Best Tent Camping near Coyote, NM
Several dispersed tent camping options exist in the mountains surrounding Coyote, New Mexico. Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area provides walk-in tent sites with basic facilities including vault toilets. Monjeau Campground offers tent camping at a higher elevation with primitive conditions and limited space. Skyline Campground features a more established tent camping area with picnic tables and fire rings, while Cedar Creek Recreation Area provides a smaller, more secluded option for tent campers.
Tent campsites in this region generally require self-sufficiency as services are minimal. Most locations lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Walk-in tent sites typically have uneven terrain with some sites set on dirt or forest floor with minimal improvements. Road access can be challenging, particularly to Monjeau Campground where narrow switchbacks limit vehicle size and eliminate trailer access. The higher elevation camping areas experience significant wind and cold nighttime temperatures throughout the year. Sites at Monjeau are located at approximately 9,500 feet in elevation, creating challenging conditions for lightweight tent setups.
The tent camping experience in this area provides outstanding scenery and opportunities for solitude, particularly at off-peak times. Higher elevation sites offer exceptional star-gazing opportunities and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Wildlife sightings including deer and wild horses are common near several campgrounds. According to one camper at Monjeau, "I have never seen so many stars. It is a beautiful scene... we saw wild horses, deer, and massive droppings either of Elk or Bear." Trails accessible from these campgrounds provide excellent day hiking opportunities. Winter camping is possible but requires additional preparation as some areas can become snowed in during colder months. Most walk-in tent locations experience moderate to high usage during summer weekends, with greater privacy available midweek.
