Several dispersed camping options exist around Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico, with campsites concentrated near Tres Piedras, Taos, and along the Rio Grande gorge. Forest Service Road 578 offers secluded dispersed campsites with mountain views, though the rutted rocky road requires AWD/4WD vehicles and is unsuitable for RVs. Most locations feature established fire rings where fires are permitted when no restrictions are in place. According to one visitor, "There are several dirt road turn offs but FS 578 is clearly marked with a brown NFS sign and has no gate but there is a cattle guard/grate."
The Rio Grande del Norte National Monument provides primitive camping on BLM land with dramatic gorge views. Campers should use extreme caution near the edge as the drop to the river is substantial. A visitor noted, "If you seek solitude, this is the place!" Sites throughout the region typically follow the standard 14-day camping limit. Cell service varies significantly by location, with most remote areas having limited or no connectivity. Visitors should pack out all waste and bring sufficient water, as most dispersed campsites have no facilities, though some locations like Arroyo Seco Dispersed Camping do offer basic toilets.
"The views are breathtakingly stunning and some of the most beautiful BLM campsites you’ll come across. This is primitive, so bring all your amenities."
"The road is dirt and high clearance is preferable if you plan on hiking to the hot springs or driving down to / crossing the bridge over the river but this place is magical."
"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."
"A little more secluded than the spots next door and a little farther away from the edge of the cliff but still beautiful."
"There are a couple other campers near by, but not close enough to be a bother. It’s truly gorgeous up here with views of the mountains and the canyon."
"So the coordinates bring you to the end of the town but then bridges you to the start of the national forest area, you’ll pass the paid camping then the dispersed camping starts, the spots are beautifully"
"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."
"There is a direct road out to Hwy 64 that doesn’t involve the bridge and rough road to the top of the gorge.
Definitely worth a visit.""No camping spots next to the river. Had Verizon access."
"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."
"Would be more comfortable in a camper van or trailer. We tent camped and it was very windy when setting it up! But in a pinch definitely a go to spot!"
"Wouldn't want to do it with a trailer or in a car because the road is rutted and needs some clearance. 3 bar verizon signal."
"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."
"There was not a lot spots here, but these spots are tucked right beside a big gorge with a trail down to the river. The trail leads down to the Rio Grande and is challenging. Peaceful and good views."
"We drove around Forest Trail 9 (FT9) until we found a great spot on the edge overlooking the Rio."
"This is just 10 minutes drive from the Hot Spring. A lot of camp spots available, all Free, Forest Road. Not the cleanest spots but also not too bad. A lot of broken glass which is hard to remove."
"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."
TravelerGreat view out our window. Great place to just sit and vegetate or explore the area of Red River NM. Weather is mild in the summer but cold in the fall and winter. Sites aren’t level but manageable in an Rv if you’re prepared for it.
GuideGot to see the cows, they were chilling. Great vibes on the way to the campsite, a little noisy in the early mornings but overall great spot.
GuideWe tried to find a few spots that weren’t super packed, which led us to here. This was great for one night, in our opinion
Coming from the bridge, the switchbacks can be pretty tight and steep. Our F250 had no problems, but any larger vehicle might be cautious.
The campsites were flat, open, and all dirt, desert landscape with sage brush and cacti all over.
It wasn’t very busy, there were 2 other campers around us when we woke up. There’s a short walk to the edge of the gorge that makes for a great view!
GuideWe’ve tried other campsites in the area, but this one is always “old reliable.” We enjoy it every single time. It’s so quiet and peaceful.
The chipmunks are always so active and fun to watch.
TravelerGot here Thursday night around 9:45 and were able to set up in a very beautiful spot right by the river, there is tons of locations and our neighbors are pretty nice. If you come during the week the water sits a little low but come Saturday morning they’ll open up that damn and it’ll rise.
ScoutThe view is great. But nothing is level. Lots of trash. OHV's driving everywhere. This is a big OHV area. We were in a campervan. Never could get it level. Not real private. 2 Stars for the view only. We won't be back.
GuideSo the coordinates bring you to the end of the town but then bridges you to the start of the national forest area, you’ll pass the paid camping then the dispersed camping starts, the spots are beautifully tucked by the river! You get to be lulled to sleep by running water. You do hear a bit of car traffic but it’s free so no complaints here! We didn’t go too far and found a spot so not sure how many spots there are. Definitely do not have cell service in this area.
GuideIt's peaceful, no disruptions at all. Pack it in and pack it out.
TravelerGreat little spot by the creek (currently dry). Was here on a Monday and Tuesday night so other sites weren’t overly crowded. Cows came through camp, but didn’t disturb anything other than my dog.
Dispersed camping opportunities surround Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico, with numerous free camping sites concentrated around Tres Piedras, Taos, and the upper Rio Grande region. The area sits at elevations between 6,000-8,000 feet, creating cool nights even during summer months when temperatures can drop below 30°F after sunset. Most dispersed sites follow the standard 14-day camping limit and require visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles.
Hiking down to the Rio Grande: Access the river via established trails like at Cebolla Mesa where "there's a hiking trail 1.25 miles down along the canyon to the river, cactus and volcanic rock all the way down. Coming back up is tough, so pack light. Decent gold panning area with swimmable spots" according to Cebolla Mesa reviewer Michael R.
Fishing opportunities: Several locations offer fishing access near campsites. Near Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping, where one camper notes you can "camp right along the Hondo Rio" and "there's so much to do to keep them busy. The dogs love the river and to run through it."
Visit hot springs: Access natural hot springs from various camping areas. As reviewer Madeleine H. describes her experience: "Make sure you go all the way to the coordinates as there are a ton of great spots off to the left of the road, plenty of room to spread out and some solidly flat spots. Made a quick walk down to the springs in the evening and watched the stars come out."
Secluded camping spots: Many dispersed sites offer privacy away from crowds. At Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578, one camper reports: "A nice secluded little forest road. RVs will not make it, so it's nice and quiet. Stayed one night and saw no one else."
Stargazing conditions: The remote location creates excellent dark sky conditions. According to reviewer Mike W. at Rio Grande del Norte National Monument: "Area is on the edge of the gorge overlooking the Rio Grande 800' below or the Red River gorge about the same depth. Awesome views, adequate spacing between sites, visitor center, remote area, dark skies, private, arid area with small trees for shade."
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation provides relief from summer heat. At Tres Piedras Camp, one reviewer notes: "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."
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. At Dispersed Camping Near Taos, reviewer Madeleine H. advises: "One thing is that you MUST approach from the west, you can't get here coming from the east over John dun bridge. Dirt road but we did it with no problem with our 24ft trailer."
Fire restrictions change seasonally: Check current restrictions before your trip. At Tres Piedras on Forest Road 64G, a camper noted: "Plenty of wood was left by the fire pit at our site," but restrictions may apply during dry periods.
Limited facilities available: Most sites lack basic amenities. While some areas like Arroyo Seco have basic toilets, most locations require self-sufficiency. As one reviewer observed: "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."
Weather changes rapidly: Be prepared for temperature fluctuations and storms. A camper at Arroyo Seco reported: "We had storms while camping. At least six rock/mud slides on the road. I don't know who, but someone managed to clean it all up in record time."
Choose more developed sites: Families may prefer areas with basic facilities. At Arroyo Seco, Melissa J. reports: "There are so many campsites to choose from, all along the Hondo Rio. It's peaceful and quiet. We brought our four dogs and 13 year old. There's so much to do to keep them busy."
Access to water features: Creeks and rivers provide natural entertainment. One reviewer mentions: "You keep passing camping spots as you drive to Durango so you can really go almost anywhere!"
Pack for cold nights: Even in summer, temperatures drop significantly after sunset. A camper at Forest Service Road 578 noted: "It got cold at night, like 27 F." Bring appropriate clothing and sleeping gear for children.
Check access road conditions: Many forest roads aren't suitable for larger rigs. At Carson national forest, a camper advises: "We drove around Forest Trail 9 (FT9) until we found a great spot on the edge overlooking the Rio."
Size restrictions limit access: Several free camping areas near Carson National Forest prohibit larger vehicles. As one reviewer warns: "RVs will not make it," while another suggests: "Don't drive to the John dun bridge from Taos use the longer route instead."
Leveling challenges: Find spots with established flat areas. A reviewer at Rio Grande Bridge Overlook mentions: "Some times RV's will park there for a while and kinda block the spot so just cross your fingers."
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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