Dispersed camping near Counselor, New Mexico offers public lands access across varied terrain ranging from 5,600 to 6,800 feet in elevation. The high desert landscape features badlands formations, mesas, and pinyon-juniper woodlands. Seasonal temperatures fluctuate dramatically with summer daytime highs reaching 90-100°F while winter overnight lows can drop into the teens.
What to do
Hiking badlands formations: Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness provides multiple opportunities for exploring unique rock formations. "Nearby our spot 100 yards were very cool rock formations. We hiked in the badlands and found some neat formations and petrified wood though nothing like the beautiful photos published online," reports one visitor who completed "a 6 mile out/back hike with 2 dogs."
Photography at dawn/dusk: The changing light at Angel Peak NM Badlands creates ideal conditions for landscape photography. "This is one of the most stunning views we have experienced! It is worth the 6 mile drive in," notes one camper. Morning and evening hours provide the most dramatic lighting across the canyon formations.
Stargazing: The remote locations offer exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. One camper at Resumidero Camping Area noted the "beautiful area" with "hiking trails from the campground" that provide clear sky access after dark.
What campers like
Solitude and space: Cuba Hwy Pulloff on Forest Road 88 offers privacy in a primitive setting. One visitor noted, "No amenities, but we were the only people in the area. We were just thankful for a place to stop." The site provides a quiet alternative to more developed campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Despite being free camping near Counselor, several sites maintain basic amenities. A visitor to Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness reported, "Clean bathrooms and picnic tables. Flat parking lot."
Riverside camping: Waterfront sites create popular options during warmer months. At Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area, a camper shared: "We picked one right on the river. No electricity. No water. No picnic tables. No trash receptacle. Vault toilets. Camp spaces are spread out."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many access roads require careful navigation. At Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area, a visitor observed, "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."
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns dictate access to many sites. One camper at Jemez Dispersed advised, "This area is in the Santa Fe National Forest and is managed by the Cuba, NM ranger district. It is widely disbursed with lots of shaded and sunny areas. It is fully primitive so come prepared."
Limited facilities: Visitors must bring everything they need. At Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, campers note, "There is a pit toilet located there that is really well taken care of. There is also a picnic shelter for those super hot days when you are in need of shade."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established sites: For families, campgrounds with some basic infrastructure work best. At Angel Peak, one visitor mentioned, "We got there at 10:30 pm on a Thursday and we were lucky enough to grab the last spot," highlighting the importance of timing arrivals, especially with children.
Pack extra water: No potable water exists at these free camping sites near Counselor. A visitor to Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Trailhead advised, "This is a parking lot to access the trail. Nothing there. Just a flat dirt lot surrounded by a wire fence to keep out the horses that wander nearby."
Plan shade options: Limited natural shade requires preparation. At Resumidero Camping Area, visitors appreciate that "The camp sites were far apart and you could chose between open meadows or in the trees," providing options for families needing protection from the sun.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many dispersed sites cannot accommodate larger rigs. At Forest Road 533, one camper noted, "I was on a long road/camping trip and knew I needed to pull over to catch some sleep. This spot was about 20 minutes out of town and was perfect. There were about 4 pullouts off this forest road for camping."
Level parking concerns: Finding flat spots can be challenging. A visitor to Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness mentioned, "The only downside was the huge dip to go right after the parking lot, just with some dirt the problem could be solved. I could not go thought with my TT."
Cell service: Coverage varies by location and carrier. One RVer noted at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah, "AT&T coverage was actually quite good, with 1-2 Bars of 5G service and speeds of up to 9 MB/s without a booster."
