The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Dispersed Camping near Santa Fe National Forest

189 Reviews

Santa Fe National Forest has several dispersed camping areas throughout its New Mexico wilderness. Fenton Lake State Park lets you wild camp near the Rio Grande and Sangre de Cristo Mountains without designated sites. You'll need to bring all your own water and supplies since these remote spots have no facilities. Always follow Leave No Trace practices and take all trash with you when you leave. Check for current fire restrictions before your trip as they change seasonally. Keep food secured properly since bears and other wildlife are active in the forest. Many access roads are unpaved and rough - a high-clearance vehicle is often needed to reach good camping spots. You can stay up to 14 days in one location before needing to move. Camp at least 200 feet from any lakes, streams or trails to minimize impact. The backcountry areas give you quiet, undeveloped places away from crowds. Contact the ranger district office for current conditions before heading out. The freedom of boondocking here comes with responsibility to protect this beautiful forest land.

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

Best Dispersed Sites Near Santa Fe National Forest (43)

    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

    26 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)

    18 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. 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."

    9. Camp May Road

    1 Review
    Los Alamos, NM
    8 miles

    10. FR376 Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 438-5300

    "This area has multiple free camping spaces. If you follow the road, you can find the prefect camping for you. We saw from damp camping areas to big groups spaces."

    "This camp spot is one of the best free camp sites in New Mexico. Would definitely go again. Highly recommend to anyone who loves to camp and drive four wheelers"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 43 campgrounds

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Santa Fe National Forest

149 Photos of 43 Santa Fe National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Santa Fe National Forest

189 Reviews of 43 Santa Fe National Forest Campgrounds

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.

Keep Exploring