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

Best Dispersed Camping near Tesuque, NM

177 Reviews

Multiple dispersed camping locations exist on public lands surrounding Tesuque, New Mexico, primarily within Santa Fe National Forest and nearby Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas. Forest Road 102 offers primitive camping opportunities with several walk-in sites and drive-in options further up the mountain. Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite and Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 provide additional free camping zones within relatively close proximity to Santa Fe proper, allowing visitors to access public lands without formal campground facilities.

Access to most dispersed sites requires careful navigation on unpaved roads with varying conditions. Forest Road 102 features a long, bumpy one-lane dirt road with numerous ruts and washouts, making high-clearance or 4WD vehicles recommended for most areas. Several campers report taking up to an hour to travel just a few miles on some routes. Most dispersed camping areas enforce a 14-day stay limit and lack amenities such as potable water, trash service, or maintained restrooms. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, with some areas prohibiting campfires entirely.

Campsites throughout the region provide varied experiences based on proximity to Santa Fe and site elevation. BLM lands closer to town offer convenience but occasionally suffer from noise and litter issues. One visitor noted, "We found some great spots that are secluded from the residents and flies. Other than the serenading coyotes, it's very peaceful at night." Campers seeking more seclusion often travel farther into forest areas where sites become more private. Reviews frequently mention excellent stargazing opportunities and scenic mountain views, though proximity to the landfill near some BLM sites can create early morning noise. "Continue further along and it isn't so bad," suggested one camper regarding the Santa Fe BLM area.

Map showing campgrounds near Tesuque, New MexicoExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Tesuque, New Mexico (35)

    1. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    42 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    11 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
    11 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. Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    11 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."

    4. Forest Road 102 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    5 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)

    18 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    26 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. Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    Tererro, NM
    17 miles
    Website

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

    "2 wheel drive accessible, fresh water source, fire pit ring, room for 3 vehicles near camp, very peaceful, and zero noise and no light pollution."

    7. Las Dos Dispersed Campsite

    Be the first to review!
    White Rock, NM
    9 miles
    Website

    8. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    37 Reviews
    Placitas, NM
    42 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."

    9. American Springs

    4 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    27 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. Dispersed on 4 - Fenton Lake State Park

    16 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    40 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Tesuque Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Tesuque, NM

130 Photos of 35 Tesuque Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Tesuque, NM

177 Reviews of 35 Tesuque 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    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,

Guide to Tesuque

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Tesuque, New Mexico, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, campers can enjoy the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

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

  • This area allows for a drive-in experience, making it accessible for various vehicles, including big rigs. Check out the Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed for a spacious camping experience.
  • Campers can enjoy the freedom of fires and pets, making it a great spot for families and friends looking to relax in nature.
  • While some sites may have trash issues, many campers have found secluded spots further down the road, providing a quieter atmosphere.

Top activities while free camping near Tesuque

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the beautiful landscapes surrounding the Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping, which is conveniently located close to Santa Fe.
  • This area is known for its stunning sunrises and sunsets, perfect for photography enthusiasts and those looking to soak in the natural beauty.
  • With no permit required and the option to have fires, it’s an ideal location for a cozy evening under the stars.

Scenic attractions for dispersed campers

  • The Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area offers beautiful fall colors and is situated along a creek, making it a great spot for fishing and enjoying the outdoors.
  • Campers can find a mix of tent and car camping spots, providing options for different camping styles while being surrounded by nature.
  • The area is known for its peaceful environment, allowing visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy a tranquil retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Tesuque, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Tesuque, NM is Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed with a 4.2-star rating from 42 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 35 dispersed camping locations near Tesuque, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring