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Best Dispersed Camping near Truchas, NM

182 Reviews

Several dispersed camping sites exist in the Santa Fe National Forest near Truchas, New Mexico, with most requiring travel on unmaintained forest roads. Forest Road 102 offers multiple primitive sites but demands careful navigation. A camper noted, "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." High-clearance vehicles are recommended, though some visitors report making the journey in standard cars by driving cautiously.

The region includes additional free camping along Forest Roads 438, 439, and 558. Most sites lack amenities, with only a few locations offering vault toilets. Fire regulations vary seasonally, and the standard 14-day camping limit applies on public lands. While some sites feature established fire rings and occasional picnic tables, campers should arrive prepared with all necessities. Roads become particularly challenging after rainfall, making advance planning essential for accessing these off-grid campsites.

Map showing campgrounds near Truchas, New MexicoExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Truchas, New Mexico (46)

    1. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    42 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    29 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
    28 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. Forest Road 102 Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    18 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."

    4. Forest Service 439

    3 Reviews
    Vadito, NM
    19 miles

    "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."

    5. BLM dispersed near Alcalde NM

    1 Review
    Española, NM
    13 miles

    6. Forest Road 558

    3 Reviews
    Ojo Caliente, NM
    22 miles

    "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."

    7. Hodges Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Llano, NM
    11 miles

    8. Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping

    9 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM
    29 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."

    9. Pajarito Springs (Dispersed)

    18 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    35 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."

    10. Forest Road 438 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Ranchos de Taos, NM
    23 miles

    "Stumbled on this location by chance when another location nearby was closed. Long forest road with approximately 8-10 dispersed campsites along the road."

    "Numerous spots along the forest road and some are tucked off the road a bit. The spot we found about a 1/2 mile or so past the bridge has a little fire ring and right next to the little creek."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Truchas, NM

148 Photos of 46 Truchas Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Truchas, NM

182 Reviews of 46 Truchas Campgrounds

  • Tim W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2023

    Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area

    Will go again

    We got there on a Friday and had our pick of sites. We picked one right on the river. No electricity. No water. No picnic tables. No trash receptacle. Vault toilets. Camp spaces are spread out. Some of the roads on the campground had deep ruts and pools of mud water but not all. You can see every star on a clear night. The road to the campground is about 6 miles of curvy dirt and gravel single lane. But a woman managed it in a Jaguar so not too bad just go slow. Rustic and relaxing.

  • 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.

  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 14, 2020

    Rio Grande del Norte National Monument

    Quiet beauty

    Rio Grande del Norte National Monument is BLM land so it is all dispersed camping. You will need to make sure you aren't on someone's property or nearby any roads. There are plenty of turn offs. 

    This isn't a "get away" more like a stopover spot. I stopped here on my way back North to Colorado to see the bridge over the Rio Grande and so I wasn't so high up in elevation that I would freeze. 

    But if you can find a quiet place it is a beautiful dispersed spot where there is civilization nearby and toilets at local businesses  and picnic areas that you can use. See map on review. 

    Be careful roaming at night. The drop into the river is quite deep so offroading isn't just ill advised for keeping the flora and fauna safe…but you as well. 

    There are picnic ares around the monument too, just not established camping spots.

  • 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.

Guide to Truchas

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Truchas, New Mexico, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The BLM Orilla Verde Recreation Area offers breathtaking views along the Rio Grande, making it an ideal spot for those who appreciate picturesque landscapes.
  • Campers can enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the river while taking advantage of the nearby hiking trails that provide access to stunning vistas.
  • With amenities like drinking water and electric hookups, this area combines the beauty of nature with essential comforts.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Truchas, New Mexico

  • When visiting Forest Road 558, be prepared for a rugged road; a vehicle with higher clearance is recommended for a smoother experience.
  • Keep an eye out for trash left by previous visitors, as some areas may not be as clean; bringing a trash bag to pack out your waste is always a good practice.
  • This location is known for its quiet nights and stunning starry skies, making it a perfect retreat for stargazers.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Truchas

  • Birdwatching is a popular activity at the Rio Grande Gorge BLM, where diverse wildlife can be spotted throughout the area.
  • Hiking enthusiasts will find numerous trails nearby, with options ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes that lead to breathtaking viewpoints.
  • For those who enjoy fishing, the rivers and streams in the area provide excellent opportunities to catch local fish species, enhancing the outdoor experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Truchas, 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 Truchas, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 46 dispersed camping locations near Truchas, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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