San Lorenzo Canyon offers primitive camping with striking red rock formations just outside Lemitar, New Mexico. Located at an elevation of around 4,700 feet, the area experiences hot summers and mild winters with dramatic temperature swings between day and night. Access requires navigating unpaved roads that can become impassable during rainy conditions.
What to do
Canyon exploration: San Lorenzo Canyon features several slot canyons perfect for day hikes. "I enjoy camping here very quiet and peaceful. No bathroom and water," notes Agustin, highlighting the primitive nature of this campsite near Lemitar.
Rock climbing: Experienced climbers can test their skills at The Box Recreation Area, approximately 20 minutes from Socorro. A camper reported, "We were there almost a week and only saw one other person park up there. There is no service, but walking back down the road just a bit a could find a few bars."
Fishing opportunities: Local ponds provide fishing access near camping areas. At Escondida Lake, one visitor noted, "caught a fish within 10 minutes throwing out my lure. Fishing was busier in the morning but caught this just before sunset."
What campers like
Affordability: Several free and low-cost camping options exist around Lemitar. At Water Canyon Campground, a camper remarked, "This is a FREE campground but plans are in the works to started charging in 2 years at $10/night. There are gravel tent and parking pads, picnic tables, fire rings, pit toilets and garbage."
Stargazing: Clear desert skies create exceptional conditions for astronomy. One visitor to The Box Recreation Area called it "a great place to star gaze!"
Privacy: Many dispersed sites offer seclusion. A camper at San Lorenzo Canyon Basecamp mentioned, "Passed a few sites but cell signal got weak to non existent the further I got in. I have Verizon. Anyhow turned around and took the first site going in. 4 bars with Verizon."
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most sites near Lemitar lack basic services. A camper at San Antonio Bosque Park advised: "No amenities here. Pack out your trash and your poo. No restrooms, water, or garbage service."
Road conditions: Access to many campsites requires careful driving. One visitor noted, "DONT FOLLOW GOOGLE MAPS! You will end up at a closed gate with instructions on where you are supposed to go, wasting 30 mins in the process."
Wildlife awareness: Campers should prepare for encounters with local fauna. A visitor to San Antonio Bosque Park warned, "What has not yet been noted is that there is a lot of fresh black bear scat throughout the campsite with higher concentrations the further you go back, past the five spots with fire rings."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: Plan for extreme weather fluctuations. At Escondida Lake Park & Campground, a visitor cautioned, "There are little stickers so don't let pets run in the 'grass' or kids barefoot. And bring your bug spray. I am covered in bug bites."
Guide
