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Camping options around Lemitar, New Mexico range from developed sites with hookups to primitive dispersed camping on public lands. San Lorenzo Canyon, located just outside Lemitar, offers free dispersed camping with tent and RV accommodation in a scenic desert setting. Additional options include Escondida Lake Park & Campground in nearby Socorro, providing electric hookups, drinking water, and lake access for fishing, while The Box Recreation Area offers more primitive camping experiences with limited amenities.
Road conditions and terrain present significant considerations when camping in this region. The dirt roads leading to San Lorenzo Canyon require careful navigation, especially for larger vehicles. A visitor noted, "The coordinates take you to a closed off section if you use Google maps. Follow the coordinates to the exit...From there it's the first right onto the dirt road follow the sign." Many campsites are accessible via unpaved roads that may become impassable during rainy periods. Cell service varies by location but is generally available at most established campgrounds. Summer temperatures can reach extreme highs, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons, while winter nights drop to freezing temperatures. Campers should carry ample water supplies as many dispersed sites lack potable water.
The Rio Grande corridor provides unique camping experiences with several riverfront options. San Antonio Riverine Park offers free camping near the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, which attracts numerous bird watchers during migration seasons. A camper described it as having "a few developed campfire pits and picnic tables" though "overgrown and with a lot of dead tree branches." For those seeking more amenities, RV parks like Kiva RV Park & Horse Motel in Bernardo provide full hookups, showers, and laundry facilities. Train noise affects some campgrounds near Socorro, with one reviewer mentioning, "The trains do blow their whistle in this area." The region's stark desert landscapes, mountain views, and proximity to wildlife viewing areas make it particularly appealing for self-sufficient campers comfortable with minimal facilities and prepared for desert conditions.
"I didn't stay but I did drive through to check it out for future stops. First impression was very clean!"
"Not much to catch at the lake. 3pm someone rolls up next to us. Definitely in the wrong spot and he would have known that if he was aware of the “back in” policy."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"It worked and allowed quick access to the crag in the morning. Does start to get busy with climbers fairly early (8am or so). Would be perfect for somebody with a camper-van or teardrop."
"There is no service, but walking back down the road just a bit a could find a few bars. Several hiking trails with beautiful views! A lot of great climbing also!"
"Follow the coordinates to the exit. Make a left off to go over pass then make a right onto the frontage road."
"Don't attempt unless you have 4 wheel drive and/or sand mode if you plan to pull a heavy trailer. Otherwise, most other vehicles out tent camping didn't seem to have too many problems."
"If you have 4 wheel drive and can unhook and leave your trailer or if you have an ATV I would suggest parking here and then driving into the canyon."
"We were able to drive through the canyon and to our camping spot! Definitely will be back!"
"You don't often find free developed camping at the end of a paved road in New Mexico, but Water Canyon is one of those exceptions. "
"Decided to drive into the mountains more instead of turning right into the campground, and didn’t regret it. Took us out to copper trail 10 and there were 4-5 sites with fire rings already there."
"We are surrounded by what looks to me like oak trees, but I have yet to confirm that. It reminds me of my home state of Minnesota!"
"It is right near the Rio Grande (but admittedly not a very spectacular portion). The foliage in late fall is a lovely pale yellow and orange."
"We did fine, and someone in a review said stop at the cottonwood trees because no place else for bigger rigs to turn around."
"I saw very few people it will feel like you are not driving on the right place as the ‘road’ is eventually just a dry river bed, but keep going the course and you will find gorgeous sites to camp at."
"Here, the Rio Grande pauses on its long winding path to the Gulf of Mexico and allows these waterfowl and other migratory birds a place of rest and safety during their bi-annual migration."
"There are walking paths where you can walk to the river. Mosquitoes / other bugs not bad when we were there in early December. No trash bins and no bathrooms. Please pack out your waste!"
"There is great rock climbing routes, hiking and equestrian trails. Sunrise and sunset is amazing."
GuideWe followed the directions off the Dyrt app and the signs to the canyon. We went all the way back into the canyon! Man what a sight! Tons of places to camp and explore! We chose a very private spot to settle for the night. We were able to drive through the canyon and to our camping spot! Definitely will be back!
TravelerThe stream was dry, but the birding and wildlife was great. There is a road nearby that contributes some noise, but overall we had a great time
GuideA very peaceful place. The campground had a quiet bunch of visitors, including the deer that visited the site the morning after my arrival. The scent of pine was a pleasant addition. Each campsite had a table and fire pit (with a stack of wood to go with it). I had a bit of trouble backing in my camper at my original spot, but was allowed the opportunity to change as there were open ones available. I was able to use my cellphone to make calls and planned ahead to make sure I had water. Wish I had more time. I would have stayed longer.
ScoutThis is my first RV trip and the second campground I’ve stayed at it was so clean and peaceful that I extended my two day stay to five. I’m dry camping, but there are several locations where you can get drinking water if you have jugs or pails the bathrooms are clean. The trash is dumped every day and there are several different places that you can dump and it also has a RV dump site which I am not using this trip.
TravelerThis campground is phenomenal! The roads are a little rocky but well established for the most part. There are some ruts, rocks, and washboarding, but nothing our SUV and makeshift camper (enclosed cargo trailer) couldn’t handle. If you go all the way into the canyon, there are some neat trailheads and even some great boulders for climbing. That road leads to one of the coolest photo ops I’ve ever seen!
If you take your first left into the circle past the cattle grate, there are two roads leading uphill. They look more intimidating than they actually are. The right road was unusable due to a massive washout, but the left one was manageable when taken slowly.
There are some top tier views either way you go. The only things to be aware of are the flies around the bathroom in the main area, and the giant ants up in the second area mentioned — there are quite a few anthills. (Neither are a problem if you watch where you’re parking.)
The bathroom (vault toilet) is gender neutral, pets are allowed, and you can stay multiple nights unbothered. (Up to 14 as usual, I’m assuming.) It’s a dry campsite, so bring your own water, fuel, and electricity, and be prepared to haul out all of your trash. A fair trade for free camping and great entertainment!
GuideTrail and climbing area with a big parking lot and pit toilet. Clean area. A few miles to Socorro.
GuideTook me a minute to find this. I went too far down. If you’re coming from the town, continue until you get to the river. Take the first left AFTER the river. Stay on the UPPER dirt road, not the bottom one. The camp spot is literally in the right side. First right. Only 2 campers were there when I got there so plenty of spots to choose from. It got completely full as the night came in. An ok spot for one night. Lots of dead fire wood everywhere. I collected some for my future trips after this spot.
GuideFound this place from a YouTube video. Had to come see it for myself. Did not disappoint! It was beautiful but VERY windy! Didn’t get to use my tent because of the wind so I car camped. Still worth it!!!
LegendGreat spot to spend the night. We wandered through the box canyon before settling in for dinner. My husband used to do alot of climbing so found it interesting to look at all the routes for climbing and bouldering. There was also a hiking trail that led out of the parking lot if time allows. The facilities were clean minus TP and there wasn’t any garbage left by previous visitors.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lemitar, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lemitar, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 39 campgrounds and RV parks near Lemitar, NM and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lemitar, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lemitar, NM is Escondida Lake Park & Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lemitar, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Lemitar, NM.
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