The landscape surrounding Mentmore, New Mexico features several camping options ranging from developed facilities to remote dispersed sites. USA RV Park in nearby Gallup provides full-hookup sites for RVs along with tent camping areas and cabins, while Six Mile Canyon offers free dispersed camping on public lands approximately 15 miles east of Mentmore. The region includes both established campgrounds with amenities and undeveloped areas where primitive camping is permitted on Bureau of Land Management or National Forest land.
Campground accessibility varies significantly between developed and primitive sites. "While the local area is not the nicest, you won't really need to leave the campground once there. Kids loved the activities. Very little room in between sites but this is built for overnight interstate traffic," noted one visitor about USA RV Park. Most developed campgrounds in the area maintain year-round operations, though some higher-elevation sites like Quaking Aspen Campground operate seasonally from May through September. Cell service is generally reliable near established campgrounds and along Interstate 40, but becomes spotty in more remote areas. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with summer monsoon storms and winter snow affecting road conditions, particularly at higher elevations in the nearby Cibola National Forest.
Campers report high satisfaction with the range of amenities at developed campgrounds in the region. USA RV Park receives consistently positive reviews for its clean facilities, pool, and convenient location near Interstate 40. According to reviews from The Dyrt, the park's patriotic theme and on-site barbecue are popular features. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Turkey Springs and Six Mile Canyon dispersed camping areas provide opportunities for solitude without facilities. Most dispersed sites lack water, toilets, and trash service, so visitors must be prepared to pack out all waste. The Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, located about 30 miles south of Mentmore, offers a middle ground with both modern amenities and a natural setting near water, making it particularly popular during summer months when temperatures in the region can exceed 90 degrees.
$25 - $35 / night
"Needed an overnight stay along Interstate 40 in New Mexico. "
"We were so grateful to stumble upon USA RV Park on our recent trip through New Mexico. "
"I have stayed at this campground several time it was a New Mexico Stae Park, it has since been turned over to the city of Gallup as a city park."
"My first visit to New Mexico and the southwest. Red Rock Park is in Gallup, NM right on the Arizona state line in between Albuquerque and Flagstaff."
"Great views, quiet aside from some younger folks off-roading late night. Froze overnight as of November."
"Some highway noise if you stay near the entrance but once you head back, it gets quiet. No services or amenities so pack in and pack out. There’s a gas station about 7 minutes away."
$10 / night
"I hadn't spent much time in this part of New Mexico, and assumed that the trip was going to be hot and sun-bleached, similar to the desert exposed in nearby Gallup, NM."
"Located about 15min from I-40 is this campground. It offers everything you would expect including tables, fire pits, restrooms, and trash. For only $5 a day you can't beat it."
"Easy to get to with no four-wheel drive needed. Many pull-off spots and several pull throughs with lots of shady pines and wonderful breezes and wildlife."
"I decided to stay at the nearby Quaking Aspen Campground (0.5 mile away) due to this dispersed camping area kinda being a mudpit after the rain 😂 Would be awesome during a dry time!"
"There’s an east 3 mile trail for those who like to hike/walk. You are 10 miles from I40 so no vehicular noise to deal with."
"There is a trail alongside for hiking or bikes. There is no water or cell service, so plan on bringing a couple gallons with you."
"We did have to drive a couple miles to get away from other campers. Was perfectly fine after a day of cross country driving. Camped in a Jeep."
$15 - $90 / night
"This was the only lake we saw on our trip to the cattle ranch in New Mexico ;) The park is lovely and we truly enjoyed our time here. There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing."
"Beautiful New Mexico sunset."
TravelerThe views were amazing. Great hikes too. Yes there were a few dogs roaming around, but they were all well behaved. I’m afraid of dogs, but they were respectful of us & our campsite. if you told them to “get” they’d leave. But they also kept their distance in general, just wanted to see if you had food. Showers & bathroom was nice too! Definitely worth the stay.
ScoutThis campground is clean and campsites are spaced apart fairly well. There are two restrooms at different ends of the camp. There is no cell service, but we managed to find a clear enough sky for Starlink to connect us. It is a $10 fee per night and five dollars for day use. It is heavily wooded with no real views per se. There are no hook ups or electricity.
ScoutOnly good thing was the view of church rock but you don't have to stay here to visit and see it. Camp host was completely MIA when I got there. One of the other campers said he saw them leave first thing in the morning and hadn't come back. Was going to tent camp. I "think" I found my site but it also looked like it could have been an access road. Decided I'd skip setting up the tent and just use the bed of my truck in case I wasn't in the right spot. Final straw was when the bathroom code on my reservation turned out to have been changed randomly. Ended up saying screw it and went to a hotel down the road.
GuideNicely kept campground (clean pit toilets and campsites), but there is quite a bit of noise from the road. The sites are spacious, but there isn't any privacy between them. It's $10 per night to camp, or $5 for day use.
GuideThe first time I stayed here, I camped for a few days and only saw a couple of trucks drive down the road the whole time. It's a beautiful area. The second time, I showed up to find body parts of a deer(?), which I wasn't too keen on.
ScoutThis campground is very quiet and has good amenities; clean bathrooms, showers, large trees, electric, water, tables, etc. Map of site is difficult to read, and the website to make reservations only sort of works. Be aware that you will have to complete your registration to get the bathroom codes. Other than that, a very nice place to stay.
GuideWe spent 2 nights camping here. The site was large enough. The closest water and power connections were behind the next door campsite. The campground has a LOT of foxtails that are just now drying out and clinging to my stuff, and to dogs. Definitely something to consider if you have dogs. The bathrooms were clean. It’s located just down the road from Ice Cave, which is worth a visit.
ScoutNice, quiet spot not too far off highway 40. Campground spots are spread out nicely in forested area. Bathroom opens May 15th in '26. Previous reviews directions were spot on
GuideGo through the parking lot at Hilso trailhead and you’ll find pull off spots along 481 Sawmill. There are fire rings, although a bit of trash.
Camping spots near Mentmore, New Mexico range from high-elevation forest sites at 8,000 feet to lower desert terrain camping. The region experiences dramatic temperature shifts, with summer highs above 90°F at lower elevations while higher-elevation sites like Quaking Aspen Campground remain cool even during peak months. Fall brings vibrant color changes in the aspen groves, making September a popular time for Zuni Mountains camping.
Hiking on established trails: Visit El Morro National Monument where campers can explore unique geological formations. "The views and stars are breathtaking. Pit toilets well kept, but didn't find any water spigot anywhere," notes Court M. The monument offers ranger programming every weekend during summer months.
Mountain biking in the Zunis: The area near Quaking Aspen Campground offers excellent riding opportunities. "Amazing hiking and mtb'ing trails. And, a nice lake," reports Tommy B. Trails vary from beginner to advanced with most routes well-maintained for recreational riders.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings and evenings provide the best opportunities for viewing local wildlife. "We saw abundant wildlife while working in the Zunis, including several brown bears, deer, and elk," reports Tyler G. Keep binoculars handy and maintain a safe distance from any large animals.
Spacious, separated sites: Many appreciate the well-designed campsites at higher elevations. "Small campground with massive campsites. This campground could easily squeeze double, if not triple, the sites out of these woods, but someone decided to let everyone breath a little here," writes Chip about Quaking Aspen Campground.
Easy access dispersed options: For those seeking more solitude, Turkey Springs offers accessible forest camping. "Lots of options for sites on both sides of 162 before it starts going uphill. Several sites off the smaller two track roads can support good size trailers with lots of flat open space," notes Timothy N.
Clean facilities at established campgrounds: Many reviewers mention the condition of amenities. "Clean showers and warm showers. Vault toilets are very clean as well. A lot of very scenic campsites. Some well shaded with juniper and pinion trees," writes Dan about Bluewater Lake State Park Campground.
Seasonal road closures: Several dispersed camping areas close during winter months. "The gate at the end of the road is closed Dec. 15 to March 31. Parked outside the gate for the night. Looks like a nice area if I could get there," reports Dan J. about Six Mile Canyon. Similarly, Turkey Springs road is closed from December 15 through March 31.
Variable cell service: Connectivity depends greatly on location and elevation. "TMobile access was mixed. Sometimes limited LTE, sometimes 5G," notes Timothy N. about Turkey Springs. Signal tends to be stronger at lower elevations and weaker in canyons.
Changing road conditions: Unpaved access roads can deteriorate rapidly during wet weather. "Don't drive the road after a rain," advises Dan J. about Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping. Four-wheel drive vehicles have advantages when accessing more remote sites, especially during monsoon season.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific facilities for children. "We were able to get pizza delivered to our RV site which was a big hit with the kids," shares Nicole B. about her stay at USA RV Park in Gallup, approximately 15 miles from Mentmore.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many sites offer chances to observe local fauna. "Wild horses roaming around the lake were also pretty cool," mentions Austin C. about his visit to Bluewater Lake. Early mornings provide the best viewing times for most wildlife.
Watch for desert hazards: Desert camping requires extra vigilance with children. "Careful of the grass if you have small children. When the prickly pear cactus die and rot away their little hairy spines remain. My toddler fell in a patch of invisible spines," warns Court M. about El Morro National Monument.
Water management: Most dispersed camping areas near Mentmore lack water sources. "No running water but there's an outhouse toilet that's clean enough and a dumpster for waste," notes Zoey T. about Quaking Aspen. Fill water tanks before arrival at established campgrounds.
Site selection for larger rigs: Some areas have surprising capacity for larger vehicles. "The forest service website says 22' max trailer but that's not what we found! I'm in a 38' motor home and there were NO tight spots at all! Site 10 is back in but we had 30' to spare," shares Robert G. about McGaffey Campground.
Temperature planning: Higher elevation camps stay cooler in summer. "We stayed at Quaking Aspen Campground for one night but thats all it took. I fell in love with the campground. The big aspen trees, how remote and quiet it was. The elevation at which the cg is at is 8000' makes for cool days and nic crisp cool nights, even in the summertime," reports Charles V.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mentmore, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mentmore, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 25 campgrounds and RV parks near Mentmore, NM and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mentmore, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mentmore, NM is USA RV Park with a 4.5-star rating from 63 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mentmore, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Mentmore, NM.
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