Top Free Dispersed Camping near Taos, NM

Planning a dispersed camping trip near Taos? Dispersed camping is an excellent way to get away from it all and to disconnect. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campgrounds for your New Mexico camping adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Taos, NM (27)

    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    1. Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    7 Reviews
    19 Photos
    478 Saves

    Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. It means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables, fire pits and toilets are provided. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Near Taos
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Near Taos
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Near Taos
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Near Taos

    2. Dispersed Camping Near Taos

    3 Reviews
    4 Photos
    86 Saves

    With two outstanding Wild and Scenic Rivers and three developed recreation areas, the BLM’s Taos Field Office is a great place to experience a whitewater rafting challenge; enjoy a breathtaking view of a river gorge; hike miles of developed trails; camp under the stars; view wildlife; or visit important prehistoric, historic, or active cultural sites. Come and explore over 594,000 acres of your public lands. The Field Office also administers over 4 million acres of Federal mineral estate.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service 439
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service 439
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service 439
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service 439
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service 439
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service 439

    4. Forest Service 439

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    44 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Grande del Norte National Monument
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

    6. Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    51 Saves

    **This road runs into Taos Pueblo land, please respect this and do not trespass on their land. ** The road is closed in the winter and is popular for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Summer and fall the road is open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, but is also open to vehicles. Expect to see motorized traffic. When it is closed for the winter it is a quiet place to cross-country ski or snowshoe.

    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5
    Camper-submitted photo from Ponderosa Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ponderosa Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ponderosa Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ponderosa Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ponderosa Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ponderosa Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park

    8. Ponderosa Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park

    4 Reviews
    10 Photos
    49 Saves

    Room for Tent/RV - bathrooms are close by

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 558
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 558
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 558
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 558
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 558
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 558

    9. Forest Road 558

    3 Reviews
    10 Photos
    27 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Tres Piedras Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Tres Piedras Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Tres Piedras Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Tres Piedras Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Tres Piedras Dispersed Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Tres Piedras Dispersed Site

    10. Tres Piedras Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    11 Photos
    171 Saves

    Many people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. It means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables, fire pits and toilets are provided. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers. The Tres Piedras Ranger District is managed for many multi-use purposes; hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, skiing, snowmobiling, camping and personal firewood cutting are among the activities.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Taos

40 Reviews of 27 Taos Campgrounds


  • Julie K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 558
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Forest Road 558

    Good enough for an overnight

    We parked a little further off 285 than most people so the road noise was minimal. A car drove past us on the dirt road in the morning which was surprising but nothing more. There was a rotting animal smell once in a while but we didn’t smell once inside. No toilet. Someone left a small fire ring. The road was rutted, don’t go if it’s wet. Fine for overnight lodging but I wouldn’t hang out there.

  • Melissa J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
    Sep. 18, 2024

    Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    Absolutely Gorgeous

    There are so many campsites to choose from, all along the Hondo Rio. It's peaceful and quiet. We brought our four dogs and 13 year old. There's so much to do to keep them busy. The dogs love the river and to run through it. No one really bothers anyone. There are toilets at some of the sites. Very clean. We had storms while camping. At least six rock/mud slides on the road. I don't know who, but someone managed to clean it all up in record time. We've had a great time, even with the rain and hail. We will definitely come back.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 558
    Sep. 8, 2024

    Forest Road 558

    Dispersed Sites FSR558

    A good amount of dispersed sites off of FSR558. I just pulled off to one of the closer sites but looked like tons of other sites were further in on the road. Really quiet even with the highway close by. Great stars at night, decently clean (the sites that I saw). You could probably make it in a 2WD vehicle for the first few sites but it gets a bit more rugged as you continue in.

  • Timothy N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake

    Plentiful dispersed options

    We spent a few nights in the dispersed area near Hopewell .  We rolled in at 5 and had plenty of sites to choose from.  We chose one of the lower areas, with one large open space surrounded by smaller sites.  There were many more up the road, and there was constant traffic headed uphill until about 9PM.   Once the traffic stopped it was very quiet, only the cattle calling through the trees.  It rained for several hours and our spot stayed solid.  Some offshoot roads were rutted out. The main road had minimal rocks and holes, didn't get very muddy.  TMobile\Google mobile service worked well enough.  Verizon did not work.

  • Erika L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mallette Creek North
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Mallette Creek North

    Peaceful

    Even with a couple and a new born up the hill I never heard them from our campervan! Serene surroundings and even and beautiful place to camp during a thunderstorm!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service 439
    Jul. 30, 2024

    Forest Service 439

    Rough

    I pull a small trailer and the road in was rough. I was concerned about being able to turn around. When I got to the spot where there are six or eight camping spots, finding one suitable for a trailer was difficult, but I did it. This is more suitable to car camping.

    There is an open area that would be good for group camping. There are three or more RVs that appear to be permanent  features. That was strange. Looked like fishing camps. I didn't want to drive the steep road down to this area.

    Personally, I wish I had stopped a the forest service campsites up hill from this location, but if you are in a car and want to tent camp here, I don't see a problem,

  • Chris E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Dispersed Camping Near Hopewell Lake

    Lots of sites in high elevation and shaded area.

    This dispersed area is close to Hopewell Lake and Campground where there is fishing and vaulted toilets. The Continental Divide Trail goes right through this location.

  • Walter T.
    Camper-submitted photo from fs road 438
    Jun. 7, 2024

    fs road 438

    Pot creek

    Great site with shade and sun, water from creek, could possibly hold 3 med. Sized rv's. About 10 miles south of taos nm. And about 1 mile off pavement

  • Wild Berries B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Tres Piedras Camp
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Tres Piedras Camp

    On the way out from Mesa Verde NP

    We found this place randomly. Seen all the road exits of the Carson National Forest on our way to Taos we said “let’s give it a try!” And we found apparently a fairly popular place. It may be due to available internet connection (which we greatly enjoyed it after weeks!) or just a lower altitude spot that may help with physical activity and weather temps. At any rate, easy and short access to the camp sites via gravel sandy road, some with fire rings and camp tables, leveled grounds for trailers and lots of pine trees for privacy. There are signs for trailheads and pretty rock formations that will need to be explored next time. We stayed a night and enjoyed it to the fullest. Highly recommended, especially as nights get nice and chill (vs. hot day temps) for good sleep.

  • Erik B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 710 Dispersed
    May. 24, 2024

    Road 710 Dispersed

    Off road Fire service road

    Tons of Boondocking spots.

    Not ideal for long wheel base as it’s an out and back without turn around spots.

    Best pull outs are to the left as the road forks after the cattle guard.

  • Brittani M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
    Apr. 20, 2024

    Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    Peaceful, clean sites

    As a dead end (there is the Taos ski resort up further, the best spots are before the ski resort) there wasn’t much traffic. One of the cleanest campsites off a road I’ve been to! Plenty of brush if you want to start a fire. There is no Verizon service.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Service 439
    Mar. 17, 2024

    Forest Service 439

    Good shit.

    I work seasonal(may-oct) jobs and found out about this site from freecampsites.net, i stayed here with a frequency (abiding to the rules but frequently). There are 4 places to park on the lower section and 3 on the upper section, most spots can fit multiple cars. A little stream is near by-- a little shallow and a little mucky on the bottom, but really refreshing. The stars are incredible, also some beautiful views of the mountains from the lower section. The road in is a bit sketchy at times, but as long as you are mindful of potholes you should be good-- my minivan made it with ease.

    There are some family reunions which took place while i visited and they dont really follow the rules which sucks. One family had their stuff on the land for over a month i noticed, they had fires when not permitted, trash scattered, and they had atvs which would tear up the place a bit... other than that though this place is amazing and close enough to town if youre a seasonal worker and need a good home base. AT&T service was crap, i think one time i got 1 bar of service for a second but i bumped my phone and lost it.

    Last thing i will say is be cognizant of fires and flooding, both can happen here! Happy camping folks :)

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Near Taos
    Nov. 11, 2023

    Dispersed Camping Near Taos

    Great spots all with gorge views

    One thing is that you MUST approach from the west, you can’t get here coming from the east over John dun bridge. Dirt road but we did it with no problem with our 24ft trailer. Make sure you go all the way to the coordinates as there are a ton of great spots off to the left of the road, plenty of room to spread out and some solidly flat spots. Made a quick walk down to the springs in the evening and watched the stars come out. Awesome!!

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 12, 2023

    Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping

    Cold and quiet with good views

    There are a bunch of different roads you can turn off to camp on if you’re driving from Taos to Durango. We mapped Forest Road 578 and it took us to a dirt road with a lot of flat spots you can camp on. We spent the night there and it was very quiet and peaceful. If you keep going to Durango you’ll get to Carson National Forest, which is not too far from the coordinates on The Dyrt. That’s where more people are camping, you can pull off right before the 64H road marker. You’ll keep passing camping spots as you drive to Durango so you can really go almost anywhere!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite
    Sep. 4, 2023

    Forest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite

    Good Free Spot!

    Got there late so we just pulled into the first site we saw. Woke up to a little creek behind us. More people were camping on down the road. And had a few people show up in the morning to go on a walk.

  • Nessie C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    Great spot for an night or two

    Right off the road, literally. it hidden behind some trees so the barrier between the site and road makes for a little privacy. Great spot for a day or two right next to a creek so you fall asleep to the sound of it, not wasn’t a gentle creek, but lovely all the same. trees to put up a hammock. Fire pits but they were off limits do to fire season . Would definitely recommend .

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area
    Jul. 13, 2023

    BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area

    Nice campsite on the Rio Grande river

    We stayed one night in Rio, bravo, Campground. This campground is not dispersed camping, because there is water and electric in some sites. There are a few sites where a 30 foot or larger rig will fit.

  • Popeye8843
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    Lost on private roads

    Led me to dirt, private road after 3 attempts! I don’t give up easily but 3 xxx you’re out! Bad gps guidance here and also another site as well! Will not continue with app, trial/pro or otherwise!

  • PJ M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5
    Jul. 5, 2023

    Rio Fernando de Taos - Forest Rd 5

    Headwaters of Rio Fernando de Taos

    Highway 64 between Taos and Angel Fire > Turn onto Forest Rd 5 and go to end

    Solid road, no issue with 25ft travel trailer.

    There's a gravel cul-de-sac with a couple obvious places to camp.  Also a couple two tracks roads continuing into the woods, but those weren't passable due to mud.

    There's a few small ponds which appear to be the beginning of the Rio Fernando.  I think there's some restoration work going on if I'm not mistaken.  

    I tried parking so that I was looking out at the clearing, but this made levelling my trailer pretty difficult.  Probably would be easier to just keep in on the gravel.

    I somehow had 5g reception here on Verizon, and Starlink also worked well.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 558
    Jun. 30, 2023

    Forest Road 558

    Okay Dispersed Camp Spot

    Wide open dispersed desert camping. FS-558 runs for several miles south of HWY-285. We stayed closer to the highway which is safer without 4WD. Higher clearance is helpful due to ruts in the road. There's a fair amount of trash, but plenty of spots without. Bummer that locals use public land as their private dumping area. The nights were quiet, other than occasionally coyote calls, which add to the ambiance. We had a few thousand acres all to ourselves for four nights while climbing on nearby El Rito walls.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Near Taos
    Jun. 14, 2023

    Dispersed Camping Near Taos

    NOT a campground

    As you can see in the pictures, camping is not allowed here. The icon of the tent with a red line going through it indicates that they would prefer if you do not camp in this place. The other signage indicates that this area is for launching your white water rafting craft if you have the necessary equipment and skills. This entry in the database was not vetted very carefully.

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from Mallette Creek North
    Jun. 8, 2023

    Mallette Creek North

    Beautiful, busy

    This is a gorgeous campsite just north of Red River. While the drive up is laborious and on a rickety road, there were a dozen large RV’s waiting at the site which had no trouble getting in.

    The site is stunning—verdant mountains, a babbling brook, unobstructed views of a lush valley. The trees are fantastic, and there are at least two excellent hiking trails.

    Downside: when I camp, I want some degree of privacy and silence. This place feels like a tailgating party. At no point did I not hear a generator. Friendly people, but no different than a state park, save for fees and amenities.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 26, 2023

    Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping

    Private and beautiful

    A nice secluded little forest road. RVs will not make it, so it's nice and quiet.

    AWD/4WD needed on the rutted rocky road.

    Stayed one night and saw no one else.

    Multiple pulloffs for unmarked campsites, but the one I picked was right off the road.

    Cell service drops completely pretty soon after leaving the highway. I sporadically received some messages at my camp site but not reliably.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
    Sep. 15, 2022

    Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    Roads, the real name, but great views!

    All camping spots here are right off the roads where you can find one or two spots that are less close. Arroyo Seco is the town close to the camping, but you keep going straight from the coordinates to get to Cuchillo de Medio and Cuchillo. It’s not truly “dispersed” camping because there aren’t many sites and your pretty close to your neighbors. Cuchillo Del Medio does have some fire pits, picnic tables, and a bathroom. You do get to camp right on a clear river that is beautiful!

  • Toni  K.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping Near Taos
    May. 17, 2022

    Dispersed Camping Near Taos

    Don’t use John dun bridge

    A good dispersed campground with a few spots. Don’t drive to the John dun bridge from Taos use the longer route instead. The switch back road is blocked off now. If you make it up to the campsite it’s only a mile walk to the hot springs down below where the bridge is. You can go fishing over there as well as rock climbing.



Guide to Taos

Camping near Taos, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and cozy campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly spot, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the campgrounds. Many campers enjoy the nearby hiking trails, with one reviewer from Cimarron Campground mentioning, "There’s a nice easy/moderate half mile hike down to the Shuree Ponds which were stocked with trout."
  • Fishing: The rivers and lakes in the area are great for fishing. A visitor at Tolby Campground — Cimarron Canyon State Park noted, "The fishing in the area was very popular and it seemed like everyone was catching fish."
  • Hot Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa. One camper shared, "The hot springs are amazing and you can leave and come back."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Angel Fire RV Resort highlighted, "Resort is beautiful, well maintained, plenty of amenities."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites with some privacy. A visitor at Taos Valley RV Park & Campground mentioned, "Spaces were spacious with vegetation in between them."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the welcoming atmosphere. One reviewer at Hotel Luna Mystica said, "Funky vibe, cool staff, indoor plumbing, showers, and Wi-Fi."

What you should know:

  • Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds, like Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "There is no water or electricity on site but water is available in the park."
  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can lead to some noise. A visitor at Coyote Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Couldn’t set up my awning as the ground was extremely rocky and cement-like."
  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Agua Piedra Campground advised, "We enjoyed our weekend. The creek is very close and accessible."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby trails and fishing spots. A family at Columbine Campground enjoyed, "With the creek running through the middle of the campground, we had a great spot for the kids to play."
  • Safety First: Always supervise kids near water. A camper at Eagle Nest Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground has back-in & short pull-thru sites."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy during hikes. One visitor at Cimarron Campground shared, "It’s not glamping but is some great camping!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Taos Valley RV Park & Campground noted, "Our 18-foot campervan fit in Site 19 but there was not a lot of room left over."
  • Bring Extra Cords: If you need electricity, ensure your cords reach the hookups. A camper at Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort & Spa mentioned, "Make sure you have enough power cord and hose."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of local attractions. A visitor at Angel Fire RV Resort said, "Close to Taos and various ski resorts in the area."

Camping around Taos, New Mexico, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Taos, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Taos, NM is Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping with a 3.9-star rating from 7 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Taos, NM?

    TheDyrt.com has all 27 dispersed camping locations near Taos, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.