Dispersed camping near Cimarron, New Mexico offers free primitive sites across public lands at elevations between 7,000-8,500 feet. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for campers, with night temperatures that can drop below 45°F even in summer months. Access roads throughout the region transition from maintained gravel to rough dirt tracks depending on location and recent precipitation.
What to do
**Fishing access: Creek-side camping at Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite provides easy water access. "Spot was level enough for us to make it work. Temps got down into the mid-40s -- even in July. You could kinda hear other campers in other sites but it wasn't invasive or anything. Area was very green and clean," reports one visitor.
**Wildlife viewing: Spring and early summer offer prime wildlife observation opportunities at Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5. A camper noted, "The animals are really coming out though--lots of birds and frogs chirping, ducks were swimming in the ponds, and we even had some elk pass through our camp!"
**Riverside hiking: Multiple trails lead from dispersed sites along creek beds. "There's a gravel cul-de-sac with a couple obvious places to camp. Also a couple two tracks roads continuing into the woods, but those weren't passable due to mud," explains a camper who stayed at the headwaters of Rio Fernando.
What campers like
**Solitude in remote areas: Rio Grande del Norte National Monument offers truly secluded camping experiences. "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," writes one camper.
**Mountain views: High elevation sites provide panoramic vistas. At Mallette Creek North, a camper shared, "Beautiful view! A couple of neighbors but never heard them. Not the easiest piece of ground to get the trailer leveled but we made it work."
**Natural water features: Campers consistently mention the small streams and ponds as highlights. "Our site had a fire ring and was away from the road, which is a plus. My boyfriend was able to fish along the river at our site while I stayed in the hammock- super nice," reported a visitor to Forest Road 438.
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. At Dispersed Camping Near Taos, a camper advises, "Dirt road but we did it with no problem with our 24ft trailer. 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."
Weather preparedness essential: Spring camping can bring snow while summer brings thunderstorms. A Forest Road 5 camper shared, "Snowstorm two days after I arrived. Tent reduced by half. No other people for 4 days. Suns out, snow is melting, can't ask for more."
Bridge and road closures affect access: Always check current conditions. One camper notes, "Bridge is open as of June 2025 so this spot is accessible via east or west. The west access is not for the faint hearted but still doable in any AWD."
Tips for camping with families
Look for natural play areas: Shallow creeks provide child-friendly recreation. At Arroyo Seco Dispersed camping, a visitor mentioned, "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."
Choose established sites with fire rings: These often indicate flatter, more developed areas. "The spot we found about a 1/2 mile or so past the bridge has a little fire ring and right next to the little creek. Surprisingly not a lot of bugs for being so close to the water!" notes a Forest Road 438 camper.
Plan for limited facilities: No trash service means preparing to pack out everything. "We met my brother out here. Between us we had 6 kids and 2 dogs. It's not often you find areas like this with decent open spaces that aren't super crowded," shared a family camping at Rio Fernando de Taos.
Tips from RVers
Scout ahead for level spots: Many dispersed sites require careful positioning. At Forest Service 439, an RVer warned, "I pull a small trailer and the road in was rough. I was concerned about being able to turn around. When I got to the spot where there are six or eight camping spots, finding one suitable for a trailer was difficult."
Consider vehicle clearance requirements: Smaller rigs fare better on most forest roads. "There are numerous spots along the forest road and some are tucked off the road a bit," notes a camper at Forest Road 438 Dispersed camping.
Plan for temperature swings: Evening temperatures drop significantly, even in summer. A visitor to Forest Road 5 noted, "Temps got down into the mid-40s -- even in July," highlighting the need for proper heating in RVs regardless of season.
