Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Magdalena, NM has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Magdalena. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
"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). "
"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)."
"I saw very few people it will feel like you are not driving on the right place as the ‘road’ is eventually just a dry river bed, but keep going the course and you will find gorgeous sites to camp at."
"Not easy to find but gorgeous spot to hike many canyon trails. Zero cell service. Don't follow goggle to find."
"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)."
"It’s right along the Rio Grande and close to the Bosque Del Apache refuge, where we went to see sandhill cranes the next morning.
Good cell service from all 3 major carriers. No amenities here."
"Easily found the dispersed sights from the app. Spent a very quiet night nestled back off the highway under the stars."
"There are about 3 spots near the road entrance."
GuideThere 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.
GuideI 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)
LegendFinding 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.
GuideDrove 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.
LegendFree campground, easy to get to from the town of San Antonio, NM. Not a place that I’d recommend as a destination, but a good spot to stop for a night. It’s right along the Rio Grande and close to the Bosque Del Apache refuge, where we went to see sandhill cranes the next morning.
Good cell service from all 3 major carriers. No amenities here. Pack out your trash and your poo. No restrooms, water, or garbage service.
There are 6 sites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Area is overgrown and not well maintained but you can clearly distinguish the sites. Not a bad spot for free. You can hear road noise from Hwy 380.
2 other campers were here when we stayed here in mid November. Campers were not sketchy, they seemed like travelers, and we felt safe here.
RangerEasily found the dispersed sights from the app. Spent a very quiet night nestled back off the highway under the stars.
TravelerCool 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.
Traveler~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
Guide10-15 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Magdalena, New Mexico, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking a more rustic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Magdalena, New Mexico?
Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Magdalena. The Box Recreation Area offers primitive camping spots down a rough dirt road off the highway, with a vault toilet available in the main parking area. It's especially popular among rock climbers. About 45 minutes east, San Antonio Bosque Park provides free camping with 5 larger spots featuring picnic tables and fire pits, plus additional sites suitable for vans or small campers along a dirt road. Both locations provide easy access from main roads and serve as great bases for exploring the region.
What are the rules for dispersed camping in the Magdalena Mountains?
Dispersed camping in the Magdalena Mountains follows standard BLM and National Forest regulations. Most areas operate on a 14-day stay limit within any 28-day period. At locations like Chaunte Canyon Camp and Bianca Ranch Road - BLM dispersed, campers must pack out all trash, practice Leave No Trace principles, and keep sites at least 200 feet from water sources. Campfires are generally permitted when fire restrictions aren't in place, but always use existing fire rings when available. There are no facilities in most areas, so come prepared with water and sanitation supplies. Check with the Magdalena Ranger District for current fire restrictions and special regulations.
Is 4WD required for accessing dispersed camping sites near Magdalena?
Four-wheel drive requirements vary by location. At Swingle Canyon, the first few camping spots near the road entrance are accessible without 4WD, but the road gets quite rough about a mile up the mountain, making 4WD necessary for higher elevation sites. For more remote options, Morine Canyon Camp and other backcountry sites in the Magdalena Mountains typically require high-clearance vehicles or 4WD, especially after rain or snow. Always check recent conditions before attempting access to more remote sites, as road quality can deteriorate rapidly with weather changes.
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