Best Dispersed Camping near Tererro, NM

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Tererro, New Mexico

98 Reviews of 23 Tererro Campgrounds

• 

  Esperanza R.

  Traveler

  

  May. 12, 2022

  Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

  Great Boondocking Spot!

  Great boondocking spot @15 mins from downtown Santa Fe.

  Zero amenities but clean, huge open areas, and safe.

  Your are behind a huge solid waste transfer station but you’d never know besides the huge hill. No smell or garbage anywhere.

  Pros-

  -HUGE open area -WIFI is great (pull in and go to the left down by the cattle coral) -Clean areas -Safe -Bathrooms (Didn’t Use) -Tons of hiking -15mins tops to downtown Santa Fe -Free

  Cons-

  -Windy -Dusty -No water -No Dump Station

  We got water at the dog park up the road with our water bladder bag. Try to go during dusk as it is way less busy with fewer spectators watching and wondering what you’re doing, we had zero issues! 😊

  It’s a great Free spot for a night or two weeks also surrounded by BLM land so you can’t really go wrong.

  This area is well big enough for any size rig, just stay to the right on the gravel road pass the cattle guard where the road is gravel and smoother for sure!

  Enjoy! 😊

• 

  Dan G.

  Scout

  

  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.

• 

  Ben R.

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 29, 2023

  Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

  I mean, it was free

  The area is right next to a landfill which worried us at first but turned out not to be a problem, I imagine it gets worse in the warmer months. You can drive around and find some cool and private spots but there is trash seriously everywhere. We even found shot gun shells a little further out all over the ground. When you pull up to the area you can either turn right into the blm land or go straight past the signage into the National park area. I think it said El Camino Real. This is where the toilets and shelter is. The toilets were actually well kept. There were some nice people but I can imagine if you drive further out away from people it feels a little sketchier. It wasn’t the best, but it was definitely free.

• A

  Amanda V.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 17, 2023

  Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping

  Great Spot

  Perfect dispersed camp spots close to town but very quiet. Except a few evening fun shots. Lots of spots scattered with plenty of privacy.

• L

  Loren A.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 6, 2021

  Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

  Perfect dispersed camping spot

  This is a massive dispersed camping area. I’m not really sure how far in the camping spots go, but so far I’ve seen over 100, with about 1/4 of them taken right now. Many, but not all, are level spots. Roads vary depending on which spots your getting to. Great cell service. Great views. And minutes away from stores and gas stations.

• 

  Jennifer H.

  Guide

  

  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!

• 

  TheCampingNerd ..

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Jeanie P.

  Guide

  

  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!

• 

  Jeff B.

  Scout

  

  Dec. 28, 2020

  Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

  Nice stopover on the way to Flagstaff

  Lots of open space for dispersed camping

• 

  paige L.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 10, 2021

  Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

  quiet and simple to find

  Overall, this is a good spot to camp. It was simple to find, there was plenty of space for dispersed camping, and was a quiet place.

• G

  Garret M.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 15, 2021

  Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

  Santa Fe Overlook

  Dispersed camping on the edge of Santa Fe. Easy access. Some former homeless camps and trash scattered around. Go further in for a more scenic vista on high ground.

• 

  Jeff K.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 14, 2021

  Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

  Multiple spots to choose

  Not too far out of Santa Fe. There are multiple places for dispersed camping along the same road, including a few trailhead campgrounds like Diablo Canyon (rock climbing hot spot).

• H

  Hunter

  Guide

  

  Jun. 18, 2021

  Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

  Great spots, but a little too close to other people.

  FSR 181 B is a dispersed corridor, and on the little stretch of road there are like 6 sites. They aren't super close, but closer than I expected from dispersed camping. Travel further down 181 across the little canyon and there are more spread out sites, but they are also more exposed.

• K

  KC H.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 25, 2023

  Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping

  Lots of Open Space for Dispersed Camping

  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.

• B

  Bruce L.

  Traveler

  

  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.

• 

  Dare To Everywhere .

  Ranger

  

  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.

• D

  Desi T.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 25, 2022

  Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

  Great spot

  My first time dispersed camping was a success! Enough space for people to spread out, little trees help with privacy. Freezing here at night but it is winter! Beautiful views and just enough service for t-mobile! Couldn’t ask for more really! Just remember Leave No Trace as I did see some litter, nothing crazy tho. Awesome spot.

• 

  Todd J.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 22, 2021

  Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

  Easy Dispersed Camping

  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. We were able to find a spot with adequate privacy but not isolated, although one could certainly go further in. A truck with just running lights came through during the night and a BLM LE officer came by in the morning. It was cold af in mid-Dec. I would stay here again.

• 

  Niecey P.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 21, 2021

  Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

  Great boondocking experience

  Spacious sites, great cell reception and very close to town. Will definitely boondock here again!

• 

  Todd M.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 2, 2021

  Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

  Good Dispersed Camping Spot

  For Dispersed Camping this is good. We are a 45’ DP with 30’ trailer and found a place shortly after we came into the gates. I had rained the day before but had no issues as ground soaked it up. The area did a have several other campers all about a football field apart. Cell was 3-4 bars on ATT and Verizon. If you look on google maps you will see it is close to the landfill but we experienced no issues from that.

• 

  Delite P.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 18, 2017

  BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area

  Loved this spot!

  Such a great spot! Several small camp loops along the river. Each offers different amenities. We were in the arroyo hondo loop and it was primitive camping...no water acces, no power, pit toilet. There are showers and potable water at the second camp loop on the road( less than a mile away.). The leaves were turning, we could walk down to the river right from our campsite, we could see a million stars at night, and we loved our time there.

  No cell service for several miles near this canyon so plan accordingly.

• E

  Erin

  Guide

  

  Feb. 8, 2023

  Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping

  Beautiful dispersed campground near Santa Fe

  A gorgeous and vast dispersed campground just a short drive from Santa Fe. There was enough space and trees/shrubs to offer privacy, and as a solo traveler I felt completely safe sleeping in my crossover. I parked just off the main dirt road between a couple of junipers and still felt like I had the privacy I preferred. You can drive further to get a more secluded space. The only downside: it was very windy and the entire interior of my vehicle was covered in reddish dust. But this place was so beautiful and spaced out that being covered in dust seemed like a small price to pay for a great experience.

  The Campground: The main dirt road wasn't in great condition, so the short journey after you turn off of Country Road 62 was very bumpy, but it didn't appear that anyone was having issues navigating it (that might change if there's heavy rainfall). There's a vault toilet and picnic pavilion near the front; this area is also a trailhead. The whole place feels very open and has a nice view of the mountains. 

  The area: Very close to Santa Fe. 

  Booking: No booking or fee. This is dispersed camping and there are no official "sites" here. When looking for a place to set up, make sure you chose a place that's well-traveled. Seemed like there were enough areas to camp that I don't imagine this place ever gets too full.

  Cell Service: I have Verizon, and my service was good.

• 

  Erik B.

  Guide

  

  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.

• 

  Alan B.

  Legend

  

  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.

• 

  Ray & Terri F.

  Legend

  

  May. 10, 2021

  Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

  Nice, quiet, widely dispersed camping area

  This is also known as American Springs Dispersed Camping.  We stayed in site fairly close to the entrance and off to the right on the East spur for 6 days in a 36’ motorhome and Cherokee Trailhawk. All of the sites are very well spaced, most being a hundred to several hundred yards apart. Ours was fairly close to the highway, but it was really only noticeable during"rush hour". Only a few other campers while we were here, and most only stayed a day or two. The interior roads are dirt and get pretty rough the further in you go, with some fairly large rocks and deep ruts, some 1’ to 1.5’ deep(see photos). Parts of the ENE spur gets pretty narrow in spots, but we did a small trailer or two back that far. American Springs road, heading off to the NNE, is in a little better shape, with only 2 or 3 bad sections, similar to those on the East and ENE spurs, until about 1.25 miles in, then it gets very rough and I wouldn’t recommend proceeding with anything other than a true 4x4 or OHV, but there are a number of secluded campsites back in there. There are a number of trails/dirt roads in the immediate area to hike, some with nice views of the valley and surrounding mountains. AT&T coverage was fair, with 2 Bars of LTE service and speeds up to 2 MB/s. There are quite a few trees, but we did manage to get DISH coverage to all three western satellites at our site through a gap between a couple of trees. We were also able to get about 50 OTA channels with our fixed omni antenna.

  Regarding access to the area from the East of Los Alamos, be aware GPS will route you through Los Alamos onto NM 501, which goes through part of LANL and you have to go through security check points and your vehicle(s) are subject to search. If you have any firearms, you will not be allowed to go through the lab. So, if you have weapons or don’t want to be searched, the alternative is to take West Jemez Road/NM 4 through White Rock instead and save yourself a trip all the way up to Los Alamos, all the way back down, and then back up to the dispersed area.

• 

  Alice C.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 1, 2021

  Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

  Empty in winter!

  I arrived after dark on December 28th, and at first missed the turn off for the camping, but using the map here on the Dyrt, could see where I went wrong.

  Google gets you there, as soon as you cross the cattle stile into the park, take your first left which comes very quickly. Dispersed camping is on both sides of this road. If you go a little further, you’ll see the vault toilets on the right (I couldn’t find these until the morning).

  It was completely deserted, except for one RV (I am sleeping in my car). In the morning I discovered a car which looks like someone may be living in the park, but saw no signs of anyone.

  It is beautiful! I woke up to an inch of snow! One downside- it’s right next to a landfill. There was no smell, but I could hear all of the equipment in the morning.

  Easy to find, clean, safe (I’m a solo woman). I’d stay here again!

• M

  Mark P.

  Traveler

  

  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,