Best Dispersed Camping near Tijeras, NM
Are you in need of a campground near Tijeras, NM? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Tijeras. Discover great camping spots near Tijeras, reviewed by campers like you.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Tijeras, New Mexico (12)
1. Dispersed Camping off FS 542
26 ReviewsTijeras, NM3 milesWebsite+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."
2. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
39 ReviewsPlacitas, NM18 milesWebsite+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."
3. Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District
4 ReviewsPonderosa, NM5 milesWebsite+1 (505) 281-3304"Have to drive up the forest service road off the pavement. A little rough but I have a lifted outback no issues! Highly recommended."
"A bit less traveled than other nearby campground. Road almost more accessible to this camp ground for low clearance. Might scrape a bit going up final ramp to Cedro peak one, but not terribly either."
4. Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed Site
2 ReviewsTijeras, NM3 milesWebsite+1 (505) 761-87005. Cibola NP
1 ReviewTijeras, NM2 milesWebsite+1 (505) 346-39006. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed
42 ReviewsSanta Fe, NM44 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."
7. Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
26 ReviewsSanta Fe, NM45 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."
8. Canyon Del Apache
Be the first to review!Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, NM22 miles9. Manzano Mountains Camp
2 ReviewsMountainair, NM33 milesWebsite+1 (505) 346-3900"Took awhile to get here, well off the beaten path. Ponderosa Pines, oak and juniper scrub. Ample supply of downed trees to use as firewood. Gets muddy if it rains."
10. Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping
9 ReviewsSanta Fe, NM44 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Tijeras, NM
84 Photos of 12 Tijeras Campgrounds
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Tijeras, NM
147 Reviews of 12 Tijeras Campgrounds
Dan G.
ScoutSante 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.ScoutSante 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.
TheCampingNerd ..
GuideSante 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.
Mike M.
LegendSanta Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
Trash yes, Views Yes, Free YES!!
I didn’t see this but didn’t read all reviews. As you drive down the road the BLM land is clearly identified by the 14 day camping limit signs. You will come to a fence with a cattle guard and when you cross that you are now in National Forest, NO CAMPING on the National Forest side (ask me how I know ;)
- DDesi T.
TravelerSante 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.
- KKyleScout
Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
Cross Country w/ A Uhaul
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. I used the google maps directions and they said to head north on foot, instead I drove straight along the dirt road and found the disbursed sites. There were a number of people around and a little bit of road noise in the distance. Happy and safe travels: Cheers 🍻
Karis C.ScoutTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Great Public Lands find!
Great little find for a quick place to car camp while driving through Albuquerque without going too far out of the way. The directions in the app were helpful to know to avoid the private roads, as they were not marked private. We took Llano del Norte the whole way around and found the public lands easily.
T&A Adventures *.GuideCibola NP
Quick Overnight
We came here planning on staying at Coyote Trailhead that was listed. Turns out you can't overnight park at the actual trailheads. And to get to the dispersed camping you have to have a jeep or similar rock climbing type vehicle & not towing anything. Crazy steep rock face in the middle of the road near the trailhead. So we turned around, saw this spot and no one was there. We spent the night, boondocking. No one bothered us.
Izzy T.
RangerSanta Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
Land of Disenchantment near trailhead
Next to a landfill, which is loud near the trailhead. Pit toilets are disgusting. Would rather dig a hole for that… long term campers mainly at the trailhead - RV, tent, and van. Plus loads of trash and abandoned RV’s.
However, I stayed here the 14 day limit and found some great spots that are secluded from the residents and flies. Other than the serenading coyotes, it’s very peaceful at night. Great views of the surrounding mountains and awesome sunsets. Conveniently located to Santa Fe. I don’t think I’ll stop here again unless it’s overnight.
Guide to Tijeras
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Tijeras, New Mexico, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. Enjoy the freedom of choosing your own spot while taking in stunning landscapes and the tranquility of the outdoors.
Tips for free and dispersed camping near Tijeras, New Mexico
- When heading to Dispersed Camping off FS 542, be prepared for rough roads; a truck or SUV is recommended for a smoother experience.
- Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends, as some areas can get busy quickly, like the popular Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site.
- Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful areas pristine for future visitors.
Scenic views and wildlife encounters for dispersed campers
- The Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site offers breathtaking desert views and the chance to spot wild horses roaming freely, making it a unique experience for nature lovers.
- At Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District, you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by trees, providing a perfect backdrop for wildlife watching.
- Keep your camera ready at Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed Site, where the serene environment and natural beauty create excellent photo opportunities.
Outdoor activities while free camping near Tijeras
- Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails accessible from Coyote Trailhead, which offers a variety of paths for all skill levels.
- For those interested in mountain biking, the area around Manzano Mountains Camp features trails that cater to both beginners and experienced riders.
- Enjoy a quiet evening by the fire at BLM dispersed camping / Zia Pueblo, where you can unwind under the stars after a day of adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the dispersed camping areas in Tijeras, New Mexico?
Where are the dispersed camping areas in Tijeras, New Mexico?
Tijeras offers several dispersed camping options in the surrounding area. The Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed is a popular choice with numerous campsites, accessible via a dirt road that isn't too challenging. For those exploring east of Tijeras, Dispersed Camping off FS 542 provides multiple marked sites with fire rings. Additional options include the Manzanita Recreation Zone in the Sandia District and various BLM lands near Tijeras Canyon. Most sites are identified by 14-day camping limit signs. Remember that these areas typically don't offer amenities like water or electricity, so come prepared for self-sufficient camping.
What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Tijeras Canyon?
What are the regulations for dispersed camping in Tijeras Canyon?
Dispersed camping in Tijeras Canyon follows standard BLM and National Forest regulations. At Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite, camping is limited to 14 days within a 28-day period, as indicated by posted signs. The Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site and surrounding areas require visitors to practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out all trash and waste. Campfires may be permitted in established fire rings, but restrictions apply during high fire danger periods. Be aware of land boundaries, as camping is prohibited on some National Forest sections adjacent to BLM land. No camping fees apply, but camping is only allowed in designated dispersed areas. Vehicles must stay on established roads and camping sites.
Is 4WD required to access dispersed camping sites in Tijeras?
Is 4WD required to access dispersed camping sites in Tijeras?
Vehicle requirements vary by specific location near Tijeras. At Cibola NP, 4WD is definitely needed as access involves navigating steep rock faces, making it impossible for vehicles towing anything. In contrast, Manzano Mountains Camp offers more accessible options for standard vehicles. For many sites, high-clearance vehicles are recommended but not always essential. Some areas have main roads passable by most vehicles, while side roads require 4WD or high clearance. For example, low-clearance RVs can access certain areas by taking the first left after crossing cattle guards, avoiding rougher side roads. Always check recent road conditions before heading out, especially after rain or snow.
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