Cimarron, NM is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that New Mexico camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Cimarron, reviewed by campers like you.
"No facilities. Crick 3x bigger now. Early May. So beautiful."
"I think it being early-May and the snow melt that's happening makes the camping experience quite unique: the sounds of rushing water, the birds and frogs chirping, and the elk walking through--it's really"
"Just a handful of sites on this short road--one side of the road is fairly open but has the creek/river flowing nearby; the other side of the road is more in the forest and offers some shade and privacy"
"Highway 64 between Taos and Angel Fire > Turn onto Forest Rd 5 and go to end
Solid road, no issue with 25ft travel trailer."
"No amenities except some great river side places.
Dispersed camping along the road (though it’s not a busy one, especially not at night so not noisy) right on the river."
"I car-camped here just before Labor Day weekend and while it wasn’t the most private camping area, I was able to snag a spot along the river and had a nice time."
"Even with a couple and a new born up the hill I never heard them from our campervan! Serene surroundings and even and beautiful place to camp during a thunderstorm!"
"Stumbled on this location by chance when another location nearby was closed. Long forest road with approximately 8-10 dispersed campsites along the road."
"Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is BLM land so it is all dispersed camping. You will need to make sure you aren't on someone's property or nearby any roads. There are plenty of turn offs. "
"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."
"A little stream is near by-- a little shallow and a little mucky on the bottom, but really refreshing. The stars are incredible, also some beautiful views of the mountains from the lower section."
"Dirt road but we did it with no problem with our 24ft trailer."
"A good dispersed campground with a few spots. Don’t drive to the John dun bridge from Taos use the longer route instead. The switch back road is blocked off now."
LegendRio Grande del Norte National Monument is BLM land so it is all dispersed camping. You will need to make sure you aren't on someone's property or nearby any roads. There are plenty of turn offs.
This isn't a "get away" more like a stopover spot. I stopped here on my way back North to Colorado to see the bridge over the Rio Grande and so I wasn't so high up in elevation that I would freeze.
But if you can find a quiet place it is a beautiful dispersed spot where there is civilization nearby and toilets at local businesses and picnic areas that you can use. See map on review.
Be careful roaming at night. The drop into the river is quite deep so offroading isn't just ill advised for keeping the flora and fauna safe…but you as well.
There are picnic ares around the monument too, just not established camping spots.
TravelerI 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, but I did it. This is more suitable to car camping.
There is an open area that would be good for group camping. There are three or more RVs that appear to be permanent features. That was strange. Looked like fishing camps. I didn't want to drive the steep road down to this area.
Personally, I wish I had stopped a the forest service campsites up hill from this location, but if you are in a car and want to tent camp here, I don't see a problem,
LegendReally, really loved this spot--such a beautiful area. Just a handful of sites on this short road--one side of the road is fairly open but has the creek/river flowing nearby; the other side of the road is more in the forest and offers some shade and privacy. The melting snow has the ponds and river overflowing, so many of the sites are flooded and inaccessible at the moment. We had camped towards the end of the road near the turn around spot due to most sites being flooded. 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! Cell service is sporadic in this area. Of course, no amenities here so pack out what you bring in.
ScoutOne thing is that you MUST approach from the west, you can’t get here coming from the east over John dun bridge. 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, plenty of room to spread out and some solidly flat spots. Made a quick walk down to the springs in the evening and watched the stars come out. Awesome!!
GuideNo amenities except some great river side places.
Dispersed camping along the road (though it’s not a busy one, especially not at night so not noisy) right on the river.
First coms first served with mostly tenting spaces.
ScoutThis 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. Don’t recommend any kind of trailer for these dispersed camp sites as it is very hard to access. This area has had rain for 2+ weeks, so be sure your 4-wheel drive is operational.
If you seek solitude, this is the place!
GuideSnowstorm 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.
No facilities. Crick 3x bigger now. Early May. So beautiful.
ScoutI car-camped here just before Labor Day weekend and while it wasn’t the most private camping area, I was able to snag a spot along the river and had a nice time.
GuideThere are at least four established campground in the del Norte Wild Rivers Recreation area with La Junta being a walk-in and the others camping areas having the capability of parking really close to covered tables. Area is on the edge of the gorge overlooking the Rio Grande 800’ below or the Red River gorge about the same depth. Awesome views, adequate spacing between sites, visitor center, remote area, dark skies, private, arid area with small trees for shade. Hiking, rafting, horseback riding nearby.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cimarron, New Mexico, where nature's tranquility awaits. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cimarron, NM is Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 17 dispersed camping locations near Cimarron, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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