There are no vault toilets here so plan to pack out human waste as if you were dispersed camping. 52 Photos. Official websites use .gov A .gov Aside from a handle of picnic shelters and a handful of trees, theres minimal shade. Title: Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) Outdoor Recreation Management, Crew LeaderDates: March 27See this and similar jobs on LinkedIn. Apart from that, theres another reason why RVers flock to New Mexico. There arent any facilities here so be sure to stock up on supplies before setting up camp. It gets extremely hot in the summer. The complete list of MVUMs for all New Mexicos National Forests can be found at the links below: We often have a motor vehicle use map open in one tab and Google Maps satellite view in the other to help find dispersed campsites. This route circumnavigates the majority of the campground, allowing you to avoid the steep entrances on the side roads. Visitors should be prepared for hot summer days and cool nights. Ten units, picnic tables, and fire rings are included. Pet Friendly . This will show you how to find camping, how to eat healthy, how to lose weight. 4. Santa Fe National Forest. United States. Solo Stove - Elevate your campfire with this smoke-free fire pit. Job specializations: Outdoor/Nature/Animal. Dispersed camping is generally limited to 14 days within any continuous 30 day period. 3. However, theres a ton of room to spread out, so youre sure to find something quiet and peaceful, especially if youre willing to brave the rough roads. Recreation Technician - Inyo National Forest. Choose wisely! Nearby Forest Road 462 is rough but has excellent dispersed campsites if you can reach them. In addition to the basic pit toilet, there are four cosmic observation pads where you can set up your telescope or simply enjoy the night sky. Its probably on par for what wed get for a big holiday weekend like Memorial Day weekend, but now its every weekend, said Leah Hurley, recreation staff officer for the Jemez and Cuba Ranger Districts. Only have a campfire if it is permitted, and always be sure it is completely extinguished. 6. That means no water, no trash service, and no restrooms. New Mexico certainly lives up to its name as the Land of Enchantment. The bathrooms are nice, but the one in black bear loop is the nicest. The park is also close to two major shopping malls as well as the historic villages of Cerrillos and Madrid. Every scenic stop was crawling with people, and every trailhead had a half mile of overflow parking along the road. Most of the states cities and towns have easy access to the outdoors, whether it be the Pecos Wilderness outside of Santa Fe, Cibola National Forest outside of Albuquerque, or the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 8.2/10 A great option near Albuquerque. : 1142 Siler Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505; (505 . This free campground features 10 campsites that all have picnic tables, a fire grill, and plenty of space for your tent. And, please be extra cautious after rain as Forest Road 9 can get very muddy. Benefits: Health Benefit Eligible, Sick time and Discretionary time, Food provided while in the field . Off of NM-68, Co Rd 435 leads you into free BLM land camping. Camping is not free; it costs $30 per night for a tent and $43 per night for an RV. Last Updated on June 13, 2022 by Ted Mosby. The next right is FSR 64 J, which as several dispersed campsites along its length. Most campsites have partial shade. Independent. In general, there is much less BLM land here than in some other states in the region, but it is still and excellent place to look for dispersed campsites. Obviously, this isnt worth it if youre just passing through. For just $225 for out-of-staters ($180 for residents and $100 for resident seniors), this pass allows you to camp at any of New Mexicos state parks for free for 12 months starting from the month of purchase. Dont hesitate to reach out. Do not camp within 200 feet of a water source. With just 12 campsites (three with their own horse corrals) spread between two camping loops (upper and lower), youll never have too much company around. ( Although the parking lot is windswept, you will conveniently find a silent area. There are sandstone cliffs, canyons, the La Ventana Natural Arch, the Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway, and the Cebolla and West Malpais Wilderness Areas. Santa Fe Fire Road is an excellent trail for beginning off-roaders with its smooth surface and several spurs to explore. The Capitan Wilderness is the place to go for peace and quiet. The Tres Piedras dispersed camping area is located approximately 30 minutes northwest of Taos and just inside Carson National Forest. However, we wouldnt recommend counting on it since those are technically reserved for paid campers. Routing by HERE 2021; Improve this map; Remove Ads. In addition, with a little knowledge, some basic map reading skills, and some of the excellent resources available we think youll have no problem finding a perfect dispersed campsite for your next trip. Developed sites for camping and picnicking are among the most popular, offering scenic vistas, access to fishing and hiking, and perhaps even a little peace and quiet. Parks Ranch Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Camping is prohibited within 900 feet of any developed water source (guzzler, watering trough, etc.) It stays a little cooler here than down in Albuquerque thanks to the higher elevation. There are a lot of campgrounds there, and if you have a high-clearance vehicle, youll have even more possibilities. The Santa Fe National Forest is located in north-central New Mexico and is comprised of 1,587,181 acres. The campgrounds trailhead connects to a 350-mile network of Pecos Wilderness trails, including Holy Ghost Trail, connecting to Skyline Trail and scenic Stewart Lake. Looking for dispersed camping in New Mexico? Developed campgrounds across Northern New Mexico will remain closed during one of the busiest camping weekends of the year, but campers are expected to be out in force anyway. The natural area is a beautiful combination of desert scrub and low-elevation pinion-juniper and oak woodlands. Weve compiled our nine favorite dispersed campsites in New Mexico in the list below. This is hands down one of the most beautiful places in New Mexico, in my opinion. I am Ted Mosby from Cleveland, Ohio. Youll enjoy the campgrounds modest environment. Its also a great place for boondocking in RVs and trailers of all sizes. Like that delicious red or green chile, Resumidero Camping Area is a New Mexican favorite. Thats been a recurring issue that costs the U.S. taxpayers millions of dollars every year, McLarty said. The entire area of Holy Ghost Creek is home to a variety of fauna and birds. Although you shouldnt expect solitude, camping here is a lot more private than you might expect from a BLM campground. 62, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501 USA. Please, please, please! Its over 40 miles from the nearest significant source of light so the night skies are great for stargazing. It takes just a 15-minute drive from the city to get into the Santa Fe National Forest and find yourself in Black Canyon Campground. I strongly recommend visiting what we call The Jemez (pronounced HEY-mez) . Protect our public lands by always treating them with respect. The map linked above brings you to the largest camping area, although there are many more opportunities if you venture further in. Some campers are doing their part, however. Holy Ghost Creek borders this dispersed camping area. Dont forget to check out our other state specific dispersed camping guides: document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 1. I use a snow depth tool to estimate the snow coverage in a given area leading up to my trip, but find this to be . Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 8.3/10 Very nicely developed site. The campsites themselves are quite spacious but theres not a whole lot of privacy in between them. Learn how to plan your route, create GPS files, navigate offline, and even print you own maps. Although still within Santa Fe National Forest boundaries, Iron Gate Campground is suited for Pecos Wilderness hiking. The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. 19.3 mi. Here are a few of the most important rules to follow: If youre new to primitive camping outside of developed campgrounds, I strongly recommend reading up on the 7 Leave No Trace principles before your trip. 26.9 mi. 26.7 mi. Its up in the mountains with lots of scrub pine and juniper. Ive never seen this much human waste and trash being left out in the forest, Hurley said. You arent far from both Bloomfield and Farmington when camping here, which makes it fairly easy to stock up on everything you need before heading out. Invalid password or account does not exist. According to users, the road condition is broken down as such: The initial four sites are accessible to lower clearance vehicles, but youll need a 44 vehicle with higher clearance if you want to camp further back. Rather, we chose to include the Cosmic Campground because it is free and also one of the most spectacular places to spend a night in the state. Camping near Santa Fe National Forest. Unless otherwise noted, primitive camping is permitted practically everywhere in the Santa Fe National Forest. Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in. Theres a lot of room to spread out, so you should have at least a little privacy from your closest neighbor. The campsites here are close enough to Bonito Lake as well as some great hiking and ATV trails in the national forest. Beautiful views of the Rio Grande cutting its way through the canyon below. Mills Canyon Campground is another free campground thats well worth an overnight stop. Santa Fe, NM 87508 INSET: A pile of trash from a dispersed campsite is collected in a tarp in the Jemez Mountains. Follow it to the end, where youll find the entrance to these free campsites. The campsites here can accommodate just about any setup, so this is a good option if youre in an RV or pulling a trailer. Grant Wingert felt lucky to find a spot along N.M. 126 on Friday afternoon as dispersed sites were filling up fast. An official website of the Call the Sadia Ranger District for more information: (505) 281-3304. Six got to the point where they were moving outside the campfire area or just about to jump outside it when they were found and put out by fire crews, McLarty said. Listed on 2023-02-28. A unique option for free camping in eastern New Mexico where public lands are more sparse is the Bosque Redondo Park near Fort Sumner and Sumner Lake State Park. This includes all of the national forests in New Mexico (more on that below) as well as a significant amount of BLM land. Forest Service Rd 268 Dispersed Site. You will have plenty of room for trailer/RV camping. This area is one of the most biologically and recreationally diverse regions for boondocking in New Mexico. There is a lot of open space where stands of Ponderosa pine dot the grassy plains. Its a great place to hunker down or a good jumping-off point if you want to explore some quirky New Mexico towns. 3N47 Santa Fe Fire Road is in the 823,000-acre San Bernardino National Forest north of Lytle Creek . Stewards is partnering with Prescott National Forest to provide a 32-week paid, professional Recreation Specialist Assistant opportunity. To aid in the effort, Hurley said Sandoval County law enforcement officials, who do have authority to enforce the emergency orders, have been making rounds through the forests. Santa Fe National Forest Campgrounds. I'm in New Mexico. Maps are available at all SFNF offices and online that designate roads and trails that are open to motor vehicle traffic. Parks, RV Parks. The breathtaking canyon view is spectacular, but owing to fallen trees, camping is inaccessible occasionally. Visitors periodically turn the field into a shooting range, so you might hear gunshots nearby. The campground is in fire zone 112, so be sure to check fire restrictions before your visit. The Santa Fe National Forest, the Cibola National Forest, and the Gila National Forest are some of the best places to find dispersed campgrounds in New Mexico. Although Parks Ranch is called a campground, dont expect any amenities other than fire rings and tent pads. Whether you camp in a tent or a recreational vehicle (RV), there are campgrounds in U.S. National Forests and Grasslands to satisfy the needs of most campers. City of Rocks state park. Campground Facilities: 50 Developed Campsites; 7 Electric Sites (30 amp) RV Dump Station; Group Campsites; . Golden Clear Creek R V Park. Santa Fe National Forest Campgrounds, Santa Fe: See traveler reviews, 2 candid photos, and great deals for Santa Fe National Forest Campgrounds, ranked #14 of 22 specialty lodging in Santa Fe and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor. The Caja del Rio area in Santa Fe National Forest is my favorite place for dispersed camping near Santa Fe. This is BLM land, so dispersed camping is permitted, just dont pitch your tent too close to the developed campground. From Interstate 25, take Exit 1 and then turn east onto University Road/Dripping Springs Road. New Mexico is home to some of the best camping in the UnitedStates, bar none. In the mornings and evenings, you may see and hear coyotes howling, so keep pets leashed and little children close! Picnic tables, fire pits, and small corrals suited for one or two horses are available at each location. New Mexico. LockA locked padlock The states social-distancing order limiting groups to five or fewer people is another rule to fall by the wayside. It boasts four concrete telescope pads (camping isnt allowed on these) and requires campers to use red light filters on all flashlights and headlamps to minimize light pollution. New Mexico is one of the best places for fall, winter, and spring camping. LaVerne M. Johnson Park. Dispersed camping an escape for some, a headache for others. Here are the best and closest campgrounds to Santa Fe, NM, in order of proximity: Black Canyon Campground (8 miles). Almost immediately after this, the dirt access road becomes much rougher. The SFNF offers a multitude of recreational opportunities to its visitors. American Spring Dispersed Camping Located just north of Truth or Consequences, dont forget to take advantage of the Hot Springs around the area. Many of these MVUMs also display where dispersed camping is permitted, typically indicated by two dots on either side of a given road. Dispersed camping is available on BLM and National Forest Service land throughout the state which happens to be a liberating experience. Get 20% here. There are several horse corrals and an abundance of horseback riding (and hiking) trails nearby. Caja del Rio sits at a lower elevation compared to much of the . Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:LightMap. Plan your road trip to Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping in NM with Roadtrippers. 15 USFS Santa Fe National Forest: 11 Forest Lane, Santa Fe, NM 87508; (505) 438-5300 16 USFS Gila National Forest: 3005 E Camino del Bosque, Silver City, NM 88061; (575) 388-8201 17 USFS Carson National Forest: 208 Cruz Alta Road, Taos, NM 87571; (575) 758-6200 18 City of Santa Fe Parks & Rec. If youre looking for an incredible free campsite with stunning views of Angel Peak and the badlands, look now further than the BLM managed Angel Peak Scenic Area. And, it does get quite hot in the summer. Holy Ghost Creek borders this dispersed camping area. Beautiful wilderness scenery abounds and there are plenty of hiking opportunities nearby. Fenton Lake State Park doesnt seem to be interesting from the outside. I use these in conjunction with a free, open source topo like Caltopo or Gaia GPS. However, there are some basic guidelines youll need to adhere to. City of Rocks state park, Chihuahuan desert, New Mexico. In fact, star parties are held regularly throughout the year with telescopes provided for all to use. Theres plenty of options to choose from whether you prefer to roughit hunkered down in a four-seasontent and cold-weathersleeping bag while snow piles up outside or keep cozy in your RV at one ofthe states many state park campgrounds that stay open year-round. Each trip he makes he said he usually takes two to three bags of other peoples garbage with him to throw away when he gets home. A few of these cross into neighboring states, with Coronado National Forest being primarily located in adjacent Arizona. US; New Mexico; Santa Fe; Caja Del Rio Dispersed Camping. Elkhart, Indiana, might be the RV capital of the world, but most travelers would be surprised to Tennis Has Met Its Match: Play Pickleball at These 45 RV Campgrounds, 18 Campgrounds Where You Can Stay Cool This Summer. Cosmic Campground is part of Gila National Forest. Check out our Dispersed Camping App guide here. There arent any facilities here so be sure to stock up on supplies before setting up camp. The Capitan Wilderness is a great place to set up camp for free in south-central New Mexico. If you are looking for a place to camp, there are several options nearby in the Santa Fe National Forest or Pecos Canyon State Park. Also Check: Best Portable Power Bank For Camping. There is an otherworldly aura to camping here, so please be respectful, Leave No Trace, and enjoy this wonderful place in our public lands. I am a Freelance Architect. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address. Aside from the stargazing, this campground is notable for its remoteness and wide-open desert views. Long Campground - opens May 27; first come/first served; fee; no potable water Angel Peak is normally pretty mellow, but does become something of a local party spot on nicer weekends, especially around holidays. Cramming into nooks and crannies all along U.S. Forest Service roads throughout Santa Fe National Forest, recreationists haven't allowed the COVID-19 pandemic to keep them from enjoying their . Peak to Peak RV Park. To be safe, I recommend AWD/4WD and high-clearance if you plan to venture up to the top of the Caja Del Rio Plateau. Get your space case on! In our estimation, the best way to experience these unique landscapes is to spend a night out under the stars and New Mexico offers some incredible free, dispersed camping to make that happen. on official, secure websites. If you do decide to camp here be sure to explore the surrounding Angel Peak area. Dispersed camping is abundant throughout the Sandia Ranger District in Cibola National Forest near Albuquerque. With its stunning deserts, towering mesas, and unique rock formations, New Mexico is a top destination for camping. Summer gets very hot despite the high elevation. When searching for a good campsite ourselves, we prefer to use acombination of several online apps/websitesalong with publically available USFS/BLM maps. There are several different options for camping here. This is a large area of dispersed camping. The Cimarron Campground may be rustic but provides equestrian and non-equestrian campers one of the most memorable experiences found in few places in the United States. Listing for: American Conservation Experience. The Joe Skeen Campground is located west of Albuquerque adjacent to the El Malpais National Monument on BLM land. You have a couple options after turning off Highway 522 onto Forest Road 9. Why Youll Love Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground Rancheros de Santa Fe Campground is a highly rated Good Sam RV park in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The road is roughly six miles from the interstate to the campground. Please always follow the7 Leave No Trace principles(especially packing out all your trash,properly disposing of human waste, respecting campfire bans, and only using previously-used campsites) when dispersed camping in New Mexico. You can even comfortably camp all winterlong if you know where to look! Developed campgrounds offer amenities ranging from electrical hookups for RV or trailer camping, to only a toilet. San Antonio Campground is adjacent to the San Antonio River, tucked into a forest of ponderosa pine at 7,600 feet above sea level. If you want a home base to camp that allows you to travel into Santa Fe itself often, Black Canyon is a perfect distance. Fee: $7 per night. Aguirre Spring Campground has the convenience of being close to the states second-largest city, yet its location on the east side of the mountains makes the site feel remote. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. (505) 438-5300, https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/santafe/recreation/camping-cabins. Check out The Dyrt PRO to get campsite reviews, offline maps, and the best map layers for finding public dispersed camping! The drive in from Highway 337 to the west is much rougher than arriving from Highway 217 to the east, although any passenger vehicle can do it if you take your time (and its not wet). Where is the best dispersed camping site near Santa Fe? Campendium is an Amazon associate site and earns from qualifying purchases. Angel Creek Scenic Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. This free primitive campground has 5 first-come, first-served campsites and offers the best views of the Rio Grande far below. The Rio Medio Trailhead, one of the primary trailheads within the Pecos Wilderness, lies adjacent to and south of the campground. New Mexicos national forests and BLM lands are busier than ever before and with that increased use comes a much higher risk of misuse, abuse, and damage. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed. Heron Lake State Park Campground is located in Rio Arriba County in northern New Mexico and is the perfect place to kayak, sail, windsurf, fish, and explore hiking trails around the lake's perimeter. CamperAdvise also participates in affiliate programs with B&H, Adorama, Clickbank, CJ, and other affiliate sites. Call the Farmington Field Office for more information: (505) 564-7600. Related Post: Where to Go Dispersed Camping in Utah. Fenton Lake State Park doesnt seem to be interesting from the outside. In addition to leaving smoldering campfires, campers have also left piles of trash. The campground is small and each campsite is spaced quite far apart. Info:Bureau of Land Management Las Cruces District, 575-525-4300. The 9 dispersed campsites outlined above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to free campsites in New Mexico. Make New Mexico an affordable wintertime boondocking homebase by investing in this annual pass. Located just 45 minutes southeast of Farmington, this stunningly gorgeous slice of the state centers around towering Angel Peak and the surrounding badlands and canyons. A great alternative to camping at Holloman Lake are the free dispersed campsites off Dog Canyon Road (GPS Coordinates: 32.7442, -105.9306). You can always find a toilet at the extreme west end of the parking area. Job in Bishop - CA California - USA , 93514. The Organ MountainsDesert Peaks National Monument preserves nearly half a million acres of rocky peaks and narrow canyons, much of it in Las Crucess backyard. The first couple campsites along the gravel section of the access road are best for RVs and trailers. Write a Review. Photograph by NMTD. Both of these public agencies broadly permit dispersed camping on the land they manage, so are often the first place you should consider when dispersed camping. As that designation implies, its incredibly dark here at night. The hiker would not have survived for that long if he hadn't known some survival basics, such as prioritizing his liquid intake by situating himself by a nearby stream and relying on his filtering . Angel Peak Scenic Area is, as the name describes, incredibly scenic. Hikers and horseriders can access the adjacent wilderness via a number of paths at this place. Rancheros de Santa Fe is a magnificent destination for your visit, located on Historic Route 66 and near the Santa Fe Trail. 106-887 DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2001 ========= FREE Camping Near Santa Fe, NM Santa Fe National Forest, How I Found A Killer, Free RV Camping Spot in Santa Fe New Mexico, My Winnebago RV Gets a Name Free RV Camping Santa Fe, NM, Tent Camping Smoky Mountain National Park, Camping World In Asheville North Carolina, Ouachita National Forest Dispersed Camping Map, Tent Camping Near Garden Of The Gods Colorado, Next 2 miles = gravel road about 2.5 vehicles wide, Final 2 miles = gravel road about 1 vehicle wide. Free camping in New Mexico doesnt get much more scenic than Angel Peak Scenic Area. I know a lot of full-time boondockers who split their winters between New Mexico (utilizing the annual camping pass) and Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) managed by the Bureau of Land Management in Arizona (the LTVAs near Quartzsite are very popular) and Southern California. Its some of the best desert camping in the state. 11 Forest Lane Our final New Mexico dispersed campsite in this guide isnt actually a dispersed site. Santa Fe Skies RV Park offers full-service Santa Fe campsites. Call the Las Cruces District Office for more information: (575) 525-4300. Located just southeast of Albuquerque, West Mesa Road dispersed camping is another gem. Stay informed of the latest local news by receiving emails as soon as news is posted online. About Us; Staff; Camps; Scuba. Given that Santa Fe is only 15 minutes away, you should have no problem finding everything you need for your trip. Even 4WD vehicles should be cautious about camping here if rain is in the forecast. Our dispersed camping checklist has all the camping essentials plus specific items for dispersed camping. Here are 30 of the best places to go camping in New Mexico. Only minutes from Old Town Santa Fe, quiet, woodland camping. 191 6633 6608 693 Highpoint Ranch Rd. Located in Carson National Forest about 45 minutes north of Taos, this area is best known for its peace and quiet as well as its beautiful canyon views. . 2023 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. Fire regulations must be observed at all times. It never got too full. United States government. It does get busy here thanks to the proximity to Santa Fe. You have permission to edit this article. Is dispersed camping allowed in Santa Fe National Forest. Please also visit the USFS or BLM website for the area you plan on visiting (or talk to a ranger) for the most up-to-date information on current rules, restrictions, and area closures. The campground is located within Gila National Forest, which is already one of the most remote and rugged wilderness areas in the United States. Located in Arizonas Sonoran Desert, Quartzsite is a popular RVing destination, especially for th With more than 30 parks to choose from, Arizonas state park system is filled with diverse landsc Arkansas excellent state park system provides RVers and tent campers with well-maintained campgr Indiana RV Campgrounds: 7 Places to Camp, Hike, and Explore the Hoosier State. Campgrounds. The Santa Fe National Forest, an easy drive from both Albuquerque or Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a wide diversity of recreation . Because it is BLM dispersed, there are no facilities at all, and it has a Nomadland feel to it. Here are the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping: You can read more about the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping here. Holy Ghost Group Area. "This is a pretty sprawling campground, with all kinds of sites (tent only, large sites with only 30 amp service, some sites with full hook up, others with just water & electric and a few water only.". Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler - The ultimate camping cooler. So I abandoned the Jemez, blew by Valles Caldera, and headed towards some free camping near Los Alamos. Thats it! My favorite are the dispersed campsites just off County Road C001 in the Capitan Gap area on the way to the Capitan Mountain trailhead. While forest officials have been frustrated with the carelessness of some campers, they say they want the forests to remain open and understand the need for people to get outside and unwind during these challenging times. The views of the Milky Way are among the very best Ive experienced in the United States. Check out the pullouts and spur roads along Highway 150 on the way to Taos Ski Valley for starters. Use existing sites and fire rings when available. Share sensitive information only Navajo Lake State Park is made up of three recreation areas, including the well-developed Pine River area, which features a visitor center with interpretive exhibits, several campgrounds, a day-use area, and a full-service marina. Pecos/Las Vegas RD, Santa Fe National Forest. A relatively quick and easy drive into Taos. The dirt access roads can get extremely rough and rutted after it rains. Santa Fe National Forest. Create a password that only you will remember. This is really a great stop just off of Interstate 25 if you are traveling across New Mexico. This is BLM land, so dispersed camping is permitted, just dont pitch your tent too close to the developed campground. San Antonio Campground was completely rebuilt and reopened . However, I dont believe dispersed camping is actually allowed outside of the campground within the scenic area. Here are 5 of the best places for winter camping in NewMexico: Use our guide to winter camping and our winter camping gear guide to further help plan your New Mexico camping trip! Hurley said forest employees on patrol have reported many large groups circling the wagons, or gathering several vehicles, including RVs, at spacious dispersed sites.