Best Dispersed Camping near Tome, NM
If you're looking for a place to dispersed camp near Tome, look no further. Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Tome, New Mexico (10)
1. Dispersed Camping off FS 542
23 Reviews•40 Photos•440 SavesTijeras, New Mexico- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
2. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
27 Reviews•66 Photos•366 SavesPlacitas, New MexicoPlease access this dispersed location using Llano del Norte which is an unmaintained gravel road. The paved access is a private road. Palomino and Mustang Roads are private.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
3. Manzano Mountains Camp
1 Review•2 Photos•27 SavesMountainair, New Mexico- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
4. Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District
2 Reviews•5 Photos•39 SavesPonderosa, New MexicoPlease consult the Manzanita Mountains Trail System Map to find a dispersed site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd555098.pdf
Look for Motorized Dispersed Camping info in the bottom left portion of the map. **When looking for the Dispersed Camping Sites, look for small, rectangular boxes with a site number in it and a pointer that directs you to the site.
There are NO AMENITIES at these sites. Cell phone coverage is not guaranteed. It is the recreationist’s responsibility to use a map if you choose to explore the area. It is a multi-user area. Trail(s) that are associated with each dispersed site are open for the following uses: Hiking, Mountain Biking, 2 Wheel Motorized Vehicles and Horseback Riding.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
5. Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed Site
1 Review•3 Photos•26 SavesTijeras, New MexicoIndividual BLM Field Offices may have additional or supplemental special camping rules or guidelines. Please call our Field Offices or visit our individual recreation websites for this information.
BLM's overall policy is to allow dispersed camping on all the lands it administers with the following conditions and exceptions:
Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public lands in New Mexico for no more than a period of 14 days within any period of 28 consecutive days. The 14-day limit may be reached either through a number of separate visits or through 14 days of continuous overnight occupation during the 28-day period. After this time period, you must relocate to another site at least 25 miles away. The purpose of this is to prevent damage to sensitive resources caused by continual use of any particular areas.
Camping is prohibited within 900 feet of any developed water source such as a guzzler or watering trough so that the water is accessible to wildlife and livestock. Please do not park your vehicles near these waters or take any actions that would disturb wildlife or livestock from using these waters.
Campfires must be attended at all times. Campers must comply with all fire restrictions.
When using a motorized vehicle for camping access please park your vehicle near existing roads or existing undeveloped campsites.
Camping is permitted within all units of the National Wilderness Preservation System administered by the BLM in New Mexico. However, all motorized and mechanized vehicles and equipment are strictly prohibited in these areas. Campers must not dispose of refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or gray water, in any manner that would pollute the surrounding area. Please pack it out, and dispose of those materials properly.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
6. Coyote Trailhead
1 Review•2 Photos•15 SavesTijeras, New Mexico- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
8. San Lorenzo Canyon Dispersed
1 Review•16 Photos•7 SavesPolvadera, New Mexico- Pets
- Fires
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
9. Canyon Del Apache
Be the first to review!•1 SaveCibola National Forest and National Grasslands, New Mexico
Recent Dispersed Reviews near Tome, New Mexico
55 Reviews of 10 Tome Campgrounds
T&A Adventures *.
Guide
Cibola 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.
- Lily H.
Traveler
Dispersed Camping off FS 542
Great location, primitaive camping
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. Be prepared for a road that in rough shape. I would not recommend accessing this if your in a small sedan or a large vehicle pulling something as if will be difficult to maneuver. You will likely need 4x4 and some ground clearance. My Rav 4 did just fine at the first few spot but I wouldn’t take it much further. It’s primitive camping no water no outhouse. It’s past the group camping site turn on the left. Great hiking in the area and it felt like a safe location. You can hear cars and dirt biking in the background but activities ended around 7 and made for a peaceful night. I liked it a lot and would come back again!
Rachel T.GuideDispersed Camping off FS 542
FS ROAD 542 Dispersed Camping
This was a great campsite! Dispersed and secluded. Between Tijeras and Albuquerque. In the Cibola National Forest. When you turn into Juan Tomas (FS 542) Rd - be sure to go straight down nearly to the very end of the road. You’ll see signs marking campsites (refer to photos). Sites were large with fire rings. No showers or other amenities… however there are two vault toilets along the road (only one was usable). They are gross - so be prepared to do your business in nature. Cell phone tower nearby - so cell service was great. We saw a coyote and a snake and several beetles. If you love nature and want to be secluded - highly recommended!
- JJosh F.Traveler
Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Great views, very isolated and quiet, wild animals
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. The left turn has one semi level campsite with a homemade fire ring but not as much on that left side. The straight route has the most options I found. I drove around for 15 minutes looking for the best spot but didn't see too many pre-cleared "camping spots" from previous travelers. Plenty of places to pull over to camp with a great view.
Incredible scenery, overlooking the valley and mountains in the West, with great sunsets. My first morning I was surrounded by a group of 5 cows grazing. They ended up laying 30 feet from the trailer all morning. Saw one other camper about a mile away.
The gravel roads are really tight for my 27" trailer, manageable but did rub on a couple of trees and shrubs on the drive in. Don't necessarily need a 4WD unless there is bad weather, but a few spots where ground clearance of a regular truck or SUV is important. Pretty isolated from supplies, which is the charm, but come prepared.
Great Starlink location and pretty good cell service (3/4 bars)
Junaid A.
ScoutTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
My True Review about Top of the New Mexico
Top of New Mexico" near Albuquerque is a fantastic camping spot if you love open spaces and beautiful desert views. The sunsets here are breathtaking, and you might even spot wild horses roaming around. There's plenty of space for tents or RVs, and it's quiet and well-maintained, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature. It can get a little windy, but that just adds to the experience. The road to get there winds through some houses, but once you arrive, you're surrounded by pure nature. also the food is so good, there are many food brands like subway menu who offers quality fast food services.
Sierra N.GuideDispersed Camping off FS 542
Terrifying encounter
This is a nice little area that has some challenging obstacle for off roading. There is a good amount of trash left behind by people so bring your trash bag. Most importantly we had a terrifying experience while camping here in October. We were tucked away in our spot asleep. Still visible from the road when about midnight a truck with a light bar came up to our camping spot. 5 guys got out of the truck and started heading toward us yelling, “is anybody alive, is anybody dead?” Scared the crap out of us, my partner got out and shouted back, no threatening but then the guys asked if we wanted to drink/get high with them. They left after that but we could not sleep. Who drives up to someone campsite like that in the middle of the night? Just know people come out her to “party” so make sure you are safe. Haven’t stayed the night again which is really sad because it is a nice area so close to our home. There was also an old cougar track near our campsite. So make note of that as well.
- SSalo C.Traveler
Coyote Trailhead
Bit trashy
Totally serviceable for a quick camping spot. You will need high clearance to get up 462. There’s a ranger station on the way in for info that closes at 4:30.
You’ll pass the Coyote trailhead where the toilets are. The road veers right and starts getting hairy.
You’ll have to park along some boulders blocking the path up to the site. There’s a nice fire ring in a circle of trees that do a solid job of blocking the wind.
Fair amount of trash at nearby areas. Definitely where teenagers go to drink. We heard coyotes howling here and there too.
Leave no trace!
Macay S.TravelerDispersed Camping off FS 542
Sedans can access the first spot (comfortably)
Beautiful, secluded spots along this campsite. We were in a civic, and I only felt comfortable accessing one spot (the first)—but like others said, a higher clearance vehicle and you should be perfect; assuming it doesn’t rain!
Marshall T.TravelerDispersed Camping off FS 542
Real great stop between Grand Canyon and Tulsa!
We have two kids and love to “Car camp” in our large SUV that has a car mattress and everything you need. We prefer dispersed campgrounds. Only downside: no toilets.
Paul L.TravelerDispersed Camping off FS 542
Muddy but nice!
Road was a little bumpy, but we were fine in a Crosstrek. No one else at the dispersed sites on a Thursday night. It rained all night so it was a little muddy, but not a problem. Overall quiet and peaceful spot!
AbrahamGuideDispersed Camping off FS 542
Good Site near Albuquerque
Unimproved dirt ring road with designated campsites. Good 2WD should be fine. Take the first left after the group campsite, and another left when you reach full dirt road. Ample sites, some not the most ideal for RV/Van.
James H.ScoutDispersed Camping off FS 542
Tons of campsites
Some of the roads are sussy with 6 inch clearance but was able to park and there are tons of campsites in the woods within eye sight of the car
S H.GuideTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
huge mesa dispersed camping at top of windy road
Really easy to get to, up this lil windy residential road, go slow, that opens up into a huge public land past an open gate. Lots of paths from cars, just follow anyone you'd like and then pull over beside any ol bush. Don't run over any cactus.
Stayed for two nights and the sunsets were awesome. During the day it was very very windy but not too hot. Saw some wild horses the first morning but when I got too close one of them starting running toward me and I said hell no. Classic dispersed desert camping but with good service and close to Albuquerque.
Taylor M.TravelerTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Spirit Film Set
Pulled in right before sunset and only saw 2 other cars in the area. Watched a rainbow form over the Sandia Mtns and a herd of wild horses ran right through our campsite! Best night of my life!!
Tyler C.GuideTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Worth it
I had some trouble finding the entrance, you have to get in from the southeast side of the neighborhood, @ Llano el Norte street, but other than that I’ve spoiled myself with finding such a great campsite so early on in my trip. Definitely windy.
Austin C.ScoutDispersed Camping off FS 542
Quiet stay!
While there were other campers nearby, it was quiet and a peaceful stay. It was a full moon and the campsite had that perfect desert backdrop that you’d expect. There was a nearby cell tower so the cell service was really good too. It is definitely a place we plan to come back to camp.
Alexander D.ScoutTop of New Mexico - Dispersed Site
Epic, accessbile, and open campsite with good views
This campground offered amazing views of the Sandia mountains and the surrounding area. We found a fire ring and plenty of level areas to set up camp in addition to large bushes to take shelter behind. Also plenty of wild horses roaming around, though we didn't ever see any at near our campsite.
- LLewis T.Traveler
Dispersed Camping off FS 542
Just enough trees for privacy, slightly steep ramp
Can make it up to camp with 2 wheel drive low clearance. Maybe some minor scraping as you leave/arrive over a bit of a rough ramp lip. Turn left at top of main entrance ramp to avoid worst road section which goes up to peak. Enough site separation I didn’t really hear others except when they were walking by on the road. Road makes a nice hike to the peak. There are large camp sites short walks from the road too, probably awesome for families with big tents, wouldn’t even see the road where passers by walk from some of those sites.
- CCat R.Traveler
Dispersed Camping off FS 542
Quiet and easy to find
A good place to stay either one night or more. No facilities. Dry camping only. The sights are not well defined but there's enough clearings between the trees to make do. Cell service is wonderful because it's basically right below a giant cell tower on the mountain top. The road is mostly good till you get to the actual camping area. About 2-3 mph should get most rigs and cars over the ruts and rocks. I don't recommend coming in past sunset. You really want to see the oopsies on the road! Overall a nice free place to set up camp.
Greg R.Guide
Manzano Mountains Camp
Great spot to get away from the City
This area is very wooded. Could get muddy when it rains. Lots of sites. Big rig friendly
- AAaron K.Scout
Dispersed Camping off FS 542
Primitive camping
We camped here recently .We followed the road to the end of FS 542 .The road is a little washed out once you get to the end of the paved road and make a left . I didn’t make it all the way to the “primitive “ canpsite as my car bottomed out but there was room for a car and a tent at the junction .
- AAshley T.Guide
Dispersed Camping off FS 542
Windy and chilly, need high clearance 4x4
We stayed here with our pull behind trailer and I do not recommend doing what we did. It’s very hard to get up to the actual spots. We actually almost got a ticket parking at one of the next to the road spots on the way in. The ranger said if it doesn’t have a metal ring, it’s not a legit spot and you can get ticketed. So keep going down the road, there will be one large spot to the left and a right turn to the others. The road through where the others are is VERY tight. You definitely need something high-clearance with 4x4 as there are large ruts on either side, potholes, and large rocks.
Plan to arrive well before dark, as it’s very hard to find the rings in the dark. There are small brown numbered signs but the spots kind of blend together in the dark, so I definitely advise arriving during the day.
There are bears, wolves, coyotes, rabbits, and some rodents in the area. It was down to freezing at night when we stayed so we didn’t encounter anything major. It can get very windy as well so watch out closely with your fire if you have one.
Elevation is about 7500 feet so if you’re from sea level like us, give yourself some time to acclimate before you go venturing on one of the many trails or canyon hikes nearby.
Whitney P.TravelerDispersed Camping off FS 542
Peaceful, beautiful and quiet
Beautiful scenery and quiet and private and peaceful, the bathroom buildings are bolted shut
- Scott K.Traveler
Dispersed Camping off FS 542
Beautiful
I managed to get my van to the peak. It’s a little sketchy driving past the camp with huge ruts in the road but still drivable if you have the guts!
Izzy T.
RangerDispersed Camping off FS 542
Boondocking Bonanza
Love this place. Conveniently located to ABQ. Amazing views and trails for all.
Austin and Christel S.GuideDispersed Camping off FS 542
Easy access and spread out
This space was very cool. Regrettably it was a stop over point just to sleep. Got some rain right when we arrived so exploring was limited. They’re currently cutting new sites! Several are completely open. The East side of the road is in progress. Look for the turn in to FS542 on the right. There are signs pretty well marked. If you pass the bend in the road, you’ve gone too far. Nice fire rings and ground mulch base. 4 of 5 bars AT&T 5G. There are some pretty bad ruts, but slowly getting there, passenger cars should be okay
- JJordan H.Scout
Dispersed Camping off FS 542
4WD required to get to private area - peaceful under the Milky Way
I got here after dark on my drive from the west coast to NC. There were a couple of other campers at the front of the entrance. I did a little off-roading and drove deeper in for privacy. It was quiet at night and the stars were epic and it was beautiful in the daylight the next morning!
Guide to Tome
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Tome, New Mexico, where nature's tranquility awaits. With a variety of options, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.
Top Activities While Free Camping Near Tome
- Enjoy hiking and exploring the scenic trails at Cibola NP, where you can immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
- Experience the peacefulness of nature at Manzano Mountains Camp, which offers a wooded environment perfect for relaxation and stargazing.
- Take advantage of the fire pits at Cedro 2 Track 13 Dispersed Site for cozy evenings under the stars, making it an ideal spot for campfire stories.
Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Tome, New Mexico
- Be prepared for rough roads when heading to Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District, as a vehicle with higher clearance is recommended for a smoother journey.
- Always practice Leave No Trace principles to maintain the natural beauty of areas like Dispersed Camping off FS 542, ensuring that future visitors can enjoy the same pristine environment.
- Bring your own firewood when camping at places like Coyote Trailhead, as firewood is not provided, and be sure to check local regulations regarding fires.
Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Manzano Mountains Camp
- This location is big rig friendly, making it accessible for larger vehicles while still providing a secluded experience in the woods.
- With no permits required, Manzano Mountains Camp allows for spontaneous trips, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
- Pets are welcome here, so you can bring your furry friends along to enjoy the great outdoors with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Tome, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Tome, NM is Dispersed Camping off FS 542 with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Tome, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 dispersed camping locations near Tome, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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