Dispersed camping near Gallup, New Mexico provides options at elevations ranging from desert landscapes to pine forests above 7,000 feet. Many areas remain accessible year-round, though seasonal road closures affect certain locations during winter months. Dispersed sites typically require visitors to pack out all trash and waste, as management agencies provide no services at these primitive camping locations.
What to do
Explore forest roads: Turkey Springs offers numerous opportunities for hiking and mountain biking on forest roads. "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," notes Steve M.
Photography opportunities: Six Mile Canyon features scenic landscapes ideal for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset. "We stopped here for the night and caught a nice sunset," reports one camper who stayed at Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site.
Wildlife observation: The higher elevation camping areas host diverse wildlife. "Great spot nice and cool among the tall pines and Oaks. Road in is very accessible lots of spots available," mentions a visitor about the natural surroundings.
What campers like
Temperature variation: The higher elevation at Turkey Springs provides cooler temperatures compared to Gallup. "It is above 7k, so it does get colder at night than the local forecast for Gallup," explains Timothy N.
Space between sites: Campers appreciate the privacy available at Six Mile Canyon. "The valley road cuts through green canyon bluffs and rolling hills with good tree coverage. Lots of fun and scenic driving. Spur trails are good 4x4 drives," says Twan M.
Accessibility for standard vehicles: Contrary to expectations, many dispersed sites can accommodate regular vehicles during dry conditions. "I drove my Prius in during the summer and it was fine. Granted, I could see how this would be hazardous if the ground was soft and muddy," states a camper.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Gates to certain areas close during winter months. "The gate at the end of the road is closed Dec. 15 to March 31. Parked outside the gate for the night. Looks like a nice area if I could get there," reports a visitor to Six Mile Canyon.
Variable road conditions: Weather significantly affects access to camping areas. "Don't recommend if it's muddy! Great spot! Lots of options and tons of open space. Beautiful area," cautions Kenny R.
Cell service considerations: Mobile reception varies by location and carrier. "TMobile access was mixed. Sometimes limited LTE, sometimes 5G," notes a camper about Turkey Springs.
Local traffic noise: Some sites experience road noise during portions of the day. "The paved road is loud in the morning and evening with ranch/quarry traffic, but it is very quiet at night," explains a camper.
Tips for camping with families
Select sites near entrance: Families with young children may prefer sites closer to main roads. "We just needed a place to spend the night and arrived late in the evening, so unfortunately we weren't able to explore the area. We only drove about 1.5 miles passed the gates, but we saw several camp spots with fire rings," shares a camper who found suitable sites without traveling far down access roads.
Find level spots: Some areas offer large flat sites perfect for family setups. "There were several spots. We did have to drive a couple miles to get away from other campers. Was perfectly fine after a day of cross country driving," notes Jami C.
Consider weather forecasts: Temperature variations between Gallup and higher elevation sites can be significant, requiring additional planning for family comfort. "Great spot! Lots of options and tons of open space. Beautiful area. 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," advises a camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: RVers should scout suitable spots before committing. "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. We got a site for 2 RVs that protected us from an impending windstorm. Sites not very level but managed to get the RVs level enough," shares Terry O.
Road assessment: RV travelers should evaluate road conditions carefully. "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," cautions an RVer.
Plan for self-sufficiency: No hookups or services exist at these locations, requiring RVers to arrive fully supplied. "Nothing fancy. Close to I-40 but you can get far enough away to limit road noise. Road is good enough to drag a camper back. Sites are pretty decent sized," explains a camper about the practical considerations.
