Tent camping near Kirtland, New Mexico offers access to both high desert and mountain environments, with elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,500 feet throughout the region. Summer temperatures typically range from 55°F at night to 90°F during peak daytime hours. Seasonal road closures affect several camping areas, particularly during winter months through early spring when many forest service roads become impassable.
What to do
Fishing access: Simon Canyon Trailhead Basecamp provides direct entry to quality fishing spots along the San Juan River. The area features picnic tables and toilet facilities, making it convenient for day-use anglers who want to camp near prime fishing locations.
Explore mountain terrain: Bay City Campground offers proximity to mountain hiking with riverside camping. "The river is more shallow and the air more crisp, yet still gives the feel of such a natural feel and sound. Private, cozy, and secluded. Only 25 minutes from Durango," reports Nancy M.
Stargazing opportunities: The higher elevation dispersed sites at Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp provide excellent night sky viewing conditions. According to Dan B., "Towards the top the landscape changes from piñon pine to an aspen grove so you really get a few different options to fit what you're looking for."
What campers like
Seasonal variations: October visitors to Forest Road 316 appreciate the fall camping conditions. Tracy T. notes, "This was an easy spot and any kind of vehicle can get here. Lots of room, not much to look at in the fall, as far as, right around, but the views are amazing king distance and at night the stars are amazing."
Water features: Cherry Creek Gravel Lot provides accessible camping with shade options. Taren C. reports, "Beautiful place! It's pretty easy to get into, there are more secluded places up the hill a ways but it gets kinda rough. You can hear the highway, but it's not much. Just ambient background noise."
Group accommodations: For organized group tent camping near Kirtland, New Mexico, Navajo Lake Relax Wild-u-can offers prepared sites with tents provided. Jake C. explains, "Navajo Lake Group Camp offers the perfect setup for groups with 4 separate sites so each tent has their own space. They provide the tents so don't worry about packing them!"
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many dispersed camping areas requires navigation of unpaved roads. At Cherry Creek, one camper advises, "Getting up there was not possible in my Travato. I've got some Falken Wildpeaks so traction was not so much the issue as the uneven path up."
Seasonal closures: Winter and early spring closures affect many camping areas near Kirtland. A March 2024 visitor to Forest Road 316 reports, "Road is currently closed. Assuming through March like most others in the area."
Noise considerations: Highway noise affects some camping areas, particularly those at lower elevations. At Cherry Creek Gravel Lot, Nicole V. reports, "Only free place near Durango in the winter. We called and asked the BLM & Forest Service. Easy access, lots of space. Bumpy access road and highway noise."
Tips for camping with families
Best beginner spots: Kelly Place B&B provides tent sites with amenities like showers, toilets, and drinking water, making it suitable for families new to camping near Kirtland, New Mexico.
Water source planning: No potable water exists at most dispersed sites, requiring families to bring 1-2 gallons per person per day. Bay City Campground offers streamside camping, but this water requires treatment before consumption.
Wildlife awareness: Cattle graze throughout public lands in the area, which can impact camping experiences. Multiple Forest Road 316 visitors mention cattle noise as the main drawback to an otherwise quiet experience.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility limitations: Small RVs and vans fare better than large rigs on most dispersed camping roads. Karla R. from Forest Road 316 notes, "This road can accommodate all kinds of camping. We didn't have to drive very far to find a good spot. Where we camped could fit all size rigs."
Generator considerations: Some sites have noise restrictions or cultural expectations regarding generator use. Jacob D. observed at Forest Road 316, "Awesome spot, TONS of places to pitch a tent or park a camper. That being said - lots of generators, moderate views, cars driving by often."
Winter options: RVers seeking year-round tent camping near Kirtland have limited winter choices. Cherry Creek serves as one of few accessible winter camping locations, though road conditions can deteriorate rapidly after precipitation.
