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Best Dispersed Camping near Canjilon, NM

102 Reviews

Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Carson National Forest near Canjilon, New Mexico. Several free primitive sites exist within a short drive, including Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area, Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake, and multiple Forest Service Road camping areas. These sites typically feature well-spaced camping spots with varying levels of accessibility. According to reviews, Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area offers riverside camping with vault toilets but no other amenities. Camp spaces are notably spread out, providing good privacy between sites.

Most dispersed camping areas in this region require high-clearance vehicles for optimal access. Forest Service roads frequently have deep ruts, rocky sections, and occasional mud pools after rain. As one camper noted, "Some of the roads on the campground had deep ruts and pools of mud water but not all." While passenger vehicles can access some areas, 4WD is strongly recommended for reaching the more remote sites. No drinking water is available at these locations, so campers must bring all necessary supplies.

The Carson National Forest dispersed sites generally permit campfires when no fire restrictions are in place. However, seasonal fire bans are common, particularly during dry summer months. Nights can be cold even in summer, with temperatures sometimes dropping below freezing in spring and fall. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in most areas. Wildlife sightings are common, including elk and coyotes. Campers should practice proper food storage and Leave No Trace principles. The standard stay limit is 14 days. These primitive sites offer excellent stargazing opportunities on clear nights, with minimal light pollution allowing for exceptional views of the night sky.

Map showing campgrounds near Canjilon, New MexicoExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Canjilon, New Mexico (48)

    1. Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area

    7 Reviews
    Youngsville, NM
    15 miles
    Website

    "No electricity. No water. No picnic tables. No trash receptacle. Vault toilets. Camp spaces are spread out. Some of the roads on the campground had deep ruts and pools of mud water but not all."

    "Make sure the dirt road is dry enough in monsoon season so you don't get stuck."

    2. Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake

    3 Reviews
    Tierra Amarilla, NM
    18 miles

    "This dispersed area is close to Hopewell Lake and Campground where there is fishing and vaulted toilets. The Continental Divide Trail goes right through this location."

    "Flat room for many rigs. Dispersed camping just past the “pay campground”. 2 bars t-mobiles"

    3. Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Carson National Forest, NM
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8678

    "There are a bunch of different roads you can turn off to camp on if you’re driving from Taos to Durango."

    "I tent-camped off of Carson NF Forest Service Road 578 in mid April 2022. FS 578 is south of Tres Piedras about 5 miles on the west side of Hwy 285."

    4. Tres Piedras Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    Carson National Forest, NM
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8678

    "No hookups. Not many people. You can spend 14 days there. Make sure you practice LNT and take some time to enjoy nature."

    5. Tres Piedras Camp

    2 Reviews
    Carson National Forest, NM
    28 miles

    "Seen all the road exits of the Carson National Forest on our way to Taos we said “let’s give it a try!” And we found apparently a fairly popular place."

    "Close to main roads but quiet flat and wide spots. Several fire spots (3-5 didn’t count all). We had neighbors we could see but all are pleasantly spaced."

    6. Forest Road 558

    3 Reviews
    Ojo Caliente, NM
    27 miles

    "A good amount of dispersed sites off of FSR558. I just pulled off to one of the closer sites but looked like tons of other sites were further in on the road."

    7. Tres Piedras on Forest Road 64G

    1 Review
    Carson National Forest, NM
    27 miles

    "Welcoming talk with a knowledgeable ranger, very helpful! Several options for camping, not far from the main road."

    8. Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area

    4 Reviews
    Chama, NM
    32 miles

    "The spot is really close (2 miles) to the town of Chama, New Mexico (elevation about 8,000ft in Southern Rockies) and has one outdoor toilet, open areas for RVs or tents no electrical hook ups or water"

    "We wanted to stay close to Chama but not be crowded in an RV park and this is just the ticket. There are some deep potholes but our RV had no problem. There are two pit toilets."

    9. Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    18 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    45 miles

    "We were just looking for a place to crash in our SUV before going to Bandelier National Monument in the morning and continuing on our road trip."

    "Along the entire length of this road dispersed camping is allowed."

    10. Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park

    16 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    45 miles
    Website

    "All along the dirt road were pull offs and if you choose to go to the right side campsites you will end up at one of the fire rings with an incredible view of the canyon below."

    "We stayed on the edge of the cliff at the far back right side of the campsite and it was easily one of the top 5 locations that we have camped at."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Canjilon, NM

102 Photos of 48 Canjilon Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Canjilon, NM

102 Reviews of 48 Canjilon Campgrounds

  • Tim W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2023

    Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area

    Will go again

    We got there on a Friday and had our pick of sites. We picked one right on the river. No electricity. No water. No picnic tables. No trash receptacle. Vault toilets. Camp spaces are spread out. Some of the roads on the campground had deep ruts and pools of mud water but not all. You can see every star on a clear night. The road to the campground is about 6 miles of curvy dirt and gravel single lane. But a woman managed it in a Jaguar so not too bad just go slow. Rustic and relaxing.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 29, 2023

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Worked for our needs

    We were just looking for a place to crash in our SUV before going to Bandelier National Monument in the morning and continuing on our road trip. Showed up at midnight and grabbed the first flat spot to park. Convenient and free is always nice. 20 min from the visitors center. There was a “No Campfires” sign at the entrance despite what this listing states.

  • Jeanie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Close to Bandelier and Los Alamos

    We stayed here 3 nights over Memorial Day weekend. Got in Thursday night and there were plenty of sites to choose from. As other reviews have said, the sites are spaced out well and there were always sites available throughout the weekend. We camped on the road that immediately turns to the right. Along the entire length of this road dispersed camping is allowed. If you go to the left (high clearance is good to have but could make it with 2wd) dispersed camping isn't allowed till you're about a mile in (see map picture). There are some fun single track trails (Water Canyon and Perimeter Trail) accessible from the campsite if you plan on mt biking or running/hiking. Bandelier National Monument is about 15 min drive away and is a fun place to checkout and climb in some cliff dwellings.
    Just as a side note we saw 3 coyotes our first night in and heard them howling in the AM and PM, so keep pets leashed if you bring them and keep small kiddos close!

  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 14, 2020

    Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

    Quiet beauty

    Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is BLM land so it is all dispersed camping. You will need to make sure you aren't on someone's property or nearby any roads. There are plenty of turn offs. 

    This isn't a "get away" more like a stopover spot. I stopped here on my way back North to Colorado to see the bridge over the Rio Grande and so I wasn't so high up in elevation that I would freeze. 

    But if you can find a quiet place it is a beautiful dispersed spot where there is civilization nearby and toilets at local businesses  and picnic areas that you can use. See map on review. 

    Be careful roaming at night. The drop into the river is quite deep so offroading isn't just ill advised for keeping the flora and fauna safe…but you as well. 

    There are picnic ares around the monument too, just not established camping spots.

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2019

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Great Spot for Free Camping before the Caldera!

    This is a nice secluded dispersed campsite on the eastern flanks of the Valles Caldera.  It's the closest CG to Sante Fe along the 4 before it enters the caldera proper.  While most of the trees in this area were burnt by fires less than 10 years ago, it still provides great views of the valley below and the highest mountains in all of New Mexico!  The campground has no amenities so bring everything you'll need and bring along a high clearance vehicle if you plan on heading up the road beyond the campsites that are right off the pavement to the right.

    Besides exploring the caldera there are plenty of amazing things to do in nearby Sante Fe!  Our favorite attraction was the MeowWolf permanent art exhibit.  It's an absolutely amazing surreal piece of art that you walk through and interact.  I cannot stress enough how much you should visit because in addition to being an art pillar in New Mexico they also contribute to local and soon regional art and philanthropic endeavors.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2023

    Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping

    Cold and quiet with good views

    There are a bunch of different roads you can turn off to camp on if you’re driving from Taos to Durango. We mapped Forest Road 578 and it took us to a dirt road with a lot of flat spots you can camp on. We spent the night there and it was very quiet and peaceful. If you keep going to Durango you’ll get to Carson National Forest, which is not too far from the coordinates on The Dyrt. That’s where more people are camping, you can pull off right before the 64H road marker. You’ll keep passing camping spots as you drive to Durango so you can really go almost anywhere!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Forest Service 439

    Rough

    I pull a small trailer and the road in was rough. I was concerned about being able to turn around. When I got to the spot where there are six or eight camping spots, finding one suitable for a trailer was difficult, but I did it. This is more suitable to car camping.

    There is an open area that would be good for group camping. There are three or more RVs that appear to be permanent  features. That was strange. Looked like fishing camps. I didn't want to drive the steep road down to this area.

    Personally, I wish I had stopped a the forest service campsites up hill from this location, but if you are in a car and want to tent camp here, I don't see a problem,

  • Jacob W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2022

    Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping

    Primitive dispersed camping

    I tent-camped off of Carson NF Forest Service Road 578 in mid April 2022. FS 578 is south of Tres Piedras about 5 miles on the west side of Hwy 285. There are several dirt road turn offs but FS 578 is clearly marked with a brown NFS sign (see photo) and has no gate but there is a cattle guard/grate. Here is a NFS road use map that shows dispersed camping along FS 578 and many other NFS roads: https://www.fs.fed.us/r3/gis/mvum/Carson/CarsonTresPiedrasCanjilonElRito.pdf (see also screenshot). My Tacoma had no problem on the dirt road, which has ruts and might be tough for an RV. There were few clearings suitable for dispersed camping but I found a nice spot with a small fire circle in a small clearing on the south side of the road just past a fork in the road. I carried two black boulders over to serve as a table and chair. I didn’t see anyone else camping or driving by. The forest is a nice mix of sage, juniper, and pine trees. I saw two elk across a swath of sage. I could see the snow capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range on the eastern horizon when I walked farther up the road. It got cold at night, like 27 F. It was a nice waypoint on my trip between Gunnison CO and El Paso TX but it didn’t look like many people camped there. I had intended to drive to Taos the next day on Hwy 64, but didn’t.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2023

    FR376 Dispersed

    Long road with multiple spaces

    This area has multiple free camping spaces. If you follow the road, you can find the prefect camping for you. We saw from damp camping areas to big groups spaces. There is a fire restriction to gas stove only and there is no bathrooms or potable water.

Guide to Canjilon

Dispersed camping sites around Canjilon, New Mexico offer rustic accommodations at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet in the Carson National Forest. The area features diverse terrain with pine forests, aspen groves, and mountain meadows. Primitive camping opportunities in this region typically experience significant temperature fluctuations, with summer daytime highs in the 80s dropping to 40s at night.

What to do

Fishing at nearby lakes: Hopewell Lake, located near Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake, provides excellent trout fishing opportunities. "The Continental Divide Trail goes right through this location," notes camper Chris E., making it convenient for both hiking and fishing.

Seasonal wildlife viewing: The fall season brings excellent elk viewing opportunities. At Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area, camper Nattalie G. reports, "At sunrise or sunset you are very likely to see elk maybe even a whole herd and other wildlife." This area also allows hiking, biking, and horseback riding on designated trails.

Hammocking among trees: Cedar trees at several sites provide ideal hammock spots. As Clara B. mentions about camping at Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area, "The kids love to hang hammocks in the cedar trees."

What campers like

Riverside locations: Many campers appreciate sites adjacent to water. At Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area, Andrea P. notes, "We drove in, but it's very popular with people traveling by river. Some larger sites fit campers/RVs."

Well-spaced sites: The dispersed camping areas offer good separation between sites. According to camper Michael N., "This camping spot is awesome but can be busy at times... the spot on the river is fantastic for viewing pleasure. You can certainly find valuable relaxation here."

Fall camping weather: October brings ideal conditions to many sites. Tracy T. shares about her autumn experience, "This is a nice spot next to the river, there are a couple of hiking trails. I was there during the week and it was pretty quiet."

What you should know

Road conditions vary seasonally: Many access roads become difficult during wet periods. At Tres Piedras Camp, Leslie S. advises, "Heading west in 64, turn right at the water tower that is just past Ranger station."

Bug activity near water: Waterside camping comes with insect challenges. Michael N. warns, "One down side being close to the river is the bugs, literally thousands of them can make it unpleasant."

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location. Timothy N. reports at Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake, "TMobile\Google mobile service worked well enough. Verizon did not work."

Tips for camping with families

Choose sites with toilet access: While most dispersed sites lack facilities, some areas provide basic toilets. Andrea P. notes about Forest Road 558, "Wide open dispersed desert camping... There's a fair amount of trash, but plenty of spots without."

Weather preparedness: Family camping requires preparation for temperature shifts. Clara B. shares from experience, "I've camped this area several times. In my van and with Grandkids & dog in a tent. We had a rock campfire ring and I bring my folding table & chairs."

Campsite selection timing: Arrive early on weekends to secure preferred sites. Kim M. advises, "I came here at the height of summer and had no problems finding a site, but I feel like I got lucky! This area is popular with kayakers and the roads leading to this area are busy with trailers."

Tips from RVers

High clearance requirements: Many roads demand appropriate vehicles. Olympia H. shares about Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578, "A nice secluded little forest road. RVs will not make it, so it's nice and quiet. AWD/4WD needed on the rutted rocky road."

Leveling considerations: Finding flat areas for RVs requires scouting. Wild Berries B. notes, "Easy and short access to the camp sites via gravel sandy road, some with fire rings and camp tables, leveled grounds for trailers and lots of pine trees for privacy."

Site availability in non-peak times: Weekday camping offers the most options for larger vehicles. John T. reports about dispersed camping near Hopewell Lake, "Flat room for many rigs. Dispersed camping just past the 'pay campground'. 2 bars t-mobiles."

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Canjilon, NM is Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area with a 4.3-star rating from 7 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 48 dispersed camping locations near Canjilon, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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