Top Free Dispersed Camping near Cuba, NM
Want to go dispersed camping near Cuba? Find everything from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking with The Dyrt. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Cuba, NM (23)
1. FR376 Dispersed
5 Reviews•30 Photos•168 SavesPrimitive camping is allowed almost anywhere on the Santa Fe National Forest unless otherwise posted. These areas generally do not offer any amenities although occasionally you will find a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. Please keep your campsite at least 100 feet from streams and lakes, including riverbanks or areas next to bodies of water. This will help preserve the health of the riparian area and protect sensitive animals and plants found here.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
2. Jemez Boondocking
3 Reviews•7 Photos•84 Saves- Pets
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
4. Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
2 Reviews•13 Photos•67 Saves- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
6. Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)
10 Reviews•34 Photos•313 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Cuba Hwy Pulloff on Forest Road 88
1 Review•1 Photo•14 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
8. Camel Head Camp
1 Review•8 Photos•23 Saves- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds
Recent Dispersed Reviews In Cuba
41 Reviews of 23 Cuba Campgrounds
- C
Cheryl W.
Scout
Jemez Boondocking
Jemez mountains
Jemez is a popular camping destination. There are boon docking and campgrounds available. I do not recommend trying to bring a rig of any size through the Gilman tunnels. Best access for large rigs is taking 126 and accessing FS 376 from that route.
The Jemez are by far our favorite mountains to camp in within a 3 hr radius of my home.
Josh K.
Traveler
Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
Secluded clearings with plenty of room
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. The clearings are far enough apart that you can make some noise without bothering the other campers. You need a bit of clearance to be able to drive the road but not much as my Crosstrek did it great. 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
Maya T.
Guide
FR376 Dispersed
My Go-To
I live in Albuquerque, and this road is one of my constant summer repeats. You got water, shade, privacy and an adventure. It's about 1.5 hours from Abq and it takes you through the Gilman Tunnels which is always a fun stop and view. The road is a little bumpy and rocky, but there's probably 100 dispersed camping spots. There's ones right on the river, in forrest spots or meadows, you choose! There are no bathrooms, water, or cell service. Everyone has got their spot in Jemez, but this road offers endless possibilities, for all types of campers!
- MMacKenzie D.Scout
Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)
Secluded spaces
Quiet, secluded spaces especially if you drive out the road far. We didn’t see any other people or campers but heard guns being shot in the morning and there were old shells at our campsite.
Dare To Everywhere .
RangerPajarito Springs (Dispersed)
Amazing views!
Stayed: May 26, 2024 Cost: FREE Site: 35.84243° N, 106.37266° W Cell Service: Solid LTE AT&T and T-Mobile Equipment: Forester / Tent
Different apps give this different names. It is Forest Road 181 within Santa Fe National Forest, directly off of Highway 4.
This is some great National Forest camping. Seemed like plenty of room when you first turn in and the you can go left or right. We went left and continued to the end of the road. There were a few sites along the drive back, but we pulled up the satellite map and wanted to keep going. It gets pretty rocky and you’ll need a bit of clearance in some spots.
To get to the end of the road site, when you pull off Highway 4, take a left and then eventually a right at the fork in the road further beyond (~1.5 miles from Highway 4). There were a couple more sites along this road, not very level, so we continued on and are so glad we did! About 30 min from Hwy 4 to end of this road. Elevation is just over 8,000 feet at this point.
- sseryna R.Scout
FR376 Dispersed
Amazing
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
Melissa D.Traveler
Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park
Labor Day Vacay
This spot is so peaceful and beautiful. Great canyon view but need a 4x4 vehicle to access it.
- Benjamin R.Traveler
Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park
Great spot!
What a great spot. After backcountry in the Valles Caldera, I camped here for a night.
Pulling off of HWY 4, I turned left and veered right. Got to look for it, but not far down there is a path up to a great spot.
I did this in a 2WD Tundra. Just go slow and be careful.
Stacey M.TravelerDispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park
Soak in the Sunset
Found the perfect spot to soak in the sunrise and amazing views. Easy to get to in my Subaru. Fire pit too! Go left after entering and take the road to the gate (which was closed). But to the right at the top of the hill is perfect to relax the weekend away.
- MMaeci W.Scout
Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
Views, hiking, peaceful
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. Fire pits set up, 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. Very quiet and peaceful. It does get cold at night since at approximately 8,000 elevation.
Tim W.Traveler
Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area
Will go again
We 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.
Nancy B.Ranger
American Springs
Great spot
Great spot once you make the steep road up!!! We camped close to the entrance. We explored and found some amazing sites further back
Michael N.GuideWhirlpool Dispersed Camping Area
Awesome views
This camping spot is awesome but can be busy at times. One down side being close to the river is the bugs, literally thousands of them can make it unpleasant. Outside of that the spot on the river is fantastic for viewing pleasure. You can certainly find valuable relaxation here.
- NNameScout
FR376 Dispersed
Stay Here!
Lots of camping along this forest road. Be prepared... Zero cell service. Don't care what the main post says.
- JJaime F.Traveler
FR376 Dispersed
Long road with multiple spaces
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. There is a fire restriction to gas stove only and there is no bathrooms or potable water.
- Christopher C.Guide
Cuba Hwy Pulloff on Forest Road 88
Primitive area, very private
It was getting late after a full day of driving and I happened to find this site. No amenities, but we were the only people in the area. We were just thankful for a place to stop. Lots of sage brush and we had a full moon that night and the area was lit up l, bright as a cloudy day!
JUSTIN C.GuideDispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park
It pretty OK
The campsites are big and plentiful but I think they are used by locals as there is a bunch of trash. Not that is had to be locals but I don't think the dispersed community would do that.
We are car camping/tent, RV's couldn't make it is the spot we have at least.
I would rate it better but we have been at so many other campsites in AZ and CO that are definitely better.
Hopefully someday we will have a different experience in NM but hey, it smells good and is pretty. Stop by for a night and see how you feel.
What we think is the best site is to the left and then up to a little hill (any AWD or 4WD could make it, its the only one we saw with a view besides trees (not that they aren't great!) but for free I would take it for sure 😊
- GGabeTraveler
FR376 Dispersed
Very nice free camp spot with plenty of sites
There are sites all along the forest road with fire pits and pretty views.
Luke D.Guide
BLM dispersed camping / Zia Pueblo
Gunfire 3am, trash, and cows
Woke up by gunfire at 3am. We knew full well to expect some gunfire at dawn but 3am was a little too early. It was way to close to be comfortable. Additionally, the entire location was full of litter. It was quite shameful. Shotgun shells, bullet casings, beer bottles, cow feces... cows marched through our site at one point waking us up.
Kevin C.ScoutPajarito Springs (Dispersed)
Worked for our needs
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. 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.
Drew T.Guide
Camel Head Camp
Perfect Western Pull off
Great little spot for a short night stay on NMBDR. Tucked into the ledge. Probably a mess in a rain storm but a wonderful spot to disperse camp.
- JJEFF S.Traveler
Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park
Dispersed on 4
Easy to find. Easy access. Excellent views. A little abused in some spots but over a dozen spots, some pretty spectacular. Some not accessible in late March due to snow.
- JJEFF S.Traveler
Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)
Pajarito dispersed
Stayed here just one night—last minute decision and found several easily accessible spots. Road was muddy and rocky and was holding snow still in a few spots but we were able to drive in and out slowly in our extended van. Beautiful views of Los Alamos below.
Kim M.GuideWhirlpool Dispersed Camping Area
Great Few Days in NM
I came here at the height of summer and had no problems finding a site, but I feel like I got lucky! This area is popular with kayakers and the roads leading to this area are busy with trailers. Seems a given, since it’s close to the river!
I found a site right next to the Rio and even though it was muddy, I still appreciated being able to get in to cool down a bit. My site had plenty of room for my truck and hub tent. Only real complaint is the trash the previous campers left behind.
Days were hot as they are in NM but the nights were pleasant. People were having a good time but were chill at night, something I always appreciate at free sites.
Roads were good and any vehicle can make it. Just go slow as usual! I had a sparse cell signal but didn’t want it anyway.
Clean bathrooms and plenty of sites- maybe 12 or so?- lots of space to spread out. A great option for camping along the Rio.
muj V.ScoutBLM dispersed camping / Zia Pueblo
Nice, secluded spot
So the road getting here is a bit of a long dirt road, somewhat washboarded by the big trucks that drive along it. The area is big and has a selection of camp sites / flat areas to choose from. The shooting sounds were indeed there, but didnt bother us much. Cattle grazing in the area sometimes. Overall not a bad place to camp. Nearby are also some hiking and biking trails.
- Tiffany J.Guide
Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park
Undiscovered gem in New Mexico
There are a lot of spots to disperse in this campground but there are a few certain spots that blow the rest of them out of the water. We arrived on a Friday with only a few people there. Saturday/Sunday was maybe at half capacity. Pretty sure that were we the only ones there when we left on Monday.
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. Even in July, it was a perfect 60-65 degrees at night and in the upper 70's low 80's during the day. We have T-mobile and there was relatively no reception here. We had just enough to send out and receive a text message every once in a while but not strong enough for a phone call. The reception comes and goes the more that you walk through the campsite. We stayed here for 3 nights and were never bothered by the cars driving on the road close by. The later it gets the fewer the cars. We locked our food and trash up every night and never ran into any problems with any other animals during the day or at night. We all slept well include our Dog who always shuffles around if she hears something scurrying around our site at night.
Directions to our cliff edge campsite:
*Note we took on this adventure in a long bed Chevy 2500.
As you enter go to the right.
The road will split but stay right and continue the slight uphill climb.
As the road starts to descend, you will see a small white sign nailed to a tree on the left with a sharp turn off the road.
Take that trail to the left unless you have a high clearance vehicle. (We took the more adventurous route straight down and almost didn't make it)
At the bottom of that trail go right and start to weave your way through the trees all the way to the back right side of the campsite.
The trees will begin to open up and you'll get a very clear picture of the cliff and mountains.
In the 3 days that we were there, we didn't see anyone else try to take on the same route. Although, we saw plenty of other smaller SUVs and cars get down there via the turn-off.
Still can't believe that this place was free with no reservations needed. It's a must stay if you are in the area.
Alexas B.TravelerWhirlpool Dispersed Camping Area
Not the right time of year
Campsite got very muddy river was no clear what so ever. Otherwise quite nice
Guide to Cuba
Camping near Cuba, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do
- Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer mentioning, "I've been to this campground several times, sometimes camping, sometimes just for the hiking. The views are awesome!" This is especially true at Jemez Falls Campground, where you can find waterfalls along the Jemez River.
- Fishing: If you love fishing, head to Rio De Las Vacas Campground. A reviewer shared, "Trout have been caught in it," making it a great spot for anglers.
- Sightseeing: The area is rich in natural beauty. One camper noted, "We enjoyed this place. Perfect for some sightseeing, hiking, and close enough to Santa Fe/Taos if you want to visit those cities."
What campers like
- Scenic views: Campers rave about the stunning scenery. A visitor at Riana - Abiquiu Lake said, "Amazing views," highlighting the beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains.
- Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One reviewer mentioned, "It is always quiet, with just those camping driving around," referring to the tranquility at Riana - Abiquiu Lake.
- Friendly hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their helpfulness. A camper at Vista Linda Campground said, "Wonderful campground hosts," which adds to the welcoming vibe.
What you should know
- Limited amenities: Many campgrounds, like Fenton Lake State Park, do not have showers or electric hookups. A camper noted, "There was no water available," so be prepared to bring your own supplies.
- Reservation systems: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis after a certain date. A visitor at Jemez Falls Campground mentioned, "Reservation system ran till the end of September."
- Wildlife: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Rio Chama Campground shared, "We found a secluded spot," indicating that wildlife might be nearby.
Tips for camping with families
- Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. A reviewer at Vista Linda Campground mentioned, "The sites themselves were nice with picnic tables, grills, and fire pits."
- Plan for activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. One camper at Fenton Lake State Park noted, "There’s a playground which was finally open!"
- Pack snacks and drinks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of food and drinks. A camper at Rio De Las Vacas Campground mentioned, "The campground has 15 sites," so it’s a good idea to bring your own supplies.
Tips from RVers
- Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Riana - Abiquiu Lake said, "Great sites for our 17' camp trailer."
- Be prepared for wind: Wind can be an issue, especially at higher elevations. A camper at Fenton Lake State Park warned, "Wind gusts are common so tie down the tumbleweeds or they'll escape!"
- Use a senior pass: If you have one, it can save you money. A visitor at Riana - Abiquiu Lake mentioned, "Senior Passes work here for half price discount."
Camping near Cuba, New Mexico, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Cuba, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cuba, NM is FR376 Dispersed with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cuba, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Cuba, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.