Free dispersed camping along Forest Road 5 runs off Highway 64 between Taos and Angel Fire, with sites arranged on both sides of a short road that dead-ends at a gravel cul-de-sac. One side sits close to the Rio Fernando and its associated ponds; the other pushes into the trees and gives more shade and privacy. No fees, no reservations, no facilities. Pack everything in and out.
Road conditions matter here. The first several sites are visible from the road and relatively accessible, but the surface roughens toward the back. One reviewer confirmed no issues towing a 25-foot travel trailer to the end, while others have noted that side tracks into the woods can be muddy and impassable depending on the season. Leveling on the gravel cul-de-sac is easier than trying to orient a trailer toward the clearing. Cell coverage is inconsistent, though Verizon users have picked up two bars and even 5G at the turnaround.
Wildlife activity is a recurring theme in reviews. Ducks, frogs, and birds are common around the ponds, and elk have passed through camp on multiple visits. Spring visits may find some sites flooded as snowmelt raises the river and ponds. Meghan B. notes the area has "lots of birds and frogs chirping, ducks were swimming in the ponds." Campers interested in dispersed camping outside Carson National Forest will find several other options along the same corridor, including Carson NF Dispersed off FR 5 near Palo Flechado Pass a short distance to the south.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRio Fernando de Taos is located in New Mexico near Angel Fire
Coordinates
36.44319598666267 N
105.34022209393578 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 51 usersLast on 8/3/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/3/26
AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 8/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 51 usersLast on 8/3/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/3/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 8/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 41 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 30 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 2 hrs 53 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 56 min from Farmington, NM
