Lemitar is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Lemitar is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Lemitar. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"Found a decent spot in a dry wash to put up the tent for the night. It worked and allowed quick access to the crag in the morning. Does start to get busy with climbers fairly early (8am or so). "
"This is on BLM land, and there is no trash pick-up or other managed facilities here, so camping is at your own discretion and you MUST leave the area as you found it (or better)."
"It was easy to find- look for the drive just to the side of the canal (I turned left onto the dirt road after coming off I-25)."
"It’s right along the Rio Grande and close to the Bosque Del Apache refuge, where we went to see sandhill cranes the next morning.
Good cell service from all 3 major carriers. No amenities here."
"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."
"Not easy to find but gorgeous spot to hike many canyon trails. Zero cell service. Don't follow goggle to find."
"Took awhile to get here, well off the beaten path. Ponderosa Pines, oak and juniper scrub. Ample supply of downed trees to use as firewood. Gets muddy if it rains."
GuideThere are primitive camp spots down a rough dirt road right off the highway. Otherwise you are just setting up camp in the parking lot. Pretty quiet area and a vault restroom that’s door needs some TLC is available in the main parking area. Great spot if you want to get an early start on rock climbing.
GuideI decided to stay here last minute and arrived after dark on Jan. 21st. It was easy to find- look for the drive just to the side of the canal (I turned left onto the dirt road after coming off I-25). There are 2 dirt roads - take the upper one to the right, and within a few hundred feet there is a steepish driveway to the right down to under the trees.
Tables and fire rings provided- although as another reviewer stated, there are posted fire restrictions.
Sites are very flat. There is a semi-busy road nearby but it feels secluded under the trees. One other camper set up when I got in- I was surprised to see anyone, but it was nice to know someone else was around too.
I’d definitely stay here again, even as a solo female traveler.
Lots of cell service (ATT)
LegendFinding this little park on the banks of the Rio Grande just outside of town in the dark would have been unlikely without the very specific directions given to us at Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Visitor’s Center. “From the blinking light go east for 0.7 miles and turn left on the dirt road between the canal and the river.” Sure enough, there it is.
This small campground has about 5 sites, with picnic tables, but offers no other services—no water, fire rings or even toilets. But as the directions say, it’s close to town and it’s FREE. So, on a day where we spent most of the afternoon and watched the sunset while in the National Wildlife Refuge, this campsite served us well. We even planned to get up before sunrise to watch the birds take to the sky from their night-time roosting areas, so we weren’t there long.
The wildlife refuge is a birder’s paradise during the late fall and winter. Species of Sand Hill Cranes, Snow Geese, Canada Geese, and a multitude of ducks winter here feeding on grain grown in nearby fields and roosting overnight in the shallow wetlands. The numbers of birds are overwhelming, and awe-inspiring. But when we learned that the Sand Hill Cranes have been making this journey for nearly 10 million years, we were simply blown away.
There are plenty of opportunities for other recreation in the area, road cycling, mountain biking, hiking and motor-sports. As we pulled out of the campground, we noticed a beach buggy cruising by which looked as cool as it was retro – total ‘70s style. There are other free, “dry camps” in the area, BLM land, etc. as well as a few other RV parks offering shorter or longer stays.
GuideDrove down the night before in order to go climbing the next day. Found a decent spot in a dry wash to put up the tent for the night. 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.
LegendFree campground, easy to get to from the town of San Antonio, NM. Not a place that I’d recommend as a destination, but a good spot to stop for a night. It’s right along the Rio Grande and close to the Bosque Del Apache refuge, where we went to see sandhill cranes the next morning.
Good cell service from all 3 major carriers. No amenities here. Pack out your trash and your poo. No restrooms, water, or garbage service.
There are 6 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Area is overgrown and not well maintained but you can clearly distinguish the sites. Not a bad spot for free. You can hear road noise from Hwy 380.
2 other campers were here when we stayed here in mid November. Campers were not sketchy, they seemed like travelers, and we felt safe here.
TravelerCool place. The spots with fire pits have been blocked off by private property signs. Camping definitely at your own risk, perfect for just a day trip.
Traveler~5 sites with picnic tables + more areas farther back. Room for trailers, schoolies, RV’s, etc.
Access is from a short gravel road off a paved road. Turn right down the first hill. There are potentially more areas further down, but the road gets sandier and I did not see any official markings.
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.
Some sites are right near a busy road highway, but noise would probably only be an issue in a tent. There were people coming and going at all hours of the day.
15 minutes from a Socorro, which has a Walmart and a water/ice stand to fill jugs for 25 cents a a gallon.
Not the prettiest views here or best accommodations, but the ease of access is appreciated. Great place to stay if you need a break from the road or just somewhere to stop overnight. Would definitely stay again.
+Near Civilization +East to access +Shade
Guide10-15 down 60 west of Socorro you'll find "the box" climbing area. This is on BLM land, and there is no trash pick-up or other managed facilities here, so camping is at your own discretion and you MUST leave the area as you found it (or better). There is a vault toilet at the main parking lot as you drive in, and if you drive further up the road there is a small pull-off with a couple of simple fire-pits where you will likely find a couple other climbers camping. Please be responsible about your food, trash and making a fire. There is loads of good climbing in the area and it's a great place to set up camp for a few days, but don't ruin that privilege for everyone by mistreating the area. Follow pack-in, pack-out, LNT and common sense rules.
TravelerThere are 5 larger spots with picnic tables and fire pits. While here, several long travel trailers parked in the first 2 spots. Then there are several other spots down the dirt road suitable for vans or small campers. It’s fairly quiet how we you will hear road noise in the background all day and night.
Dispersed camping near Lemitar, New Mexico, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, campers can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while taking advantage of the freedom that dispersed camping provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lemitar, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lemitar, NM is The Box Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lemitar, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Lemitar, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
