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Best Dispersed Camping near Pecos, NM

146 Reviews

Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area lies east of Pecos in the Santa Fe National Forest, offering several primitive sites distributed along forest roads. The area features eight designated spots positioned near the road with minimal privacy, most containing established fire rings. A well-maintained creek runs alongside the campsites, providing a natural water source, though visitors should treat water before consumption.

Road access requires cautious driving, with several reviews noting rough, bumpy conditions. While 4WD vehicles are recommended, visitors report seeing smaller 2WD vehicles navigating the terrain successfully. The surrounding forest shows evidence of past fire damage with a mix of dead standing trees and young regrowth of aspens and oaks. The Forest Road 102 dispersed area provides alternative options but requires high-clearance vehicles due to significant ruts and washouts. According to one visitor, it took "56 minutes to drive 3.4 miles" on the narrow dirt road with limited turnaround opportunities. Most sites in the region are free, accommodate tents and small RVs, and remain open year-round, with fall visitors particularly noting the beautiful autumn colors.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pecos, New Mexico (21)

    1. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    42 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    24 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."

    2. Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    Tererro, NM
    6 miles
    Website

    "There are a few tent spots and car camping spots, and it’s right along a creek where you can fly fish."

    "2 wheel drive accessible, fresh water source, fire pit ring, room for 3 vehicles near camp, very peaceful, and zero noise and no light pollution."

    3. Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    26 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    24 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."

    4. Forest Road 102 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    16 miles
    Website

    "We took this road to get to a hike and saw several people camping off the road or a ways up a hill where rhey had walked in. We saw limited places so be ready for first come first serve."

    5. Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 438-5300

    "A gorgeous and vast dispersed campground just a short drive from Santa Fe."

    "20 mins from Sata Fe, lots of open roads and land for dispersed camping. Can get a bit crowded and hard to find a spot away from people, but plenty of room."

    6. Manzanares Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Tererro, NM
    8 miles

    7. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    41 Reviews
    Placitas, NM
    47 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."

    8. Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    19 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    43 miles

    "We were just looking for a place to crash in our SUV before going to Bandelier National Monument in the morning and continuing on our road trip."

    "Along the entire length of this road dispersed camping is allowed."

    9. Las Dos Dispersed Campsite

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    White Rock, NM
    26 miles
    Website

    10. American Springs

    4 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    43 miles

    "Probably not a must have, but I highly recommend a four-wheel-drive high clearance to get back into the camp spots here, but there are a handful of spots."

    "Just sad to see bullet casings litter ground and these trees that survived the most intense fire in new mexico are being shot up and destroyed. Shame on anyone doing this"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pecos, NM

98 Photos of 21 Pecos Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pecos, NM

146 Reviews of 21 Pecos 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.

  • 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!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 29, 2023

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Worked for our needs

    We were just looking for a place to crash in our SUV before going to Bandelier National Monument in the morning and continuing on our road trip. Showed up at midnight and grabbed the first flat spot to park. Convenient and free is always nice. 20 min from the visitors center. There was a “No Campfires” sign at the entrance despite what this listing states.

  • Jeanie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Close to Bandelier and Los Alamos

    We stayed here 3 nights over Memorial Day weekend. Got in Thursday night and there were plenty of sites to choose from. As other reviews have said, the sites are spaced out well and there were always sites available throughout the weekend. We camped on the road that immediately turns to the right. Along the entire length of this road dispersed camping is allowed. If you go to the left (high clearance is good to have but could make it with 2wd) dispersed camping isn't allowed till you're about a mile in (see map picture). There are some fun single track trails (Water Canyon and Perimeter Trail) accessible from the campsite if you plan on mt biking or running/hiking. Bandelier National Monument is about 15 min drive away and is a fun place to checkout and climb in some cliff dwellings.
    Just as a side note we saw 3 coyotes our first night in and heard them howling in the AM and PM, so keep pets leashed if you bring them and keep small kiddos close!

  • Stephanie D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Forest Road 102 Dispersed

    Borrego Trail-Long, bumpy road

    Long, bumpy one-lane dirt road. 2-5mph the whole way. No shoulder. No way to back up or turn around. Lots of ruts and washouts. Only a couple of turn-arounds way up the mountain. Not good for trailers. Best for high clearance or 4x4. Several walk in campsites if you have a small vehicle. If you make it to the top, there’s a handful of nice campsites that you can drive into. We made it, but it was rough! 56 minutes to drive 3.4 miles.

  • 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.

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2019

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Great Spot for Free Camping before the Caldera!

    This is a nice secluded dispersed campsite on the eastern flanks of the Valles Caldera.  It's the closest CG to Sante Fe along the 4 before it enters the caldera proper.  While most of the trees in this area were burnt by fires less than 10 years ago, it still provides great views of the valley below and the highest mountains in all of New Mexico!  The campground has no amenities so bring everything you'll need and bring along a high clearance vehicle if you plan on heading up the road beyond the campsites that are right off the pavement to the right.

    Besides exploring the caldera there are plenty of amazing things to do in nearby Sante Fe!  Our favorite attraction was the MeowWolf permanent art exhibit.  It's an absolutely amazing surreal piece of art that you walk through and interact.  I cannot stress enough how much you should visit because in addition to being an art pillar in New Mexico they also contribute to local and soon regional art and philanthropic endeavors.

  • 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,

Guide to Pecos

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pecos, New Mexico, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without designated sites.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Pecos, New Mexico

  • Many areas, like Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area, provide access to beautiful scenery along a creek, perfect for those looking to fish or relax by the water.
  • Be prepared for rough roads; some spots, such as Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping, may require a vehicle with good clearance due to uneven terrain.
  • Always pack out what you bring in, as some locations, including Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite, have reported issues with trash left behind by previous visitors.

Scenic views and wildlife encounters for dispersed campers

Dispersed campers should check out Cow Creek for its unique features

  • Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area is known for its picturesque fall colors, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts.
  • The area is suitable for both tent and car camping, providing flexibility for different camping styles.
  • While the road can be rough, the scenic beauty and tranquility of Cow Creek make the journey worthwhile for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping areas in Pecos, NM?

The Pecos area offers several excellent dispersed camping options. Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area provides tent and car camping spots along a creek with fly fishing opportunities, though 4WD is recommended due to rough roads. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed is another popular choice with flat sites that accommodate RVs, vans, and tents. This area has basic pit toilets near the entrance but no hookups or trash collection. The dirt access road is manageable, and while it can be busy, the area doesn't feel crowded due to well-spaced sites. Many sites are accessible with standard vehicles, though high-clearance vehicles can access additional options beyond the main camping area.

What amenities are available at Davis Willow Dispersed Campground in Tererro?

Davis Willow Dispersed Campground in Tererro is a true dispersed camping experience with minimal amenities. Unlike developed sites like Forest Service 439 which has designated camping spots in an open area, Davis Willow offers no formal facilities. You should expect no restrooms, no trash service, no potable water, and no hookups of any kind. This is primitive camping that requires complete self-sufficiency. You'll need to bring all necessary supplies, including water, and pack out all trash. For those seeking slightly more amenities while still dispersed camping, areas like Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite might offer more established sites while maintaining the dispersed camping experience.

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in the Pecos Wilderness?

Dispersed camping in the Pecos Wilderness follows standard Forest Service regulations with no specific permits required for general camping. However, there's a 14-day stay limit within any 30-day period. Pack-out-all-trash policies are strictly enforced, as seen at locations like Pajarito Springs (Dispersed) where no trash services are provided. Campfire regulations vary seasonally, with potential restrictions during high fire danger periods. Some areas like Forest Road 102 Dispersed have access limitations for certain vehicle types due to rough terrain. Always check current regulations with the Santa Fe National Forest office before your trip, as rules may change seasonally or with special orders.

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