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Best Dispersed Camping near Glorieta, NM

175 Reviews

Primitive camping areas are scattered across public lands near Glorieta, New Mexico, primarily within Santa Fe National Forest and nearby BLM-managed land. Campers can access several free dispersed sites including Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62, Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite, and Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area. These zones allow overnight stays in undeveloped locations without hookups or facilities, typically with more space and privacy than developed campgrounds.

Many access roads to dispersed camping require slow, careful navigation due to rough terrain. Several reviewers note high clearance vehicles are recommended, particularly for Forest Road 102 where one camper reported "56 minutes to drive 3.4 miles" due to ruts and washouts. Most sites enforce a 14-day camping limit, and seasonal fire restrictions may apply. Nearly all locations lack amenities such as water, hookups, or garbage service. Vault toilets are available at some sites including Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62, though many areas have no facilities whatsoever, requiring visitors to pack out all waste.

The dispersed camping areas around Glorieta provide excellent proximity to Santa Fe while maintaining a wilderness experience. Campers report varied conditions based on specific locations. The Cow Creek area offers fall foliage viewing and fishing opportunities. Sites near Santa Fe provide convenient access to urban amenities while still feeling remote. Weather conditions can be extreme, with one visitor noting "freezing here at night but it is winter!" Wind and dust are common challenges, particularly at higher elevations. Cell service varies by location but tends to be adequate for most carriers. Some campers report wildlife sightings, including coyotes that "howl in the AM and PM," suggesting visitors should keep pets leashed and food secured.

Map showing campgrounds near Glorieta, New MexicoExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Glorieta, New Mexico (25)

    1. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    42 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    20 miles

    "This is dispersed camping with mostly RVs, some vans, and a few tents and teepees. There are no hookups but near the entrance there is a building with two enclosed bathrooms."

    "It's a great area with flat sites and close proximity to Santa Fe. The dirt road is not too long and not bad at all. There were a bunch of campers there but it didnt feel crowded."

    2. Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    26 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    20 miles

    "As you drive down the road the BLM land is clearly identified by the 14 day camping limit signs."

    "I was towing a Uhaul cross country so needed some place close-ish to the free way and with an easily accessible road: this location had both."

    3. Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    Tererro, NM
    9 miles
    Website

    "There are a few tent spots and car camping spots, and it’s right along a creek where you can fly fish."

    "2 wheel drive accessible, fresh water source, fire pit ring, room for 3 vehicles near camp, very peaceful, and zero noise and no light pollution."

    4. Forest Road 102 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    14 miles
    Website

    "We took this road to get to a hike and saw several people camping off the road or a ways up a hill where rhey had walked in. We saw limited places so be ready for first come first serve."

    5. Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 438-5300

    "A gorgeous and vast dispersed campground just a short drive from Santa Fe."

    "20 mins from Sata Fe, lots of open roads and land for dispersed camping. Can get a bit crowded and hard to find a spot away from people, but plenty of room."

    6. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    37 Reviews
    Placitas, NM
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 761-8700

    "Great little find for a quick place to car camp while driving through Albuquerque without going too far out of the way."

    "When you first arrive to the end of the road and the beginning of the public land - you have the option to go left, straight, or right."

    7. Manzanares Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Tererro, NM
    12 miles

    8. Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    18 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    39 miles

    "We were just looking for a place to crash in our SUV before going to Bandelier National Monument in the morning and continuing on our road trip."

    "Along the entire length of this road dispersed camping is allowed."

    9. Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    26 Reviews
    Tijeras, NM
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 346-3900

    "This dispersed camping is a great spot to stop. There are multiple site identified with lot signs and fire rings. Some of the spots are Easier to access than others."

    "No facilities. Dry camping only. The sights are not well defined but there's enough clearings between the trees to make do."

    10. Las Dos Dispersed Campsite

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    White Rock, NM
    22 miles
    Website
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Glorieta, NM

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Glorieta, NM

175 Reviews of 25 Glorieta Campgrounds

  • Dan G.
    Aug. 6, 2021

    Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    Santa Fe BLM

    This is dispersed camping with mostly RVs, some vans, and a few tents and teepees. There are no hookups but near the entrance there is a building with two enclosed bathrooms. There is no trash collection so you must carry out everything you bring in. This is great free camping or just free overnight parking if you are self sufficient with your own water and solar power. There is lots of space but it seems like a lot of people just pull in and find spots near the front. We camped in August 2021 and days got up to 90 degrees. We hung out in SantaFe until about 8pm and it dropped to 80 and the breeze picked up. It is dry in the desert so 80 is very comfortable. Another nice thing about desert camping is there are some flies, and a few mosquitos but compared to the moist midwest we seem fine without having to use a lot of bug repellant. We will stay here again.

  • muj V.
    Oct. 7, 2021

    Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    Great area close to Santa Fe

    It's a great area with flat sites and close proximity to Santa Fe. The dirt road is not too long and not bad at all. There were a bunch of campers there but it didnt feel crowded. There was a pit toilet, clean and maintained (had fully stocked TP).

    Driving along the access road, seems like there are also camping spots before the gate, but within the gate is the Forest Service grounds.

    Stars are amazing at night. We saw nearby hiking and mtb trails, though we didnt get to try them. Santa Fe is also a great city to visit while here.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2023

    Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful fall colors

    There are a few tent spots and car camping spots, and it’s right along a creek where you can fly fish. It was a longer drive out there than expected, but there’s a sign that lets you know your in the National forest and out of peoples private property. You probably want 4WD because the road was rough, but definitely worth it with the fall colors! We loved this spot!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 29, 2023

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Worked for our needs

    We were just looking for a place to crash in our SUV before going to Bandelier National Monument in the morning and continuing on our road trip. Showed up at midnight and grabbed the first flat spot to park. Convenient and free is always nice. 20 min from the visitors center. There was a “No Campfires” sign at the entrance despite what this listing states.

  • Jeanie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Close to Bandelier and Los Alamos

    We stayed here 3 nights over Memorial Day weekend. Got in Thursday night and there were plenty of sites to choose from. As other reviews have said, the sites are spaced out well and there were always sites available throughout the weekend. We camped on the road that immediately turns to the right. Along the entire length of this road dispersed camping is allowed. If you go to the left (high clearance is good to have but could make it with 2wd) dispersed camping isn't allowed till you're about a mile in (see map picture). There are some fun single track trails (Water Canyon and Perimeter Trail) accessible from the campsite if you plan on mt biking or running/hiking. Bandelier National Monument is about 15 min drive away and is a fun place to checkout and climb in some cliff dwellings.
    Just as a side note we saw 3 coyotes our first night in and heard them howling in the AM and PM, so keep pets leashed if you bring them and keep small kiddos close!

  • Stephanie D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Forest Road 102 Dispersed

    Borrego Trail-Long, bumpy road

    Long, bumpy one-lane dirt road. 2-5mph the whole way. No shoulder. No way to back up or turn around. Lots of ruts and washouts. Only a couple of turn-arounds way up the mountain. Not good for trailers. Best for high clearance or 4x4. Several walk in campsites if you have a small vehicle. If you make it to the top, there’s a handful of nice campsites that you can drive into. We made it, but it was rough! 56 minutes to drive 3.4 miles.

  • TheCampingNerd ..
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    Huge Free Camping Area That Feels Safe Near Santa Fe

    There are a ton of campsites here, and even more options if you have a high clearance vehicle. 

    If you have a low clearance RV I recommend taking the first road to the left after crossing the cattle guard. That road leads around most of the camping area and you can avoid the side roads with the steep entrances. 

    It is right next to a landfill which is interesting but there were no flies or smells in October. 

    For a free camping area right next to a city the area felt safe and was surprisingly clean.

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2019

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Great Spot for Free Camping before the Caldera!

    This is a nice secluded dispersed campsite on the eastern flanks of the Valles Caldera.  It's the closest CG to Sante Fe along the 4 before it enters the caldera proper.  While most of the trees in this area were burnt by fires less than 10 years ago, it still provides great views of the valley below and the highest mountains in all of New Mexico!  The campground has no amenities so bring everything you'll need and bring along a high clearance vehicle if you plan on heading up the road beyond the campsites that are right off the pavement to the right.

    Besides exploring the caldera there are plenty of amazing things to do in nearby Sante Fe!  Our favorite attraction was the MeowWolf permanent art exhibit.  It's an absolutely amazing surreal piece of art that you walk through and interact.  I cannot stress enough how much you should visit because in addition to being an art pillar in New Mexico they also contribute to local and soon regional art and philanthropic endeavors.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    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,

Guide to Glorieta

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Glorieta, New Mexico, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots that cater to different camping styles, from secluded sites to those with easy access to local attractions.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Glorieta

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • Explore the nearby hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views, especially from Pajarito Springs (Dispersed), which offers a quiet retreat with stunning landscapes.
  • Visit the picturesque surroundings of Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site, where wild horses roam freely, adding a unique charm to your camping experience.
  • Discover the diverse wildlife and natural beauty at American Springs, a spot that provides a peaceful atmosphere for nature lovers.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Glorieta, New Mexico

  • Be prepared for varying road conditions; for instance, the access to Forest Road 102 Dispersed may require a vehicle with good clearance due to its dirt and rocky terrain.
  • Always pack out what you bring in, as many areas like Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed have reported issues with litter left behind by campers.
  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife and be respectful of their habitat, especially in areas like Aspen Basin Campground, where encounters with animals can be common.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is dispersed camping allowed near Glorieta, New Mexico?

Dispersed camping is available in several areas around Glorieta, New Mexico. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed offers numerous free camping spots with flat sites and is conveniently located near Santa Fe. Another option is Pajarito Springs (Dispersed), located on the eastern flanks of the Valles Caldera, making it the closest dispersed camping area to Santa Fe along Route 4. Both areas provide secluded camping opportunities in the national forest with no hookups or facilities beyond basic vault toilets at some locations.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Glorieta?

Dispersed camping in the Glorieta area follows standard Forest Service and BLM regulations. At Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area, campers must practice Leave No Trace principles - pack out all trash and waste. Most areas have a 14-day stay limit. There are typically no hookups available, and campfires may be restricted seasonally. At Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite, campers should use existing fire rings when permitted and keep sites at least 200 feet from water sources. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip as they change based on seasonal conditions.

Is 4WD required to access dispersed camping areas in Glorieta?

4WD requirements vary by location. Forest Road 102 Dispersed features a long, bumpy one-lane dirt road with ruts and washouts, making it best suited for high-clearance or 4WD vehicles. Similarly, Forest Service 439 has rough access roads that can be challenging for trailers or low-clearance vehicles. However, some areas like Camp May Road offer easier access. For RVs or vehicles without 4WD, it's advisable to stick to main forest roads or take the first turns after cattle guards to avoid rougher terrain. Road conditions can worsen after rain or snow.

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