This free dispersed campground sits along the Rio Grande just outside San Antonio, accessible via a short gravel road off Highway 380. The Bureau of Land Management maintains approximately five designated sites with picnic tables, though the area accommodates larger RVs and travel trailers in the more spacious front spots.
Campers find themselves under mature cottonwoods that provide natural shade, though the sites show signs of minimal maintenance with overgrown vegetation between camping areas. Laura M. notes "Area is overgrown and not well maintained but you can clearly distinguish the sites." Highway noise from the nearby road creates a constant background hum, particularly noticeable for tent campers. The campground fills completely some nights, especially during peak birding seasons at the adjacent Bosque Del Apache National Wildlife Refuge.
Cell service works well across all major carriers, making this a practical overnight stop for travelers. The location serves birders heading to the wildlife refuge, where thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese winter from late fall through early spring. Black bear sign appears regularly in the back areas beyond the main camping sites, according to multiple visitor reports. Fire rings exist at each site, though current restrictions prohibit open fires.
No amenities exist beyond the picnic tables - campers must pack out all trash and waste, and no water or restroom facilities are available. Socorro provides the nearest resupply options about ten miles north, including a Walmart and inexpensive water refill stations. Access requires following specific directions from the main highway, turning left onto the dirt road between the canal and river, then taking the upper route to reach the camping area. The steep entrance road can become muddy during wet conditions.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSan Antonio Bosque Park is located in New Mexico near Socorro
Coordinates
33.91949846 N
106.8549254 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 6/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 users
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 6/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 users
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
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.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if San Antonio Bosque Park needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 9 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 1 hr 53 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 1 hr 54 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 29 min from El Paso, TX
