Dispersed camping near Pinehill, New Mexico presents additional opportunities beyond the main sites. The camping areas range in elevation from 6,000 to 7,500 feet, creating significant temperature variations throughout the seasons. Most roads remain accessible to standard vehicles during dry conditions, though several become challenging after rainfall or during spring thaw when runoff creates washouts and soft spots.
What to do
Wildlife observation opportunities: Several campers report seeing mule deer at dawn and dusk at Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site. According to Terry O., "Thoroughly enjoyed the area. Biked 6 miles up the road." The canyon roads provide excellent routes for mountain biking and wildlife spotting.
Photography at sunrise: The eastern facing ridges at Turkey Springs capture exceptional morning light. Steve M. notes the area has "lots of shady pines and wonderful breezes and wildlife," making it ideal for nature photography. Early morning provides the best lighting conditions and opportunity to capture wildlife activity.
Stargazing on clear nights: The minimal light pollution creates excellent conditions for astronomy. One camper at Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping remarked, "The stars were bomb dot com," indicating exceptional night sky visibility. Bring red-light flashlights to preserve night vision.
What campers like
Natural shade coverage: Campers appreciate the tree coverage during summer months. Roger J. describes Turkey Springs as having "Large Ponderosa Pines with White Cedar and Oak scrub," which provides natural cooling and wind protection. This natural canopy helps moderate daytime temperatures even during peak heat.
Reasonable road conditions: Many sites remain accessible without specialized vehicles during dry weather. One camper surprisingly noted, "I drove my Prius in during the summer and it was fine," though they acknowledged potential issues during wet conditions. The first mile of most access roads remains passable for standard vehicles.
Solitude and privacy: Multiple pull-off locations allow for secluded camping experiences. According to Twan M., the area features "Spur trails are good 4x4 drives. The main road is 2wd friendly for a long way, with probably 10-15 camping sites/options along the way. Very beautiful and peaceful." Each site offers different levels of seclusion depending on distance from main roads.
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Access becomes significantly more difficult after precipitation. Kenny R. warns, "Don't recommend if it's muddy! Great spot! Lots of options and tons of open space. Beautiful area... would be awesome during a dry time!" Roads transform quickly after rainfall, trapping unprepared vehicles.
Elevation affects temperature: Camping at BLM land near Grants, NM and surrounding areas requires preparation for temperature drops. Timothy N. notes, "It is above 7k, so it does get colder at night than the local forecast for Gallup." Temperature differences between day and night can exceed 30°F.
Cell service reliability: Mobile coverage varies by carrier and exact location. According to Timothy N., "TMobile access was mixed. Sometimes limited LTE, sometimes 5G." Verizon generally provides more consistent coverage throughout the area, while other carriers offer spotty service.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for temperature fluctuations: The elevation causes significant day-to-night temperature changes. One reviewer noted, "Froze overnight as of November." Families should pack additional layers for children, especially during spring and fall when daytime temperatures can be deceiving.
Site selection strategy: Families find better options by exploring beyond the first mile. Brittany M. suggests, "I stopped in what seemed like the first camping spot, so I didn't risk the harder road further down. I'd say I was only a half mile in... Would try for further down the road next time." Sites farther from the entrance typically offer more space and privacy.
Morning traffic awareness: Ranch and industrial traffic creates noise during certain hours. Timothy N. reports, "The paved road is loud in the morning and evening with ranch/quarry traffic, but it is very quiet at night." Select sites farther from main roads when camping with children who are light sleepers.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions for larger units: Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping accommodates varying RV sizes with limitations. Jeff K. notes, "Road is good enough to drag a camper back. Sites are pretty decent sized." However, sites vary in levelness and turning radius, with most suitable for units under 25 feet.
Leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites require additional equipment for stabilization. Terry O. reports, "Sites not very level but managed to get the RVs level enough." Bring extra leveling blocks and stabilizers as the natural terrain rarely provides perfectly flat parking.
Strategic parking for wind protection: Position RVs to minimize wind exposure during frequent gusts. One camper mentioned, "We got a site for 2 RVs that protected us from an impending windstorm." Use natural features like trees and rock formations to create wind breaks when possible.
