Top Free Dispersed Camping near Rodeo, NM

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Rodeo, NM (9)


Recent Dispersed Reviews In Rodeo

39 Reviews of 9 Rodeo Campgrounds


  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Gap
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Granite Gap

    Extreme solitude

    First off do not use Google maps. It will not take you to the right place. Use the built-in location found in DYRT. After you turn off I 10 on the left to travel approximately 10 miles the site will be on your right hand side. Follow the road to the left as you go through the gate. The site is very well-maintained. There are only a handful of sites available, but when I was there, I was the only one.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Gap
    Jan. 28, 2024

    Granite Gap

    Classic New Mexi o

    Great spot. Rocks and cactus and sunrises. Narrow sandy road, but manageable for smaller RV.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Turkey Creek Dispersed
    Jan. 10, 2024

    West Turkey Creek Dispersed

    Gorgeous

    The drive up is beautiful, the road isn’t maintained, but in pretty good condition. I stopped right after the cattle guard. There is another site going up about .5 mile in the left. Couldn’t see good enough in the dark. The creek was flowing and quite a few animals at dawn and dusk. Not a lot of traffic, and a trail right up the road to hike or follow the creek. The last campers left it so nice I was able to add decorations.

  • Mary B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Dec. 27, 2023

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Serene Dispersed Camping Location

    A beautiful, serene location not too far from I-10 and Fort Bowie. We arrived at around 10pm in our Sprinter van and found a quiet location. The campsites are far apart and you travel on compacted dirt road to get there. The father you go, the more space you have. It will be quite bumpy if you do not have an AWD or 4x4.

  • h
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Gap
    Dec. 25, 2023

    Granite Gap

    Beautiful! Quite! Amazing!

    Amazing views. A bit sandy of a drive. You have to open and close a gate but it is not locked. Quite, no lights nearby, dispersed camping at its best. Just a few cows. I would camp here again. We made it up in a long bed crew an Chevy 2500. Some camp sites at the bottom. But if you go up to the dead end keep to the left. Site is not to level but throw a couple of rocks under the tires and you can level out. Drive up is a little bit narrow with cactus close to the road. I would not think you need 4x4 but maybe something more then a car would be better. If wet I would think it may get a bit squishy, but with it dry a stock suv would make it just fine. Camped next to a rock face. Just beautiful!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks
    Oct. 17, 2023

    Indian Bread Rocks

    Nice dispersed camping area

    Happy Camp Canyon is in fairly good condition. There is a trailhead parking area that is posted as no camping but about 50 yards further down there is a clearing with fire rings. We ended up sharing the spot with some cattle for a while.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Great spot for a quick camp spot

    Overall the stay was great. My only complaint would be the bugs that were swarming in the morning. They only swarm certain plants and we happened to be by one so we had bugs EVERYWHERE. But it wasn’t a big deal. We just quickly packed up and went and ate breakfast at the picnic area right down the road and explored the granite rocks for a while.

  • Haley L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Feb. 25, 2023

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Great Spot

    We got there far later than we should have (10:30pm) but were able to find a little space. It was, of course, difficult to navigate in the dark. The entrance was sooner than GPS showed but not too difficult to find. Sadly, we only saw hoof prints. No cows.

  • Aliza  N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Dec. 17, 2022

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Top notch dispersed camping area

    We really enjoyed our time here! The cows were great to watch and we got some great video of them! The road in was dirt and washboard here and there but overall could be easily passed by most any car. GPS coords were pretty accurate as well. Once you are off the main road the sand can be pretty deep and some of the turns pretty tight so scope it out if your in a bigger rig, before heading in. Lots of spots on the left in the first loops and on a spur to the right near some cool rocks. Not many people around when we were here and was nice and quiet.

  • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest
    Nov. 26, 2022

    Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest

    Awesome dispersed sites

    Drove about 40 minutes down pinery canyon road. Roads weren’t terrible but had a few washboard spots. Several sites located off the main road. Plenty of wood to collect for the fire. It was pretty cold at night in late November but there was plenty of space between sites that my generator wasn’t offensive to others. Very clean site too.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Nov. 26, 2022

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Easy access exploring and beautiful spot

    This has been our favorite campsite of our road trip so far. Noteworthy mentions: It is off the beaten path. It’s free. There are free roaming cattle There are endless rocks to explore and climb. It will keep your attention for days. Not many people here. Campfires allowed. Would recommend a 4x4 to get to further sites. Awesome remnants of Native American activity. You’re right next to where you wanna be. Thumbs up.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Oct. 24, 2022

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Great time here

    Directions from Dyrt were spot on. As others have said If you have a Big rig park by the day use area and SCOUT it out! After the first few sites the road becomes real sandy in places and not anywhere to turn big rigs around without it being sketchy. We stayed about a mile in on the left next to some huge rocks, nice firepit, no trash, no shade. Will be here two weeks. Met some ranchers moving some of their cattle other than them saw nobody. My dogs loved it. I was just concerned about keeping them safe from rattlesnakes. Have seen at least one every day. One was HUGE @ 5' western diamondback but very beautiful red brick color. Just be very aware as this is their home we're just visiting.

  • Morgan T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Cows!

    This site was pretty easy to get to and at the foothills were beautiful and well-maintained. Didn’t use the restroom because there was a giant spider and there wasn’t TP, but it was there. People left rock fire pits, which we also didn’t use, but it’s nice they were there. Woke up to see cows hanging around and got to see a baby cow and mom, which was so sweet.

  • Cameron M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    May. 26, 2022

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Cool scenic spot, lots of critters

    Stayed here on our way to New Mexico. It was a beautiful spot, very scenic. The dirt was soft as sand, and the area was cleaner than most. The only negative was their was tons of wasps at our site, not sure about the others. They didn’t mess with us but they were annoying like flies.

  • Albert V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest
    Mar. 30, 2022

    Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping - Coronado National Forest

    Great spot to visit Chiricahua NM

    I spent one night here. It was very quiet and secluded, and the dirt road is in great condition. There's tons of spots and the trees give a little cover. I rained on and off at night, but I feel the tree foliage kept a lot of water from dripping down onto the tent.

  • Jeffrey F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Feb. 18, 2022

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Rock and Cows!!

    Beautiful mountainous rocks are your backdrop intermingled with cows and a nice view of the valley. Easy to find and pretty smooth road in, some wash boarding, and near the top it levels out. Probably about 10 other units in the area when I pulled in with my truck and teardrop trailer. Several cows in very close proximity out grazing in the area added a nice ambiance.

  • Scott B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Jan. 16, 2022

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Beautiful desert views!

    Popular boondocking site 8 miles south of I-10 ar Bowie. Easy to find, level dirt road with only a bit of washboard in places. Pit toiletat the day use area. Beautiful views of the giant bolders that are prevalent in this area. There were 12-15 RVs of all types spread out widely along a single dirt road. I had 3 solid bars of AT&T. Very quiet at night. There is no light pollution so stargazing would have been awesome if not for the waxing moon. Enjoyed hiking around the area. Be careful as some of the cactus will scratch you badly if you're not careful. Only con was there was no toilet paper in the pit toilet. Recommend!

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Round Mountain Rockhound Area - Dispersed
    Jan. 9, 2022

    Round Mountain Rockhound Area - Dispersed

    Difficult to access but great rocks!

    So if you are into rocks this really is a great place to check out. Be prepared as the drive in is difficult and long. Larger RVs are not recommended as the road has many steep washouts and ruts. The main dirt road leading into the area has bad washboard bumps. There is also an active cattle ranch in the area so be careful with any pets. You’ll find a logbook on the way in. Once there you’ll find plenty of places to park but don’t count on it being level. There are also lots of sharp rocks so watch your tires. There are no facilities here. The views are amazing especially at night. The wind never did stop. You got to really like rocks!

  • greg M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed
    Dec. 20, 2021

    Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed

    Huge camping area, all alone

    Thought I was going to see a crowd based on reviews. But nobody here but me. About 5 miles from I-10 to the South. Last 2 miles on dirt bit well maintained. Then you get to a bunch of connected dirt roads. At least 50 campsites off dirt roads. I met some cows on one dirt road and had a stare down. I lost and backed up. Expecting a super quiet night. Tucked into the boulders near the mountains. Very nice. Another clear moonlit night in southern AZ. I LOVE the desert. All sites are on loose dirt and there are many places for larger rigs. I tent camp so don’t need much room. I highly recommend this site. 3 hrs W of Las Cruces NM, 3 hrs from PHX.

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilcox Playa Viewing Area - Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 13, 2021

    Wilcox Playa Viewing Area - Dispersed Camping

    Primitive Camp in a Parking Lot

    The campsite is a single fire ring in an unpaved parking lot about 100’ from the road which has moderate traffic. It’s free, and if you’re needing a spot to camp for the night, this might be for you. I visited in August so decided to opt for a motel room instead since the heat was well over 100. The “playa” itself featured a trail, it’s about 2.6 miles to the trail’s end and back

  • Michael B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pinery Campground Lower - Dispersed
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Pinery Campground Lower - Dispersed

    Tucked Away

    This dispersed campground is on the Pinery Scenic Route#42 on an all dirt road just before the incline up the mountain. It is a large campsite that can hold a group if necessary. There are no facilities or drinking water but there was a large fire ring available. You are tucked on the side of a hill and covered by trees for a nice shady spot to camp.



Guide to Rodeo

Camping near Rodeo, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: The Chiricahua Mountains are a hiker's paradise. Trails like Echo Canyon provide breathtaking views and a chance to see local wildlife. One visitor noted, "A number of good hiking trails, mostly up on top at Massai Point with a few additional trails starting at the campground."
  • Birdwatching: This area is known for its diverse bird species. Campers have enjoyed guided walks provided by park rangers, with one stating, "This is premier birdwatching country."
  • Stargazing: The dark skies around Rodeo make for incredible stargazing opportunities. A camper mentioned, "Chiricahua National Monument is a 'dark sky' park, so there is very little light at night."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Bonita Canyon Campground are nestled in beautiful surroundings. One reviewer said, "The campground is small, beautiful, shaded and right in the middle of some incredible scenery."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peacefulness of the area. A visitor shared, "Very nice, quiet campground in a wooded canyon with a small stream running right through the CG."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers often spot unique wildlife. One person noted, "The Arizona Coatimundi's are a very unique mammal and frequently visit the campground."

What you should know

  • Reservations Required: Popular spots like Bonita Canyon Campground require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper advised, "Reservations are a must."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping, do not have drinking water or toilets. A visitor mentioned, "Obviously no bathrooms, but Chiricahua visitor center does have a bathroom."
  • Remote Location: Be prepared for a bit of a drive to reach services. One camper pointed out, "Nearest services and dump station are in Willcox, 37 miles away."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Sunny Flat Campground, which offers spacious sites and a friendly atmosphere. A camper said, "The sites were spacious and my fussy wife said the vault toilet was the cleanest she had ever visited."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. One family enjoyed meeting new friends around their fire pit, sharing, "We had families of deer nesting down in the bushes around our camper."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: With limited stores nearby, it's smart to bring plenty of food and drinks. A visitor noted, "Be sure that you are stocked up on supplies before you go."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Size Restrictions: Campgrounds like Bonita Canyon Campground have size limits for RVs. One reviewer cautioned, "Don't try to bring any big rigs as they simply won't fit."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many areas have spotty cell service. A camper mentioned, "We have T-Mobile and I will tell you we had no service here."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: Some campgrounds do not sell firewood, so it's best to bring your own. A visitor advised, "You will need to bring your own wood and ice."

Camping near Rodeo, New Mexico, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. With the right preparation, you can have a great time exploring this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Rodeo, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Rodeo, NM is Indian Bread Rocks / Happy Camp Trail - Dispersed with a 4.6-star rating from 22 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Rodeo, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.