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.
