Best Tent Camping near Medanales, NM
Tent campgrounds near Medanales, New Mexico offer a range of primitive camping experiences in both established and dispersed areas. Carson National Forest provides several tent-specific options, including Trampas Trailhead Campground and American Springs dispersed camping area. Resumidero Camping Area, located in public lands west of Medanales, features tent sites spread across open meadows and forested areas.
Most tent sites in this region require campers to bring their own water, as drinking water is unavailable at many locations. American Springs requires high-clearance vehicles to navigate the rocky, steep access road with significant washouts. According to reviews, the road "has lots of holes" at Canjilon Creek Campground, where the primitive sites sit at approximately 9,000 feet elevation. Most dispersed camping areas follow standard 14-day stay limits and require campers to pack out all trash. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, particularly during summer drought conditions when fire danger increases.
Tent campers in the Medanales area can expect solitude and natural surroundings with minimal development. Forest Service Road 578 dispersed camping offers particular privacy, with one camper reporting they "stayed one night and saw no one else." Sites often feature basic amenities like fire rings and occasionally picnic tables, though facilities are minimal. The higher elevation campgrounds provide relief from summer heat, while offering views of mountain peaks and wildlife viewing opportunities. Resumidero Camping Area features hiking trails directly from the campground, with one visitor noting that "camp sites were far apart and you could choose between open meadows or in the trees." Many backcountry tent sites near Medanales provide access to the Rio Grande and mountain trails for day hiking or backpacking excursions.
