Best Dispersed Camping near San Fidel, NM

Dispersed camping near San Fidel, New Mexico includes several primitive sites on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service. The region features free camping options at Forest Service Road Large Camp along FSR 456 and 239, Camel Head Camp, and within the Ignacio Chavez Special Management Area. BLM dispersed camping is also available near Zia Pueblo, though campers should respect reservation boundaries when accessing these areas. Most sites are undeveloped with no designated campsite markers or facilities.

Access roads to dispersed camping areas typically consist of dirt and gravel surfaces that may become washboarded from heavy use. The road to BLM land near Zia Pueblo features extensive washboard conditions for several miles. Many sites require high-clearance vehicles, particularly those deeper into forest service roads or the Ignacio Chavez area. No drinking water, toilets, or trash services exist at these locations. Campers must pack out all waste and follow Leave No Trace principles. The standard 14-day camping limit applies to most dispersed sites in the region.

These primitive camping areas provide varying experiences based on location. The Forest Service Road Large Camp sits along the Continental Divide Trail and contains established fire rings. "This spot is fairly wide open spacious," according to a review on The Dyrt. Camel Head Camp offers a secluded experience described as "tucked into the ledge" and "a wonderful spot to disperse camp." BLM land near Zia Pueblo presents more challenges, with multiple reviews noting frequent shooting activity. One camper reported, "Shooting noise started at the crack of dawn until sunset," while another mentioned, "The shooting sounds were indeed there, but didn't bother us much." Free-roaming cattle are common in several areas. Cell service ranges from spotty to nonexistent depending on the specific location.

Best Dispersed Sites Near San Fidel, New Mexico (5)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near San Fidel, NM

3 Photos of 5 San Fidel Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near San Fidel, NM

5 Reviews of 5 San Fidel Campgrounds


  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 20, 2020

    BLM dispersed camping / Zia Pueblo

    Washboard and Guns!

    This would be an awesome camping area if it were not for the non stop shooting. Great scenery but annoyingly loud. Shooting noise started at the crack of dawn until sunset and it sounded like it was coming from all directions along with the ricochets. Shooters have left tons of shells and all the garbage they shoot at which is unacceptable and sad. 

    There are free roaming cattle in the area that can get quite close at times. They were not the slightest phased by the shooting just yards from them.

    The dirt road from highway 550 is all washboard for miles and miles. You go through Zia Reservation land to get to this area so pay attention to the signs. You'll pass a couple of bike trail parking areas for White Ridge Bike Trails along the way which you can stay at if there is space otherwise leave it for the bikers. There is a large dumpster near the bike area as well. 

    Google maps shows areas further up the road. The GPS location for this site is right off the main dirt road but further in there are some nice spots but not advisable for low clearance vehicles.

    There is no water and cell reception is spotty. Decent=Verizon AT&T=poor

  • Mike V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2025

    Forest Service Road Large Camp

    Good Open spot with fire ring

    This spot is fairly wide open spacious, right off the Continental Divide Trail, and has two fire rings. You can drive to this location Via forest service road 456 until it turns into FSR 239.

  • muj V.
    Oct. 7, 2021

    BLM dispersed camping / Zia Pueblo

    Nice, secluded spot

    So the road getting here is a bit of a long dirt road, somewhat washboarded by the big trucks that drive along it. The area is big and has a selection of camp sites / flat areas to choose from. The shooting sounds were indeed there, but didnt bother us much. Cattle grazing in the area sometimes. Overall not a bad place to camp. Nearby are also some hiking and biking trails.

  • Drew T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 23, 2022

    Camel Head Camp

    Perfect Western Pull off

    Great little spot for a short night stay on NMBDR. Tucked into the ledge. Probably a mess in a rain storm but a wonderful spot to disperse camp.

  • Luke M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 18, 2023

    BLM dispersed camping / Zia Pueblo

    Gunfire 3am, trash, and cows

    Woke up by gunfire at 3am. We knew full well to expect some gunfire at dawn but 3am was a little too early. It was way to close to be comfortable. Additionally, the entire location was full of litter. It was quite shameful. Shotgun shells, bullet casings, beer bottles, cow feces... cows marched through our site at one point waking us up.


Guide to San Fidel

Primitive camping near San Fidel, New Mexico offers solitary experiences within the high desert landscape at approximately 6,500 feet elevation. The area experiences dramatic temperature changes between day and night, with summer highs reaching 90°F and nighttime temperatures dropping to the 40s even in summer months. Most dispersed sites sit on piñon-juniper woodland terrain with volcanic outcroppings that create natural windbreaks for campers.

What to do

Hiking access: The Continental Divide Trail passes near Forest Service Road Large Camp, providing direct trail access for day hikes or extended backpacking. "This spot is fairly wide open spacious, right off the Continental Divide Trail, and has two fire rings," notes reviewer Mike V.

Mountain biking: The White Ridge Bike Trails system can be accessed near BLM dispersed camping / Zia Pueblo area. "Nearby are also some hiking and biking trails," mentions reviewer muj V. The trail system includes intermediate to advanced singletrack routes through desert terrain.

Wildlife observation: Free-roaming cattle are common throughout the region, particularly in the BLM areas. "There are free roaming cattle in the area that can get quite close at times. They were not the slightest phased by the shooting just yards from them," reports Laura M.

What campers like

Natural windbreaks: Camel Head Camp offers protection from the high desert winds due to its positioning. Drew T. describes it as a "Great little spot for a short night stay on NMBDR. Tucked into the ledge."

Spacious sites: Many primitive camping areas near San Fidel offer considerable space between campsites. Forest Service Road Large Camp features ample room for multiple tents and vehicles. Mike V. noted the location is "fairly wide open spacious" with established fire rings.

Solitude options: For those seeking true isolation, the deeper sections of BLM land provide remote camping. According to muj V., "The area is big and has a selection of camp sites / flat areas to choose from," allowing campers to find more secluded spots away from potential noise.

What you should know

Road conditions: The dirt access roads to primitive camping spots near San Fidel can be challenging. The route to Ignacio Chavez SMA Dispersed camping requires high-clearance vehicles. BLM land near Zia Pueblo features particularly difficult roads. "The dirt road from highway 550 is all washboard for miles and miles," cautions Laura M.

Shooting activity: Recreational shooting is common on BLM land near Zia Pueblo and can affect the camping experience. Luke M. reports, "Woke up by gunfire at 3am. We knew full well to expect some gunfire at dawn but 3am was a little too early."

Reservation boundaries: Access to many dispersed camping areas requires passing through reservation lands. When driving to BLM areas near Zia Pueblo, Laura M. advises, "You go through Zia Reservation land to get to this area so pay attention to the signs."

Weather preparedness: The high desert experiences rapid weather changes. Summer thunderstorms develop quickly, and Drew T. notes Camel Head Camp could be "a mess in a rain storm" despite being a "wonderful spot to disperse camp."

Tips for camping with families

Location selection: For family camping, choose areas farther from known shooting zones. The Forest Service Road camps along FSR 456 and 239 generally offer quieter environments compared to BLM lands near Zia Pueblo.

Water planning: No water sources exist at any primitive camping locations near San Fidel. Families should pack 1 gallon per person per day, plus additional water for cooking and cleaning.

Wildlife awareness: Beyond cattle, the area contains rattlesnakes and scorpions during warmer months. Check shoes and gear in the morning, especially when camping with children at BLM dispersed camping / Zia Pueblo. Luke M. mentioned encountering wildlife: "cows marched through our site at one point waking us up."

Tips from RVers

Site selection for RVs: The primitive sites near San Fidel have no designated RV pads or hookups. Smaller travel trailers and camper vans can access Forest Service Road Large Camp via FSR 456, but the roads deteriorate after turning onto FSR 239.

Leveling challenges: Most dispersed sites in this region have uneven terrain. Bring leveling blocks and plan to scout potential sites before attempting to position an RV or trailer.

Waste management: With no dump stations in the immediate area, RVers must plan trips to Grants or Albuquerque for proper waste disposal. The White Ridge Bike Trails parking area has "a large dumpster" according to Laura M., but no other facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near San Fidel, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near San Fidel, NM is Forest Service Road Large Camp with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near San Fidel, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.