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Best Dispersed Camping near Monticello, NM

149 Reviews

Several dispersed camping areas surround the Monticello, New Mexico region, with popular sites located in Cibola National Forest. Forest Service Road 542 offers multiple free camping spots with established fire rings. The access road requires cautious driving, with numerous potholes and rough sections. Most sites can be reached in standard vehicles, though higher clearance is recommended.

Roads to the campsites deteriorate beyond the paved section, featuring ruts and rocky terrain. As one camper noted, "The road is a little bumpy, but we were fine in a Crosstrek." The first accessible spots appear shortly after turning onto FS 542, while more secluded sites require navigating challenging terrain. Many visitors recommend arriving during daylight hours to safely navigate the roads and locate the designated camping areas marked by fire rings. Cell service remains strong throughout the area due to proximity to a nearby tower. No facilities are available—pack out all trash and prepare for primitive conditions without water or toilets.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Monticello, New Mexico (13)

    1. Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    26 Reviews
    Tijeras, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 346-3900

    "This dispersed camping is a great spot to stop. There are multiple site identified with lot signs and fire rings. Some of the spots are Easier to access than others."

    "No facilities. Dry camping only. The sights are not well defined but there's enough clearings between the trees to make do."

    2. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    41 Reviews
    Placitas, NM
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 761-8700

    "Great little find for a quick place to car camp while driving through Albuquerque without going too far out of the way."

    "When you first arrive to the end of the road and the beginning of the public land - you have the option to go left, straight, or right."

    3. Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District

    4 Reviews
    Ponderosa, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 281-3304

    "Have to drive up the forest service road off the pavement. A little rough but I have a lifted outback no issues! Highly recommended."

    "A bit less traveled than other nearby campground. Road almost more accessible to this camp ground for low clearance. Might scrape a bit going up final ramp to Cedro peak one, but not terribly either."

    4. Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Tijeras, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 761-8700

    5. Cibola NP

    1 Review
    Tijeras, NM
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 346-3900

    6. Placitas BLM

    1 Review
    Placitas, NM
    19 miles

    "Open space for dispersed camping with views of the mountains. Lots of flat open places. Don't need 4x4 but a little clearance helps with the rocks and ruts."

    7. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    42 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    47 miles

    "This is dispersed camping with mostly RVs, some vans, and a few tents and teepees. There are no hookups but near the entrance there is a building with two enclosed bathrooms."

    "It's a great area with flat sites and close proximity to Santa Fe. The dirt road is not too long and not bad at all. There were a bunch of campers there but it didnt feel crowded."

    8. Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    26 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    48 miles

    "As you drive down the road the BLM land is clearly identified by the 14 day camping limit signs."

    "I was towing a Uhaul cross country so needed some place close-ish to the free way and with an easily accessible road: this location had both."

    9. Manzano Mountains Camp

    2 Reviews
    Mountainair, NM
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 346-3900

    "Took awhile to get here, well off the beaten path. Ponderosa Pines, oak and juniper scrub. Ample supply of downed trees to use as firewood. Gets muddy if it rains."

    10. Canyon Del Apache

    Be the first to review!
    Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, NM
    21 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Monticello, NM

86 Photos of 13 Monticello Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Monticello, NM

149 Reviews of 13 Monticello Campgrounds

  • Dan G.
    Aug. 6, 2021

    Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    Santa Fe BLM

    This is dispersed camping with mostly RVs, some vans, and a few tents and teepees. There are no hookups but near the entrance there is a building with two enclosed bathrooms. There is no trash collection so you must carry out everything you bring in. This is great free camping or just free overnight parking if you are self sufficient with your own water and solar power. There is lots of space but it seems like a lot of people just pull in and find spots near the front. We camped in August 2021 and days got up to 90 degrees. We hung out in SantaFe until about 8pm and it dropped to 80 and the breeze picked up. It is dry in the desert so 80 is very comfortable. Another nice thing about desert camping is there are some flies, and a few mosquitos but compared to the moist midwest we seem fine without having to use a lot of bug repellant. We will stay here again.

  • muj V.
    Oct. 7, 2021

    Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    Great area close to Santa Fe

    It's a great area with flat sites and close proximity to Santa Fe. The dirt road is not too long and not bad at all. There were a bunch of campers there but it didnt feel crowded. There was a pit toilet, clean and maintained (had fully stocked TP).

    Driving along the access road, seems like there are also camping spots before the gate, but within the gate is the Forest Service grounds.

    Stars are amazing at night. We saw nearby hiking and mtb trails, though we didnt get to try them. Santa Fe is also a great city to visit while here.

  • TheCampingNerd ..
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    Huge Free Camping Area That Feels Safe Near Santa Fe

    There are a ton of campsites here, and even more options if you have a high clearance vehicle. 

    If you have a low clearance RV I recommend taking the first road to the left after crossing the cattle guard. That road leads around most of the camping area and you can avoid the side roads with the steep entrances. 

    It is right next to a landfill which is interesting but there were no flies or smells in October. 

    For a free camping area right next to a city the area felt safe and was surprisingly clean.

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 15, 2025

    Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    Trash yes, Views Yes, Free YES!!

    I didn’t see this but didn’t read all reviews. As you drive down the road the BLM land is clearly identified by the 14 day camping limit signs. You will come to a fence with a cattle guard and when you cross that you are now in National Forest, NO CAMPING on the National Forest side (ask me how I know ;)

  • D
    Jan. 25, 2022

    Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    Great spot

    My first time dispersed camping was a success! Enough space for people to spread out, little trees help with privacy. Freezing here at night but it is winter! Beautiful views and just enough service for t-mobile! Couldn’t ask for more really! Just remember Leave No Trace as I did see some litter, nothing crazy tho. Awesome spot.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    Cross Country w/ A Uhaul

    I was towing a Uhaul cross country so needed some place close-ish to the free way and with an easily accessible road: this location had both. I used the google maps directions and they said to head north on foot, instead I drove straight along the dirt road and found the disbursed sites. There were a number of people around and a little bit of road noise in the distance. Happy and safe travels: Cheers 🍻

  • Karis C.
    Feb. 18, 2025

    Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    Great Public Lands find!

    Great little find for a quick place to car camp while driving through Albuquerque without going too far out of the way. The directions in the app were helpful to know to avoid the private roads, as they were not marked private. We took Llano del Norte the whole way around and found the public lands easily.

  • T&A Adventures *.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 2, 2024

    Cibola NP

    Quick Overnight

    We came here planning on staying at Coyote Trailhead that was listed. Turns out you can't overnight park at the actual trailheads. And to get to the dispersed camping you have to have a jeep or similar rock climbing type vehicle & not towing anything. Crazy steep rock face in the middle of the road near the trailhead. So we turned around, saw this spot and no one was there. We spent the night, boondocking. No one bothered us.

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2022

    Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    Land of Disenchantment near trailhead

    Next to a landfill, which is loud near the trailhead. Pit toilets are disgusting. Would rather dig a hole for that… long term campers mainly at the trailhead - RV, tent, and van. Plus loads of trash and abandoned RV’s.

    However, I stayed here the 14 day limit and found some great spots that are secluded from the residents and flies. Other than the serenading coyotes, it’s very peaceful at night. Great views of the surrounding mountains and awesome sunsets. Conveniently located to Santa Fe. I don’t think I’ll stop here again unless it’s overnight.

Guide to Monticello

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Monticello, New Mexico, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Monticello, New Mexico

  • When heading to Dispersed Camping off FS 542, be prepared for rough roads; a truck or SUV is recommended for a smoother experience.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends, as some areas can get busy, like Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful sites pristine for future visitors.

Dispersed campers should check out Manzanita Rec Zone

  • The Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District offers a quieter experience with fewer visitors, making it ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • This area is known for its scenic trails, perfect for hiking and biking, providing ample opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife, as the area is home to various species, enhancing your camping experience.

Enjoy stunning views while free camping near Monticello

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Monticello, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Monticello, NM is Dispersed Camping off FS 542 with a 4.4-star rating from 26 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 13 dispersed camping locations near Monticello, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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