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Best Dispersed Camping near Llano, NM

155 Reviews

Multiple free dispersed camping areas surround Llano in northern New Mexico, with Forest Service Road 438, 439, and 5 offering the most accessible options. These primitive sites feature no amenities beyond occasional fire rings, though Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 has basic toilets. Most locations permit tent and RV camping with drive-in access, though high-clearance vehicles are recommended for many areas.

Forest Road 438 provides approximately 8-10 dispersed sites along a creek about 10 miles south of Taos. A camper noted, "All sites seemed decently big with most having river access. Our site had a fire pit and was away from the road." Forest Road 5 offers similar creek-side camping with more challenging access. "The road can be a little bumpy, but there are numerous spots along the way. Decently sized, mostly flat areas to set up for the night," wrote one visitor. The 14-day camping limit applies to these off-grid campsites, though enforcement varies seasonally. Road conditions deteriorate significantly after rain or snow, making many areas inaccessible to low-clearance vehicles.

Map showing campgrounds near Llano, New MexicoExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Llano, New Mexico (41)

    1. Forest Service 439

    3 Reviews
    Vadito, NM
    9 miles

    "A little stream is near by-- a little shallow and a little mucky on the bottom, but really refreshing. The stars are incredible, also some beautiful views of the mountains from the lower section."

    2. Forest Road 438 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Ranchos de Taos, NM
    13 miles

    "Stumbled on this location by chance when another location nearby was closed. Long forest road with approximately 8-10 dispersed campsites along the road."

    "Numerous spots along the forest road and some are tucked off the road a bit. The spot we found about a 1/2 mile or so past the bridge has a little fire ring and right next to the little creek."

    3. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    42 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    39 miles

    "This is dispersed camping with mostly RVs, some vans, and a few tents and teepees. There are no hookups but near the entrance there is a building with two enclosed bathrooms."

    "It's a great area with flat sites and close proximity to Santa Fe. The dirt road is not too long and not bad at all. There were a bunch of campers there but it didnt feel crowded."

    4. Hodges Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Llano, NM
    3 miles

    5. Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

    9 Reviews
    Angel Fire, NM
    27 miles
    Website

    "There are several sites along FR-5, though some might require high clearance or 4wd. "

    "No facilities. Crick 3x bigger now. Early May. So beautiful."

    6. Forest Road 558

    3 Reviews
    Ojo Caliente, NM
    21 miles

    "A good amount of dispersed sites off of FSR558. I just pulled off to one of the closer sites but looked like tons of other sites were further in on the road."

    7. Rio Grande del Rancho Dispersed Campground

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    Vadito, NM
    9 miles

    8. Maestas Park Camp

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    Ranchos de Taos, NM
    10 miles

    9. Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    8 Reviews
    Valdez, NM
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-6200

    "No amenities except some great river side places. Dispersed camping along the road (though it’s not a busy one, especially not at night so not noisy) right on the river."

    "I car-camped here just before Labor Day weekend and while it wasn’t the most private camping area, I was able to snag a spot along the river and had a nice time."

    10. Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    26 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    38 miles

    "As you drive down the road the BLM land is clearly identified by the 14 day camping limit signs."

    "I was towing a Uhaul cross country so needed some place close-ish to the free way and with an easily accessible road: this location had both."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Llano, NM

112 Photos of 41 Llano Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Llano, NM

155 Reviews of 41 Llano Campgrounds

  • Dan G.
    Aug. 6, 2021

    Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    Santa Fe BLM

    This is dispersed camping with mostly RVs, some vans, and a few tents and teepees. There are no hookups but near the entrance there is a building with two enclosed bathrooms. There is no trash collection so you must carry out everything you bring in. This is great free camping or just free overnight parking if you are self sufficient with your own water and solar power. There is lots of space but it seems like a lot of people just pull in and find spots near the front. We camped in August 2021 and days got up to 90 degrees. We hung out in SantaFe until about 8pm and it dropped to 80 and the breeze picked up. It is dry in the desert so 80 is very comfortable. Another nice thing about desert camping is there are some flies, and a few mosquitos but compared to the moist midwest we seem fine without having to use a lot of bug repellant. We will stay here again.

  • muj V.
    Oct. 7, 2021

    Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    Great area close to Santa Fe

    It's a great area with flat sites and close proximity to Santa Fe. The dirt road is not too long and not bad at all. There were a bunch of campers there but it didnt feel crowded. There was a pit toilet, clean and maintained (had fully stocked TP).

    Driving along the access road, seems like there are also camping spots before the gate, but within the gate is the Forest Service grounds.

    Stars are amazing at night. We saw nearby hiking and mtb trails, though we didnt get to try them. Santa Fe is also a great city to visit while here.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2023

    Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful fall colors

    There are a few tent spots and car camping spots, and it’s right along a creek where you can fly fish. It was a longer drive out there than expected, but there’s a sign that lets you know your in the National forest and out of peoples private property. You probably want 4WD because the road was rough, but definitely worth it with the fall colors! We loved this spot!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 29, 2023

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Worked for our needs

    We were just looking for a place to crash in our SUV before going to Bandelier National Monument in the morning and continuing on our road trip. Showed up at midnight and grabbed the first flat spot to park. Convenient and free is always nice. 20 min from the visitors center. There was a “No Campfires” sign at the entrance despite what this listing states.

  • Jeanie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Close to Bandelier and Los Alamos

    We stayed here 3 nights over Memorial Day weekend. Got in Thursday night and there were plenty of sites to choose from. As other reviews have said, the sites are spaced out well and there were always sites available throughout the weekend. We camped on the road that immediately turns to the right. Along the entire length of this road dispersed camping is allowed. If you go to the left (high clearance is good to have but could make it with 2wd) dispersed camping isn't allowed till you're about a mile in (see map picture). There are some fun single track trails (Water Canyon and Perimeter Trail) accessible from the campsite if you plan on mt biking or running/hiking. Bandelier National Monument is about 15 min drive away and is a fun place to checkout and climb in some cliff dwellings.
    Just as a side note we saw 3 coyotes our first night in and heard them howling in the AM and PM, so keep pets leashed if you bring them and keep small kiddos close!

  • Stephanie D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Forest Road 102 Dispersed

    Borrego Trail-Long, bumpy road

    Long, bumpy one-lane dirt road. 2-5mph the whole way. No shoulder. No way to back up or turn around. Lots of ruts and washouts. Only a couple of turn-arounds way up the mountain. Not good for trailers. Best for high clearance or 4x4. Several walk in campsites if you have a small vehicle. If you make it to the top, there’s a handful of nice campsites that you can drive into. We made it, but it was rough! 56 minutes to drive 3.4 miles.

  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 14, 2020

    Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

    Quiet beauty

    Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is BLM land so it is all dispersed camping. You will need to make sure you aren't on someone's property or nearby any roads. There are plenty of turn offs. 

    This isn't a "get away" more like a stopover spot. I stopped here on my way back North to Colorado to see the bridge over the Rio Grande and so I wasn't so high up in elevation that I would freeze. 

    But if you can find a quiet place it is a beautiful dispersed spot where there is civilization nearby and toilets at local businesses  and picnic areas that you can use. See map on review. 

    Be careful roaming at night. The drop into the river is quite deep so offroading isn't just ill advised for keeping the flora and fauna safe…but you as well. 

    There are picnic ares around the monument too, just not established camping spots.

  • TheCampingNerd ..
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    Huge Free Camping Area That Feels Safe Near Santa Fe

    There are a ton of campsites here, and even more options if you have a high clearance vehicle. 

    If you have a low clearance RV I recommend taking the first road to the left after crossing the cattle guard. That road leads around most of the camping area and you can avoid the side roads with the steep entrances. 

    It is right next to a landfill which is interesting but there were no flies or smells in October. 

    For a free camping area right next to a city the area felt safe and was surprisingly clean.

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2019

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Great Spot for Free Camping before the Caldera!

    This is a nice secluded dispersed campsite on the eastern flanks of the Valles Caldera.  It's the closest CG to Sante Fe along the 4 before it enters the caldera proper.  While most of the trees in this area were burnt by fires less than 10 years ago, it still provides great views of the valley below and the highest mountains in all of New Mexico!  The campground has no amenities so bring everything you'll need and bring along a high clearance vehicle if you plan on heading up the road beyond the campsites that are right off the pavement to the right.

    Besides exploring the caldera there are plenty of amazing things to do in nearby Sante Fe!  Our favorite attraction was the MeowWolf permanent art exhibit.  It's an absolutely amazing surreal piece of art that you walk through and interact.  I cannot stress enough how much you should visit because in addition to being an art pillar in New Mexico they also contribute to local and soon regional art and philanthropic endeavors.

Guide to Llano

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Llano, New Mexico, where nature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in stunning landscapes and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers a range of options for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and connect with the great outdoors.

Scenic Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • The BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area features numerous trails that wind along the Rio Grande, providing breathtaking views and opportunities for birdwatching.
  • Campers at Forest Road 558 can explore the quiet surroundings and enjoy stargazing at night, thanks to minimal light pollution in the area.
  • The Rio Grande Gorge BLM offers access to rugged terrain perfect for adventurous hikes and discovering unique geological formations.

Relaxing Riverfront Spots for Free Camping

Unique Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

  • The BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area is known for its diverse bird species, making it a prime location for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
  • Campers at Forest Road 558 can experience the sounds of coyotes at night, adding to the ambiance of their camping experience.
  • The Forest Service 439 area is home to various wildlife, providing opportunities for campers to observe animals in their natural habitat while enjoying the great outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Llano, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Llano, NM is Forest Service 439 with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Llano, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 41 dispersed camping locations near Llano, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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