Best Dispersed Camping near Carson National Forest
Several dispersed camping options exist around Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico, with sites concentrated near Tres Piedras, Taos, and along the Rio Grande gorge. Forest Service Road 578 offers secluded sites 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 sites have no facilities, though some locations like Arroyo Seco Dispersed Camping do offer basic toilets.
