Best Dispersed Camping near Los Alamos, NM

Dispersed camping around Los Alamos gives you plenty of options if you're comfortable with basic conditions. Fenton Lake State Park has wild camping areas where you can pitch a tent with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in view. Since these spots have zero facilities, you'll need to bring everything—water, toilet supplies, and all camping gear. The Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service land here follows standard rules: camp at least 100 feet from any water or roads. Most dispersed sites allow you to stay up to 14 days before moving on. Many of the best spots require driving rough dirt roads, so trucks and SUVs work better than passenger cars. Before heading out, stock up on supplies in Los Alamos as the nearest stores might be 30-45 minutes away. Fire bans are common in this dry region, especially during summer months, so bring a camp stove instead of planning on campfires. The Rio Grande and White Sands are worth visiting while you're in the area. Bears and other wildlife are active here, so hang food or use bear canisters at night. While you won't find picnic tables or toilets, the quiet and stars make up for the lack of conveniences.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Los Alamos, New Mexico (40)

    1. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    41 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    18 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."

    2. Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    14 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    6 miles

    "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."

    "Along the entire length of this road dispersed camping is allowed."

    3. Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    26 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    18 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."

    4. American Springs

    3 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    6 miles

    "Probably not a must have, but I highly recommend a four-wheel-drive high clearance to get back into the camp spots here, but there are a handful of spots."

    "Great spot once you make the steep road up!!! We camped close to the entrance. We explored and found some amazing sites further back"

    5. Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park

    14 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    19 miles
    Website

    "All along the dirt road were pull offs and if you choose to go to the right side campsites you will end up at one of the fire rings with an incredible view of the canyon below."

    "We stayed on the edge of the cliff at the far back right side of the campsite and it was easily one of the top 5 locations that we have camped at."

    6. Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping

    8 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 438-5300

    "A gorgeous and vast dispersed campground just a short drive from Santa Fe."

    "20 mins from Sata Fe, lots of open roads and land for dispersed camping. Can get a bit crowded and hard to find a spot away from people, but plenty of room."

    7. FR376 Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 438-5300

    "This area has multiple free camping spaces. If you follow the road, you can find the prefect camping for you. We saw from damp camping areas to big groups spaces."

    "This camp spot is one of the best free camp sites in New Mexico. Would definitely go again. Highly recommend to anyone who loves to camp and drive four wheelers"

    8. Camp May Road

    1 Review
    Los Alamos, NM
    3 miles

    9. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    35 Reviews
    Placitas, NM
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 761-8700

    "Great little find for a quick place to car camp while driving through Albuquerque without going too far out of the way."

    "When you first arrive to the end of the road and the beginning of the public land - you have the option to go left, straight, or right."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Los Alamos, NM

174 Reviews of 40 Los Alamos Campgrounds



Guide to Los Alamos

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Los Alamos, New Mexico, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of locations that cater to different camping styles, from secluded spots to more accessible sites.

Scenic Views and Relaxation while Free Camping near Los Alamos

Outdoor Adventures for Dispersed Campers

  • Hike and explore the surrounding trails near FR376 Dispersed, which offers a variety of terrains for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Kayak on the nearby lake after setting up camp at Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed, where you can enjoy both water activities and camping.
  • Discover the thrill of off-roading while accessing remote sites at American Springs, which is ideal for those with adventurous spirits.

Unique Wildlife Encounters for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Los Alamos, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Los Alamos, NM is Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed with a 4.2-star rating from 41 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 40 dispersed camping locations near Los Alamos, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.