Dispersed camping options near Counselor, New Mexico include several primitive tent sites scattered across public lands with varying amenities and access routes. Cuba Highway Pulloff on Forest Road 88 provides a primitive camping experience with no facilities but offers privacy and seclusion for tent campers. Resumidero Camping Area offers slightly more developed sites with picnic tables and vault toilets while still maintaining a rustic feel for tent camping enthusiasts.
Road access to these tent camping areas requires consideration, as some routes involve steep grades unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles. Cuba Highway Pulloff features challenging terrain, particularly for those seeking secluded tent sites. Most dispersed camping locations in the region lack drinking water, requiring campers to pack in adequate supplies. Fire rings are available at several sites, though campers should check current fire restrictions before planning trips. The presence of vault toilets varies between locations, with Resumidero Camping Area providing basic restroom facilities while other sites offer no sanitation options.
Tent campers in this region experience notable privacy between sites, particularly at Resumidero Camping Area. Sites typically offer a choice between open meadows or forested settings, providing flexibility based on weather conditions and shade preferences. The Road 378 dispersed camping area near Fenton Lake, though farther from Counselor, offers secluded clearings with beautiful cliff views and proximity to water recreation opportunities. Elevation changes significantly affect camping conditions, with higher areas experiencing colder nighttime temperatures. A visitor noted, "The campsites were far apart and you could choose between open meadows or in the trees. Hiking trails from the campground. Beautiful area."
"It’s a bummer people throw so much trash and glass bottles around. Very pretty site otherwise and nice trails to walk. Many cows wandering about in the area."
"This is a good site for me to stop, but the proximity of traffic sounds (I camp in a converted minivan, so I took a spot relatively close to the road) means it’s not a great place for me to linger."
"We expected a campground that was spread out, fire rings and vault toilets. It was perfect. The camp sites were far apart and you could chose between open meadows or in the trees."
"There was a fire ring and a shade structure over a picknick area. "
"The road is a bit rough, but easy access and close enough to the lake that I drove over to kayak after setting up camp."
"This campsite is beautiful and right next to the lake. Perfect for some chill camping. There are multiple clearing along this road. Each one is big enough for several cars and even a couple groups."
"Navajo Lake Group Camp offers the perfect setup for groups with 4 separate sites so each tent has their own space. They provide the tents so don't worry about packing them! "
from $100 / night
GuideThis is a beautiful spot. Sites that accommodate larger campers are few. Be aware that the road in will be treacherous if it rains. There is also significant wash boarding. But the views are fabulous.
TravelerIt’s right on the dan Juan River
TravelerBadly washboarded road with sand pockets and the workers at the mine just about ran me over. Just don't drive it without 4x4 when it's wet.
GuideA nice campground next to a creek. Sites are pretty well spaced and cost was $20/night. Although if you are tent camping and you want some privacy, head up FR 70 for free spots. The weekend had a full campground with people driving in circles all day. They quieted down at night but for only a dozen sites they were very active.
Site 2-6 have great access to the creek and a bit more privacy
GuideA very nice area for camping. During the rainy season there might even be some water in the creek. But there is a crowded area when you first turn into the road. There was about 20 RVs there when I drove past. They were shooting guns pretty late into the night. Further up the road the sites thin out. The easy access ones fill up quick. If you have some ground clearance there are a few more options.
TravelerI really enjoyed my weekend here. It is a small campground with only 12 spots. It has only pit toilets and no electric sites. I think the only potable water source was not functioning but other than that it was great. Very clean, recently resurfaced roads and spots, surrounded by tall pines. The nights were dark and quiet with only an occasional generator running but not during quiet hours. I will definitely return.
TravelerGot here Thursday night around 9:45 and were able to set up in a very beautiful spot right by the river, there is tons of locations and our neighbors are pretty nice. If you come during the week the water sits a little low but come Saturday morning they’ll open up that damn and it’ll rise.
ScoutI'm all for national forest, but this place is decently priced, and when it's hot, just jump in the San Juan.
GuideI visited mid-week so it was almost empty. I did have to remove an entire trash bag of garbage from one campsite, but the rest of the area is very clean so it was clearly just one disrespectful camper.
Dispersed camping locations near Counselor, New Mexico range in elevation from 6,500 to 8,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal temperature variations. Winter overnight temperatures frequently drop below freezing, while summer daytime highs typically reach 85-90°F. Most sites require visitors to navigate unpaved forest roads that become particularly challenging after rainfall.
Fishing at nearby lakes: Road 378 dispersed camping area provides access to Fenton Lake, where campers can fish for rainbow trout. "This campsite is beautiful and right next to the lake. Perfect for some chill camping," notes Josh K., who adds that "even on July 4th this site wasn't busy. We only saw one other camper since most people choose to pay for a campground right on the lake."
Hiking from campsites: Multiple trails are accessible directly from Resumidero Camping Area, allowing campers to explore without driving to trailheads. According to Rhonda D., "Hiking trails from the campground. Beautiful area."
Wildlife watching: The dispersed camping areas around Counselor host diverse wildlife, particularly in early morning and evening hours. At Cuba Highway Pulloff on Forest Road 88, Christopher C. reports, "Lots of sage brush and we had a full moon that night and the area was lit up, bright as a cloudy day!" Other campers note frequent cattle sightings, with Samantha L. mentioning, "Many cows wandering about in the area."
Spacious, well-separated sites: Tent camping near Counselor offers exceptional privacy compared to established campgrounds. At Resumidero Camping Area, Rhonda D. appreciates that "the camp sites were far apart and you could chose between open meadows or in the trees."
Flexibility for larger groups: Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed offers clearings that accommodate multiple vehicles and tents. Josh K. notes, "There are multiple clearing along this road. Each one is big enough for several cars and even a couple groups. The clearings are far enough apart that you can make some noise without bothering the other campers."
Scenic viewpoints: The elevation provides panoramic vistas from many campsites. Maeci W. describes Road 378 as having "a beautiful cliff view," adding "the first area is a big open space with a beautiful cliff view, we had it to ourselves but could be busy, if you drive further up there are areas to camp that would have more privacy if needed."
Road conditions vary seasonally: Forest roads leading to dispersed camping sites near Counselor deteriorate after rain or snow. Matthew G. warns about Cuba Hwy Pulloff on Forest Road 88: "beginning of has limited spots (25' or less total length) as you start going up the road it gets way rutted / washboarded out - I would recommend 4x4 - some spots need high clearance."
Cell service limitations: Coverage is inconsistent throughout the region. Matthew G. reports, "Cell service ATT - 1 / 2 bars at the bottom as you go up the road you get better service."
Temperature fluctuations: The high elevation causes significant day-night temperature differences. Maeci W. advises that Road 378 "does get cold at night since at approximately 8,000 elevation."
Sanitation challenges: Limited facilities mean proper waste disposal is essential. Nora S. observes, "the poop that littered this campsite made this site basically uninhabitable. A bummer but when nature calls, literally, you gotta do what you gotta do."
Select campsites based on vehicle capabilities: When camping with children near Counselor, match your destination to your vehicle. Josh K. notes about Road 378, "You need a bit of clearance to be able to drive the road but not much as my Crosstrek did it great."
Pack adequate water: No reliable water sources exist at most dispersed camping areas. Simon Canyon Trailhead Basecamp provides vault toilets but no drinking water, requiring families to bring all water needed for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Consider group camping options: For organized family gatherings, Navajo Lake Relax Wild-u-can offers dedicated group campsites with pre-set tents. Jake C. explains it "offers the perfect setup for groups with 4 separate sites so each tent has their own space. They provide the tents so don't worry about packing them!"
Length restrictions impact site selection: Most tent camping areas near Counselor have limited turning radius for larger vehicles. Samantha L. found Cuba Highway Pulloff challenging, noting "The road in is steep for long rigs."
Generator considerations: When boondocking with RVs, be prepared for temperature management. Samantha L. shares, "We decided to boondock here for the night with a generator for AC (traveling with dogs)."
Waste management planning: With no dump stations at dispersed sites, RVers must plan accordingly. Christopher C. emphasizes the primitive nature: "No amenities, but we were the only people in the area. We were just thankful for a place to stop."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Counselor, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Counselor, NM is Cuba Hwy Pulloff on Forest Road 88 with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Counselor, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Counselor, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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