Looking for the best campgrounds near Ocate, NM? Ocate is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Ocate, reviewed by campers like you.
"No facilities. Crick 3x bigger now. Early May. So beautiful."
"I think it being early-May and the snow melt that's happening makes the camping experience quite unique: the sounds of rushing water, the birds and frogs chirping, and the elk walking through--it's really"
"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"
"Highway 64 between Taos and Angel Fire > Turn onto Forest Rd 5 and go to end
Solid road, no issue with 25ft travel trailer."
"Stumbled on this location by chance when another location nearby was closed. Long forest road with approximately 8-10 dispersed campsites along the road."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
GuideThere 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!
LegendRio 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.
TravelerI 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,
LegendReally, 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.
ScoutOne 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!!
GuideNo 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.
ScoutThis 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!
GuideSnowstorm two days after I arrived. Tent reduced by half. No other people for 4 days. Suns out, snow is melting, can’t ask for more.
No facilities. Crick 3x bigger now. Early May. So beautiful.
GuideTons of Boondocking spots.
Not ideal for long wheel base as it’s an out and back without turn around spots.
Best pull outs are to the left as the road forks after the cattle guard.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 6 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 20 dispersed camping locations near Ocate, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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