Turkey Springs operates as a dispersed camping area along Forest Service Road 162, with multiple sites scattered on both sides of the road before it climbs uphill. The US Forest Service manages this paid camping option within Cibola National Forest, where campers can choose from various site types depending on their setup and preferences.
Several sites along the smaller two-track roads accommodate larger trailers with flat, open spaces, while spots nestled among the trees right on the main road work better for vans or tents. The main road stays in good condition until the uphill section, where it becomes rutted. Road closures run from December 15 through March 31, limiting access during winter months. Cell coverage varies throughout the area, with T-Mobile users experiencing mixed LTE and occasional 5G service.
The elevation above 7,000 feet creates cooler nighttime temperatures than forecasts for nearby Gallup suggest. Ponderosa pines, white cedar, and oak scrub provide natural shade at many sites. Morning and evening traffic from local ranches and quarries creates noise on the paved approach road, though nights remain quiet. Timothy N. notes there are "lots of options for sites on both sides of 162 before it starts going uphill."
Wildlife sightings occur regularly in the area. Rain can create muddy conditions at some sites. For a developed alternative with designated sites, Quaking Aspen Campground sits just half a mile away.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTurkey Springs is located in New Mexico near Fort Wingate
Coordinates
35.39838293 N
108.5280681 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 6/4/26- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 6/4/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 6/4/26
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 6/4/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- 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.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Turkey Springs needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs from Albuquerque, NM
- 2 hrs 18 min from Farmington, NM
- 2 hrs 49 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 57 min from Flagstaff, AZ
