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Best Dispersed Camping near Santa Fe National Forest

198 Reviews

Santa Fe National Forest offers multiple free dispersed camping areas, including several near Highway 4 and Los Alamos. Pajarito Springs and American Springs provide secluded sites across forested terrain at approximately 8,000 feet elevation. Roads can be challenging, especially after rain. As one visitor noted, "The road is quite rocky and there's a large washout just past the first site. Any SUV could handle it but being in an extended length van limits where I can go."

Forest Service Road 181 and BLM Road 62 offer primitive camping with sites spaced widely apart. Most locations lack amenities, though some areas have vault toilets. High-clearance 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended for accessing the better sites. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Drive up is a bit winding and steep, but we managed just fine in our Subaru and saw a ton of passenger cars heading up the mtn. Not sure I'd want to drive it in any inclement weather though." Camp May Road provides additional options but has limited access, with closures Monday through Thursday due to its location near Los Alamos National Laboratory property. Fire restrictions are common throughout the forest, particularly during summer months.

Map showing campgrounds near Santa Fe National Forest, New MexicoExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Santa Fe National Forest (44)

    1. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    42 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    13 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."

    2. Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    27 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    13 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."

    3. Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    19 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    10 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."

    "It is Forest Road 181 within Santa Fe National Forest, directly off of Highway 4. This is some great National Forest camping."

    4. Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    13 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."

    5. American Springs

    4 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    10 miles

    "Probably not a must have, but I highly recommend a four-wheel-drive high clearance to get back into the camp spots here, but there are a handful of spots."

    "Just sad to see bullet casings litter ground and these trees that survived the most intense fire in new mexico are being shot up and destroyed. Shame on anyone doing this"

    6. Water Canyon

    1 Review
    Los Alamos, NM
    10 miles

    "Four-wheel-drive recommended."

    7. Two Springs Camp

    1 Review
    Los Alamos, NM
    10 miles

    "No longer charred and black, but shrubs have moved in and groves of Aspen are crawling back up and some pines survived to prove shade on some of the turnoffs. Definitely recommend clearance 4wd."

    8. Camp May Road

    2 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    8 miles

    9. Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park

    16 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    24 miles
    Website

    "All along the dirt road were pull offs and if you choose to go to the right side campsites you will end up at one of the fire rings with an incredible view of the canyon below."

    "We stayed on the edge of the cliff at the far back right side of the campsite and it was easily one of the top 5 locations that we have camped at."

    10. Forest Service Rd 268 Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    Los Alamos, NM
    14 miles
    Website

    "Cattle will walk thru your camp and people were far enough away to enjoy the cool."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Santa Fe National Forest

151 Photos of 44 Santa Fe National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Santa Fe National Forest

198 Reviews of 44 Santa Fe National Forest Campgrounds

  • Tim W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2023

    Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area

    Will go again

    We got there on a Friday and had our pick of sites. We picked one right on the river. No electricity. No water. No picnic tables. No trash receptacle. Vault toilets. Camp spaces are spread out. Some of the roads on the campground had deep ruts and pools of mud water but not all. You can see every star on a clear night. The road to the campground is about 6 miles of curvy dirt and gravel single lane. But a woman managed it in a Jaguar so not too bad just go slow. Rustic and relaxing.

  • 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.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2023

    Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    Beautiful fall colors

    There are a few tent spots and car camping spots, and it’s right along a creek where you can fly fish. It was a longer drive out there than expected, but there’s a sign that lets you know your in the National forest and out of peoples private property. You probably want 4WD because the road was rough, but definitely worth it with the fall colors! We loved this spot!

  • 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.

  • Dare To Everywhere .The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 27, 2024

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Amazing views!

    Stayed: May 26, 2024 Cost: FREE Site: 35.84243° N, 106.37266° W Cell Service: Solid LTE AT&T and T-Mobile Equipment: Forester / Tent

    Different apps give this different names. It is Forest Road 181 within Santa Fe National Forest, directly off of Highway 4.

    This is some great National Forest camping. Seemed like plenty of room when you first turn in and the you can go left or right. We went left and continued to the end of the road. There were a few sites along the drive back, but we pulled up the satellite map and wanted to keep going. It gets pretty rocky and you’ll need a bit of clearance in some spots.

    To get to the end of the road site, when you pull off Highway 4, take a left and then eventually a right at the fork in the road further beyond (~1.5 miles from Highway 4). There were a couple more sites along this road, not very level, so we continued on and are so glad we did! About 30 min from Hwy 4 to end of this road. Elevation is just over 8,000 feet at this point.

  • 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!

  • Stephanie D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2025

    Forest Road 102 Dispersed

    Borrego Trail-Long, bumpy road

    Long, bumpy one-lane dirt road. 2-5mph the whole way. No shoulder. No way to back up or turn around. Lots of ruts and washouts. Only a couple of turn-arounds way up the mountain. Not good for trailers. Best for high clearance or 4x4. Several walk in campsites if you have a small vehicle. If you make it to the top, there’s a handful of nice campsites that you can drive into. We made it, but it was rough! 56 minutes to drive 3.4 miles.

  • 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.

Guide to Santa Fe National Forest

Dispersed camping near Santa Fe National Forest in New Mexico offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the stunning landscapes.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico

Scenic views and tranquility for dispersed campers

  • The Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping area is known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets, providing a picturesque backdrop for your camping experience.
  • If you're seeking solitude, Pajarito Springs (Dispersed) offers quiet, secluded spaces, especially if you venture further down the road.
  • For those who appreciate wildlife, camping at American Springs allows you to enjoy the sounds of nature, including the occasional coyote howling at night.

Activities while free camping near Santa Fe National Forest

  • Hiking enthusiasts will find plenty of trails nearby, with easy access to scenic routes from Forest Road 102 Dispersed that lead to breathtaking views.
  • Fishing opportunities abound at locations like Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park, where you can enjoy a peaceful day by the water.
  • For those interested in exploring local history, the area around Las Dos Dispersed Campsite is rich in cultural heritage, making it a great base for day trips to nearby attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best spots for dispersed camping in Santa Fe National Forest?

Santa Fe National Forest offers excellent dispersed camping options. Pajarito Springs (Dispersed) is popular for its accessibility from Highway 4, with well-spaced sites that accommodate both tents and vehicles. It's about 20 minutes from Bandelier National Monument. Another fantastic option is Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area, situated along a creek with prime fly fishing opportunities. While it requires a longer drive on roads that benefit from 4WD, the creek-side spots are worth the journey. Other notable areas include Jemez Dispersed (with plenty of shaded and sunny spots), Whirlpool Dispersed (with riverside sites), and Forest Road 102 (better for high-clearance vehicles). Most areas fill up on weekends but have availability midweek.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites in Santa Fe National Forest?

Dispersed camping in Santa Fe National Forest is primarily primitive with minimal amenities. Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area offers vault toilets but no electricity, water, picnic tables, or trash receptacles. The campsites are nicely spread out, with some situated right along the river. Similarly, at Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed, you'll find two enclosed bathrooms near the entrance, but no hookups or trash collection. Most dispersed areas throughout the forest require visitors to pack out all trash and bring their own water supply. There are no electrical hookups, shower facilities, or developed sites with picnic tables or fire rings. Come fully prepared with everything you need, including adequate water supplies.

Can I bring an RV for dispersed camping in Santa Fe National Forest?

Yes, you can bring RVs to many dispersed camping areas in Santa Fe National Forest, though site accessibility varies significantly. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed is particularly RV-friendly, with mostly RVs and some vans occupying the flat sites. The dirt road access is relatively short and manageable. However, areas like Forest Road 102 Dispersed have long, bumpy one-lane dirt roads with ruts and washouts that are not suitable for trailers. This area is better for high-clearance or 4x4 vehicles. When planning RV trips, look for areas described as having flat sites and manageable access roads. Many dispersed areas throughout the forest offer excellent boondocking opportunities with no hookups, so be prepared to be fully self-contained with adequate water and waste capacity.

Is there a map of dispersed camping areas in Santa Fe National Forest?

The Santa Fe National Forest does provide maps of dispersed camping areas, though you'll need to visit a ranger district office to obtain the most detailed and up-to-date versions. The forest is divided into several ranger districts, each with its own maps. Online resources are available through the USFS website, which offers downloadable Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUMs) showing roads where dispersed camping is permitted. Jemez Dispersed area, for example, is managed by the Cuba, NM ranger district, which can provide specific maps for that region. Popular camping apps like The Dyrt, Campendium, and FreeRoam also offer user-generated maps and GPS coordinates for specific sites, such as the coordinates shared for Forest Road 181. For the most reliable information, contact the forest service office before your trip.

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