Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

I didn’t see this but didn’t read all reviews. As you drive down the road the BLM land is clearly identified by the 14 day camping limit signs. You will come to a fence with a cattle guard and when you cross that you are now in National Forest, NO CAMPING on the National Forest side (ask me how I know ;)

Great location, lots to do nearby. This area was very accessible, in good condition, and tons of available spots, plenty of space between other campers. Felt pretty safe overall.

Given the area described has piles of trash and little else to recommend it, it seems a shame to be close to gorgeous wilderness and stare at rubbish.

Head out just a bit further and turn onto the well maintained dirt Buckman road?  There are canyons to explore and access to the Rio grande at the road's end, offering water in an area with next to none otherwise. 

If these lowlands are too hot in the summer, drive up Artist Road to Big Tesuque or the ski-way at the end of the road, where shade, cold streams, and elevation keep nights pleasant even in July or August. 

You won't be any further from Santa Fe, although it can take awhile to drive from the river or ski-way to town if you park as far away as possible.  

All of the above sites have fire rings and vault toilets, and Big Tesuque and the ski-way have some sites with picnic tables as well.  Firewood can be scavenged, especially if one gets away from the immediate campsite area.

This place sufficed due to the need to have somewhere for the night, if we had the chance we’d have gone somewhere else. Massive piles of trash everywhere, sites strewn with people’s leftover garbage from camping there.

Due to its close proximity to the landfill, it was extremely loud during the morning from around 7am onwards.

There was a partial closure banning camping in a section of the landfill, which was incredibly difficult to figure out where we could camp, as the map is not clear at all,

Coyotes at night were really cool.

Overall disappointing but glad we managed somewhere to sleep for the night

We loved it. Very spacious. Fire pits here and there.

Plenty of spots and easy to get to. The only catch is you will need to find a spot away from the multiple large piles of trash.

The surrounding area was pretty and sunset was great!

It's a pretty nice and mostly flat area of land with dirt roads. Most vehicles can access the roads we went on. Pretty quiet and while we did have neighbors we were by no means packed in there like sardines.

I haven't camped yet.This is my 1st day here.And I just got the app so I'll have to come back and give her a few after i've finished my trip

We camped here for two nights while visiting Santa Fe and it is definitely the best free spot you’ll find so close to the city. There were quiet a few people out in RV’s and trailers, but there’s so much space that you can really park almost anywhere and still have a little bit of privacy with the trees/bushes. Apple/google maps will take you right to the road, and we hardly noticed the landfill until we heard trash trucks one morning. There are some fire pits already set up and plenty of wood around to have a little fire.

The area is right next to a landfill which worried us at first but turned out not to be a problem, I imagine it gets worse in the warmer months. You can drive around and find some cool and private spots but there is trash seriously everywhere. We even found shot gun shells a little further out all over the ground. When you pull up to the area you can either turn right into the blm land or go straight past the signage into the National park area. I think it said El Camino Real. This is where the toilets and shelter is. The toilets were actually well kept. There were some nice people but I can imagine if you drive further out away from people it feels a little sketchier. It wasn’t the best, but it was definitely free.

in the nighttime it’s really good- quiet besides the coyotes and excellent for stargazing. however both times i’ve been here there’s been some guy just absolutely screaming and cursing at no one in particular. both times he’s left in the evening tho. the sites are a lil close together but having access to the vault toilets is a treat!

Next to a landfill, which is loud near the trailhead. Pit toilets are disgusting. Would rather dig a hole for that… long term campers mainly at the trailhead - RV, tent, and van. Plus loads of trash and abandoned RV’s.

However, I stayed here the 14 day limit and found some great spots that are secluded from the residents and flies. Other than the serenading coyotes, it’s very peaceful at night. Great views of the surrounding mountains and awesome sunsets. Conveniently located to Santa Fe. I don’t think I’ll stop here again unless it’s overnight.

Very relaxing. Thanks for a great spot.

Quiet

Easy to get to just outside of Santa Fe. It’s BLM dispersed so no facilities at all and a bit of a Nomadland vibe. Some folks were pistol shooting in an arroyo until dark. We were able to find a spot with adequate privacy but not isolated, although one could certainly go further in. A truck with just running lights came through during the night and a BLM LE officer came by in the morning. It was cold af in mid-Dec. I would stay here again.

Overall, this is a good spot to camp. It was simple to find, there was plenty of space for dispersed camping, and was a quiet place.

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. I used the google maps directions and they said to head north on foot, instead I drove straight along the dirt road and found the disbursed sites. There were a number of people around and a little bit of road noise in the distance. Happy and safe travels: Cheers 🍻

Not too far out of Santa Fe. There are multiple places for dispersed camping along the same road, including a few trailhead campgrounds like Diablo Canyon (rock climbing hot spot).

Located more in the desert, but an extremely bumpy dirt road can take you further in to other camping areas. Just make sure you have 4-wheel drive. Simple, basic site. Old historical “El Camino de Real” trail runs through the east side of the campground.

Road in not too bad — chill spot to stay for the night on the way to somewhere else.

Close by, easy to find, plenty of space. Little trash left behind by some people. Overall, a great place for the night.

Just a square patch of land, but plenty of space. You’ll hear a bit of shooting from the gun range nearby, and maybe some ATVs. But overall peaceful, and nothing beats free. No amenities whatsoever.

Also, people have been dumping old large furniture items like couches and mattresses.

Beautiful views and peaceful camping.

I love the desert but not the dust this place is pretty cool, beautiful sunsets.

There is a lot of shooting going on after 5pm till dark at a nearby gun range.

i’m pretty sure that I am the only one going about towing a boat and am disappointed that someone dumped a mattress here

i’m pretty sure I can haul it out of here by throwing it on my boat