Dispersed camping near Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands provides accessible backcountry options within reach of Albuquerque. The forest spans multiple ecological zones from desert grasslands at 5,000 feet to subalpine forests exceeding 10,000 feet elevation. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations, while summer brings afternoon thunderstorms from July through September.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Sites near Manzanita Recreation Zone connect to extensive trail networks. "Manzanita Recreation Zone is 200 yards from vast mtb trail system. Fantastic ride!" reports one camper at Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping.
Wildlife viewing: Wild horses frequently visit the higher elevation sites. At Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site, one camper shared, "My first morning I was surrounded by a group of 5 cows grazing. They ended up laying 30 feet from the trailer all morning." Another noted, "Wild horses roamed around our site after sunset. Pretty epic."
Stargazing opportunities: The remote locations offer exceptional night sky viewing. "You can clearly see the Milky Way. No light pollution except the beautiful view of the city far away," writes a camper about Top of New Mexico. The higher elevation sites provide darker skies with minimal interference from Albuquerque's lights.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many sites offer good separation from other campers. At Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed Site, one visitor noted, "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."
City lights panorama: Higher elevation sites provide unique views of Albuquerque at night. A camper at Placitas BLM shared, "Just 10 miles north of Albuquerque by the Sandias. Open space for dispersed camping with views of the mountains."
Seasonal wildflowers: Spring camping offers wildflower displays throughout the forest. At Manzano Mountains Camp, a visitor commented, "Ponderosa Pines, oak and juniper scrub. Ample supply of downed trees to use as firewood." The diverse vegetation creates different camping experiences across the region.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many sites require planning around road quality. "Road was ruff but with our Tundra and 20' long off road camper, no problem," reported a camper at Manzanita Recreation Zone. Another noted, "There are big ruts headed into the camping area that are impassible to low clearance vehicles but nice spots otherwise."
Navigation challenges: Some sites have complex access routes. About Top of New Mexico, one camper warned, "Please don't turn at Palomino Street to access this location it is a PRIVATE road." Another advised, "Google/Apple directions should not be used, they take you to a locked gate."
Seasonal muddy conditions: Sites can become challenging after precipitation. At Manzano Mountains Camp, a camper noted, "Gets muddy if it rains." Another mentioned, "This area is very wooded. Could get muddy when it rains. Lots of sites."
Tips for camping with families
Best first sites: For families with standard vehicles, choose accessible spots. At Dispersed Camping off FS 542, a camper recommended, "There's a couple spots when you first get in, and then there's more further up but the roads get worse." Another mentioned, "Good 2WD should be fine. Take the first left after the group campsite, and another left when you reach full dirt road."
Plan for weather changes: Temperature swings can be significant. "It was down to freezing at night when we stayed," reported a camper at FS 542. Another mentioned, "Cold night," highlighting the need for proper sleeping gear regardless of season.
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies by site and carrier. At Cedro 2 Track, a camper reported, "4 bars Verizon." This can be important for families needing to stay connected for emergencies or coordination.
Tips from RVers
Site access limitations: RV accessibility varies widely between areas. At Top of New Mexico, a camper shared, "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." Another noted, "It's a dirt road in a bit rocky but I did it in my stock transit nice and slow."
Leveling challenges: Finding flat spots can be difficult. "We stopped at the first spot we found, a large spot on the left that looks like it used to have bathrooms," noted a camper at FS 542, suggesting this spot might work for RVs seeking relatively level terrain.
Size limitations: Most sites cannot accommodate larger RVs. A BLM Zia Pueblo visitor warned, "The GPS location for this site is right off the main dirt road but further in there are some nice spots but not advisable for low clearance vehicles."
