Best Dispersed Camping near Rincon, NM

Dispersed camping can be found along several Forest Service roads near Rincon, New Mexico, particularly in the Cibola National Forest areas. Multiple free sites are available off Forest Service Road 542, where designated dispersed camping zones feature established fire rings but minimal other amenities. Additional options include the Cedro 2 Track 13 area, Manzanita Recreation Zone, and several primitive sites along the national forest boundaries. Most locations permit tent camping with some areas also accommodating small RVs where road conditions allow.

Access roads to dispersed sites vary considerably in quality, with many requiring high-clearance vehicles. Forest Service Road 542 has numerous potholes, ruts, and rocky sections that can challenge standard passenger cars, especially after rainfall. While some front sites may be accessible to most vehicles, the more remote locations typically demand 4WD capability. Campers must pack out all trash, as no waste services exist at these primitive locations. Fire restrictions frequently apply, particularly during dry summer months. Cell service is surprisingly good at many sites due to nearby towers, especially near FS 542 where one visitor noted "cell service was really good too."

These primitive areas provide excellent stargazing opportunities and relative quiet despite their proximity to Albuquerque. Many sites offer partial shade from pine trees and juniper, with elevations around 7,500 feet creating cooler temperatures than surrounding lower elevations. Wildlife sightings including coyotes are common. Visitors recommend arriving during daylight hours to properly assess road conditions and find suitable sites. "The road is a little washed out once you get to the end of the paved road and make a left," noted one camper, while another advised, "Plan to arrive well before dark, as it's very hard to find the rings in the dark." Weekend use can be heavy at more accessible sites, but midweek visitors often find greater solitude.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Rincon, New Mexico (16)

    1. Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    26 Reviews
    Tijeras, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 346-3900

    "This dispersed camping is a great spot to stop. There are multiple site identified with lot signs and fire rings. Some of the spots are Easier to access than others."

    "No facilities. Dry camping only. The sights are not well defined but there's enough clearings between the trees to make do."

    2. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    41 Reviews
    Placitas, NM
    17 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."

    3. Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District

    4 Reviews
    Ponderosa, NM
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 281-3304

    "Have to drive up the forest service road off the pavement. A little rough but I have a lifted outback no issues! Highly recommended."

    "A bit less traveled than other nearby campground. Road almost more accessible to this camp ground for low clearance. Might scrape a bit going up final ramp to Cedro peak one, but not terribly either."

    4. Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed Site

    2 Reviews
    Tijeras, NM
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 761-8700

    5. Cibola NP

    1 Review
    Tijeras, NM
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 346-3900

    6. Placitas BLM

    1 Review
    Placitas, NM
    17 miles

    "Open space for dispersed camping with views of the mountains. Lots of flat open places. Don't need 4x4 but a little clearance helps with the rocks and ruts."

    7. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    42 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    43 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."

    8. Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    26 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    43 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."

    9. Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    18 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    50 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."

    10. Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    43 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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Rincon, NM

166 Reviews of 16 Rincon 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 15, 2025

    Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    Trash yes, Views Yes, Free YES!!

    I didn’t see this but didn’t read all reviews. As you drive down the road the BLM land is clearly identified by the 14 day camping limit signs. You will come to a fence with a cattle guard and when you cross that you are now in National Forest, NO CAMPING on the National Forest side (ask me how I know ;)

  • D
    Jan. 25, 2022

    Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    Great spot

    My first time dispersed camping was a success! Enough space for people to spread out, little trees help with privacy. Freezing here at night but it is winter! Beautiful views and just enough service for t-mobile! Couldn’t ask for more really! Just remember Leave No Trace as I did see some litter, nothing crazy tho. Awesome spot.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2021

    Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    Cross Country w/ A Uhaul

    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. I used the google maps directions and they said to head north on foot, instead I drove straight along the dirt road and found the disbursed sites. There were a number of people around and a little bit of road noise in the distance. Happy and safe travels: Cheers 🍻


Guide to Rincon

Primitive camping near Rincon, New Mexico offers seasonal temperature variations with winter nights dropping to freezing at elevations around 7,500 feet. Most dispersed sites feature established fire rings and provide partial to full coverage from juniper and pine trees. The surrounding Cibola National Forest terrain transitions between open desert landscapes and wooded mountain areas.

What to do

Explore canyons and trails: Multiple hiking trails branch out from the dispersed camping areas near Rincon, providing day-trip options. At Pajarito Springs Dispersed, one camper noted, "Nice, quiet, and saw lots of elk during our stay." The area offers wildlife viewing opportunities beyond just coyotes.

Practice night photography: The minimal light pollution at several sites makes astrophotography possible. When staying at Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site, a visitor explained, "You can clearly see the Milky Way. No light pollution except the beautiful view of the city far away." Bring a tripod and camera with manual settings for best results.

Observe wildlife: The early morning and evening hours provide the best opportunities for wildlife viewing. "Wild horses roamed around our site after sunset. Pretty epic," reported one camper at Top of New Mexico. In other areas, you might spot elk, rabbits, and various bird species.

What campers like

Privacy and space: Most dispersed camping areas offer adequate distance between sites. At Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping, visitors appreciate that "the road up to the camping area is decent" and that despite some accessibility challenges, "nice spots" await those who can navigate the terrain.

Cost-free camping: All dispersed sites in the national forest are free with typically 14-day stay limits. A camper at Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite summed it up: "Just a square patch of land, but plenty of space. You'll hear a bit of shooting from the gun range nearby, and maybe some ATVs. But overall peaceful, and nothing beats free."

Weather conditions: The higher elevation provides relief from summer heat found in lower desert areas. "We are the only ones here they have nice fire pits very quiet lots of trees. Because of that you have quite a decent wind block," noted a visitor at Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed.

What you should know

Road condition variability: Many access roads deteriorate after rainfall, creating challenging driving conditions. A visitor to Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed advised, "Road got extremely rough towards end. Turned down 192 and found a spot about 1/4 miles in." Scout potential spots in daylight hours when possible.

Fire regulations: Fire restrictions change seasonally and can be strictly enforced. Always use established fire rings when allowed. One camper cautioned, "There are bears, wolves, coyotes, rabbits, and some rodents in the area... It can get very windy as well so watch out closely with your fire if you have one."

Cell service coverage: Coverage varies considerably by location and carrier. At Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed, a camper reported "4 bars Verizon" while others noted spotty service depending on terrain and proximity to towns.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection strategies: For family camping, choose spots closer to the main road for easier access and emergency exits. "My family and I camped here and chose this location as one of our stops on our road trip. It was easy to find and get to," explained a camper at Dispersed Camping off FS 542, though they cautioned about needing "a high clearance vehicle due to the ruts on the road."

Safety precautions: Keep children away from fire pits and teach them about local hazards. One visitor warned about "broken glass" at some sites, highlighting the importance of careful site inspection upon arrival.

Timing considerations: Weekdays generally offer quieter experiences with fewer campers. "Arrived around 9pm on a Friday night it was busy and pretty tough to find an open spot," reported one camper about FS 542, suggesting that midweek arrivals provide more options.

Tips from RVers

Length restrictions: Many primitive sites have limited turning radius and clearance. At Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping, an RVer advised, "We have a 26 ft travel trailer. We saw larger RVs, vans, cars. Tents," but also mentioned the challenges of dust and road conditions.

Site accessibility: Front sites near forest roads offer the best options for larger vehicles. "Unimproved dirt ring road with designated campsites. Good 2WD should be fine. Take the first left after the group campsite, and another left when you reach full dirt road. Ample sites, some not the most ideal for RV/Van," noted a visitor about conditions near FS 542.

Leveling requirements: Bring leveling blocks as most sites have some slope. "Mostly residential area until you get to the open space. I didn't make it to the actual coordinates as I took a wrong turn near the end, but there is a ton of open space out here. Easy to get to in 25' RV," reported a camper at Top of New Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Rincon, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rincon, NM is Dispersed Camping off FS 542 with a 4.4-star rating from 26 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Rincon, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 16 dispersed camping locations near Rincon, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.