Best Dispersed Camping near El Morro National Monument
Several dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of El Morro National Monument. Six Mile Canyon offers free primitive camping accessible via a dirt road off I-40 with multiple pull-off sites. The road requires caution as it becomes impassable after rain, with multiple reviews warning about muddy conditions. Most camping spots are located within the first few miles, though higher clearance or 4WD vehicles can access more remote sites deeper into the canyon. Cell service varies throughout the area, with Verizon and T-Mobile coverage reported at some locations.
Turkey Springs provides another dispersed camping area with several pull-off spots among Ponderosa Pines. The main Forest Service Road 162 is generally in good condition until it begins climbing uphill, where it becomes more rutted. This area sits above 7,000 feet elevation, making it cooler than surrounding areas, especially at night. One camper noted, "Lots of options for sites on both sides of 162 before it starts going uphill. Several sites off the smaller two track roads can support good size trailers with lots of flat open space." The area is closed seasonally from December 15 through March 31.
