The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Cochiti Lake. Cochiti Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Cochiti Lake, reviewed by campers like you.
"This is dispersed camping with mostly RVs, some vans, and a few tents and teepees. There are no hookups but near the entrance there is a building with two enclosed bathrooms."
"It's a great area with flat sites and close proximity to Santa Fe. The dirt road is not too long and not bad at all. There were a bunch of campers there but it didnt feel crowded."
"As you drive down the road the BLM land is clearly identified by the 14 day camping limit signs."
"I was towing a Uhaul cross country so needed some place close-ish to the free way and with an easily accessible road: this location had both."
"Along the entire length of this road dispersed camping is allowed."
"We were just looking for a place to crash in our SUV before going to Bandelier National Monument in the morning and continuing on our road trip."
"Great little find for a quick place to car camp while driving through Albuquerque without going too far out of the way."
"When you first arrive to the end of the road and the beginning of the public land - you have the option to go left, straight, or right."
"A gorgeous and vast dispersed campground just a short drive from Santa Fe."
"20 mins from Sata Fe, lots of open roads and land for dispersed camping. Can get a bit crowded and hard to find a spot away from people, but plenty of room."
"All along the dirt road were pull offs and if you choose to go to the right side campsites you will end up at one of the fire rings with an incredible view of the canyon below."
"We stayed on the edge of the cliff at the far back right side of the campsite and it was easily one of the top 5 locations that we have camped at."
"Probably not a must have, but I highly recommend a four-wheel-drive high clearance to get back into the camp spots here, but there are a handful of spots."
"Great spot once you make the steep road up!!! We camped close to the entrance. We explored and found some amazing sites further back"
"This area has multiple free camping spaces. If you follow the road, you can find the prefect camping for you. We saw from damp camping areas to big groups spaces."
"This camp spot is one of the best free camp sites in New Mexico. Would definitely go again. Highly recommend to anyone who loves to camp and drive four wheelers"
"A dispersed site that has space yet well shaped. Sits atop a hill on three sides. Great fire pit for when campfires are allowed"
TravelerWe got there on a Friday and had our pick of sites. We picked one right on the river. No electricity. No water. No picnic tables. No trash receptacle. Vault toilets. Camp spaces are spread out. Some of the roads on the campground had deep ruts and pools of mud water but not all. You can see every star on a clear night. The road to the campground is about 6 miles of curvy dirt and gravel single lane. But a woman managed it in a Jaguar so not too bad just go slow. Rustic and relaxing.
ScoutThis is dispersed camping with mostly RVs, some vans, and a few tents and teepees. There are no hookups but near the entrance there is a building with two enclosed bathrooms. There is no trash collection so you must carry out everything you bring in. This is great free camping or just free overnight parking if you are self sufficient with your own water and solar power. There is lots of space but it seems like a lot of people just pull in and find spots near the front. We camped in August 2021 and days got up to 90 degrees. We hung out in SantaFe until about 8pm and it dropped to 80 and the breeze picked up. It is dry in the desert so 80 is very comfortable. Another nice thing about desert camping is there are some flies, and a few mosquitos but compared to the moist midwest we seem fine without having to use a lot of bug repellant. We will stay here again.
ScoutIt's a great area with flat sites and close proximity to Santa Fe. The dirt road is not too long and not bad at all. There were a bunch of campers there but it didnt feel crowded. There was a pit toilet, clean and maintained (had fully stocked TP).
Driving along the access road, seems like there are also camping spots before the gate, but within the gate is the Forest Service grounds.
Stars are amazing at night. We saw nearby hiking and mtb trails, though we didnt get to try them. Santa Fe is also a great city to visit while here.
GuideThere are a few tent spots and car camping spots, and it’s right along a creek where you can fly fish. It was a longer drive out there than expected, but there’s a sign that lets you know your in the National forest and out of peoples private property. You probably want 4WD because the road was rough, but definitely worth it with the fall colors! We loved this spot!
GuideWe stayed here 3 nights over Memorial Day weekend. Got in Thursday night and there were plenty of sites to choose from. As other reviews have said, the sites are spaced out well and there were always sites available throughout the weekend. We camped on the road that immediately turns to the right. Along the entire length of this road dispersed camping is allowed. If you go to the left (high clearance is good to have but could make it with 2wd) dispersed camping isn't allowed till you're about a mile in (see map picture). There are some fun single track trails (Water Canyon and Perimeter Trail) accessible from the campsite if you plan on mt biking or running/hiking. Bandelier National Monument is about 15 min drive away and is a fun place to checkout and climb in some cliff dwellings.
Just as a side note we saw 3 coyotes our first night in and heard them howling in the AM and PM, so keep pets leashed if you bring them and keep small kiddos close!
ScoutWe were just looking for a place to crash in our SUV before going to Bandelier National Monument in the morning and continuing on our road trip. Showed up at midnight and grabbed the first flat spot to park. Convenient and free is always nice. 20 min from the visitors center. There was a “No Campfires” sign at the entrance despite what this listing states.
GuideThere are a ton of campsites here, and even more options if you have a high clearance vehicle.
If you have a low clearance RV I recommend taking the first road to the left after crossing the cattle guard. That road leads around most of the camping area and you can avoid the side roads with the steep entrances.
It is right next to a landfill which is interesting but there were no flies or smells in October.
For a free camping area right next to a city the area felt safe and was surprisingly clean.
LegendThis is a nice secluded dispersed campsite on the eastern flanks of the Valles Caldera. It's the closest CG to Sante Fe along the 4 before it enters the caldera proper. While most of the trees in this area were burnt by fires less than 10 years ago, it still provides great views of the valley below and the highest mountains in all of New Mexico! The campground has no amenities so bring everything you'll need and bring along a high clearance vehicle if you plan on heading up the road beyond the campsites that are right off the pavement to the right.
Besides exploring the caldera there are plenty of amazing things to do in nearby Sante Fe! Our favorite attraction was the MeowWolf permanent art exhibit. It's an absolutely amazing surreal piece of art that you walk through and interact. I cannot stress enough how much you should visit because in addition to being an art pillar in New Mexico they also contribute to local and soon regional art and philanthropic endeavors.
GuideWhen I pulled into the dispersed camping I was shocked to see 2 fire rings right there! There were two different ways to go and I choose to go right. All along the dirt road were pull offs and if you choose to go to the right side campsites you will end up at one of the fire rings with an incredible view of the canyon below. I did this because I love a good view! The main downside to this was how windy it was so I did not enjoy campfires until the third night and it was no longer windy.
I highly recommend 4WD and high clearance vehicle to get to some of the best spots. Not impossible in my Honda Pilot but there were parts that I knew I wouldn’t make it. I was the only one there initially and only saw 2 others the 3 days I stayed. This is pack in pack out no restrooms just good old fashioned camping 🙌
I was not expecting to have service but I did where I camped! (T-Mobile) in Jemez springs and in the canyon I did not have service. It was a bit cold until my third day which was a very nice warm and sunny day.
I also went on a hike at Los Conchas Trail maybe 10 minutes up the road (away from Jemez Springs) and was shocked by the beauty!! What a wonderful hike! 10/10 recommend! Pictures are posted as well.
My last day there I hiked to the hot springs at Spence Hot Springs Trail, there is a pull off but not clearly marked. It’s a 15 minute walk to lukewarm pools you can bathe in and the upper pool even has a cool cave you can sit in.
There seems to be even more springs all about you can hike to I just did not have the time. I also think Soda Dam looks incredible from pictures so maybe check that out as well!
I definitely hope to visit again!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cochiti Lake, New Mexico, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and explore the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cochiti Lake, NM is Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed with a 4.2-star rating from 41 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 36 dispersed camping locations near Cochiti Lake, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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