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Best Dispersed Camping near Carson National Forest

58 Reviews

Carson National Forest spreads across northern New Mexico with plenty of dispersed camping options. You can camp for free in undeveloped areas throughout the forest, away from established campgrounds. Both the Recreation Area and County Park sections allow primitive camping where you'll need to bring everything you need and take it all back out with you. There are no bathrooms, water sources, or other facilities at these sites. All campers need to follow Leave No Trace practices and must set up their tents at least 100 feet from any water sources or roads. You can stay up to 14 days in one spot before needing to move. Many of the best spots require driving on rough forest roads, so trucks or SUVs work better than cars. Check for fire bans before your trip as they change seasonally. The lack of amenities means fewer people and more quiet time in the woods.

Map showing campgrounds near Carson National Forest, New MexicoExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Carson National Forest (34)

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

    5 Reviews
    Carson National Forest, NM
    7 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."

    2. Dispersed Camping Near Taos

    4 Reviews
    Arroyo Hondo, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8851

    "Dirt road but we did it with no problem with our 24ft trailer."

    "A good dispersed campground with a few spots. Don’t drive to the John dun bridge from Taos use the longer route instead. The switch back road is blocked off now."

    3. Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    8 Reviews
    Valdez, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-6200

    "No amenities except some great river side places.

    Dispersed camping along the road (though it’s not a busy one, especially not at night so not noisy) right on the river."

    "I car-camped here just before Labor Day weekend and while it wasn’t the most private camping area, I was able to snag a spot along the river and had a nice time."

    4. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

    3 Reviews
    San Cristobal, NM
    10 miles
    Website

    "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 is the most remote BLM site I’ve ever been too. Right at the edge of the Gorge, it is primitive—only saw one bathroom about 2 miles back."

    5. Rio Grande Bridge Overlook

    1 Review
    Arroyo Hondo, NM
    7 miles

    "A little more secluded than the spots next door and a little farther away from the edge of the cliff but still beautiful."

    6. Tres Piedras Camp

    2 Reviews
    Carson National Forest, NM
    11 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."

    7. Cebolla Mesa

    1 Review
    San Cristobal, NM
    9 miles

    "Beware drive in can be muddy if raining 4wd recommended and AWD is fine too. Front or Rwd is doable but at your own risk.

    Bathroom Firepit Table There are only 4 available spots."

    8. Carson national forest

    1 Review
    San Cristobal, NM
    10 miles

    "We drove around Forest Trail 9 (FT9) until we found a great spot on the edge overlooking the Rio."

    9. Tres Piedras Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    Carson National Forest, NM
    10 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."

    10. Tres Piedras on Forest Road 64G

    1 Review
    Carson National Forest, NM
    12 miles

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

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Carson National Forest

67 Photos of 34 Carson National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Carson National Forest

58 Reviews of 34 Carson National Forest 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Wild Berries B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Tres Piedras Camp

    On the way out from Mesa Verde NP

    We found this place randomly. 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. It may be due to available internet connection (which we greatly enjoyed it after weeks!) or just a lower altitude spot that may help with physical activity and weather temps. At any rate, 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. There are signs for trailheads and pretty rock formations that will need to be explored next time. We stayed a night and enjoyed it to the fullest. Highly recommended, especially as nights get nice and chill (vs. hot day temps) for good sleep.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2025

    Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

    Beautiful area!

    We stayed here for 2 days at the beginning of June 2025.  There are several sites along FR-5, though some might require high clearance or 4wd.  When we stayed, the ground was still quite damp - I would have stayed longer, but there were 3 days of rain in the forecast, and I felt there was a significant risk of getting stuck.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2023

    Forest Road 558

    Okay Dispersed Camp Spot

    Wide open dispersed desert camping. FS-558 runs for several miles south of HWY-285. We stayed closer to the highway which is safer without 4WD. Higher clearance is helpful due to ruts in the road. There's a fair amount of trash, but plenty of spots without. Bummer that locals use public land as their private dumping area. The nights were quiet, other than occasionally coyote calls, which add to the ambiance. We had a few thousand acres all to ourselves for four nights while climbing on nearby El Rito walls.

  • Ron G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2023

    Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping

    Tres Piedras area

    The location on Dyrt maps is wrong, forest service is NW of 285 & 64. Beautiful dispersed camping spots plentiful. Park ranger Melissa was the top notch. Couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly. Definitely stay there again.

Guide to Carson National Forest

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Carson National Forest in New Mexico, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations to choose from, each offers unique experiences and stunning landscapes.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Carson National Forest, New Mexico

Dispersed campers should check out Arroyo Seco

  • The Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping area offers numerous sites along the Hondo Rio, perfect for families and pets, ensuring a fun and relaxing experience.
  • Visitors have noted the cleanliness of the sites and the peaceful atmosphere, making it a great choice for those looking to unwind in nature.
  • The proximity to hiking trails and the river provides plenty of activities, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Scenic views and wildlife at Rio Grande Gorge BLM

  • The Rio Grande Gorge BLM area is known for its breathtaking views and opportunities for birdwatching, making it a favorite among nature enthusiasts.
  • Campers can enjoy the remote setting while still being close to hiking and rafting activities, perfect for adventure seekers.
  • With ample space for dispersed camping, visitors can find their own slice of tranquility while enjoying the stunning landscapes surrounding the gorge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Carson National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Carson National Forest follows a 14-day stay limit within any 30-day period. When setting up camp at areas like Tres Piedras Camp, you must camp at least 100 feet from water sources and 150 feet from roadways. Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area and similar sites require practicing Leave No Trace principles—pack out all trash and waste. Campfires are permitted but subject to seasonal restrictions and fire bans; always use established fire rings when available. Vehicles must remain on designated roads and within 300 feet of those roads for camping. No permits are required for general dispersed camping, but some areas may have specific regulations posted at access points. Always check with the Carson National Forest ranger district office for current fire restrictions before your trip.

Where can I find dispersed camping in Carson National Forest?

Carson National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities throughout its expansive terrain. Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 is located about 5 miles south of Tres Piedras on the west side of Highway 285, featuring several clearly marked turnoffs with flat spots ideal for camping. Forest Road 558 runs for several miles south of Highway 285, with sites closer to the highway being more accessible for vehicles without 4WD. Other popular dispersed camping areas include Forest Road 5, Forest Service 439, and areas near Tres Piedras. Most forest service roads in the Carson National Forest provide dispersed camping options, typically located within 300 feet of designated roads. Look for established pull-offs and clearings that show signs of previous use.

What amenities or facilities are available for dispersed camping in Carson National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Carson National Forest offers minimal amenities by nature. At Edward Sargeant Wildlife Management Area near Chama, you'll find one outdoor toilet but no electrical hookups or water. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument provides basic BLM dispersed camping with no developed facilities. Most dispersed sites throughout the forest don't provide trash receptacles, picnic tables, potable water, or electrical hookups. Some areas like Whirlpool feature vault toilets, but this is uncommon. Cell service varies dramatically by location—some areas near highways maintain coverage while remote locations have none. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including water, food, waste disposal bags, and toilet paper. Prepare for self-sufficient camping with no services and pack out everything you bring in.

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