Dispersed camping opportunities near San Antonio, New Mexico extend beyond the well-known BLM and Cibola National Forest areas. The region sits at elevations ranging from 4,500 to 8,500 feet, creating diverse camping environments from desert scrublands to pine forests. Seasonal temperature variations can be extreme, with summer daytime highs frequently exceeding 90°F while winter nights often drop below freezing, particularly at higher elevations.
What to do
Explore hiking trails: The Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed Site area provides excellent access to nearby hiking options. "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," notes camper Sherry M.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Wild horses are frequently spotted at free camping areas. "We woke up in the morning to a heard of wild horses moving through the area," reports Taz G. who stayed at the Top of New Mexico site.
Stargazing sessions: The Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping site offers excellent night sky viewing due to its elevation and distance from urban light pollution. "I like it. A bit less traveled than other nearby campground," notes Lewis T. who appreciated the secluded nature of the site.
Photography excursions: The dramatic landscapes provide excellent photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. "Have to drive up the forest service road off the pavement. A little rough but I have a lifted outback no issues! Highly recommended," shares Vinny D.
What campers like
Mountain views: The Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site provides panoramic vistas that many campers appreciate. "Dark Sky Sanctuary. This is my second time camping here and it is a perfect hidden gem for campervanning... Beautiful sunrise and sunset. Wild horses in the area," writes Lauren I.
Privacy between sites: Many dispersed camping areas offer good separation between campsites. "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," notes Chris S.
Cooler temperatures at elevation: The Manzano Mountains Camp sits at higher elevation, providing relief from summer heat. "Took awhile to get here, well off the beaten path. Ponderosa Pines, oak and juniper scrub. Ample supply of downed trees to use as firewood," explains Roger J.
Cell service availability: Surprisingly good connectivity exists at many sites. "Incredible scenery, overlooking the valley and mountains in the West, with great sunsets. My first morning I was surrounded by a group of 5 cows grazing. They ended up laying 30 feet from the trailer all morning," shares Josh F., adding "Great Starlink location and pretty good cell service (3/4 bars)."
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Many access roads deteriorate after rain or snow. "The road up to the camping area is decent. There are big ruts headed into the camping area that are impassible to low clearance vehicles but nice spots otherwise," warns Jennifer M. about Manzanita Rec Zone.
Vehicle requirements: Most Dispersed Camping off FS 542 sites require appropriate vehicles. "We stayed here with our pull behind trailer and I do not recommend doing what we did. It's very hard to get up to the actual spots," cautions Ashley T., adding "You definitely need something high-clearance with 4x4 as there are large ruts on either side, potholes, and large rocks."
Seasonal fire restrictions: Fire regulations change throughout the year. "We camped here recently. We followed the road to the end of FS 542. The road is a little washed out once you get to the end of the paved road and make a left," notes Aaron K.
Plan for weather extremes: Temperature swings can be significant. "There are bears, wolves, coyotes, rabbits, and some rodents in the area. It was down to freezing at night when we stayed so we didn't encounter anything major. It can get very windy as well," reports Ashley T.
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: For families with young children, select camping areas with easier access. "We camped here and chose this location as one of our stops on our road trip. It was easy to find and get to. Luckily, I have a have a high clearance vehicle due to the ruts on the road," shares Jose L. about FS 542.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy spotting local wildlife. "Pretty rough getting here as neighbors are sabotaging the road making it narrow using loose gravel & boulders on turns. There is now a locked gate on Palomino to keep non-locals out! 😏 once there we so enjoyed the views, sunsets, city lights & stars! 9 wild horses came to visit too!" writes Cher & Walter P.
Arrive during daylight hours: Setting up camp with children is easier during daylight. "Plan to arrive well before dark, as it's very hard to find the rings in the dark. There are small brown numbered signs but the spots kind of blend together in the dark," advises Ashley T.
Bring extra supplies: Free camping near San Antonio means no services or stores nearby. "Elevation is about 7500 feet so if you're from sea level like us, give yourself some time to acclimate before you go venturing on one of the many trails or canyon hikes nearby," suggests Ashley T.
Tips from RVers
Road navigation challenges: Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite offers options for RVers but requires careful driving. "Located more in the desert, but an extremely bumpy dirt road can take you further in to other camping areas. Just make sure you have 4-wheel drive. Simple, basic site," advises Megan E.
Site selection for larger vehicles: RVers should scout potential sites before committing. "The gravel roads are really tight for my 27" trailer, manageable but did rub on a couple of trees and shrubs on the drive in," explains Josh F. about Top of New Mexico.
Arrive early for best spots: Popular dispersed camping areas fill quickly on weekends. "Arrived around 9pm on a Friday night it was busy and pretty tough to find an open spot. It's a nice area and stayed quiet all night. Road is rough would not go with a low clearance car," shares tres H. about Dispersed Camping off FS 542.
Be prepared for limited turn-around space: Many forest roads have limited areas to turn larger vehicles. "Road gets a little sketchy at the end but you don't have to go all the way to the coordinates. Beautiful sunrise and sunset," notes Lauren I.
