If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Cuba, look no further. Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Cuba, including photos, reviews, and tips. Each dispersed site offers quick access to one or more of Cuba's most popular destinations.
Primitive 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.
Guide
There was a decent amount of snow but the road was easy enough to navigate. I came in from Las Alamos and went in about 7-8 miles. The site I found was amazing. There was a site available right as you pulled in and about 3-4 more half developed sites (fire rings) within a quarter mile walk in. It looks like there’s a bit of an OHV trail leading up the mountain, halfway. From there if you want to reach a peak you do have to bushwhack a bit. This was easily by top 10 dispersed campsites I’ve even been to and will definitely be coming back. Little to no service, roughly an hour 45 minutes from Albuquerque stayed 2 nights.
Guide
This place is about 20-30 minutes outside of Las Alamos. If you go through Santa Fe, you do have to go through a military checkpoint. There was a decent amount of snow, so I didn’t go very far in. I saw plenty of 4x4 trucks making it further than I did. The site was nice, but there was broken glass nearby so be careful. Made a couple of fires, and had a good time. From my site you could see the town below but thankfully it did not impede my view of the stars. I had full service too which was nice.
TravelerAfter a long drive I found this site to be posted and closed. I’m a newbie so I could be incorrect but check USFS closures.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/santafe/alerts-notices/?aid=88339
Scout
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.
Traveler
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
GuideI 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!
ScoutQuiet, 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.
RangerStayed: 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.
ScoutThis 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
Traveler
This spot is so peaceful and beautiful. Great canyon view but need a 4x4 vehicle to access it.
Guide
This is a nice spot next to the river, there are a couple of hiking trails. I was there during the week and it was pretty quiet
TravelerWhat 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.
TravelerFound 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.
ScoutThe 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.
TravelerWe 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.
Ranger
Great spot once you make the steep road up!!! We camped close to the entrance. We explored and found some amazing sites further back
GuideThis 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.
ScoutLots of camping along this forest road. Be prepared... Zero cell service. Don't care what the main post says.
TravelerThis 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.
Guide
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!
GuideThe 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 😊
TravelerThere are sites all along the forest road with fire pits and pretty views.
Guide
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.
ScoutWe 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.
Guide
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.
TravelerEasy 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.
TravelerStayed 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cuba, New Mexico, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.
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 Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Cuba, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 dispersed camping locations near Cuba, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
