Top Free Dispersed Camping near El Rito, NM

Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to El Rito? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. Find dispersed campsites you've visited before, or discover new spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near El Rito, NM (51)

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Recent Dispersed Reviews In El Rito

141 Reviews of 51 El Rito Campgrounds


  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 558
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Forest Road 558

    Good enough for an overnight

    We parked a little further off 285 than most people so the road noise was minimal. A car drove past us on the dirt road in the morning which was surprising but nothing more. There was a rotting animal smell once in a while but we didn’t smell once inside. No toilet. Someone left a small fire ring. The road was rutted, don’t go if it’s wet. Fine for overnight lodging but I wouldn’t hang out there.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe BLM
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Santa Fe BLM

    Partial closure and absolute dump

    This place sufficed due to the need to have somewhere for the night, if we had the chance we’d have gone somewhere else. Massive piles of trash everywhere, sites strewn with people’s leftover garbage from camping there.

    Due to its close proximity to the landfill, it was extremely loud during the morning from around 7am onwards.

    There was a partial closure banning camping in a section of the landfill, which was incredibly difficult to figure out where we could camp, as the map is not clear at all,

    Coyotes at night were really cool.

    Overall disappointing but glad we managed somewhere to sleep for the night

  • Melissa J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    Absolutely Gorgeous

    There are so many campsites to choose from, all along the Hondo Rio. It's peaceful and quiet. We brought our four dogs and 13 year old. There's so much to do to keep them busy. The dogs love the river and to run through it. No one really bothers anyone. There are toilets at some of the sites. Very clean. We had storms while camping. At least six rock/mud slides on the road. I don't know who, but someone managed to clean it all up in record time. We've had a great time, even with the rain and hail. We will definitely come back.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 558
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Forest Road 558

    Dispersed Sites FSR558

    A good amount of dispersed sites off of FSR558. I just pulled off to one of the closer sites but looked like tons of other sites were further in on the road. Really quiet even with the highway close by. Great stars at night, decently clean (the sites that I saw). You could probably make it in a 2WD vehicle for the first few sites but it gets a bit more rugged as you continue in.

  • Timothy N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake

    Plentiful dispersed options

    We spent a few nights in the dispersed area near Hopewell .  We rolled in at 5 and had plenty of sites to choose from.  We chose one of the lower areas, with one large open space surrounded by smaller sites.  There were many more up the road, and there was constant traffic headed uphill until about 9PM.   Once the traffic stopped it was very quiet, only the cattle calling through the trees.  It rained for several hours and our spot stayed solid.  Some offshoot roads were rutted out. The main road had minimal rocks and holes, didn't get very muddy.  TMobile\Google mobile service worked well enough.  Verizon did not work.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jemez Boondocking
    Aug. 22, 2024

    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.

  • Cameron L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe BLM
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Santa Fe BLM

    Good in a pinch

    Plenty of spots and easy to get to. The only catch is you will need to find a spot away from the multiple large piles of trash.

    The surrounding area was pretty and sunset was great!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service 439
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Forest Service 439

    Rough

    I pull a small trailer and the road in was rough. I was concerned about being able to turn around. When I got to the spot where there are six or eight camping spots, finding one suitable for a trailer was difficult, but I did it. This is more suitable to car camping.

    There is an open area that would be good for group camping. There are three or more RVs that appear to be permanent  features. That was strange. Looked like fishing camps. I didn't want to drive the steep road down to this area.

    Personally, I wish I had stopped a the forest service campsites up hill from this location, but if you are in a car and want to tent camp here, I don't see a problem,

  • Chris E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake

    Lots of sites in high elevation and shaded area.

    This dispersed area is close to Hopewell Lake and Campground where there is fishing and vaulted toilets. The Continental Divide Trail goes right through this location.

  • Josh K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
    Jul. 8, 2024

    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

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    A lot of trash

    I drove in and was immediately stopped by park rangers. They told me they were letting people know they will be shutting this location down do to people not being decent. If it is still open, you’ll see a lot of trash. Certain sites looked better than others. Flat land with not a lot to do.

  • Maya T.
    Camper-submitted photo from FR376 Dispersed
    Jun. 20, 2024

    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!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)
    Jun. 9, 2024

    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.

  • Walter T.
    Camper-submitted photo from fs road 438
    Jun. 7, 2024

    fs road 438

    Pot creek

    Great site with shade and sun, water from creek, could possibly hold 3 med. Sized rv's. About 10 miles south of taos nm. And about 1 mile off pavement

  • Wild Berries B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tres Piedras Camp
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Tres Piedras Camp

    On the way out from Mesa Verde NP

    We found this place randomly. Seen all the road exits of the Carson National Forest on our way to Taos we said “let’s give it a try!” And we found apparently a fairly popular place. It may be due to available internet connection (which we greatly enjoyed it after weeks!) or just a lower altitude spot that may help with physical activity and weather temps. At any rate, easy and short access to the camp sites via gravel sandy road, some with fire rings and camp tables, leveled grounds for trailers and lots of pine trees for privacy. There are signs for trailheads and pretty rock formations that will need to be explored next time. We stayed a night and enjoyed it to the fullest. Highly recommended, especially as nights get nice and chill (vs. hot day temps) for good sleep.

  • Dare To Everywhere  .
    Camper-submitted photo from Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)
    May. 27, 2024

    Pajarito 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.

  • Erik B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 710 Dispersed
    May. 24, 2024

    Road 710 Dispersed

    Off road Fire service road

    Tons of Boondocking spots.

    Not ideal for long wheel base as it’s an out and back without turn around spots.

    Best pull outs are to the left as the road forks after the cattle guard.

  • Shayla F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe BLM
    May. 23, 2024

    Santa Fe BLM

    A safe place to sleep outside Santa Fe

    It's a pretty nice and mostly flat area of land with dirt roads. Most vehicles can access the roads we went on. Pretty quiet and while we did have neighbors we were by no means packed in there like sardines.

  • Scott
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe BLM
    May. 8, 2024

    Santa Fe BLM

    Tent camp Santa fe

    I haven't camped yet.This is my 1st day here.And I just got the app so I'll have to come back and give her a few after i've finished my trip

  • s
    Camper-submitted photo from FR376 Dispersed
    Apr. 27, 2024

    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

  • Brittani M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
    Apr. 20, 2024

    Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    Peaceful, clean sites

    As a dead end (there is the Taos ski resort up further, the best spots are before the ski resort) there wasn’t much traffic. One of the cleanest campsites off a road I’ve been to! Plenty of brush if you want to start a fire. There is no Verizon service.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service 439
    Mar. 17, 2024

    Forest Service 439

    Good shit.

    I work seasonal(may-oct) jobs and found out about this site from freecampsites.net, i stayed here with a frequency (abiding to the rules but frequently). There are 4 places to park on the lower section and 3 on the upper section, most spots can fit multiple cars. A little stream is near by-- a little shallow and a little mucky on the bottom, but really refreshing. The stars are incredible, also some beautiful views of the mountains from the lower section. The road in is a bit sketchy at times, but as long as you are mindful of potholes you should be good-- my minivan made it with ease.

    There are some family reunions which took place while i visited and they dont really follow the rules which sucks. One family had their stuff on the land for over a month i noticed, they had fires when not permitted, trash scattered, and they had atvs which would tear up the place a bit... other than that though this place is amazing and close enough to town if youre a seasonal worker and need a good home base. AT&T service was crap, i think one time i got 1 bar of service for a second but i bumped my phone and lost it.

    Last thing i will say is be cognizant of fires and flooding, both can happen here! Happy camping folks :)

  • Renee T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping
    Dec. 29, 2023

    Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping

    Convenient location with drawbacks

    Let me start by saying I'd stay here again. But there was such a pitted road to the right. It's too hard to get off the high banks with our Transit. On the left fork near the pit toilets, better roads but more campers. 5 rvs all in sight of one another. There was rain and snow week before that made roads worse I assume. Not much trash around. Near horse corral that gets use. 17 degrees with wind this morning but clear skies. Shooting nearby as well as the trash dump nearby. But the location can't be beat.



Guide to El Rito

Camping near El Rito, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and cozy campgrounds. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or a spot with plenty of activities, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: There are numerous trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the “Abiquiu Lake Vista Trail,” which is a great spot for hiking and biking. One reviewer mentioned, “Access to a few trails, but water access requires a bit of a drive. Amazing views.”
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds are near lakes and rivers, making them perfect for fishing. A visitor at Hopewell Lake Campground said, “The trout fishing is fun and always a success at the lake.”
  • Stargazing: The clear skies in this region are perfect for stargazing. A camper at Cebolla Mesa Campground noted, “Great dark sky viewing! Our spot was close to some very nice overlooks.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. One happy camper at Riana - Abiquiu Lake said, “The sites are well laid out, with plenty of room between neighbors. Amazing views.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are noted for their cleanliness. A visitor at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa mentioned, “The bathhouse at the camping area was well heated with wonderfully hot showers, flush toilets, and plenty of space.”
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their hospitality. A reviewer at Taos Valley RV Park & Campground shared, “The owner is very hospitable and following her dream of owning the park.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Rio Chama Campground, have basic facilities. A camper noted, “The campground is rustic. Water and electric only.”
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Heron Lake State Park Campground is open from May 15 to September 17.
  • Road Conditions: Some campgrounds may have rough access roads. A visitor at Cebolla Mesa Campground advised, “It takes about half an hour to drive in, through rutted, dirt roads.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like playgrounds. A camper at Taos Valley RV Park & Campground mentioned, “There is a somewhat dated playground and a dump station.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One family enjoyed the “walking trail around the park” at Taos Valley RV Park & Campground.
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and layers, especially if camping in cooler months. A visitor at Hotel Luna Mystica noted, “The trailer was really cute...but we thought it got a little cold at night.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to confirm if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa mentioned, “They do have a dump station but it is an extra cost.”
  • Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some RV sites can be close together. A camper at Rio Chama Campground said, “Campsites are close together but far enough to maintain some privacy.”
  • Plan for Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways, so be prepared for some noise. A visitor at Hotel Luna Mystica noted, “Can kinda hear road noise but not too bad.”

Camping near El Rito, New Mexico, offers a unique experience with its beautiful landscapes and welcoming campgrounds. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near El Rito, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near El Rito, NM is Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near El Rito, NM?

    TheDyrt.com has all 51 dispersed camping locations near El Rito, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.