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Best Dispersed Camping near Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM

208 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas surround Santo Domingo Pueblo, with Top of New Mexico being the most reviewed site. Located on a mesa with panoramic mountain views, this area requires navigating a 2-mile winding residential road that opens to public land. The terrain is suitable for most vehicles, though larger rigs and trailers should proceed with caution. Wild horses frequently visit campsites, particularly at dawn and dusk.

The surrounding region offers additional primitive sites including Santa Fe National Forest BLM Road 62, Placitas BLM, and Caja Del Rio. Most dispersed sites lack amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service. Fire restrictions vary by location and season. Recent visitors note the exposed terrain can be quite windy: "You're on top of a mesa like area so it may be a little windy, but the sunsets were awesome." Cell service is generally reliable across these backcountry areas, making them suitable for remote workers seeking off-grid camping near Albuquerque.

Map showing campgrounds near Santo Domingo Pueblo, New MexicoExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico (36)

    1. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    41 Reviews
    Placitas, NM
    13 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."

    2. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    42 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    19 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."

    3. Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

    26 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    20 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."

    4. Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    18 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    22 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."

    5. Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    19 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."

    6. Placitas BLM

    1 Review
    Placitas, NM
    13 miles

    "Open space for dispersed camping with views of the mountains. Lots of flat open places. Don't need 4x4 but a little clearance helps with the rocks and ruts."

    7. Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park

    16 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    28 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."

    8. Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    26 Reviews
    Tijeras, NM
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 346-3900

    "This dispersed camping is a great spot to stop. There are multiple site identified with lot signs and fire rings. Some of the spots are Easier to access than others."

    "No facilities. Dry camping only. The sights are not well defined but there's enough clearings between the trees to make do."

    9. American Springs

    4 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    22 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"

    10. Forest Service Rd 268 Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    Los Alamos, NM
    22 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 Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM

139 Photos of 36 Santo Domingo Pueblo Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM

208 Reviews of 36 Santo Domingo Pueblo Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Alan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2019

    Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    Great Spot for Free Camping before the Caldera!

    This is a nice secluded dispersed campsite on the eastern flanks of the Valles Caldera.  It's the closest CG to Sante Fe along the 4 before it enters the caldera proper.  While most of the trees in this area were burnt by fires less than 10 years ago, it still provides great views of the valley below and the highest mountains in all of New Mexico!  The campground has no amenities so bring everything you'll need and bring along a high clearance vehicle if you plan on heading up the road beyond the campsites that are right off the pavement to the right.

    Besides exploring the caldera there are plenty of amazing things to do in nearby Sante Fe!  Our favorite attraction was the MeowWolf permanent art exhibit.  It's an absolutely amazing surreal piece of art that you walk through and interact.  I cannot stress enough how much you should visit because in addition to being an art pillar in New Mexico they also contribute to local and soon regional art and philanthropic endeavors.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2023

    FR376 Dispersed

    Long road with multiple spaces

    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. There is a fire restriction to gas stove only and there is no bathrooms or potable water.

Guide to Santo Domingo Pueblo

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Santo Domingo Pueblo

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico

  • When visiting Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping, be prepared for dusty conditions, especially during dry spells, and pack out any trash you encounter.
  • For a quieter experience, consider heading further into the Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed, where you can find more secluded spots away from the main crowds.
  • Always check for local regulations regarding campfires and wildlife, especially at American Springs, where you may encounter wildlife like coyotes at night.

Scenic Attractions for Dispersed Campers

  • The breathtaking views from Forest Service Rd 268 Dispersed Site make it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the essence of New Mexico's landscapes.
  • Explore the nearby hiking trails that lead to stunning vistas, particularly around Las Dos Dispersed Campsite, where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature.
  • Don't miss the opportunity to witness the vibrant wildlife and beautiful sunsets at Two Springs Camp, providing a perfect backdrop for a peaceful camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM is Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site with a 4.6-star rating from 41 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 36 dispersed camping locations near Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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