Best Campgrounds near Fort Wingate, NM

Dispersed camping options near Fort Wingate, New Mexico include primitive sites throughout the Cibola National Forest alongside several developed campgrounds. Quaking Aspen Campground, located in Fort Wingate, provides spacious sites with picnic tables and fire pits amid pine and aspen trees. Several dispersed camping areas exist along Six Mile Canyon Road, offering free camping options without facilities. The region includes a mix of established campgrounds with amenities like Red Rock Park & Campground in Church Rock, and more rustic Forest Service sites throughout the surrounding mountains.

Road conditions significantly impact accessibility to dispersed camping areas, particularly after rainfall. Six Mile Canyon Road becomes difficult to navigate when wet, with visitors noting the sandy/dirt crossings can become impassable with even moderate precipitation. Higher elevation sites like Quaking Aspen Campground (8,000 feet) provide cooler temperatures even during summer months, making them popular destinations during hot weather. Most dispersed sites lack facilities such as water, restrooms or trash service, while established campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities from basic vault toilets to full hookups. According to one visitor at Six Mile Canyon, "The dirt road was dry but you could tell after a rain it would be impassable. We drove about 3 miles past the second gate and found a great little pull off."

Campers consistently praise Quaking Aspen Campground for its spacious sites and clean facilities despite its primitive nature. Several visitors highlighted the campground's quietness and privacy, with one noting "the sites are well maintained with a grill and firepit on each one." For those seeking free camping with fewer neighbors, Six Mile Canyon offers multiple pull-offs along its main road, though visitors recommend high-clearance vehicles for better access. The canyon provides scenic views with one camper describing how "the valley road cuts through green canyon bluffs and rolling hills with good tree coverage." Cell service varies throughout the region, with some dispersed areas reporting good coverage while others have limited connectivity. Most camping in the area is seasonal, with many Forest Service campgrounds closing during winter months.

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Wingate, New Mexico (28)

    1. Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    31 Reviews
    Jamestown, NM
    5 miles
    Website

    "Some highway noise if you stay near the entrance but once you head back, it gets quiet. No services or amenities so pack in and pack out. There’s a gas station about 7 minutes away."

    "Quick drive to this surprisingly secluded place to spend the night on our way through."

    2. USA RV Park

    60 Reviews
    Mentmore, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 863-5021

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Needed an overnight stay along Interstate 40 in New Mexico. "

    "We were so grateful to stumble upon USA RV Park on our recent trip through New Mexico. "

    3. Quaking Aspen Campground

    15 Reviews
    Fort Wingate, NM
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 287-8833

    $5 / night

    "I hadn't spent much time in this part of New Mexico, and assumed that the trip was going to be hot and sun-bleached, similar to the desert exposed in nearby Gallup, NM."

    "Located about 15min from I-40 is this campground. It offers everything you would expect including tables, fire pits, restrooms, and trash. For only $5 a day you can't beat it."

    4. Red Rock Park & Campground

    17 Reviews
    Rehoboth, NM
    6 miles
    Website

    "I have stayed at this campground several time it was a New Mexico Stae Park, it has since been turned over to the city of Gallup as a city park."

    "My first visit to New Mexico and the southwest. Red Rock Park is in Gallup, NM right on the Arizona state line in between Albuquerque and Flagstaff."

    5. Turkey Springs

    7 Reviews
    Fort Wingate, NM
    5 miles

    "Easy to get to with no four-wheel drive needed. Many pull-off spots and several pull throughs with lots of shady pines and wonderful breezes and wildlife."

    "I decided to stay at the nearby Quaking Aspen Campground (0.5 mile away) due to this dispersed camping area kinda being a mudpit after the rain 😂 Would be awesome during a dry time!"

    6. Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site

    4 Reviews
    Jamestown, NM
    5 miles
    Website

    "We did have to drive a couple miles to get away from other campers. Was perfectly fine after a day of cross country driving. Camped in a Jeep."

    7. McGaffey Campground

    3 Reviews
    Fort Wingate, NM
    7 miles
    Website

    "There’s an east 3 mile trail for those who like to hike/walk. You are 10 miles from I40 so no vehicular noise to deal with."

    "There is a trail alongside for hiking or bikes. There is no water or cell service, so plan on bringing a couple gallons with you."

    8. Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Prewitt, NM
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 876-2391

    $15 - $90 / night

    "This was the only lake we saw on our trip to the cattle ranch in New Mexico ;) The park is lovely and we truly enjoyed our time here. There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing."

    "Beautiful New Mexico sunset."

    9. El Morro National Monument

    21 Reviews
    Pinehill, NM
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 783-4226

    "An extremely well maintained campsite situated on a bluff with distant views over the desert and only a short hike to the visitor center."

    "The sites are pretty close to each other and there only 1 bathroom that gets very used. It’s kept clean but smells awful. Drinking water is available as well as grills and fire rings at every site."

    10. Grants KOA Journey

    20 Reviews
    Grants, NM
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 287-4376

    $45 / night

    "General: Conveniently located close to I40, there are 20 pull-through 50-amp sites, 16 pull-through 30-amp sites, five back-in water/electric sites (ok for tents), five tent-only sites (no hookups)"

    "Close to Hwy 40. There is a walking path next to the campground that is in a lava field and there are signs along the path with fun facts of the history of the lava field."

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Recent Reviews near Fort Wingate, NM

244 Reviews of 28 Fort Wingate Campgrounds


  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    Beautiful stop

    Have this 4 stars instead of 5 cause literally almost all of the sites are unleveled so it was hard to find the right fit but other than that, it’s beautiful here! The lake is gorgeous, easy access and the sites are from above allowing a high view of the lake

    There are also sites with electric and water (no lake view) but near bathroom and a playground

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    USA RV Park

    Great location for a short stop over.

    Easy access. Free for veterans. Store, laundry, pool and propane. Pool and cabins. Tight sites.

  • Stacia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano

    A little run down but nice people

    We planned on staying the night here but ended up moving on because the lack of space. Nice if you’re just stopping in for the hike and to see the volcano & ice cave!

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site

    Great spot

    Six Mile canyon road off I40 is a bit rough in places. I did fine in my pro master but if it's muddy or wet I wouldn't attempt it without 4WD. Beautiful spot once you find a place though. Not many pull outs

  • Kimberly L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    USA RV Park

    Family owned and friendly

    Nice place for an overnight or longer if you don't mind close neighbors. The family running it are friendly, welcoming, and respectful. Amenities are above par and everything is real clean. You can tell they take pride in the establishment. I prefer more room between sites and less highway noise but they're not overly crowded and it is a convenient location for just traveling through. I went back and forth between giving 4 or 5 stars.

  • Nathan T.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    USA RV Park

    Very nice park

    Showers and restroom are available and very clean, well maintained and quiet.

  • j
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Red Rock Park & Campground

    Very relaxed camping site

    We were looking for a site near Gallup NM to camp for a few days to checkout 4 corners and other places. We read some bad reviews of the campground but decided to give it a try. The online booking was super easy. Almost immediately got conformation with site number and bathroom codes. We were in our RV so the codes were not needed. There is no camp host or office. Just go to your site and hookup. The site was clean with 50 amp power and water, it also had a small BBQ, picknick table and was fairly level. The site was under $25 for the night. We stayed for a couple of nights. The red rocks around the camp were awesome. Trash cans were close to our site and someone picked it up daily. The RV dump was near our site with water to flush the system and top off water before the next adventure. 

    We recommend this campground and would stay here again if in the area.

    John & Meme, Roxy & Zeke

  • Lauren W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Red Rock Park & Campground

    Easy access and great price

    Stayed here after a long day on the road for some shut eye. Booked online and confirmation was immediately sent via email that included the bathroom door code. Arrived after hours without issue. Showered in the morning and left without ever having to talk to any staff. Would not recommend for tents due to sandy and small sites, but great option for sleeping in your car. Make sure to select dry camping if you aren’t using water or electricity at the site for a discount. One night total was $13.81. Can’t beat that.

  • Jordan A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    BLM land near Grants, NM

    It's a place to stay

    Road is a little rough getting in and can be bad if it rains. Plenty of room to park. No fire rings. There is an unofficial shooting range on the property.


Guide to Fort Wingate

Dispersed camping areas near Fort Wingate offer varied terrain between 7,000-8,000 feet elevation with pronounced temperature differences from nearby Gallup. Many forest service roads close from December 15 through March 31, limiting winter camping options. The region features ponderosa pine forests interspersed with aspen stands, juniper, and oak scrub vegetation.

What to do

Hiking at McGaffey Campground: The campground connects to a 3-mile trail suitable for both hiking and mountain biking. One visitor noted, "There is a trail alongside for hiking or bikes. Really nice hiking / mountain bike trails."

Fishing at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground: Located about 30 minutes from Fort Wingate, the lake offers fishing opportunities with several spots directly along the shoreline. A camper mentioned, "The primitive camping is all along the lake so you can park and walk right in with your canoe or SUP."

Explore petroglyphs at El Morro National Monument: This historic site features ancient inscriptions and pueblo ruins with designated hiking trails. "We got up early to hike El Morro since the trails are only open from 9-5 (be back at the ranger station by 4:45). We were the first ones on the trail and stairs," shared one visitor who recommended the stair route for best views.

Off-road exploration at Turkey Springs: The dispersed camping area offers additional recreational opportunities beyond camping. A visitor described, "Spur trails are good 4x4 drives. The main road is 2wd friendly for a long way."

What campers like

Cooler temperatures: The high elevation camping spots provide relief from summer heat. At Quaking Aspen Campground, a camper observed, "We were here in August and it was pleasantly cool. Also plenty of firewood."

Spacious sites at McGaffey Campground: Despite Forest Service website restrictions, larger rigs can access this campground. A camper clarified, "The forest service website says 22' max trailer but that's not what we found! I'm in a 38' motor home and there were NO tight spots at all! Site 10 is back in but we had 30' to spare."

Affordability: Many camping options in the area are free or low-cost. A visitor at Turkey Springs noted, "Easy to get to with no four-wheel drive needed. Many pull-off spots and several pull throughs with lots of shady pines and wonderful breezes and wildlife."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The surrounding forests support diverse wildlife. One camper at Turkey Springs mentioned, "Secluded spots available and very quiet and beautiful location," where wildlife sightings are common.

What you should know

Seasonal closures: Several forest roads and camping areas have restricted winter access. At Six Mile Canyon Road, "The gate at the end of the road is closed Dec. 15 to March 31. Parked outside the gate for the night."

Varying road conditions: Access to many dispersed sites requires planning for potential road challenges. A camper at Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site shared, "Went about 2 miles up the road to find the last good spot. Found a few sites off of the road before this but all occupied."

Limited facilities: Many dispersed sites lack basic amenities. At Quaking Aspen Campground, "No running water but there's an outhouse toilet that's clean enough and a dumpster for waste."

Cell service variability: Connectivity differs by location and carrier. A Six Mile Canyon Road visitor reported, "We had cell service (Verizon and T-mobile)," while at McGaffey Campground, another noted, "NO cell service - at least AT&T."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access at Bluewater Lake: For families with children, this state park offers recreational facilities. A visitor mentioned, "Playground for the kiddos, lots of areas to explore with the puppers, and plenty of bathrooms and Ramadas available for day use."

Educational opportunities: El Morro National Monument offers ranger programs during summer weekends. "Between the separated free sites, small number of spots, and ranger programming on-site at the campground every weekend, it was a top 5 favorite spot for us," shared a camper.

Food delivery options at USA RV Park: When camping with children, the convenience of food delivery can be valuable. One family mentioned, "We were able to get pizza delivered to our RV site which was a big hit with the kids."

Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can be significant. An El Morro camper advised, "In February on our drive from St. Louis to the Grand Canyon. It was beautiful and FREE! It was also extremely cold in February, like my water bottle froze overnight."

Tips from RVers

Level site considerations: Many dispersed sites require extra effort for leveling RVs. At Six Mile Canyon Road, "Sites not very level but managed to get the RVs level enough."

Alternative RV stays: For those wanting full hookups, USA RV Park offers well-maintained facilities. A guest described, "Full hookups with military and good sam discounts. We've stayed here before and we will again. A dog park, showers, rest rooms and laundry available."

Vehicle accessibility: High clearance vehicles access more remote camping spots. At Turkey Springs, "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."

Electrical needs: For those requiring power, options exist but may fill quickly. At Red Rock Park & Campground, "Unpowered sites are $10 and powered are $20. The rock in the area is pretty, but that's about it."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Fort Wingate, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Fort Wingate, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 28 campgrounds and RV parks near Fort Wingate, NM and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Fort Wingate, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fort Wingate, NM is Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping with a 3.8-star rating from 31 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fort Wingate, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Fort Wingate, NM.