Six Mile Canyon Road offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities in the high desert terrain near Grants, New Mexico. The area features juniper-dotted landscapes at approximately 6,500 feet elevation with temperature fluctuations typical of desert regions. Most sites provide basic camping with no facilities beyond existing fire rings in established locations.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: The nearby Continental Divide Trail provides access to backcountry exploration. According to a visitor at Forest Service Road Large Camp, "This spot is fairly wide open spacious, right off the Continental Divide Trail, and has two fire rings."
Mountain biking: Canyon roads offer routes for off-road cycling. A camper at Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site shared, "Biked 6 miles up the road. Had cell service (Verizon and T-mobile)."
Wildlife observation: The transition zones between canyon ecosystems support diverse wildlife. As one visitor to Turkey Springs noted, their site featured "lots of shady pines and wonderful breezes and wildlife."
What campers like
Solitude and space: Many campers appreciate the distance between sites. A camper mentioned, "We did have to drive a couple miles to get away from other campers. Was perfectly fine after a day of cross country driving."
Tree coverage: The mix of ponderosa pines provides natural shelter. A Turkey Springs visitor described, "Great Spot nice and cool among the tall pines and Oaks. Road in is very accessible lots of spots available."
Accessibility for smaller vehicles: Standard passenger cars can access many sites during dry conditions. One reviewer at Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping confirmed, "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."
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Access roads deteriorate quickly in wet weather. A recent visitor warned, "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."
Seasonal closures: Many dispersed sites close during winter months. A Turkey Springs visitor noted, "This site is closed from December 15 to March 31."
Limited level areas: Finding flat spots can require searching. One camper reported, "Sites not very level but managed to get the RVs level enough. Thoroughly enjoyed the area."
Weather preparedness: The high desert experiences significant temperature fluctuations. A visitor noted, "It is above 7k, so it does get colder at night than the local forecast for Gallup."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sheltered sites: Wind protection makes camping more comfortable. A visitor to Camel Head Camp shared, "Great little spot for a short night stay on NMBDR. Tucked into the ledge. Probably a mess in a rain storm but a wonderful spot to disperse camp."
Plan for noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some sites. A camper explained, "The paved road is loud in the morning and evening with ranch/quarry traffic, but it is very quiet at night."
Bring all supplies: No facilities means complete self-sufficiency. A reviewer stated, "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."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most roads accommodate smaller RVs only. A reviewer noted, "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."
Road navigation: Different approaches may be available. A camper explained, "Road situation is a little confusing—pin drops up to the left, but as we left in the morning we saw some folks who had taken the right side of the initial fork, so seems like both ways are an option."
Cell service availability: Connectivity varies by location and provider. A reviewer confirmed, "Lots of options for sites on both sides of 162 before it starts going uphill. TMobile access was mixed. Sometimes limited LTE, sometimes 5G."
