35 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Continental Divide, NM ranges from developed RV parks with full hookups to free dispersed campsites spread across various elevations and landscapes. The area includes sites at Quaking Aspen Campground in the Cibola National Forest as well as several dispersed camping locations such as Six Mile Canyon, where tent and RV camping is permitted without hookups. For travelers seeking more amenities, USA RV Park in Gallup and Bluewater Lake State Park Campground offer full hookups, showers, and cabin accommodations. The region's mixed-use campgrounds typically allow both tent and RV camping, with some sites specifically designed for larger vehicles.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many dispersed sites requiring careful navigation on unpaved forest roads. "Be careful taking the road past the parking lot! There is a deep mud pit on the right that looks just like normal dirt. When going in stay to the left, and when leaving stay right," noted one camper about Six Mile Canyon. Several campgrounds, including McGaffey Campground, operate seasonally from May through September, while others remain open year-round. Higher elevation sites in the Zuni Mountains provide cooler temperatures during summer months but may have restricted access during winter. Many dispersed camping areas close from December through March due to road conditions, and travelers should verify availability before arrival.
The landscape provides varied terrain across the region. Campers report encountering wildlife including brown bears, deer, and elk in the Zuni Mountains. As one visitor described Quaking Aspen Campground: "The campsite includes basic forest service amenities: pit toilets, picnic tables, and metal-rimmed fire pit/grill sites. What set this apart from other non-hosted campsites for me was the condition of the grounds." Several sites offer access to hiking trails including the Continental Divide Trail, which passes through the region. Cell service remains limited in more remote areas, though some developed campgrounds closer to Interstate 40 maintain connectivity. Proximity to natural attractions like El Morro National Monument, Ice Caves, and Bandera Volcano provides additional exploration opportunities within driving distance of many camping areas.
"Great views, quiet aside from some younger folks off-roading late night. Froze overnight as of November."
"Some highway noise if you stay near the entrance but once you head back, it gets quiet. No services or amenities so pack in and pack out. There’s a gas station about 7 minutes away."
"This was the only lake we saw on our trip to the cattle ranch in New Mexico ;) The park is lovely and we truly enjoyed our time here. There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing."
"Beautiful New Mexico sunset."
from $15 - $90 / night
Check Availability"I hadn't spent much time in this part of New Mexico, and assumed that the trip was going to be hot and sun-bleached, similar to the desert exposed in nearby Gallup, NM."
"Located about 15min from I-40 is this campground. It offers everything you would expect including tables, fire pits, restrooms, and trash. For only $5 a day you can't beat it."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Easy to get to with no four-wheel drive needed. Many pull-off spots and several pull throughs with lots of shady pines and wonderful breezes and wildlife."
"I decided to stay at the nearby Quaking Aspen Campground (0.5 mile away) due to this dispersed camping area kinda being a mudpit after the rain 😂 Would be awesome during a dry time!"
"Needed an overnight stay along Interstate 40 in New Mexico. "
"We were so grateful to stumble upon USA RV Park on our recent trip through New Mexico. "
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"I have stayed at this campground several time it was a New Mexico Stae Park, it has since been turned over to the city of Gallup as a city park."
"My first visit to New Mexico and the southwest. Red Rock Park is in Gallup, NM right on the Arizona state line in between Albuquerque and Flagstaff."
"We did have to drive a couple miles to get away from other campers. Was perfectly fine after a day of cross country driving. Camped in a Jeep."
"There’s an east 3 mile trail for those who like to hike/walk. You are 10 miles from I40 so no vehicular noise to deal with."
"There is a trail alongside for hiking or bikes. There is no water or cell service, so plan on bringing a couple gallons with you."
"An extremely well maintained campsite situated on a bluff with distant views over the desert and only a short hike to the visitor center."
"The sites are pretty close to each other and there only 1 bathroom that gets very used. It’s kept clean but smells awful. Drinking water is available as well as grills and fire rings at every site."
GuideGreat out of the way site; walk-in, RV, RTT, and many places to explore. High elevation and clear air. Nice big lake with boating and fishing opportunities. It feels really private, yet communal. Has a little playground area for those little ones! 6 miles off the I-40. A bit windy this month.
TravelerIn the 50s overnight. Elk on 162 but few wildlife / bugs at site. One other group of people at a different site. Road a little uneven coming up but nothing our 2wd couldn’t handle. Quiet at night, some road noise in morning. Forest service repairing gate when we left, very nice
RangerNice place with friendly people. Its Gravel parking and very level. Office, Bathroom and showers are very clean. Also has laundry room ect... this page has been updated in awhile. So mite wanna call for rates.
ScoutPlenty of options. More scenic the further you go.
TravelerProperty owner keep gate open 30m longer to accomadote my arrival. No other people in cabins or parking, so it was a very nice night. Flush toilet with shower was a bonus. Barely one tiny bar with Verizon. Starlink worked.
GuideThe campground has dinners you can order. Showers are individual stalls with key code. Very windy and other tenters can in late
GuideThe views were amazing. Great hikes too. Yes there were a few dogs roaming around, but they were all well behaved. I’m afraid of dogs, but they were respectful of us & our campsite. if you told them to “get” they’d leave. But they also kept their distance in general, just wanted to see if you had food. Showers & bathroom was nice too! Definitely worth the stay.
ScoutThis campground is clean and campsites are spaced apart fairly well. There are two restrooms at different ends of the camp. There is no cell service, but we managed to find a clear enough sky for Starlink to connect us. It is a $10 fee per night and five dollars for day use. It is heavily wooded with no real views per se. There are no hook ups or electricity.
ScoutOnly good thing was the view of church rock but you don't have to stay here to visit and see it. Camp host was completely MIA when I got there. One of the other campers said he saw them leave first thing in the morning and hadn't come back. Was going to tent camp. I "think" I found my site but it also looked like it could have been an access road. Decided I'd skip setting up the tent and just use the bed of my truck in case I wasn't in the right spot. Final straw was when the bathroom code on my reservation turned out to have been changed randomly. Ended up saying screw it and went to a hotel down the road.
Dispersed camping locations near Continental Divide, New Mexico range in elevation from 7,000 to 8,000 feet, offering cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Seasonal access varies significantly across the region, with many forest roads closing between December 15 and March 31. Winter overnight temperatures frequently drop below freezing, with summer daytime highs typically in the 70s and 80s.
Hiking the trails: Several campgrounds provide direct access to hiking paths through pine forests and volcanic terrain. At Turkey Springs, visitors appreciate the natural surroundings and varied terrain. "Just off & along the interstate, you'd never know. The valley road cuts through green canyon bluffs and rolling hills with good tree coverage. Lots of fun and scenic driving. Spur trails are good 4x4 drives," notes Twan M.
Explore volcanic features: Within a 30-mile radius of many camping areas, visitors can access unique geological formations. When staying at El Morro National Monument, campers can examine ancient petroglyphs and a historic water pool. "El Morro National Monument features some amazing petroglyphs and the remains of a pueblo, offering fun hikes," says Jean C., who visited in winter when "it was cold and largely unoccupied."
Wildlife observation: The forested areas provide opportunities to spot native animals during early morning or evening hours. "We saw abundant wildlife while working in the Zunis, including several brown bears, deer, and elk," reports Tyler G. from Quaking Aspen Campground. Morning hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly in less-trafficked areas of the forest.
Privacy at established sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites despite their proximity to Interstate 40. At Quaking Aspen Campground, campers find generous spacing. "Small campground with massive campsites. This campground could easily squeeze double, if not triple, the sites out of these woods, but someone decided to let everyone breath a little here," Chip observes, also noting "when summer heat was beginning to knock everywhere else in late May, it was serious blanket weather up here."
Accessibility without crowds: Even near major travel routes, many camping areas remain relatively undiscovered. When staying at Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site, Terry O. reports: "Went about 2 miles up the road to find the last good spot. Found a few sites off of the road before this but all occupied. We got a site for 2 RVs that protected us from an impending windstorm."
Temperature variations: The higher elevations provide relief from summer heat common in lower-lying areas. According to Charles V., the "elevation at which the [Quaking Aspen] cg is at is 8000' makes for cool days and nic crisp cool nights, even in the summertime." This elevation differential can result in temperature differences of 15-20 degrees compared to nearby Gallup.
Seasonal closures: Many forest roads and camping areas implement winter closures. For Turkey Springs, Dave B. warns: "This site is closed from December 15 to March 31." Similar restrictions apply at other dispersed sites in the region, with closures typically occurring after the first significant snowfall.
Road conditions: Access roads to many dispersed sites require careful navigation, particularly after rain. At Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping, Jennifer C. notes: "The road in is dirt and gravel and could easily get rutted out when rainy. There are several spots along the road the first being right after the cattle guard after the sign. There are more spots farther in when you get to the trees."
Water availability: Most dispersed camping areas have no potable water sources. Robert B. points out at Quaking Aspen Campground: "There are clean pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Really nice hiking / mountain bike trails. The aspens are in the trails not the campground." Campers should bring sufficient water supplies, particularly during warmer months.
Campfire regulations: Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry periods. Pack a camp stove as a backup cooking method, as restrictions can change with little notice during peak fire season from May through August.
Accessible activities: Several locations offer family-friendly amenities and exploration opportunities. At Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, Sara S. found "Great state run campground with options from primitive to full hook ups at great prices. The primitive camping is all along the lake so you can park and walk right in with your canoe or SUP. Playground for the kiddos, lots of areas to explore with the puppers."
Wildlife encounters: Local wildlife adds educational value but requires proper precautions. Tyler G. recommends that while camping in the Zuni Mountains, visitors should "be aware that large animals are present in the area and be sure to take necessary bear-proofing precautions," based on frequent sightings of "brown bears, deer, and elk."
Weather preparedness: Pack for significant day-to-night temperature variations, even in summer. Irene L. from Quaking Aspen Campground advises: "It was cool and shady in August so we quite enjoyed it as a stopover," highlighting the area's reputation for comfortable summer temperatures compared to lower elevations.
Site selection: RVers should research access road conditions carefully before attempting dispersed camping. Gordy Y. shares about Six Mile Canyon: "I drove my Prius in during the summer and it was fine. Granted, I could see how this would be hazardous if the ground was soft and muddy." However, larger rigs may require more established locations.
Hookup availability: For those requiring facilities, several developed campgrounds offer various service levels. At USA RV Park in Gallup, Susan R. notes: "Our site was mostly level so we used our small curved levelers on one side. The sites are VERY close together and many of the picnic tables seem to need new boards for seats." The park provides full hookups but offers limited privacy.
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. Timothy N. observed at Turkey Springs: "Several sites off the smaller two track roads can support good size trailers with lots of flat open space. A few sites in the trees right on the road could only support vans or tents." Bring leveling blocks as most dispersed and many established sites require adjustments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to hike the Continental Divide Trail?
Thru-hiking the entire Continental Divide Trail typically takes 5-6 months for most hikers, covering approximately 3,100 miles from Mexico to Canada (or vice versa). The exact duration depends on hiking pace, weather conditions, and time spent in towns resupplying. Most hikers average 15-20 miles per day, though this varies greatly by terrain. Many hikers use campgrounds like Coal Mine Campground as affordable rest stops along their journey, with primitive sites available for just $5. Others opt for developed facilities like USA RV Park when they need a break from the trail for resupply and recovery. Section hiking the CDT over multiple seasons is also popular for those who can't commit to a full thru-hike.
Where is the Continental Divide Trail located?
The Continental Divide Trail (CDT) follows the geographic Continental Divide of North America, running along the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico. This 3,100-mile trail traces the natural boundary that separates watersheds flowing to the Pacific Ocean from those flowing to the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. You can access parts of the trail near Forest Service Road Large Camp, which sits right off the CDT and provides convenient vehicle access via forest service roads 456 and 239. In New Mexico, the trail passes near historical monuments like El Morro National Monument, which sits on an ancient east-west trail that has connected travelers for centuries.
What states does the Continental Divide Trail pass through?
The Continental Divide Trail passes through five states as it traverses the spine of North America: Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. Starting at the Canadian border in Montana, it briefly crosses into Idaho multiple times, continues through Wyoming including Yellowstone National Park, crosses the high mountains of Colorado, and finishes at the Mexican border in New Mexico. In New Mexico, the trail passes near campgrounds like Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano, where hikers can explore volcanic features under pine trees with spectacular night skies. Another New Mexico highlight is Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, which offers a refreshing lake environment for trail-weary hikers.
What are the best sections of the Continental Divide Trail?
The most spectacular sections of the Continental Divide Trail include the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana, the Wind River Range in Wyoming, and Colorado's San Juan Mountains. In New Mexico, hikers particularly enjoy the Gila Wilderness for its unique desert ecosystems and natural hot springs. Near the New Mexico section, Red Rock Park & Campground offers access to impressive hiking trails including Castle Rock and Pyramid Rock Trails, both about 3-3.5 miles round trip. The Quaking Aspen Campground area in the Zuni Mountains surprises hikers with its cool, forested environment that contrasts with nearby desert landscapes. These areas showcase the dramatic ecological transitions that make the CDT such a diverse and rewarding hiking experience.
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