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Best Dispersed Camping near Grants, NM

43 Reviews

Six Mile Canyon provides free dispersed camping near Grants, New Mexico with several primitive sites along a dirt road that connects to Interstate 40. The main access road is generally navigable for most vehicles when dry, but becomes impassable after rainfall. "Do not attempt after rain. People get stuck!" warns one reviewer. Sites are available within the first few miles, with more secluded options further down the canyon.

The area offers several established spots with primitive fire rings and flat parking areas suitable for tents and smaller RVs. No amenities are available - no water, toilets, or trash service. Several reviews mention highway noise in sites closest to I-40, with quieter locations accessible by driving deeper into the canyon. A Flying J truck stop is located nearby for supplies. Cell service is generally good, with most reviewers reporting adequate Verizon coverage. The gate to the canyon may be seasonally closed from December through March.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Grants, New Mexico (7)

    1. BLM land near Grants, NM

    1 Review
    Bluewater Village, NM
    7 miles

    2. Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    31 Reviews
    Jamestown, NM
    41 miles
    Website

    "No amenities but very close to Flying J! The dirt road was dry but you could tell after a rain it would be impassable."

    "We drove 3 miles down a dirt road before picking our spot. You could easily park anywhere but they have some spots with fire-pits, there are no hook ups or water so be prepared."

    3. Forest Service Road Large Camp

    1 Review
    San Mateo, NM
    22 miles

    "This spot is fairly wide open spacious, right off the Continental Divide Trail, and has two fire rings. You can drive to this location Via forest service road 456 until it turns into FSR 239."

    4. Turkey Springs

    7 Reviews
    Fort Wingate, NM
    42 miles

    "Several sites off the smaller two track roads can support good size trailers with lots of flat open space.  A few sites in the trees right on the road could only support vans or tents.  "

    "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!"

    5. Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site

    4 Reviews
    Jamestown, NM
    41 miles
    Website

    "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"

    "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. Thoroughly enjoyed the area. Biked 6 miles up the road."

    6. Camel Head Camp

    1 Review
    Torreon, NM
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 761-8700

    "Tucked into the ledge. Probably a mess in a rain storm but a wonderful spot to disperse camp."

    7. Ignacio Chavez SMA Dispersed

    Be the first to review!
    Torreon, NM
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 761-8700
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Grants, NM

14 Photos of 7 Grants Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Grants, NM

43 Reviews of 7 Grants Campgrounds

  • Brandon S.
    Oct. 2, 2023

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Not sure what's better pilot gas station or this area

    This is just down the road from a pilot gas station so that aspect is nice.

    Very rough road would suggest 4*4 or clearance for bad weather access. I had an awd car and made it but I didn't go more than a few miles past the actual start of camping areas for fear of being washed out. Not a lot of space from a spot to camp and the road. Also not a lot of spaces that have been " broken in". Has free roaming cows as well.

    Again I would almost just stay at the gas station unless your vehicle is able to handle a rough road.

    Also I have T-Mobile and had a hell of a time with reception you get it but not consistent or strong at all 1-2 bars.

  • Meggy B.
    Apr. 22, 2023

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Quiet and private with awesome views!

    We arrived after dark and found it with ease. No amenities but very close to Flying J! 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 and woke up to a beautiful sunrise. Highly recommend!

  • Mark M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2021

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Close to I-40

    Be careful taking the road past the parking lot! There is a deep mud pit on the right that looks just like normal dirt. When going in stay to the left, and when leaving stay right

    GPS led me to the wrong location as I'm sure it did many - route yourself to Six Mile Canyon RD instead, it should take you to these coordinates:

    Lat: 35.439524 Lon: -108.545567

    You'll see the lot at first. I couldn't tell if there were campsites there or not (looked like they were at least walk ins, but it's so quiet I'm sure you could do whatever here).

    I took the road back. I was skeptic because it looked real beat up and I'm driving a Kia Forte, but it took me back to a campsite when I took a right at the fork. It only took about 3 min to get there, no idea how far back you need to go if you take the left at the fork.

    Overall they're quite sites tucked away. My site has a very primitive fire pit, not sure if it's like that at every site. It's also super buggy out here so make sure to bring spray!

    Saw a lot of people saying it's right off the highway, it's maybe about 5/10 minutes back once you get the right exit, so not bad at all if you need a night to just crash.

  • Bob & Ramona F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2022

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    "Iffy" to get to.....

    Not able to access this site of ours trained in the last week. It's a 1 lane road to get to site. Just before the "T" there is an area when all the water goes thru. This is a sandy/dirt crossing and would be fine if no water. There had been some in the area and while it wasn't raining that day, there was 12"+ deep of mud to cross. Can't imagine the challenge of our was dry upon arriving and trained overnight! Take caution and watch the weather reports before attempting. We had to back up about 1/2 mile as there was no place to turn around.

  • A
    May. 11, 2021

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Perfect spot for a few days of camping no no

    We are doing a trip across the country, looking for cheap to free campsite and this one wast perfect. Right off the Interstate, the sign can be easily missed so keep an eye out. We drove 3 miles down a dirt road before picking our spot. You could easily park anywhere but they have some spots with fire-pits, there are no hook ups or water so be prepared.

  • Ruby D.
    Sep. 2, 2021

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Good Enough

    While driving cross country, my friend and I were just looking for a place to camp for the night, relatively hassle free. We put “Six Mile rd” into our GPS and it took us to one of those dirt roads that runs right along the highway. We made the mistake of going in the dark, and we got lost and wound up in a residential neighborhood because we were convinced there was no way the campsites were out the highway rd. The road also said rd work, no access ahead, so we thought we couldn’t even get to it. When we made it, it was hard to tell if there were any campsites, as we didn’t see anyone else camping. We went up a steep hill and there was a huge washout and our car almost fell down nearly 10 feet. In the end, we just pulled off the road and parked for the night. The highway was visible and super loud all night long. My tip, DONT TRY TO FIND IT IN THE DARK!

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2024

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Watch out for rain

    I’m actually stuck here as I’m writing this because the rain washed out the road, and everything is so muddy. I was tired and the weather app said only a 50% chance of rain for an hour, but boy was that wrong. A nice spot besides that, close to the highway but far enough away to not have much noise. I would avoid it in the future without something 4x4 though.

  • Mike V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2025

    Forest Service Road Large Camp

    Good Open spot with fire ring

    This spot is fairly wide open spacious, right off the Continental Divide Trail, and has two fire rings. You can drive to this location Via forest service road 456 until it turns into FSR 239.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2021

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Good spot away from the Interstate

    Nice sites for an overnight stop over away from the noise and traffic of the interstate.

    A little difficult to find but once we did we had a very peaceful night under a star filled sky. 

    Keep free camping alive by keeping campsites litter free.

    A little clean up goes along way.

Guide to Grants

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Grants, New Mexico, where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of sites, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Grants, New Mexico

  • Many dispersed camping spots, like Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping, are easily accessible from major highways, making them convenient for travelers.
  • Be prepared for rough roads; some areas may require a 4WD vehicle, especially after rain, as noted by visitors at Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site.
  • Always pack out what you pack in, as facilities like trash disposal are often unavailable at these sites, ensuring you leave the natural beauty untouched.

Scenic views and solitude for dispersed campers

  • For those seeking a peaceful retreat, Turkey Springs offers beautiful surroundings and a chance to escape the crowds, with many spots far apart from each other.
  • Campers at Camel Head Camp have praised its secluded location, perfect for a quiet night under the stars.
  • The area around Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping provides stunning views and a chance to connect with nature, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.

Dispersed campers should check out Six Mile Canyon

  • The Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping site is known for its accessibility and scenic beauty, attracting campers looking for a quick getaway.
  • Visitors have noted that while the initial road can be rough, the rewards of finding a great campsite make it worthwhile, as experienced by those who stayed at Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site.
  • Keep in mind that some campers recommend avoiding this area during rainy weather due to muddy conditions, a tip shared by those who camped at Turkey Springs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Grants, NM?

Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping is a popular option located just off the interstate near a Pilot/Flying J gas station. The entrance can be easily missed, so watch carefully for the sign. The dirt road extends about 3 miles with multiple pull-off spots for camping. Another option is Forest Service Road Large Camp, which is accessible via Forest Service Road 456 until it turns into FSR 239. This spacious area is located right off the Continental Divide Trail. Both locations offer free camping opportunities in the Grants area, though road conditions can vary significantly with weather.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Grants, New Mexico?

Dispersed camping near Grants follows standard public land regulations. At Turkey Springs, camping is permitted on both sides of Route 162 before the uphill section. Sites typically follow the 14-day stay limit common on public lands. Practice Leave No Trace principles—several campers at dispersed sites emphasize the importance of keeping areas litter-free to preserve free camping opportunities. Fire regulations vary seasonally, but established fire rings should be used when available. At Ignacio Chavez SMA Dispersed, standard dispersed camping rules apply with no permits required, though seasonal fire restrictions may be implemented during dry periods.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Grants, NM?

Dispersed camping sites near Grants are primitive with very limited amenities. At Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site, there are no facilities like water, restrooms, or trash service—bringing everything you need and packing out all waste is essential. Some sites have informal fire rings created by previous campers. The main advantage is proximity to services in Grants, with locations like Camel Head Camp being close enough to town for supply runs. Most dispersed sites offer privacy, open spaces for larger vehicles, and natural settings with minimal development. Cell service can be spotty depending on the specific location and proximity to main roads.

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