Best Tent Camping near San Fidel, NM
Tent campers near San Fidel, New Mexico have several options in the surrounding Cibola National Forest area. Lobo Canyon Campground offers tent sites from May through September, while the more primitive Forest Service Road Large Camp provides dispersed camping opportunities along the Continental Divide Trail. Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout offers a single hike-in tent site within El Malpais National Monument for those seeking more solitude.
Most tent sites in this region lack basic amenities, requiring campers to be self-sufficient. The Forest Service Road Large Camp features established fire rings but no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Lobo Canyon Campground provides vault toilets during its operational season but no potable water. Campers should pack in all necessary water and pack out all waste. A recent review noted, "This is dispersed camping in the national forest," highlighting the primitive nature of these sites. High-clearance vehicles may be necessary to access some of the more remote camping areas, particularly after rain when forest service roads can become muddy.
The tent camping experience near San Fidel offers significant solitude and natural beauty. The Forest Service Road Large Camp sits directly off the Continental Divide Trail, providing excellent access for hikers. One camper shared that "the surrounding area is gorgeous" with camp spots "nestled in the trees" providing "plenty of shade for the summer months." Most sites remain uncrowded even during peak season, with campers often reporting they were the only ones present. The higher elevation provides cooler temperatures during summer months, making these tent sites particularly appealing when lower elevations experience extreme heat. Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout requires a hike in but rewards tent campers with exceptional privacy and wilderness immersion within the volcanic landscape of El Malpais.
