Best Dispersed Camping near Ocate, NM

Dispersed camping areas surround Ocate, New Mexico, primarily on National Forest lands including sites along Forest Roads 5, 438, and 439. Most locations are primitive with no designated facilities, offering free camping opportunities in the Carson National Forest and nearby public lands. Sites are typically found along creek beds and within forested areas, with several pull-offs available for vehicles. The Rio Fernando de Taos area and Forest Road 5 provide multiple established dispersed sites that accommodate both tent and RV camping.

Access to many dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved forest roads that may become challenging during wet conditions. Several campers report muddy or rough sections, particularly during spring snowmelt. According to one visitor, "The road can be a little bumpy, but there were numerous spots along the way." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for some areas, especially after rain or snow. Most locations have existing fire rings, though seasonal fire restrictions are common during dry periods. Cell service varies significantly by location, with some areas offering surprisingly good coverage—"Verizon is excellent—5G after 3-4th campsite" at Forest Road 5, while other areas have limited or no connectivity.

The dispersed camping experience near Ocate features diverse terrain from open meadows to forested sites along creeks. Wildlife sightings are common, with many campers reporting elk and deer encounters. One camper noted that "the sounds of rushing water, the birds and frogs chirping, and the elk walking through—it's really special" during spring at Forest Road 5. Sites along creeks provide natural white noise and recreational opportunities, though some campsites may flood during spring runoff. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this mountainous region, with temperatures dropping into the mid-40s even during summer months. Most areas remain relatively uncrowded except during peak seasons, allowing for quiet, natural experiences in the New Mexico backcountry.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ocate, New Mexico (22)

    1. Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

    9 Reviews
    Angel Fire, NM
    24 miles
    Website

    "There are several sites along FR-5, though some might require high clearance or 4wd. "

    "No facilities. Crick 3x bigger now. Early May. So beautiful."

    2. Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5

    3 Reviews
    Angel Fire, NM
    25 miles
    Website

    "Just a handful of sites on this short road--one side of the road is fairly open but has the creek/river flowing nearby; the other side of the road is more in the forest and offers some shade and privacy"

    "Fairly accessible. We brought a pop up. Elk everywhere. We had a nice time"

    3. Forest Road 438 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Ranchos de Taos, NM
    26 miles

    "Stumbled on this location by chance when another location nearby was closed. Long forest road with approximately 8-10 dispersed campsites along the road."

    "Numerous spots along the forest road and some are tucked off the road a bit. The spot we found about a 1/2 mile or so past the bridge has a little fire ring and right next to the little creek."

    4. Forest Service 439

    2 Reviews
    Vadito, NM
    30 miles

    "A little stream is near by-- a little shallow and a little mucky on the bottom, but really refreshing. The stars are incredible, also some beautiful views of the mountains from the lower section."

    5. Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    8 Reviews
    Valdez, NM
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-6200

    "No amenities except some great river side places.

    Dispersed camping along the road (though it’s not a busy one, especially not at night so not noisy) right on the river."

    "I car-camped here just before Labor Day weekend and while it wasn’t the most private camping area, I was able to snag a spot along the river and had a nice time."

    7. Dispersed Camping Near Taos

    4 Reviews
    Arroyo Hondo, NM
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8851

    "Dirt road but we did it with no problem with our 24ft trailer."

    "A good dispersed campground with a few spots. Don’t drive to the John dun bridge from Taos use the longer route instead. The switch back road is blocked off now."

    8. Mills Canyon Dispersed

    1 Review
    Mills, NM
    40 miles

    "This canyon is a too little known gem tucked away in a corner of the state too few travel, as the near ghost town of Roy demonstrates. "

    9. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

    3 Reviews
    San Cristobal, NM
    48 miles
    Website

    "Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is BLM land so it is all dispersed camping. You will need to make sure you aren't on someone's property or nearby any roads. There are plenty of turn offs. "

    "This is the most remote BLM site I’ve ever been too. Right at the edge of the Gorge, it is primitive—only saw one bathroom about 2 miles back."

    10. Mallette Creek North

    2 Reviews
    Red River, NM
    43 miles

    "Even with a couple and a new born up the hill I never heard them from our campervan! Serene surroundings and even and beautiful place to camp during a thunderstorm!"

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ocate, NM

37 Reviews of 22 Ocate Campgrounds


  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2023

    Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful fall colors

    There are a few tent spots and car camping spots, and it’s right along a creek where you can fly fish. It was a longer drive out there than expected, but there’s a sign that lets you know your in the National forest and out of peoples private property. You probably want 4WD because the road was rough, but definitely worth it with the fall colors! We loved this spot!

  • Jeff V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Mills Canyon Dispersed

    Not just dispersed, but 2 free Forest Service campgrounds!

    This canyon is a too little known gem tucked away in a corner of the state too few travel, as the near ghost town of Roy demonstrates.  for those wondering why I'd part with secrecy and reveal a local treasure, that's why: we've far too few tourists, unlike Barcelona. 

    Back to the canyon, the key attractions are the river, often a rippling stream, and sometimes mere puddles, but still, water in a dry land, and the ruins of a thriving orchard and stagecoach stop, complete with an impressive hotel.  The hotel is the largest ruin, abandoned after a flood destroyed the business more than a century ago.  There are other stone buildings scattered about for those motivated to hike around the valley. 

    The canyon remains hidden until you reach the rim and peer down (an excellent method for spotting ruins), and the first Forest Service campground is there, and best for those with larger trailers or lower clearances.

    The second Forest Service campground is by the river, complete with picnic tables, iron fire rings, and vault toilets.  Both are free as of this writing.

    I've never seen any explicit regulations beyond the obvious (don't do damage that gets us all a bad name) and 4x4 paths exist to get one further up and down the canyon for dispersed camping. 

    I'd certainly camp away from large or loud groups if I needed, but neither campground gets a rowdy crowd, or, indeed, much of a crowd. 

    p.s.  If you read this far, I'll throw in some nearby treats: Charette Lake, Fort Union, Pecos National Monument and Sugarite State Park all offer insights into the history and natural beauty of this part of NM.

  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 14, 2020

    Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

    Quiet beauty

    Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is BLM land so it is all dispersed camping. You will need to make sure you aren't on someone's property or nearby any roads. There are plenty of turn offs. 

    This isn't a "get away" more like a stopover spot. I stopped here on my way back North to Colorado to see the bridge over the Rio Grande and so I wasn't so high up in elevation that I would freeze. 

    But if you can find a quiet place it is a beautiful dispersed spot where there is civilization nearby and toilets at local businesses  and picnic areas that you can use. See map on review. 

    Be careful roaming at night. The drop into the river is quite deep so offroading isn't just ill advised for keeping the flora and fauna safe…but you as well. 

    There are picnic ares around the monument too, just not established camping spots.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Forest Service 439

    Rough

    I pull a small trailer and the road in was rough. I was concerned about being able to turn around. When I got to the spot where there are six or eight camping spots, finding one suitable for a trailer was difficult, but I did it. This is more suitable to car camping.

    There is an open area that would be good for group camping. There are three or more RVs that appear to be permanent  features. That was strange. Looked like fishing camps. I didn't want to drive the steep road down to this area.

    Personally, I wish I had stopped a the forest service campsites up hill from this location, but if you are in a car and want to tent camp here, I don't see a problem,

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2025

    Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

    Beautiful area!

    We stayed here for 2 days at the beginning of June 2025.  There are several sites along FR-5, though some might require high clearance or 4wd.  When we stayed, the ground was still quite damp - I would have stayed longer, but there were 3 days of rain in the forecast, and I felt there was a significant risk of getting stuck.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2025

    Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5

    Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Road 5

    Really, really loved this spot--such a beautiful area. Just a handful of sites on this short road--one side of the road is fairly open but has the creek/river flowing nearby; the other side of the road is more in the forest and offers some shade and privacy. The melting snow has the ponds and river overflowing, so many of the sites are flooded and inaccessible at the moment. We had camped towards the end of the road near the turn around spot due to most sites being flooded. The animals are really coming out though--lots of birds and frogs chirping, ducks were swimming in the ponds, and we even had some elk pass through our camp! Cell service is sporadic in this area. Of course, no amenities here so pack out what you bring in.

  • m
    Nov. 11, 2023

    Dispersed Camping Near Taos

    Great spots all with gorge views

    One thing is that you MUST approach from the west, you can’t get here coming from the east over John dun bridge. Dirt road but we did it with no problem with our 24ft trailer. Make sure you go all the way to the coordinates as there are a ton of great spots off to the left of the road, plenty of room to spread out and some solidly flat spots. Made a quick walk down to the springs in the evening and watched the stars come out. Awesome!!

  • Shavit L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2019

    Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    Beautiful and free river side camping

    No amenities except some great river side places.

    Dispersed camping along the road (though it’s not a busy one, especially not at night so not noisy) right on the river.

    First coms first served with mostly tenting spaces.

  • Rochelle B.
    May. 12, 2025

    Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

    Tent Camp 9

    This is the most remote BLM site I’ve ever been too. Right at the edge of the Gorge, it is primitive—only saw one bathroom about 2 miles back. Don’t recommend any kind of trailer for these dispersed camp sites as it is very hard to access. This area has had rain for 2+ weeks, so be sure your 4-wheel drive is operational.

    If you seek solitude, this is the place!


Guide to Ocate

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ocate, New Mexico, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations to choose from, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while soaking in the stunning landscapes.

Dispersed campers should check out Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

  • This site offers a peaceful experience with a little creek nearby, perfect for those looking to unwind in nature. Check it out at Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite.
  • It's a free spot with no permits required, making it an excellent choice for spontaneous camping trips.
  • While it may not be suitable for big rigs, tent campers will find it a charming and quiet retreat.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Ocate, New Mexico

  • Always check the road conditions before heading to Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5, as potholes can be an issue, especially for larger vehicles.
  • This location allows campfires, so be sure to bring firewood and enjoy a cozy evening under the stars.
  • Keep an eye on the weather, as flooding can occur, but the beautiful surroundings make it worth the caution.

Scenic views and tranquility at Ponderosa Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park

  • Located near stunning mountain views, Ponderosa Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park provides a level area that accommodates big rigs and tents alike.
  • With a central water spigot available, campers can easily refill their supplies while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
  • The site is known for its cool weather, even in the summer, making it a refreshing escape from the heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ocate, NM is Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 22 dispersed camping locations near Ocate, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.