Top Free Dispersed Camping near Magdalena, NM

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Magdalena? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. Search nearby dispersed campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Magdalena, NM (9)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Magdalena

19 Reviews of 9 Magdalena Campgrounds


  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Swingle Canyon
    Apr. 28, 2024

    Swingle Canyon

    A perfect and quiet stay

    Very close to the main road, few spots and some with firepits, we were only 3 cars staying for the night. Perfect for an immersive night in a beautiful forest, we saw a group of deers in the late afternoon. No toilet no water. Def recommend.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
    Sep. 28, 2023

    San Antonio Bosque Park

    Decent Sites, Bad Experience

    Stopped here since I was tired and couldn’t make it to the Box area. The sites are nice enough etc. Woke up to the sound of birdshot raining in around me. I confronted the hunters saying they ought to mind their aim because there’s a campground. They responded with “it’s duck season”.

    After returning to my site it rained in yet again and it seemed intentional. I am a hunter and can say that is entirely unacceptable. I should’ve called the police on them in hindsight but instead I decided to leave immediately so I could get on with my day.

    It’s idiots like that which give hunters a bad rap.

  • Justin R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bianca Ranch Road - BLM dispersed
    Jun. 24, 2023

    Bianca Ranch Road - BLM dispersed

    Not great for camping

    Only did about 10 minutes of driving around. Several small spots a couple feet off the main road. Nothing that would support 30'+ trailers. It's open desert with low shrub. Seems to be a popular ATV road so expect lots of dust and noise. I would only camp here if I had an ATV with me.

  • April N.
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Apr. 25, 2023

    The Box Recreation Area

    Just fine

    Stopped at the first parking area and it was flat, empty and quiet. We didn’t travel up the road to the spot the other reviewers stayed but we enjoyed the easy drive in.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
    Feb. 23, 2022

    San Antonio Bosque Park

    Does a bear sh** in the woods?

    They do here!

    As others have stated, this place is quite fine for a night or two to recharge but nothing special about the location. No view etc but easily accessed.

    What has not yet been noted is that there is a lot of fresh black bear scat throughout the campsite with higher concentrations the further you go back, past the five spots with fire rings. No sightings and a problem free night but do take into consideration.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
    Jan. 29, 2022

    San Antonio Bosque Park

    Not bad for free

    There 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.

  • Nikki B.
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Jan. 16, 2022

    The Box Recreation Area

    Beautiful canyon

    One of my favorite places I’ve stayed. Will definitely come back!

    The bottom Box Canyon parking lot is great. It is just a large gravel parking lot, but the views are amazing! There is a bathroom at the bottom parking lot (the only bathroom)! Occasionally I got 1 bar of service.

    Instead of turning left into the parking lot, continue up the hill to find something more remote. If you cross over the cattle guard to the left, there is a large dirt pull off with an amazing view and private! We were there almost a week and only saw one other person park up there. There is no service, but walking back down the road just a bit a could find a few bars.

    Several hiking trails with beautiful views! A lot of great climbing also! Spectacular views and lots of wild life! A great place to star gaze!

    The road is used by truckers from a quarry nearby, so that can be noisy during the morning/day but is quiet at night.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
    Nov. 7, 2021

    San Antonio Bosque Park

    No-hassle place to stay for a night (or ten)

    ~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

    • Fire pits (but signs seem to indicate no fires allowed any longer)

    -No water -No bathroom

  • Taylor S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Oct. 15, 2021

    The Box Recreation Area

    Parking lot

    There 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.

  • Kolby B.
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Sep. 27, 2021

    The Box Recreation Area

    Nice break from long drive

    Just happened upon this stop on our way home from Sedona. Nice and quiet spot with some rock climbing that we didn't have time for, unfortunately. Fire pit and vault toilets available.

  • Alice C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
    Jan. 26, 2021

    San Antonio Bosque Park

    Cozy campground

    I 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)

  • Sue H.
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
    Jan. 17, 2021

    San Antonio Bosque Park

    Simple

    Nice spot in the cottonwoods room for about 10 with good space in between. Concrete tables with fire pits although there's restrictions right now. It is right off the road and a little steep to get into.

  • Theresa R.
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
    Nov. 28, 2020

    San Antonio Bosque Park

    Best free campsite I have ever been to!

    We just arrived at this free campground. Concrete picnic tables and fire rings provided. We are surrounded by what looks to me like oak trees, but I have yet to confirm that. It reminds me of my home state of Minnesota!

    We are near the Rio Grande Bosque, and are looking forward to our ventures observing the migratory birds of the area.

  • Jeff K.
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Nov. 19, 2020

    The Box Recreation Area

    Rough Tent Camping...Great Rock Climbing

    Drove 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.

  • Nathan M.
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Apr. 12, 2020

    The Box Recreation Area

    Pretty cool area

    Cool 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.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from The Box Recreation Area
    Mar. 2, 2019

    The Box Recreation Area

    Climbing area where you can camp if you are chill

    10-15 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.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from San Antonio Bosque Park
    Dec. 31, 2018

    San Antonio Bosque Park

    Great place to stay for the night near Bosque del Apache

    Finding 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.



Guide to Magdalena

Camping near Magdalena, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore the outdoors: The Water Canyon Campground is a great spot for hiking. One camper mentioned, "There are about a dozen campsites, vault toilets, trash cans, a group campsite at the bottom of the hill and easy access to some great hiking trails."
  • Birdwatching: If you're into birdwatching, the San Antonio Riverine Park is close to the Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. A reviewer noted, "It's an amazing place, but it does not allow camping within the park."
  • Rock climbing: The Box Recreation Area is a popular destination for rock climbers. One visitor said, "This was a lovely spot to overnight just about 20 minutes off I-25 near Socorro NM. Great views and incredible star gazing."

What campers like:

  • Peaceful surroundings: Campers appreciate the tranquility at places like Escondida Lake Park & Campground. One review stated, "First night (Friday) was great. Quiet."
  • Affordability: Many enjoy the free camping options, such as at Water Canyon Campground. A camper mentioned, "You don't often find free developed camping at the end of a paved road in New Mexico."
  • Scenic views: The San Lorenzo Canyon offers stunning landscapes. A visitor shared, "Simply gorgeous area."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Many campgrounds, like San Antonio Bosque Park, lack basic facilities. A reviewer pointed out, "No toilets here, but there are lovely facilities in the park itself."
  • Noise from trains: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds, such as Chupadero Mountainview RV Park, are near train tracks. One camper noted, "A train track runs a 1/4 mile or so from the front of the campground."
  • Wildlife encounters: Campers should be cautious of wildlife, especially at places like San Antonio Riverine Park. A visitor mentioned, "If you look in there at night with a flashlight you may notice a lot of spider eyes shining back at you."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly spots: Look for campgrounds with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits, such as Datil Well Recreation Area Campground. A reviewer said, "The sites are pretty far from each other, and almost all have a ramada."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have activities planned, especially at places like The Box Recreation Area. One camper noted, "There are several hiking trails with beautiful views!"
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks and drinks, especially since some campgrounds, like Water Canyon Campground, don’t have markets nearby.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check road conditions: Some campgrounds, like San Lorenzo Canyon, have rough access roads. A reviewer advised, "Don't attempt unless you have 4 wheel drive and/or sand mode if you plan to pull a heavy trailer."
  • Be mindful of space: Campgrounds like Kiva RV Park & Horse Motel can get crowded. One visitor mentioned, "It's a fairly humble place...gravel roads and parking spots."
  • Plan for noise: If you're sensitive to sounds, consider campgrounds away from highways or train tracks, as noted by a camper at Chupadero Mountainview RV Park, "There's no denying those traffic noise is real."

Camping near Magdalena, New Mexico, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Magdalena, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Magdalena, NM is The Box Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Magdalena, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.