the GPS coordinates. A few level spots with fire rings. "

    4. Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Silver City, NM
    37 miles
    Website

    "Staying at the first site on the right. 14 days. Love it, plenty of shade and also sun for solar recharge. No utilities and sites not marked but they are abvious. Peace and quiet."

    "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"

    5. Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Gila National Forest, NM
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 388-8201

    "This 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."

    "No one camped near us. Was able to let the dogs roam without fear. Lots of wood in the area. A small creek along the road. Good hiking area. Will definitely go back."

    6. Meadow Creek Road

    1 Review
    Hanover, NM
    29 miles

    "Meadow Creek Rd starts out as a well maintained dirt road with a handful of sites marked by fire rings."

    7. Bear Canyon Road Camp

    1 Review
    Hanover, NM
    30 miles

    "Curvy, narrow roads… just be careful and go slow. Plenty of campgrounds along the way, as well as these dispersed areas."

    8. Roadside Pullouts and Disperesed Camping along Route 15

    1 Review
    Gila National Forest, NM
    30 miles

    "No-one but a masochist would drive along Route 15 at night (slow, steep, winding) and so there was zero car noise all night. "

    9. Mineral Creek Trailhead

    1 Review
    Glenwood, NM
    28 miles
    Website

    10. Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Silver City, NM
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 388-8201

    "This 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."

    "Off Chisholm trail , previous coordinates are for CDT NO VEHICLE TRAFFIC. Great sites, I think I had the best one. First on right just before Cattlemans road."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Buckhorn Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Buckhorn, NM

10 Photos of 19 Buckhorn Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Buckhorn, NM

29 Reviews of 19 Buckhorn Campgrounds

  • Beth G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 18, 2020

    Black Hills Rockhound

    Fun day trip or for dispersed camping

    Millions of years ago, volcanic activity in the Southwest create lava rocks and fire agate. Inside the Rockhound area you can walk and collect fire agates right off the surface of the ground. It is the desert equivalent of searching for sea shells at the beach. It makes a fun day trip for families and rock enthusiasts. If rocks aren’t your thing, bring an ATV, 4x4, or dirt bike and enjoy miles of trails and dirt roads.

    The Rockhound area can be accessed from the Black Hills Scenic Byway or the main access road. We had no issues finding it using Google Maps. We did take a 4x4 on this trip, but it isn’t necessary. Any vehicle that can handle a few miles of primitive/gravel road should be fine.

    If you’re adventurous enough, spend the night in one of the dispersed camping sites. Just be prepared. There are no facilities or water available. The site only has a sign, a log book and a small trash can. The area is very rocky and I don’t recommend tent camping, but it would be feasible with some raking. There were 3 other groups camping while we were there and they were all sleeping in some type of camping vehicle. There aren’t any trees, so we experienced lots of high wind gusts. As a precaution, We took our awning down in the middle of the night, but our roof top tent was fine. Although this area is remote, you can see the lights from Safford,AZ at night. We didn’t have a fire, but they are permitted (as long as there isn’t a fire ban in effect). Some of the sites had camper-made fire rings/pits dug into the ground and surrounded by rocks.

  • Jorge G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 4, 2024

    Comfort Well Dispersed Camping

    Low-key dispersed sites

    A handful of sites located on the other side of Skates Canyon from Sapillo Campground. Close to great hiking around the CDT and fishing in Lake Roberts. Most of the sites sit on the shades of ponderosa and there's plenty of space for group camping.

    This is as bare as it gets. No services, no cell signal, no trash disposal, not even a pit toilet. Some sites have rock rings for campfires but that's about it. Please recreate responsibly and leave no trace. Pack out whatever you pack in.

    Quiet during the winter, but gets busy during the summer as evidenced by how well worn the dirt paths around the area are.

  • Kenny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Bear Mountain

    Ehhh...

    I eventually found the campsites thanks to another reviewer mentioning it was not at the coordinates listed. It is just before you reach the summit on road 424D or something like that. Not listed on maps - just a little brown sign on the left as you are driving along. Very tight squeeze of a path. Did not feel like taking my truck through there. 

    Not the prettiest area... and a pretty rough road. You won't need 4x4 or high clearance necessarily, but just not fun to drive on at all. The benefit is that you will not see hardly anyone else because of that lol. The other side of Pinos Altos is MUCH nicer roads, landscape and environment. Try Meadow Creek area. That whole road. Happy camping!

  • Danny H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 5, 2022

    Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed

    Nice Overnight Boondocking location

    This 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.

  • Sierra N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 16, 2023

    Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping

    Legendary creek side camping in a valley

    This 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.

  • Darrin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 19, 2022

    Bear Mountain

    Rugged, no frills, but beautiful and quiet

    Stopped 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 9, 2022

    Round Mountain Rockhound Area - Dispersed

    Difficult to access but great rocks!

    So if you are into rocks this really is a great place to check out. Be prepared as the drive in is difficult and long. Larger RVs are not recommended as the road has many steep washouts and ruts. The main dirt road leading into the area has bad washboard bumps. There is also an active cattle ranch in the area so be careful with any pets. You’ll find a logbook on the way in. Once there you’ll find plenty of places to park but don’t count on it being level. There are also lots of sharp rocks so watch your tires. There are no facilities here. The views are amazing especially at night. The wind never did stop. You got to really like rocks!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2022

    Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

    Excellent area

    Staying at the first site on the right. 14 days. Love it, plenty of shade and also sun for solar recharge. No utilities and sites not marked but they are abvious. Peace and quiet. I'm getting 3 bars on AT&T which is pretty good I think. Streamed a movie last night with no issues. Previous campers left trash, so my two dogs and I cleaned it up. Cut up a 4x6 platform they left. Will burn the wood and haul off the frame to a dumpster in Silver City where I'll restock at walmart. Met Pat this morning- she has the grazing rights through here. She apologized for mess from previous camper's. Told her and showed her it's taken care of and Thanked her for stopping by to say Hi. Will definitely stay here again!

  • Tom S.
    Mar. 25, 2022

    Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

    Clean and quiet

    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

Guide to Buckhorn

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Buckhorn, New Mexico, where nature meets tranquility. This area offers a variety of spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the great outdoors.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Buckhorn, New Mexico

Scenic hiking opportunities while free camping near Buckhorn

  • The Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping area offers access to numerous hiking trails, allowing campers to explore the stunning landscapes of the Gila National Forest.
  • Campers at Bear Mountain can enjoy nearby trails that lead to breathtaking views and unique wildlife sightings, including iconic owls.
  • For those seeking solitude, the rugged terrain around Pine Flats Campground provides a perfect backdrop for peaceful hikes away from the crowds.

Dispersed campers should check out Bear Canyon Road Camp

  • Located in a secluded area, Bear Canyon Road Camp offers a quiet retreat for those looking to unwind and connect with nature.
  • This spot is ideal for campers who appreciate a no-frills experience, as it provides a chance to enjoy the natural beauty without the distractions of modern amenities.
  • With easy access via a drive-in road, Copperas Spring & Peak Basecamp is another great option for those wanting to explore the surrounding wilderness while enjoying the freedom of dispersed camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Buckhorn, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Buckhorn, NM is Bear Mountain with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Buckhorn, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring