Top Free Dispersed Camping near Grants, NM

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Grants, NM (4)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Grants

31 Reviews of 4 Grants Campgrounds


  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Nice stay for two days

    We picked this free area for convenience (easy to get to from I40) and how it looked in photos.
    What other reviews say about the start of the road being rough is correct. The wash areas are really poorly maintained. Once you get past this the road is pretty good.
    We found a nice campsite and were able to get level in the pickup camper. Stayed two night and enjoyed the beauty.
    Some complain about noise form I40, but if you come back into the area you can’t hear it.

  • m
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    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.

  • James G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    May. 20, 2024

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful spot!

    This was a great find along the 40. The road is a bit long but it follows the 40 most of the way and is accessible for most cars. Though lower clearance may need to be careful at certain points. We found that the spots were far apart so we didn't have anyone near us.

    I would definitely stay here again.

  • Terry O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site
    May. 7, 2024

    Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site

    Beautiful views in the canyon

    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. Thoroughly enjoyed the area. Biked 6 miles up the road. Had cell service (Verizon and T-mobile).

  • Rainer R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 21, 2024

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot

    Great Spot! Clean and easy to find. A bit bumpy to access. 2WD will only bring you to the first two sites. We were told from another camper that for all others you will need 4WD . Also it seems the access can become muddy after rain. You will probably need 4WD in that case too.

  • Lea B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 17, 2024

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Quiet location with great cell coverage

    The area is beautiful with a winding road that takes you farther if you want to go. I drove in about .25 mile and found a nice spot that others had used as a camp site.

    The road getting to Six Mile Canyon is a little rough due to ruts, but we did fine in a Class C. Just went really slowly.

  • Twan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 7, 2024

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Hidden Gem

    Just off & along the interstate, you’d never know. 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. The main road is 2wd friendly for a long way, with probably 10-15 camping sites/options along the way. Very beautiful and peaceful.

  • Brandon S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    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.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    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!

  • Drew T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camel Head Camp
    Nov. 23, 2022

    Camel Head Camp

    Perfect Western Pull off

    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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 13, 2022

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Perfect over night stay

    Right off the 40. Gate was open and had a perfectly flat spot we pulled into at night so I didn’t unhitch my travel trailer. Stayed right next to the stable. Most of the area has swamp around it so watch where you’re going and watch the mosquitoes.

  • TC A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    Mar. 10, 2022

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Windy AF!!

    Great location close to flying J on the 40. Stopped for the night. 3 stars because the gate is closed and the wind. I would prefer to drive off into the yonder more. Photo of sign on other side of gate FYI. Other photo shows 40 in the distance. Two to three bars on Verizon.

  • b
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    Jan. 21, 2022

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Close to Highway, Good for a night stop

    We arrived after dark and didn’t have much trouble finding the site. The gate to the road was closed as others have said, but we just parked in front of the gate in the lot. The was one other van parked and we had no trouble in our 2WD minivan. It did look like you could follow the road up the hill to the left, but we didn’t. Noise from the highway was not a problem.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    Nov. 6, 2021

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Very peaceful

    I only stayed one night while passing through but it was very quiet. 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. Beautiful sunsets and plenty of coyotes howling in the early morning. Felt safe and would stay again!

  • Ruby D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    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!

  • Mark M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    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.

  • s
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 7, 2021

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Quick and Remote

    Right off I-40, this little gem is tucked just to the side of the interstate. Gravel roads to get to the sites but we made it to a site with a little Honda Accord without issues. Open areas with a huge beautiful sky overhead.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    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.

  • Michele D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 21, 2021

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Right next to the highway, but you’d never know it was there

    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. The road is grated and well maintained. We really weren’t sure what to expect, but this was such a beautiful spot we’re planing a trip back with friends so we can explore more.

  • Nat&Rach C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 14, 2021

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Great spot for a night’s sleep

    Quick drive to this surprisingly secluded place to spend the night on our way through. 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. For the left side, the road to the dispersed sites is quite lopsided so I’d avoid it with a top heavy vehicle like our heavy ass van, Reggie. But otherwise great night spent here. The stars were bomb dot com.



Guide to Grants

Camping near Grants, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to relax or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes, like those at El Morro National Monument, where one reviewer mentioned, "The hikes are nice because the water is low you can walk all the way around the lake almost."
  • Fishing: Bluewater Lake State Park is a great spot for fishing. A visitor noted, "Nice view of the lake," making it a perfect backdrop for a day by the water.
  • Visiting Historical Sites: Check out the Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano. One camper shared, "The trail views are incredible and it's secluded and peaceful," highlighting the area's natural beauty and history.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. At Grants KOA Journey, one guest said, "Friendly staff. Bathrooms were private and clean," which adds to the overall comfort of the stay.
  • Affordable Rates: Many campgrounds offer great value. A reviewer at Joe Skeen Campground - El Malpais NCA mentioned, "Such a great site. Literally cannot imagine better free camping!!"
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the picturesque settings. One visitor at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground remarked, "Very quiet and beautiful lake view for only $8."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Joe Skeen Campground, do not have drinking water or showers. A camper noted, "There are clean vault toilets and trash bins," but be prepared to bring your own supplies.
  • Reservation Recommendations: Many sites fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Coal Mine Campground advised, "You could wake up and find a reservation posted at your site and have to relocate."
  • Weather Considerations: The winds can be strong at certain campgrounds. One camper at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Only drawback was the all-night incessant winds."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities like playgrounds. The Grants KOA Journey has a playground, making it a hit with kids. A reviewer said, "We spent one night here and really enjoyed our stay."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games or plan hikes that everyone can enjoy. One family found that the trails at El Morro National Monument were great for all ages, stating, "Good trails for hiking."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone energized during your adventures. A camper at Joe Skeen Campground mentioned, "There is a little dip when you turn off the main road," so having snacks on hand can help during travel.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Joe Skeen Campground noted, "There are 10 spots and it is first come, first serve, so make sure you get here early."
  • Be Prepared for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds have rough access roads. One RV traveler at Joe Skeen Campground warned, "The road coming in was a bit rough and has quite a deep dip."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Since some campgrounds lack amenities, it's wise to stock up. A visitor at Lavaland RV Park mentioned, "The vibe was something along the lines of the 'good Ol' days' of family vacationing," suggesting a nostalgic feel that might inspire you to bring along some comforts from home.

Camping near Grants, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. With a little planning, you can enjoy all that this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Grants, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Grants, NM is Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Grants, NM?

    TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Grants, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.