Best Tent Camping near Jemez Springs, NM
Dispersed tent camping options dominate the landscape surrounding Jemez Springs, New Mexico, with several primitive tent sites scattered throughout the Santa Fe National Forest. Road 378 near Fenton Lake offers secluded tent campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, while American Springs provides more remote tent camping opportunities with minimal amenities. Resumidero Camping Area features both drive-in and walk-in tent sites with vault toilets and designated picnic areas.
Many primitive tent campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles to access, particularly American Springs where the road becomes increasingly rough past the first campsite. Most dispersed tent sites lack drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Fire rings are common at established sites, though seasonal fire restrictions frequently apply during dry periods. Vault toilets are available at Resumidero and along Road 378, but most primitive tent camping areas have no bathroom facilities. One camper noted that Road 378 has "multiple clearings along this road. Each one is big enough for several cars and even a couple groups. The clearings are far enough apart that you can make some noise without bothering the other campers."
Tent campsites in the Jemez Springs area typically sit at elevations between 7,000-8,000 feet, creating cool overnight temperatures even during summer months. Sites near Fenton Lake provide access to fishing and kayaking opportunities, while American Springs offers panoramic canyon views with occasional elk sightings. The higher elevation tent camping areas feature aspen groves and pine forests, providing natural shade and wind protection for tent setups. Campers should be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather conditions. A visitor commented that American Springs has "great spots once you make the steep road up," with the best tent sites located further back from the entrance.
