Dispersed camping near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands offers sites at elevations ranging from 6,000 to 7,500 feet, creating significant temperature variations between day and night even in summer months. The terrain consists primarily of pinyon-juniper woodland with scattered ponderosa pine at higher elevations. Most primitive camping areas sit on compacted sandy soil that drains well after rain but can become dusty during dry periods.
What to do
Stargazing after dark: Top of New Mexico dispersed site offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities away from light pollution. "This is my second time camping here and it is a perfect hidden gem for campervanning... And, you can clearly see the Milky Way. No light pollution except the beautiful view of the city far away," notes camper Lauren I.
Wildlife observation: Dispersed Camping off FS 542 attracts diverse wildlife throughout the day. "There are bears, wolves, coyotes, rabbits, and some rodents in the area. It was down to freezing at night when we stayed so we didn't encounter anything major," reports one camper. Morning hours offer the best viewing opportunities.
Mountain biking: The trail system near Manzanita Recreation Zone provides access to technical terrain. "200 yards from vast mtb trail system. Fantastic ride!" shares Anita T. after camping in the area. Trails range from beginner to advanced technical routes with rocky sections.
What campers like
Proximity to Albuquerque: Despite feeling remote, many sites remain accessible from urban areas. "About 15-20 minutes outside of Albuquerque. The road up to the camping area is decent," notes Jennifer M. about Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping.
Wild horse encounters: Multiple sites report wild horse sightings. "We stayed one night while traveling to North Dakota. Woke up in the morning to a heard of wild horses moving through the area," writes Taz G. about their experience at Top of New Mexico.
Cellular connectivity: Most dispersed camping areas maintain usable signals despite their remote feel. "Great Starlink location and pretty good cell service (3/4 bars)," reports Josh F. Verizon typically offers the strongest coverage, with campers regularly reporting 3-4 bars at most locations.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: GPS directions sometimes lead to incorrect locations or private property. "Google/Apple directions should not be used, they take you to a locked gate," warns one camper about Top of New Mexico. Several sites have similar access issues.
Seasonal crowds: Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed and nearby sites experience increased usage on weekends, particularly during spring and fall months. "Arrived around 9pm on a Friday night it was busy and pretty tough to find an open spot," reports tres H. about camping off FS 542.
Variable road conditions: Access roads deteriorate quickly after rain. "Road got extremely rough towards end. Turned down 192 and found a spot about 1/4 miles in," reports Dave B. after camping at Cedro 2 Track 13. Many campers recommend arriving during daylight hours to safely navigate these roads.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose camping areas with established clearings to minimize encounters with desert vegetation. "We are the only ones here they have nice fire pits very quiet lots of trees. Because of that you have quite a decent wind block," notes Sherry M. about Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed.
Temperature preparation: Pack for significant temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night. "It was down to freezing at night when we stayed," notes one camper, highlighting the need for proper clothing and sleeping gear even during summer months.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children appropriate behavior around local wildlife. "My first morning I was surrounded by a group of 5 cows grazing. They ended up laying 30 feet from the trailer all morning," shares Josh F., demonstrating the close proximity of animals at many sites.
Tips from RVers
Vehicle limitations: Many dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles. "I didn't make it to the actual coordinates as I took a wrong turn near the end, but there is a ton of open space out here. Easy to get to in 25' RV," advises Chris S. about Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite.
Alternative approaches: When primary access roads become impassable, look for secondary routes. "The gravel roads are really tight for my 27" trailer, manageable but did rub on a couple of trees and shrubs on the drive in," shares Josh F., highlighting the importance of scouting ahead before attempting difficult sections.
Ground preparation: Bring leveling blocks for uneven terrain. "Very inaccessible, was crowded when I got there. Would be good for backpack camping. But not RVs or larger trailers. You'll need good 4x4!" warns Rick W. after attempting to camp at Pajarito Springs.
