Best Dispersed Camping near Pinos Altos, NM

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!

The 8 campsites are distributed along the forest road. Each campsite is no more than 10 feet from the road (very little privacy), but most appear to have a fire ring close by and space for a tent which is protected from vehicle encroachment by the strategic placement of some very large boulders. The well cared for creek runs next to each campsite. There were two campsites that could possible fit a larger trailer, but again, you will be right next to the road. The forest itself has taken some extensive damage from fire and I’m guessing drought. It is beginning to repair itself, but may take decades to get back to its former glory. Dead trees standing and fallen, dot the hills, but so do live aspens, very young oak, grasses and some fire damaged pine. We have a 4 wheel drive truck, but we saw many smaller 2 wheel drive vehicles. The road is bumpy and narrow at times but serviceable. There was light traffic all day and into the evening, including ATV’s. Our campsite (one of the few that would fit our trailer) had a lot of trash strewn about, including a very used bucket and a car battery. We packed it out, but it’s distressing to see our forests uncared for.