Dispersed camping sites around Chimayo, New Mexico offer primitive backcountry experiences at elevations ranging from 5,700 to 7,500 feet. The region experiences dramatic temperature variations between seasons, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter nights frequently dropping below freezing. Many primitive camping spots remain accessible year-round, though higher elevation sites can become inaccessible after snowfall.
What to do
Stream access: Visit Forest Service 439 where a small stream provides cooling opportunities. "A little stream is near by-- a little shallow and a little mucky on the bottom, but really refreshing," notes a seasonal worker who frequented the area.
Stargazing: Clear night skies offer exceptional stargazing at most dispersed sites. At Dispersed on 4, one visitor reported: "We wandered down to a cliff, and the most BEAUTIFUL view awaited us. If it was known, it would be a better view than the jemez falls and people would FLOCK to it."
Hot springs exploration: Several natural hot springs are within driving distance of many campsites. "My last day there I hiked to the hot springs at Spence Hot Springs Trail, there is a pull off but not clearly marked. It's a 15 minute walk to lukewarm pools you can bathe in and the upper pool even has a cool cave you can sit in," describes a camper at Dispersed on 4.
Wildlife viewing: Morning and evening hours provide opportunities to observe local wildlife. At American Springs, one camper mentioned: "Very peaceful with a nice view down the canyon. Elk grazing below were the cherry on top."
What campers like
Solitude: Most dispersed camping areas offer significant privacy even during peak seasons. One camper at Pajarito Springs noted: "We found a great spot here, stayed a week and it's like we had the whole place to ourselves."
Accessibility to towns: Despite feeling remote, many campsites provide relatively quick access to nearby communities. "Location to Los Alamos and Bandalier is great/easy to get to," reported a camper at Pajarito Springs.
Views and natural features: Many sites offer scenic vistas not mentioned in guidebooks. At Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping, a visitor observed: "The whole place feels very open and has a nice view of the mountains."
Weather patterns: The high desert climate creates comfortable summer nights at higher elevations. "Even in July, it was a perfect 60-65 degrees at night and in the upper 70's low 80's during the day," noted a camper at Dispersed on 4.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads vary dramatically in quality and can deteriorate rapidly after rain. At Forest Road 102, one camper warned: "Long, bumpy one-lane dirt road. 2-5mph the whole way. No shoulder. No way to back up or turn around. Lots of ruts and washouts."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans are common during dry periods, particularly summer and fall. One camper at Dispersed on 4 noted: "I did not enjoy campfires until the third night and it was no longer windy."
Cell service: Network coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. "I have Verizon, and my service was good," reported a visitor at Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping, while a camper at Forest Service 439 experienced "AT&T service was crap, i think one time i got 1 bar of service for a second but i bumped my phone and lost it."
Trash issues: Pack out all waste as some areas show impacts from improper disposal. "There's some trash right as you come in, but there's plenty of clean spots not too much further in," noted a camper at Santa Fe BLM.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose less remote camping areas with toilet facilities when traveling with children. A visitor to Caja Del Rio reported: "There's a vault toilet and picnic pavilion near the front; this area is also a trailhead."
Weather preparation: Pack for significant temperature swings, especially at higher elevations. "It's going to get colder than you think at night. Bring a fleece or warm jacket at the least," advised a camper at Dispersed on 4.
Water sources: No reliable drinking water exists at primitive camping sites near Chimayo. One camper at Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 advised: "There is no water or garbage so pack in and out!"
Noise considerations: Some areas experience unexpected noise that might disturb light sleepers. A camper at Forest Road 558 mentioned: "We parked a little further off 285 than most people so the road noise was minimal."
Tips from RVers
Clearance requirements: Many roads to primitive campsites require vehicles with adequate ground clearance. "The road is rutted, don't go if it's wet. Fine for overnight lodging but I wouldn't hang out there," noted a camper at Forest Road 558.
Turning radius: Limited turnaround space creates challenges for larger vehicles. One camper at Forest Service 439 observed: "I pull a small trailer and the road in was rough. I was concerned about being able to turn around."
Leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites feature uneven terrain. "There are some sites among the pines soon after pulling into the campground (on the right) and then there are more both further in and to the left upon entering if you're vehicle is 4x4 and has some good clearance," reported a visitor to Dispersed on 4.
Seasonal planning: Winter camping requires additional preparation and suitable vehicles. "Temperatures run hot in the summer and freezing in winter, although it is the best choice for winter camping near Santa Fe," noted a visitor at Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62.
