Best Dispersed Camping near Española, NM
Looking for dispersed camping near Española? Find the best information on dispersed campgrounds near Española, including photos, reviews, and tips. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Española, NM (50)
1. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed
Santa Fe, New Mexico39 Reviews•81 Photos•502 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Toilets
- Alcohol
2. Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
Santa Fe, New Mexico21 Reviews•30 Photos•286 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
3. Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)
Los Alamos, New Mexico11 Reviews•41 Photos•315 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- WiFi
- Alcohol
4. Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping
Santa Fe, New Mexico7 Reviews•21 Photos•106 SavesThe Caja del Rio area is a lower elevation and drier section of the Santa Fe National Forest. This is mainly a Piñon-Juniper dominated vegetation zone with areas of sage and mixed grasses. It is often open for recreational opportunities when the rest of the Forest is snowed over. Watch for seasonal road closures due to wet and very muddy roads. It is another good area for solitude and lesser travelled trails.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Toilets
5. BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area
Carson, New Mexico8 Reviews•10 Photos•318 SavesThe Orilla Verde Recreation Area is located within the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument and along the Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River. Nestled along the banks of the Rio Grande and within the steep-walled Rio Grande Gorge, the campgrounds in this area offer nearby access to the river. The elevation along the river is 6,100 feet and the steep canyon rises 800 feet from the river to the Gorge rim. Because of the dramatic changes in elevation and the diversity of plant life, Orilla Verde draws many species of animals, including raptors (such as eagles and hawks), songbirds, waterfowl, beaver, cougar, ringtail, mule deer, and more. The Rio Grande also has attracted humans since prehistoric times. Evidence of ancient peoples is found throughout the Recreation Area in the form of petroglyphs on the rocks and many other types of archaeological sites. The climate at Orilla Verde is semi-arid, with summer thunderstorms common in July and August, and snow possible from October through March. Summer temperatures range from 45 to 90 degrees, and winter temperatures range from -15 to 45 degrees
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
$5 - $15 / night
6. Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park
Jemez Springs, New Mexico13 Reviews•57 Photos•551 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
7. FR376 Dispersed
Jemez Springs, New Mexico7 Reviews•48 Photos•170 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
8. Forest Road 558
Ojo Caliente, New Mexico3 Reviews•10 Photos•29 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Española
149 Reviews of 50 Española Campgrounds
Vivian H.
Scout
Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed
Decent dispersed camping
Area is open. There’s some trash right as you come in, but there’s plenty of clean spots not too much further in. Decent spot, though also popular.
- JJosh M.
Guide
FR376 Dispersed
Amazing !
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.
- JJosh M.Guide
Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)
Nice place for a night
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.
Mark D.
TravelerFR376 Dispersed
Temporary Closure
After 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
Julie K.Guide
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 the van. 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.
- RRhys R.Guide
Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
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
Wade G.ScoutSanta Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
Spacious, free, always room…
We loved it. Very spacious. Fire pits here and there.
Melissa J.Guide
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.
- KKayla D.Traveler
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.Guide
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.
- CCheryl 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.
Cameron L.GuideSanta Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
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!
- MMark P.Traveler
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.ScoutDispersed 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.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
- RRobert F.Guide
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.GuideFR376 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.
Walter T.Traveler
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.Guide
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 .
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.
Erik B.Guide
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.ScoutSanta Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
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.
- Dominica T.Guide
Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed
Santa fe boondocking
Overall I really liked this spot. However no one seems to keep their dogs on a leash despite the law being 6 foot leash at all times. They let their dogs roam thru everyone's campsites.
ScottScoutSanta Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
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
- 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
Brittani M.TravelerArroyo 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.
Guide to Española
Dispersed camping near Española, New Mexico, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of sites, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers
- The Pajarito Springs (Dispersed) area provides quiet, secluded spaces, especially if you venture further down the road, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- For those who appreciate a mix of accessibility and beauty, Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping is conveniently located close to Santa Fe, offering stunning sunrises and sunsets.
- If you’re looking for a spot with a bit more adventure, American Springs features steep roads leading to incredible views, making it a rewarding destination for those willing to navigate the terrain.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Española
- Hiking enthusiasts will find plenty of trails near Forest Road 558, where you can explore the natural beauty of the area while enjoying the peace of dispersed camping.
- Wildlife watchers will appreciate the chance to see coyotes and other animals at Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite, where the natural surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for observing local fauna.
- For those who enjoy stargazing, the remote locations like Forest Road 102 Dispersed offer minimal light pollution, making it an ideal spot to take in the night sky.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Española, New Mexico
- Always pack out what you pack in; many areas, such as Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed, have reported issues with trash left behind by campers, so be sure to leave the site cleaner than you found it.
- Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping has no drinking water or electric hookups, so bring enough supplies for your stay.
- Respect local wildlife and fellow campers by keeping noise levels down, especially in areas like Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite, where the tranquility of nature is a big draw for visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Española, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Española, NM is Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed with a 4.2-star rating from 39 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Española, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 50 dispersed camping locations near Española, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.