Best Tent Camping near Youngsville, NM
Dispersed tent camping dominates the Youngsville area, with several primitive options in the nearby Carson and Santa Fe National Forests. Road 378 near Fenton Lake offers secluded tent sites in forested terrain, while Resumidero Camping Area provides more established tent sites with basic amenities like picnic tables and vault toilets. American Springs offers primitive tent camping with mountain views approximately 12 miles southwest of Youngsville in a mixed juniper and pine forest setting.
Access to tent campsites varies significantly with terrain and seasonal conditions. Many dispersed areas require high-clearance vehicles, particularly American Springs, where reviewers note "the road is quite rocky and there's a large washout just past the first site." Most tent-only areas lack drinking water, making it essential to bring adequate supplies. Fire rings are available at Road 378 dispersed sites and Resumidero Camping Area, though seasonal fire restrictions often apply during dry periods. Toilet facilities are minimal, with vault toilets at Resumidero but most other tent camping areas requiring campers to follow backcountry waste disposal practices.
Tent campers will find substantial privacy at most sites near Youngsville, with Road 378 offering particularly spacious clearings. A camper observed that "each clearing is big enough for several cars and even a couple groups. The clearings are far enough apart that you can make some noise without bothering other campers." Elevations range from 7,000-9,000 feet, creating cool overnight temperatures even in summer months. At American Springs, tent sites provide views down the canyon with occasional elk sightings. Most tent camping areas near Youngsville remain relatively uncrowded even during peak seasons, though Fenton Lake dispersed sites may see more visitors on holiday weekends. Forested sites provide partial shade, though burn areas from past wildfires have reduced tree cover in some locations.
