Top Free Dispersed Camping near Cliff, NM

Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Cliff? Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cliff, NM (19)

    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain

    1. Bear Mountain

    3 Reviews
    4 Photos
    41 Saves

    The majority of campgrounds on the Gila National Forest are primitive and offer dispersed camping. You may camp outside of developed campgrounds anywhere on the Forest at no charge. The Gila National Forest implemented Travel Management and we recommend you stop in to one of our six ranger stations and pick up travel management maps so that you are aware where vehicles are and are not permitted. Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not generally available. If you choose to camp outside developed areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. No permits are required to camp in wilderness areas. The Gila National Forest has a 14-day stay limit, in any 30 day period, on all camping. Areas designated as “Day Use Only” are limited to posted hours, no overnight use.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

    2. Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    24 Photos
    67 Saves

    Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Flats Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Flats Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed

    4. Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    11 Photos
    23 Saves

    The majority of campgrounds on the Gila National Forest are primitive and offer dispersed camping. You may camp outside of developed campgrounds anywhere on the Forest at no charge. The Gila National Forest implemented Travel Management and we recommend you stop in to one of our six ranger stations and pick up travel management maps so that you are aware where vehicles are and are not permitted. Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not generally available. If you choose to camp outside developed areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. No permits are required to camp in wilderness areas. The Gila National Forest has a 14-day stay limit, in any 30 day period, on all camping. Areas designated as “Day Use Only” are limited to posted hours, no overnight use.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping

    5. Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    6 Photos
    60 Saves

    The majority of campgrounds on the Gila National Forest are primitive and offer dispersed camping. You may camp outside of developed campgrounds anywhere on the Forest at no charge. The Gila National Forest implemented Travel Management and we recommend you stop in to one of our six ranger stations and pick up travel management maps so that you are aware where vehicles are and are not permitted.

    Potable water, toilets, and other amenities are not generally available. If you choose to camp outside developed areas, be sure to bring adequate water or be prepared to purify any water source before drinking. No permits are required to camp in wilderness areas.

    The Gila National Forest has a 14-day stay limit, in any 30 day period, on all camping. Areas designated as “Day Use Only” are limited to posted hours, no overnight use.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Gold Gulch Road
      Camper-submitted photo from Gold Gulch Road
      Camper-submitted photo from Gold Gulch Road
      Camper-submitted photo from Gold Gulch Road

      7. Gold Gulch Road

      2 Reviews
      4 Photos
      7 Saves
      • Phone Service
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      Camper-submitted photo from Celebration Well Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Celebration Well Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Celebration Well Dispersed Camping
      Camper-submitted photo from Celebration Well Dispersed Camping
      • No image available
        Camper-submitted photo from North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping
        Camper-submitted photo from North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping

        10. North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping

        1 Review
        3 Photos
        11 Saves
        • Fires
        • Phone Service
        • RVs
        • Tents
        • Equestrian
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
      Showing results 1-10 of 19 campgrounds

      Recent Dispersed Reviews In Cliff

      23 Reviews of 19 Cliff Campgrounds


      • TThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping
        Aug. 13, 2024

        Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping

        Meadow Creek,NM

        Road is a little rough but well worth it. No one camped near us. Was able to let the dogs roam without fear. Lots of wood in the area. A small creek along the road. Good hiking area. Will definitely go back.

      • Melissa S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Gold Gulch Road
        Mar. 30, 2024

        Gold Gulch Road

        Nice place to pull over for the night

        We came in after dark, but the roads were clear and it was easy to set up. Quiet.

      • Jorge G.
        Camper-submitted photo from Celebration Well Dispersed Camping
        Mar. 4, 2024

        Celebration Well Dispersed Camping

        Low-key dispersed sites

        A handful of sites located on the other side of Skates Canyon from Sapillo Campground. Close to great hiking around the CDT and fishing in Lake Roberts. Most of the sites sit on the shades of ponderosa and there's plenty of space for group camping.

        This is as bare as it gets. No services, no cell signal, no trash disposal, not even a pit toilet. Some sites have rock rings for campfires but that's about it. Please recreate responsibly and leave no trace. Pack out whatever you pack in.

        Quiet during the winter, but gets busy during the summer as evidenced by how well worn the dirt paths around the area are.

      • D
        Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
        Oct. 26, 2023

        Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

        Great camping and hiking

        Great place I came upon while on I-10. Thirty minutes for the interstate. The hiking was good. The place was a little busy, but not bad. Heard some cows but never seen them. Clean place. No services. Cell signal was good.

      • Dawid M.
        Camper-submitted photo from Gold Gulch Road
        Sep. 25, 2023

        Gold Gulch Road

        Safari

        a place like from some safari movie, beautiful sunset, you can see a herd of cows. plenty of room for everyone and an easy route

      • Sierra N.
        Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping
        Apr. 16, 2023

        Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping

        Legendary creek side camping in a valley

        This trail requires 4x4 and high clearance. It is a bumpy road for all 3+ miles into the mountainside. But it is far worth the drive for the seclusion. There are plenty of spaces to camp before the creek. But we kept going for about 3 miles, hit a road gate, and started traveling into the valley. It will eventually open up and you will see meadow creek. Spots to the left and right of the fork, we settled at the bottom. No service in the valley. Extremely magical, and serene. Leave it better than you left it please! If you want a camp spot off the beaten path, this is it. Perfect for tent camping/car camping.

      • Sierra N.
        Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain
        Apr. 2, 2023

        Bear Mountain

        Quiet & Beautiful

        Right off the road, 4 campsites. The last one is a little more open and we will def be coming back. Pretty stars, and 2 bars of service for Verizon. Please remember to clean up after yourself! Unfortunately there was a lot of old glass, among other trash. Also be careful on the road, it’s 30, but people fly down it not thinking of others on the road. It is a tight squeeze to get a truck back there, Tacoma, but we got tucked in just fine. Also there’s a woodsy sign leading into the forest! Cool to see an iconic owl!

      • R
        Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
        Mar. 11, 2023

        Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed

        Great views

        A number of flat cleared areas not far off of hwy90. We cleaned up the beer cans, bottles, and trash left from other before us. We plan on being here for several more days. 30ft class A with toad.

      • a
        Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain
        Nov. 10, 2022

        Bear Mountain

        Nice dispersed spots

        4-5 dispersed spots on road 4242d before reaching the summit on bear mountain road (where the coordinates take you to). A narrow, rocky road with some low-hanging trees. Our sprinter made it but it was tight. The best spot was where the road dead-ends. Lots of shelter but not a ton of sunlight.

      • A
        Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
        Nov. 3, 2022

        Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

        Cattleman trail

        There’s several campsites around the trail head. I found a great secluded spot along a rough back road area, my express van with chunky tires was able to clear the bumps in the roadway. Cell service is excellent for Verizon even wandering around the trails back here.

      • S
        Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
        Oct. 7, 2022

        Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed

        Awesome boondocking

        Off Chisholm trail , previous coordinates are for CDT NO VEHICLE TRAFFIC. Great sites, I think I had the best one. First on right just before Cattlemans road. Met Pat she has the grazing rights here. She was very apologetic about the trash the last campers left. I just said well some are scum and showed her the two trash bags full and the 4x6 platform I cut up so it's manageable. Will burn the wood and haul the rest off. Only saw her cattle one afternoon. I'm a country boy so seeing cow poop is not a big deal. She said a bear was just shot yesterday a few miles north of here. Be vigilant. #leavenotrace

      • S
        Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
        Oct. 5, 2022

        Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

        Excellent area

        Staying at the first site on the right. 14 days. Love it, plenty of shade and also sun for solar recharge. No utilities and sites not marked but they are abvious. Peace and quiet. I'm getting 3 bars on AT&T which is pretty good I think. Streamed a movie last night with no issues. Previous campers left trash, so my two dogs and I cleaned it up. Cut up a 4x6 platform they left. Will burn the wood and haul off the frame to a dumpster in Silver City where I'll restock at walmart. Met Pat this morning- she has the grazing rights through here. She apologized for mess from previous camper's. Told her and showed her it's taken care of and Thanked her for stopping by to say Hi. Will definitely stay here again!

      • J
        Camper-submitted photo from Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping
        Mar. 29, 2022

        Cattlemen Trail - Dispersed Camping

        Stay off White Water Rd

        If coming from the east your gps might try to take you via White Water Rd -DONT! Instead take the 90 unless you want to spend an hour driving over bone jarring washboard roads

      • Danny H.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed
        Mar. 5, 2022

        Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed

        Nice Overnight Boondocking location

        This is a Gila National Forest Access Road just west of the Continental Divide on highway 90.  It has multiple fairly level and easily accessible boondocking sites. It's far enough from the highway to be quiet. The only real drawback is the Cattle droppings here and there. We spent the night, so can't comment on other activities in the area, but there are roads and trails leading out of the location and into the Forest.

      • Darrin R.
        Camper-submitted photo from Bear Mountain
        Jan. 19, 2022

        Bear Mountain

        Rugged, no frills, but beautiful and quiet

        Stopped here to spend the night in July because it was cooler (~7500 ft elevation), free, quiet and beautiful. It's just a place to camp in the National Forest. No amenities.

      • D
        Camper-submitted photo from Round Mountain Rockhound Area - Dispersed
        Jan. 9, 2022

        Round Mountain Rockhound Area - Dispersed

        Difficult to access but great rocks!

        So if you are into rocks this really is a great place to check out. Be prepared as the drive in is difficult and long. Larger RVs are not recommended as the road has many steep washouts and ruts. The main dirt road leading into the area has bad washboard bumps. There is also an active cattle ranch in the area so be careful with any pets. You’ll find a logbook on the way in. Once there you’ll find plenty of places to park but don’t count on it being level. There are also lots of sharp rocks so watch your tires. There are no facilities here. The views are amazing especially at night. The wind never did stop. You got to really like rocks!

      • Lynn W.
        Camper-submitted photo from Black Hills Rockhound Area
        Nov. 23, 2021

        Black Hills Rockhound Area

        Dispersed camping but road is rough

        We searched for fire agates but decided against camping here because the road is a bit sketchy. The only spot big enough has a large bump that would likely tip my travel trailer farther than is safe.

      • A
        Camper-submitted photo from Roadside Pullouts and Disperesed Camping along Route 15
        Oct. 7, 2020

        Roadside Pullouts and Disperesed Camping along Route 15

        Many scenic overnight pullouts along Route 15

        We were hoping to stay at the Gila Hot Springs campground, but it was full. Although the hot springs were oh so tempting, we're glad it turned out that way. First, FREE!  Second, fabulous views, stars, and amazing quiet.  

        All along Route 15 in the mountains to the south of Gila Hot Springs are numerous pull-offs, pull-outs, and pull-throughs where you can camp overnight.  I wouldn't recommend a long stay, but we found a little road off up a gentle embankment with a killer view. There were many others we would have gladly stayed at too.  We are pulling a 17-ft travel trailer but some of the spots are wide and broad and would fit a much larger rig.

        No-one but a masochist would drive along Route 15 at night (slow, steep, winding) and so there was zero car noise all night.  This would be true for any of the pullouts, so even though you're close to the road, there aren't any cars so it doesn't matter much.  No cell service, but there isn't cell service anywhere in the area, even in Gila Hot Springs.

        We drove to the cliff dwellings in the morning, took a leisurely 20-30 minutes.

      • Beth G.
        Camper-submitted photo from Black Hills Rockhound Area
        Feb. 18, 2020

        Black Hills Rockhound Area

        Fun day trip or for dispersed camping

        Millions of years ago, volcanic activity in the Southwest create lava rocks and fire agate. Inside the Rockhound area you can walk and collect fire agates right off the surface of the ground. It is the desert equivalent of searching for sea shells at the beach. It makes a fun day trip for families and rock enthusiasts. If rocks aren’t your thing, bring an ATV, 4x4, or dirt bike and enjoy miles of trails and dirt roads.

        The Rockhound area can be accessed from the Black Hills Scenic Byway or the main access road. We had no issues finding it using Google Maps. We did take a 4x4 on this trip, but it isn’t necessary. Any vehicle that can handle a few miles of primitive/gravel road should be fine.

        If you’re adventurous enough, spend the night in one of the dispersed camping sites. Just be prepared. There are no facilities or water available. The site only has a sign, a log book and a small trash can. The area is very rocky and I don’t recommend tent camping, but it would be feasible with some raking. There were 3 other groups camping while we were there and they were all sleeping in some type of camping vehicle. There aren’t any trees, so we experienced lots of high wind gusts. As a precaution, We took our awning down in the middle of the night, but our roof top tent was fine. Although this area is remote, you can see the lights from Safford,AZ at night. We didn’t have a fire, but they are permitted (as long as there isn’t a fire ban in effect). Some of the sites had camper-made fire rings/pits dug into the ground and surrounded by rocks.



      Guide to Cliff

      Camping near Cliff, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for hot springs or a quiet spot in the woods, there’s something for everyone.

      What to do:

      • Explore Gila Cliff Dwellings: Just a short drive from the campgrounds, the Gila Cliff Dwellings are a must-see. One camper mentioned, "The Gila cliff dwellings are awesome. Well worth the 1.5 hour drive in from Silver City."
      • Hiking Trails: There are plenty of trails nearby for hiking enthusiasts. A visitor noted, "This campground is really nice for being free. There is a very clean bathroom with vault toilets and there are a couple small water spigots."
      • Soak in Hot Springs: Enjoy the natural hot springs at places like Gila Hot Springs Campground. One reviewer said, "Love the hot springs, great hosts, calm, and not too many people."

      What campers like:

      • Peaceful Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the tranquility of the area. One happy camper shared, "This is one of our favorite springtime camping spots. There aren’t any numbered sites, but there are makeshift campfires and flat areas all around."
      • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Silver City KOA are praised for their cleanliness. A reviewer stated, "The staff are top notch! Young, energetic, and as helpful as can be. Friendly service, the facilities are very clean."
      • Scenic Views: Campers enjoy the stunning views. A visitor at Black Canyon Campground - Lower remarked, "This is an excellent campground that doesn’t seem to be overrun, probably due to its remote location."

      What you should know:

      • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Forks Campground, lack running water and cell service. One camper noted, "No running water, no cell service, no WiFi and they have vault toilets."
      • Crowded During Peak Season: Some spots can get busy, especially in summer. A visitor mentioned, "The place itself is very nicely located close to a river access... but unfortunately some of the folks that frequent it aren't very nice."
      • Bring Your Own Firewood: Many campgrounds do not provide firewood. A camper at Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area said, "Keep in mind zero cell service... Expect music until 10pm and the sound of engines."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Silver City RV Park that offer amenities for families. One reviewer said, "The bathrooms and showers were clean as well. They were very fairly priced."
      • Plan for Cold Nights: If you're tent camping, be prepared for chilly evenings. A camper advised, "Can get cold at night if you are in a tent, bring warm clothing."
      • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with nearby hiking and fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "Lake Roberts is just zip the road for fishing opportunities."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Road Conditions: Some roads can be rough. A reviewer warned, "If coming from the east your GPS might try to take you via White Water Rd - DON’T! Instead take the 90 unless you want to spend an hour driving over bone-jarring washboard roads."
      • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Spots: Campgrounds like Rose Valley RV Ranch are suitable for larger RVs. One camper noted, "The sites are huge and feel very private."
      • Reserve Ahead for Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Upper Scorpion Campground mentioned, "You really need a reservation especially for the weekend."

      Camping near Cliff, New Mexico, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience for everyone involved.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cliff, NM?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cliff, NM is Bear Mountain with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cliff, NM?

        TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Cliff, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.