Best Dispersed Camping near Questa, NM

Dispersed camping near Questa, New Mexico offers several free primitive options on public lands. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument provides BLM-managed dispersed camping with spectacular gorge views and access to the Rio Grande. Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping features riverside sites in Carson National Forest. Additional options include Forest Road 5 and various Forest Service roads with established pull-offs suitable for tent camping and smaller vehicles.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. According to reviews, "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." Most forest roads have ruts that become problematic after rain. Several campers noted difficulty turning around larger vehicles on narrow forest roads, making these areas better suited for car camping or smaller rigs.

Most dispersed sites in this region lack facilities. Pack in all necessary water and supplies. Fire regulations vary by location and season; Rio Grande del Norte Monument prohibits fires while most Forest Service sites permit them in existing fire rings. The standard 14-day stay limit applies throughout the area. Weather changes rapidly in this high-desert environment, with cold nights common even in summer. Cell service is sporadic, particularly in canyon areas and remote forest roads.

The proximity to Taos provides access to services while maintaining a wilderness experience. Campers report excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including elk sightings in spring and early summer. Practice Leave No Trace principles, as several areas show evidence of improper waste disposal. During peak seasons, arrive early to secure preferred sites, especially at popular locations near water features.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Questa, New Mexico (35)

    1. Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    8 Reviews
    Valdez, NM
    12 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."

    2. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

    3 Reviews
    San Cristobal, NM
    7 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."

    3. Mallette Creek North

    3 Reviews
    Red River, NM
    11 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!"

    "This is what we wanted to find with dispersed camping! Beautiful view! A couple of neighbors but never heard them. Not the easiest piece of ground to get the trailer leveled but we made it work."

    4. Carson national forest

    1 Review
    San Cristobal, NM
    7 miles

    "We drove around Forest Trail 9 (FT9) until we found a great spot on the edge overlooking the Rio."

    5. Cebolla Mesa

    1 Review
    San Cristobal, NM
    7 miles

    "Beware drive in can be muddy if raining 4wd recommended and AWD is fine too. Front or Rwd is doable but at your own risk.

    Bathroom Firepit Table There are only 4 available spots."

    6. Dispersed Camping Near Taos

    4 Reviews
    Arroyo Hondo, NM
    14 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."

    7. Rio Grande Bridge Overlook

    1 Review
    Arroyo Hondo, NM
    13 miles

    "A little more secluded than the spots next door and a little farther away from the edge of the cliff but still beautiful."

    8. Greenie Peak

    1 Review
    Red River, NM
    12 miles

    "Quick trip here overnight. lots of spots on the drive up to the peak, so don’t have to make it the whole way."

    9. Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

    9 Reviews
    Angel Fire, NM
    25 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."

    10. Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Carson National Forest, NM
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8678

    "There are a bunch of different roads you can turn off to camp on if you’re driving from Taos to Durango."

    "I tent-camped off of Carson NF Forest Service Road 578 in mid April 2022. FS 578 is south of Tres Piedras about 5 miles on the west side of Hwy 285."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Questa, NM

73 Reviews of 35 Questa Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Jason L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2019

    Home Mountain Reservoir SWA - Dispersed Campsites

    Beautiful mountain lake

    Only a few miles from Ft. Garland, Mountain Home Reservoir is another Colorado State Wildlife Area, but no signs saying an SWA permit is needed to camp there so not sure if you need one or not, we have it so we forgot to check. We have also bought land to build on three miles from the lake, we love this area.

    There are two sides to camp on, one side has toilets, vault style, but it's more crowded on that side and less room to camp. The other side takes a little drive, but is much more open and has the mountains behind you and the lake in front of you. It gets busy on weekends, but weekdays are pretty quiet.

    The water is cold, but you could swim in August if you really want to, not too cold at all. Boats are allowed, and there boat ramps on both sides of the lake from what we could see, didn't inspect the ramps, but know one works because there was a pontoon boat on the lake one day.

    The weather changes by the minute it seems, and storms move over the area pretty quickly. If you don't like the weather wait five minutes, it'll change, and I'm not exaggerating. Still mostly nice weather, and normally sunny.

    This is a beautiful camping area, again this is a no hook up area so pack in what you need and leave no trace. Try to camp near one of the already made fire pits, makes it easier on you and they discourage building new fire pits. If you don't want a fire then you can camp anywhere you aren't blocking a road.

    Truly beautiful place to camp, you can stay 14 days in a 45 day period. RV dump and fill stations are nearby in Ft.Garland, and it's only about thirty minutes to Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Zapata Falls. Smith Reservoir is also nearby and that's another SWA we reviewed, check that one out.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2023

    Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping

    Cold and quiet with good views

    There are a bunch of different roads you can turn off to camp on if you’re driving from Taos to Durango. We mapped Forest Road 578 and it took us to a dirt road with a lot of flat spots you can camp on. We spent the night there and it was very quiet and peaceful. If you keep going to Durango you’ll get to Carson National Forest, which is not too far from the coordinates on The Dyrt. That’s where more people are camping, you can pull off right before the 64H road marker. You’ll keep passing camping spots as you drive to Durango so you can really go almost anywhere!

  • 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,

  • Jacob  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2022

    Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping

    Primitive dispersed camping

    I tent-camped off of Carson NF Forest Service Road 578 in mid April 2022. FS 578 is south of Tres Piedras about 5 miles on the west side of Hwy 285. There are several dirt road turn offs but FS 578 is clearly marked with a brown NFS sign (see photo) and has no gate but there is a cattle guard/grate. Here is a NFS road use map that shows dispersed camping along FS 578 and many other NFS roads: https://www.fs.fed.us/r3/gis/mvum/Carson/CarsonTresPiedrasCanjilonElRito.pdf (see also screenshot). My Tacoma had no problem on the dirt road, which has ruts and might be tough for an RV. There were few clearings suitable for dispersed camping but I found a nice spot with a small fire circle in a small clearing on the south side of the road just past a fork in the road. I carried two black boulders over to serve as a table and chair. I didn’t see anyone else camping or driving by. The forest is a nice mix of sage, juniper, and pine trees. I saw two elk across a swath of sage. I could see the snow capped peaks of the Sangre de Cristo range on the eastern horizon when I walked farther up the road. It got cold at night, like 27 F. It was a nice waypoint on my trip between Gunnison CO and El Paso TX but it didn’t look like many people camped there. I had intended to drive to Taos the next day on Hwy 64, but didn’t.

  • 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2023

    Forest Road 558

    Okay Dispersed Camp Spot

    Wide open dispersed desert camping. FS-558 runs for several miles south of HWY-285. We stayed closer to the highway which is safer without 4WD. Higher clearance is helpful due to ruts in the road. There's a fair amount of trash, but plenty of spots without. Bummer that locals use public land as their private dumping area. The nights were quiet, other than occasionally coyote calls, which add to the ambiance. We had a few thousand acres all to ourselves for four nights while climbing on nearby El Rito walls.

  • Ron G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2023

    Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping

    Tres Piedras area

    The location on Dyrt maps is wrong, forest service is NW of 285 & 64. Beautiful dispersed camping spots plentiful. Park ranger Melissa was the top notch. Couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly. Definitely stay there again.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2021

    Tres Piedras Dispersed Site

    Great spot for dispersed

    No hookups. Not many people. You can spend 14 days there. Make sure you practice LNT and take some time to enjoy nature.


Guide to Questa

Dispersed camping near Questa, New Mexico provides primitive options in Carson National Forest and BLM lands surrounding the Rio Grande. Located at elevations between 7,000-8,500 feet, the area experiences dramatic temperature swings with summer days reaching 80°F but dropping to the 40s at night. Spring snowstorms can continue through early May, with campers reporting several feet of accumulation even during the shoulder season.

What to do

Hiking to hot springs: From Dispersed Camping Near Taos, campers can access natural hot springs via a short hike. "It's only a mile walk to the hot springs down below where the bridge is. You can go fishing over there as well as rock climbing," notes Toni K.

Wildlife viewing: The meadows and forests offer excellent opportunities for spotting native wildlife. At Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite, campers report "lots of wildlife, mostly elk and some deer. Frogs are chirping away," according to Rochelle B.

Creek exploration: Many camping areas feature small streams ideal for wading and relaxation. At Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping, campers appreciate the waterways: "There are so many campsites to choose from, all along the Hondo Rio. The dogs love the river and to run through it."

What campers like

Solitude and seclusion: Some sites offer remarkable privacy for those seeking quiet. At Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping, campers value the isolation: "A nice secluded little forest road. RVs will not make it, so it's nice and quiet. Stayed one night and saw no one else," reports Kala J.

Dark night skies: The region's remote location provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. At Mallette Creek North, campers enjoy "unobstructed views of a lush valley" with minimal light pollution, making it ideal for astronomy enthusiasts.

Riverside camping: Many free camping areas near Questa feature waterfront sites. At Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping, campers note: "All camping spots here are right off the roads where you can find one or two spots that are less close... You do get to camp right on a clear river that is beautiful!"

What you should know

Road conditions vary dramatically: High clearance vehicles are recommended for most dispersed sites. "The road can be a little bumpy, but there was numerous spots along the way. Some spots the entrance is steep, so be wary of small cars if it's muddy," warns Cameron L. about Forest Road 5.

Weather changes rapidly: Spring camping often means unpredictable conditions. At Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, a camper notes: "This area has had rain for 2+ weeks, so be sure your 4-wheel drive is operational."

Limited turn-around space: Many forest roads have minimal width, creating challenges for larger vehicles. On Forest Service Road 578, reviewers note the road "has ruts and might be tough for an RV," advising that "AWD/4WD needed on the rutted rocky road."

Tips for camping with families

Look for sites with creek access: Children enjoy water features at campsites. At Cebolla Mesa, there's "a hiking trail 1.25 miles down along the canyon to the river, cactus and volcanic rock all the way down. Coming back up is tough, so pack light. Decent gold panning area with swimmable spots."

Consider sound buffers: When camping with children, proximity to running water can mask noise. At Forest Road 5, campers appreciate that "we just pulled into the first site we saw. Woke up to a little creek behind us," providing natural white noise.

Choose sites with natural boundaries: Look for spaces with natural divisions for safety. At Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping, a camper notes sites are "right off the road, literally. It's hidden behind some trees so the barrier between the site and road makes for a little privacy."

Tips from RVers

Approach directions matter: Some sites have limited access routes. Regarding Dispersed Camping Near Taos, reviewers advise: "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."

Scout before committing: Road conditions can make backing up or turning around difficult. At Carson NF Forest Service Road 578, campers report "multiple pulloffs for unmarked campsites, but the one I picked was right off the road," emphasizing the importance of knowing your exit strategy.

Consider seasonal timing: Free camping near Questa becomes challenging during wet periods. "Early May. Got caught up in a spring snowstorm of several feet. Tent was buried two nights running," warns a camper at Forest Road 5, highlighting the importance of weather awareness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Questa, New Mexico?

The Questa area offers several excellent free dispersed camping options. Rio Grande del Norte National Monument provides numerous dispersed camping opportunities on BLM land with plenty of turnoffs, though you'll need to ensure you're not on private property or too close to roads. Another popular option is Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578, located about 5 miles south of Tres Piedras on the west side of Highway 285, which offers several flat camping spots along a clearly marked dirt road. Other viable options include Forest Roads 5, 439, and 558, all within a short drive of Questa and providing various terrain and accessibility options.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Questa area of New Mexico?

Dispersed camping regulations near Questa typically follow standard public land rules. At Forest Road 558, which runs several miles south of Highway 285, camping is permitted in established pull-offs, though higher clearance vehicles are recommended due to road conditions. At Tres Piedras Dispersed Site, a 14-day stay limit is enforced, and campers must practice Leave No Trace principles. Generally, campers must stay at least 200 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings when having fires (where permitted), pack out all trash, and maintain at least 150 feet distance from roadways. No permits are required for most dispersed camping in Carson National Forest, but seasonal fire restrictions may apply.

Is dispersed camping available year-round in Questa, New Mexico?

Dispersed camping is technically available year-round near Questa, but accessibility and comfort vary significantly by season. Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite can be damp in early summer, with potential accessibility issues during rainy periods, suggesting challenging conditions in winter months. Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5 is described as beautiful but would likely face similar seasonal challenges. The higher elevation areas experience significant snowfall from late fall through early spring, potentially making forest roads impassable without 4WD and winter equipment. Lower elevation sites near Questa may remain accessible year-round, but prepare for cold temperatures if camping during winter months.