Best Dispersed Camping near Santa Fe, NM

The Sangre de Cristo foothills offer some of the best camping opportunities near Santa Fe, NM. Get supplies in the city before venturing out to campsites. Surrounded by national forests and natural areas, Santa Fe has plenty of campgrounds to offer. Camping in the national forest by the badlands gives outdoor enthusiasts plenty of opportunities for adventure from hiking the trails to riding ATVs. Campers looking for stunning views of these New Mexico foothills and valley will want to make the drive up to Santa Fe Skies Park. It’s RV-friendly and campers won’t complain about the views no matter where their site is located.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Santa Fe, New Mexico (36)

    1. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    41 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    5 miles

    "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."

    "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."

    2. Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    26 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    5 miles

    "Given the area described has piles of trash and little else to recommend it, it seems a shame to be close to gorgeous wilderness and stare at rubbish."

    "Easy to get to just outside of Santa Fe. It’s BLM dispersed so no facilities at all and a bit of a Nomadland vibe. Some folks were pistol shooting in an arroyo until dark."

    3. Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 438-5300

    "A gorgeous and vast dispersed campground just a short drive from Santa Fe."

    "About 15 minutes from downtown Santa Fe. Many sites available. Very dusty due to no recent rain. We have a 26 ft travel trailer. We saw larger Rvs, vans, cars. Tents."

    4. Forest Road 102 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    12 miles
    Website

    "We took this road to get to a hike and saw several people camping off the road or a ways up a hill where rhey had walked in. We saw limited places so be ready for first come first serve."

    5. Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    16 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    24 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."

    "Along the entire length of this road dispersed camping is allowed."

    6. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    35 Reviews
    Placitas, NM
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 761-8700

    "Great little find for a quick place to car camp while driving through Albuquerque without going too far out of the way."

    "When you first arrive to the end of the road and the beginning of the public land - you have the option to go left, straight, or right."

    8. Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Tererro, NM
    20 miles
    Website

    "There are a few tent spots and car camping spots, and it’s right along a creek where you can fly fish."

    9. American Springs

    3 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    24 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."

    "Great spot once you make the steep road up!!! We camped close to the entrance. We explored and found some amazing sites further back"

    10. Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park

    14 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    37 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 36 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Santa Fe, NM

201 Reviews of 36 Santa Fe Campgrounds



Guide to Santa Fe

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll enjoy the freedom of camping in the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62

  • This area allows for easy access with drive-in and walk-in options, making it convenient for all types of campers. Check it out here.
  • While it offers a large space for camping, be prepared for some litter left behind by previous visitors, as cleanliness can be an issue.
  • The site is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along to enjoy the great outdoors together.

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

  • Always pack out what you pack in; many campers have noted the presence of trash at sites like Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, as these areas can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
  • Be mindful of local wildlife and keep your food stored properly to avoid attracting animals.

Enjoy stunning views while free camping near Santa Fe

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Santa Fe, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Santa Fe, NM is Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed with a 4.2-star rating from 41 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Santa Fe, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 36 dispersed camping locations near Santa Fe, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.