Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Lemitar, NM
San Lorenzo Canyon offers free, primitive camping near Lemitar with dogs permitted throughout the area. This Bureau of Land Management location provides dispersed camping sites accessible via drive-in or walk-in routes, accommodating both tent campers and those with RVs. Unlike Escondida Lake Park & Campground, which offers more amenities including electric hookups, water, and sanitary facilities, San Lorenzo Canyon maintains a completely undeveloped setting with no toilets, drinking water, or trash facilities. The Box Recreation Area provides another free, pet-friendly option with vault toilets available but no other amenities. Visitors note the canyon's impressive rock formations and secluded camping spots make it worthwhile despite the challenging access roads. Campground data and reviews near Lemitar, New Mexico is regularly updated on The Dyrt.
Finding San Lorenzo Canyon requires careful navigation as Google Maps directions often lead to closed gates or incorrect locations. Four-wheel drive vehicles or those with high clearance perform best on the sandy terrain, especially when pulling trailers into the canyon. The road follows a dry wash past geological formations before entering the main canyon area with vertical walls and side slots. Campers should remain aware of flash flood dangers as there's only one exit route from the narrow canyon. The area provides excellent stargazing opportunities and connects to hiking trails throughout the canyon system. The remote location offers quiet camping with significant distance between sites, though cell service becomes weak to non-existent the further into the canyon you travel.