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Dont let these amenities fool you though as these sites are remote and give you a true wilderness experience. Developed campgrounds offer amenities ranging from electrical hookups for RV or trailer camping, to only a toilet. Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password. Valles Caldera was impossible! Is dispersed camping allowed in Santa Fe National Forest. The most popular campsites are right on the lakeside itself. Guanella Pass . 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. The site is quite populated, especially in the summer and during the fall aspen viewing days, due to the beautiful qualities and easy access from Santa Fe. Listing for: American Conservation Experience. on official, secure websites. BLM employees in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas care for 13.5 million acres of public lands plus 42 million acres of Federal oil, natural gas, and minerals for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The campsites here can accommodate just about any setup, so this is a good option if youre in an RV or pulling a trailer. 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. Parks, RV Parks. Home. Look elsewhere for boondocking in RVs and trailers. There are several different options for camping here. 26.7 mi. I am a Freelance Architect. Forestry, Nature, Outdoor, Recreation. The MVUM will have details about seasonal road closures. Holloman Lake is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Unfortunately, theres quite a bit of trash here (an all too common sight at dispersed campsites nowadays). Recreation Technician - Inyo National Forest. respect the fire conditions warnings and practice no-trace camping principles. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. There are many places in the forest that you can experience the trails! Also, even in a non-roaring vehicle, the road is steep and washed out right now, so drive carefully. Santa Fe, NM 87508 These regions usually do not have any amenities, though you may occasionally come across a toilet building or a picnic table and grill. Your real name will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more! Camping in store parking lots (here are which stores allow overnight parking for camping) and casino camping (camping in a casino parking lot) are two additional options. 13.3 mi. Each campsite is large and spacious (and most are wheelchair accessible). If you plan on mountain biking or running/hiking, there are some fun single-track routes (Water Canyon and Perimeter Trail) accessible from the campsite. Ive never seen this much human waste and trash being left out in the forest, Hurley said. The campground is bordered by Holy Ghost Creek, which provides picturesque views of the forest and mountains. The staff is knowledgeable about the area and will help you arrange activities and tours to the local sites. New Mexico is home to some of the best camping in the UnitedStates, bar none. L. Westra 8. Just 30 minutes away from White Sands National Park, Dog Canyon dispersed camping is another great area for any size rig. GPS Coordinates: 32.330230856266205, -106.61224243468386. Im not aware of any other free campsites in the immediate area. Countless other dispersed campsites are scattered across the states public lands. I use these in conjunction with a free, open source topo like Caltopo or Gaia GPS. The closer to the lake you get, the rougher the road gets, but all vehicles should be fine, unless it just rained. Mesa De Cuba Dispersed Camping in Santa Fe National Forest, Cuba New Mexico. There arent any facilities here so be sure to stock up on supplies before setting up camp. Although the parking lot is windswept, you will conveniently find a silent area. There are no amenities, but there's plenty of room to spread out. There are approximately 10 campsites set up adjacent to a small lake here where free camping is permitted. I own a Forest River Berkshire XLT Diesel 45A Class A Motorhome. The Land of Enchantment has a huge range of campingopportunities from primitive tent camping to amenities-filled RV camping tofree remote camping and so much more. Although its only good for dry campsites, you can pay just $4 extra per night for an electric hookup (when available). Apart from that, theres another reason why RVers flock to New Mexico. Jemez Falls Campground (Santa Fe National Forest) Another well-located New Mexico campground, Jemez Falls Campground has 52 campsites perfect for tents and smaller RVs. ABOVE: Grant Wingert of Albuquerque stands at the dispersed campsite he secured Friday along N.M. 126 in the Jemez Mountains for the weekend. Another BLM managed area, the Joe Skeen Campground is the creme de la creme if you are looking for a true campground. In the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico, the campground is set amid pine and fir trees, just where the aspen trees will start to appear. The campsites here are close enough to Bonito Lake as well as some great hiking and ATV trails in the national forest. Job specializations: Outdoor/Nature/Animal. It was the 4th of July holiday weekend, and the Jemez area was packed! The Joe Skeen Campground is located west of Albuquerque adjacent to the El Malpais National Monument on BLM land. However, there is no disposal station. Its also a great place for boondocking in RVs and trailers of all sizes. Solo Stove - Elevate your campfire with this smoke-free fire pit. Angel Creek Scenic Area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. In January, Los Alamos hiker Coco Rae published Hiking Trails in Valles Caldera National Preserve, the first comprehensive guide to the 20-year-old preserve's trail system. Mills Canyon Campground is another free campground thats well worth an overnight stop. In terms of location, this site is about 35 minutes south of the Sierra Vista free campsite. However, there is no disposal station. Your e-mail address will be used to confirm your account. McLarty said his districts energy release component figures, which correlate with the amount of energy that can be released at the flaming front of a fire, are consistent with levels seen with the Dome Fire of 1996. Dispersed camping is permitted on public lands in New Mexico for no more than 14 days within any 28-day period. F . Share sensitive information only Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 8.3/10 Very nicely developed site. Holy Ghost Creek borders this dispersed camping area. This guide is designed to help you navigate the various rules and regulations and plan your perfect New Mexico dispersed camping adventure. Caja del Rio sits at a lower elevation compared to much of the surrounding National Forest so is a popular place to camp during the shoulder seasons. You have permission to edit this article. 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. The states social-distancing order limiting groups to five or fewer people is another rule to fall by the wayside. They close the office at 6 p.m., but if you arrive later, they will have a list of available places on which you can leave money in an envelope labeled with your spot number. However, as you pull in, its pretty enormous. Navajo Dam, NM 87419, Phone: 505-632-2278, 25 Best Campgrounds in New Mexico for Locals & Tourists Restaurants, HotelsBack to Top or Beautiful places near me, what to do, restaurants for breakfast, travel guide, nearest beach, What to do near my location downtown at night in fall, winter, spring, spa near me, summer, places to go, wedding venues near me, beach, wedding venues, open parks, hotels near me, burger, nature park, nice restaurants near me: UT, Indianapolis, From Kansas City, Mackinac Island, Chattanooga, RI, From Chicago, Sacramento, Nantucket, Girls Getaways, Santa Barbara, PA, Michigan beaches. In fact, Cosmic Campground is the first campground built for amateur astronomers. More of that wide-open desert-like terrain, Monticello Point Road has plenty of space for any size rig and the sunshine you need for solar. What really makes West Mesa one of the best free campsites in New Mexico, however, is easy access to nearby mountain biking and hiking trails. Science. 8. 6. Dont take anything but the smallest trailer here (and it likely needs high-clearance itself). ( Aspen Basin Campground That said, there are plenty of campsite options, so you shouldnt have a tough time finding a spot. Holloman Lake is very close to White Sands National Park and a heck of a lot less busy. Stores and gas stations are merely a couple of minutes away. In this article, the best dispersed camping near Santa Fe, New Mexico, is discussed. Unfortunately, I dont believe dispersed camping is allowed within the scenic area, even though its administered by the Bureau of Land Management. Rancheros de Santa Fe is a magnificent destination for your visit, located on Historic Route 66 and near the Santa Fe Trail. And, it does get quite hot in the summer. The Upper Bonito Recreation Area is a great designated dispersed camping area near the White Mountain Wilderness in Lincoln National Forest. There are sandstone cliffs, canyons, the La Ventana Natural Arch, the Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway, and the Cebolla and West Malpais Wilderness Areas. Spotlight. Users have dubbed it quiet and convenient, and its close to the Dripping Springs Natural Area for good hiking trails. This route circumnavigates the majority of the campground, allowing you to avoid the steep entrances on the side roads. It is a single room with Kitchenette, shower, bathroom, a queen size bed, and work space. This free camping spot is close to the La Cueva Trail if youre of the mind to get a little hike in during your stay. The best campsites are within about a half mile in either direction from Juan Tomas Trailhead (GPS coordinates: 35.034879, -106.320276). Beautiful views of the desert in every direction. 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. Looking for more dispersed camping content? 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. On the drive in to Cebolla Mesa campground, youll pass several spur roads and roadside pullouts that are suitable for dispersed camping. The campsites here are spacious and level, making them perfect for boondocking in RVs and . Looking to find more dispersed campsites? Santa Fe National Forest Campgrounds. Ok, now were on to the fun part! This is the perfect place to camp before visiting El Malpais, but also makes a great stop for those on a longer road trip and youre just a short distance off of I-40 here. 52 Photos. This is true dispersed camping so you wont find any amenities here. Every scenic stop was crawling with people, and every trailhead had a half mile of overflow parking along the road. Also, even in a non-roaring vehicle, the road is steep and washed out right now, so drive carefully. The dispersed camping lifestyle is one of the best reasons to look for the best dispersed camping in New Mexico. Dates: March 27, 2023 - August 25, 2023 (option to extend to November) . You never know how far the camping spaces stretch, but there are always over 100, with roughly a quarter of them taken at any given moment. 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. 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 Organ MountainsDesert Peaks National Monument preserves nearly half a million acres of rocky peaks and narrow canyons, much of it in Las Crucess backyard. Many campers have ignored the Leave No Trace principles, strewing refuse around their campsites and leaving piles of trash at day-use areas that have remained open, despite ever-present signs that ask people to pack out their garbage. 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! My favorite are the dispersed campsites just off County Road C001 in the Capitan Gap area on the way to the Capitan Mountain trailhead. During the May 8-10 weekend, McLarty said he and his team found 38 improperly extinguished campfires. The views of the Milky Way are among the very best Ive experienced in the United States. GPS Coordinates: 32.21013705590772, -106.61473041202322. Again managed by the BLM, Monticello Point Road is one of the best free campsites in New Mexico because of its convenience. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 9.1/10, Recommended Reading: Dog Friendly Camping Northern California. Do you ever get that feeling Get me out of here! Nearby Forest Road 462 is rough but has excellent dispersed campsites if you can reach them. It remains to be seen what will come of this, but theres the potential it could be worse than its ever been.. There arent any facilities here so be sure to stock up on supplies before setting up camp. Choose from the following to find a site: The Santa Fe National Forest offers beautiful camping areas that range from low to high elevation, high desert to forested and primitive to developed. Its a little farther away, but still convenient to White Sands National Park. Santa Fe National Forest Headquarters 11 Forest Lane Santa Fe, NM 87508 (505 . Finally, one of the best resources, specifically for national forest dispersed camping, is to utilize Motor Vehicle Use Maps or MVUMs for short. Related Post: Where to Dispersed Camping in Colorado. The level of development at these Campgrounds ranges from a near wilderness camping experience to recreational vehicle friendly Campground. The dispersed camping lifestyle is one of the best reasons to look for the, 6 Must See Dispersed Camping Near Water in Colorado, 8 Amazing Dispersed Camping Near Sedona, Arizona, 13 Amazing Dispersed Camping Near Buena Vista, Colorado. Where is the best dispersed camping site near Santa Fe?Following are enlisted some of the best dispersed camping sites near Santa Fe, New Mexico: The access road gets rough and slick, especially after rains. Santa Fe Fire Road is an excellent trail for beginning off-roaders with its smooth surface and several spurs to explore. Located just north of Truth or Consequences, dont forget to take advantage of the Hot Springs around the area. Forest Information. Some campers are doing their part, however. 4. Youll enjoy the campgrounds modest environment. Ten units, picnic tables, and fire rings are included. This graded forest road provides access to the Santa Fe National Forest for about half the year, or at least until the snow melts. God willing, there will still be significant snow coverage above 9,000' feet in March. Wingert said hes been coming to the Jemez for 35 years and has been saddened to see the amount of trash left by campers increase over time. Visit forestcamping.com to learn more. J. Lubchenco 2. 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. Ideally located near White Sands National Park, Lincoln National Forest, and Las Cruces, Dog Canyon is a great BLM dispersed camping area in New Mexico. Santa Fe BLM However, I dont believe dispersed camping is actually allowed outside of the campground within the scenic area. . CONTACT. If youre looking for dispersed camping near Santa Fe, then the Caja should be high on your short list. Restrooms:NoWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. Given that Santa Fe is only 15 minutes away, you should have no problem finding everything you need for your trip. Although you must camp in a designated campsite, Mills Canyon used to allow proper dispersed camping and retains much of this primitive charm. I'm in New Mexico. The entire area of Holy Ghost Creek is home to a variety of fauna and birds. 18.7 mi. 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. Grant Wingert felt lucky to find a spot along N.M. 126 on Friday afternoon as dispersed sites were filling up fast. The USFS advises RVs and trailers to look elsewhere for camping. Santa Fe National Forest Camping: Campendium has 195 reviews of 63 Campgrounds in Santa Fe National Forest. As such, please be prepared and always practice Leave No Trace camping. Caja del Rio sits at a lower elevation compared to much of the . Within Holy Ghost Canyon, the Santa Fe National Forests Holy Ghost Campground is located on the outskirts of the Pecos Wilderness. LaVerne M. Johnson Park. But, if you live in the state and go camping regularly, its definitely worth thinking about. Volunteers have helped Forest Service workers in cleanup efforts following weekends that have seen large amounts of trash left behind by campers. This includes everything from where dispersed camping is allowed in New Mexico, to what to bring, and how to minimize your impact. Youll enjoy the campgrounds modest environment. Following are enlisted some of the best dispersed camping sites near Santa Fe, New Mexico: Is dispersed camping allowed in Santa Fe National Forest?Unless notified otherwise, dispersed camping is permitted practically everywhere at the Santa Fe National Forest. The crowds of holiday campers were making me wish I was somewhere else some place peaceful, quiet, and uncrowded. There is also an equestrian campground just down the road where you can fill up with water and dump your tanks. Still have questions about dispersed camping in New Mexico? Read Also: Camping World Rv Technician Training. Its easy to find, and theres lots of room for dispersed camping. Find additional details ondispersed camping in National Forestsand on BLM land in New Mexico in the sections below: There are six National Forests and one National Grassland located in New Mexico that are managed by the USFS. It offers nightly movies during the summer and access to hiking trails all year long. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay in a spectacular location with views of the valley, mountains, and amazing sunsets. Your best bet is to contact the Ranger District or refer to the helpful map for Mananita that displays dispersed campsites. Do not camp in areas near trailheads, picnic areas, or developed campgrounds. Here are 30 of the best places to go camping in New Mexico. Fenton Lake State Park doesnt seem to be interesting from the outside. The Santa Fe National Forest has a variety of lovely camping places that range from high to low altitude, from high desert to forested, and from basic to develop. This is a great place for boondocking in RVs and trailers. Stay informed of the latest local news by receiving emails as soon as news is posted online. The Santa Fe National Forest, which borders the Village of Jemez Springs, has several campgrounds available for a night under the stars, and close enough to the Village where restaurants, hot springs soaks and even a hot shower at one of the lodging facilities await you. Stewards is partnering with Prescott National Forest to provide a 32-week paid, professional Recreation Specialist Assistant opportunity. If you do decide to camp here be sure to explore the surrounding Angel Peak area. Cosmic Campground is part of Gila National Forest. Itstruly amazing just how many opportunities there are for free camping in this southwestern state, including many free campsites nearmajor tourist attractions! S R att Ra nc prin g R SANTA TERESA WILDERNESS T6 S R2 0 E T6 S R2 1 E T7 S R2 2 E T7 S R2 1 E T7 S R22 E T8 S R22 E . The Management Unit has one dirt road through it and no developed trails for any specific users. Rio ChamaCampgroundPart of the Santa Fe National Forest in the northern partof the state, this free New Mexico campground has 9 total campsites and can accommodateRVs up to 20. . Restrooms:Vault toiletWater:NoCrowds:ModerateMap. Just make sure youre not on private land (its well-marked) before setting up camp. Because the Aspen Basin Campground provides access to a breathtakingly beautiful environment, it can be quite busy during the days of summer and fall aspen viewing days. An official website of the 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. However, we wouldnt recommend counting on it since those are technically reserved for paid campers. In mid-December, it can get very cold. Follow it to the end, where youll find the entrance to these free campsites. Primitive camping is allowed almost anywhere on the Santa Fe National Forest unless otherwise posted. Its located in Northeast New Mexico about an hour off I-25. G. Snyder 7. Cramming into nooks and crannies all along U.S. Forest Service roads throughout Santa Fe National Forest, recreationists havent allowed the COVID-19 pandemic to keep them from enjoying their days and nights out in nature. Status: Seasonal, Full time, Non-Exempt . Contests and special offers from The Santa Fe New Mexican and advertising partners. The Forest used three methods to designate access to motorized dispersed camping: (1) Designating specific routes leading to dispersed campsites . Not much to complain about here the access road is a little bumpy, but nothing that any passenger vehicle cant handle as long as you take things slow. Our final New Mexico dispersed campsite in this guide isnt actually a dispersed site. However, know that the dirt roads here often become incredibly muddy and rutted when it rains. Historic Downtown Golden. 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. Check out the pullouts and spur roads along Highway 150 on the way to Taos Ski Valley for starters. However, the campground is relatively easy to access and has some basic amenities to make your stay a bit more comfortable. Finding good dispersed camping near Albuquerque is surprisingly difficult. 2023 Campendium Inc. All rights reserved. Cebolla Mesa is part of Carson National Forest. These maps are published by the Forest Service and display the entire network of forest service roads in a given National Forest. Junction City - Schreiner Park Campground, Upper Teton View - Toppings Lake Dispersed Campsites 8-16, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground, Video: Where to Camp in Quartzsite, Arizona. If that isnt enough, how about the fact that youre only about an hour away from Roswell, home of the International UFO Museum and Research Center. The Caja del Rio area in Santa Fe National Forest is my favorite place for dispersed camping near Santa Fe. The entirety of 435 is BLM land so you can tent or auto camp anywhere you like. New Mexico has no shortage of interesting rock formations, and this cluster of boulders, near . Getting there: 23 miles east of Las Cruces, via US 70 to Aquirre Springs Road. From here, youll also be able to access hiking trails up into the mountains of southern New Mexico. 3. Although you shouldnt expect solitude, camping here is a lot more private than you might expect from a BLM campground. The cell service is excellent, and there are numerous breathtaking views. [] Very dark and quiet at night. Weve compiled our nine favorite dispersed campsites in New Mexico in the list below. Call the Smokey Bear Ranger District for more information: (575) 257-4095. A great alternative to camping at Holloman Lake are the free dispersed campsites off Dog Canyon Road (GPS Coordinates: 32.7442, -105.9306). 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. Gaia GPS - Download offline maps for easy navigation! Youre just a few minutes from some excellent climbing and the Continental Divide trail is nearby for those hoping to do some hiking. Please park your vehicle near existing roads or existing dispersed campsites. Salary: $690 - $800 weekly, Depending on experience . Out of a handful of options in nearby Cibola National Forest, my favorite free campsites in the area are those along Juan Tomas Road south of Tijeras. Its not free, but the New Mexico annual camping pass is still a heck of a deal. Youll take the road towards Oliver Lee Memorial State Park and the Oliver Lee developed campground to get here, and the camping area is located on the south side of the road before reaching the state park. The sites are nicely spaced, and there were always available spots throughout the weekend. Explore the spur roads off Juan Tomas Road to find other campsites. Summer gets very hot despite the high elevation. This is a popular destination, so plan to arrive early on summer weekends here. Category Filters. Forest Service officials say they have seen a significant increase in the usage of dispersed, or undeveloped, campsites this spring compared to what they would typically see this time of year. Official websites use .gov A .gov Our dispersed camping checklist has all the camping essentials plus specific items for dispersed camping. Holloman Lake is one of the best places for dispersed camping near White Sands National Park. Mark Komadina Park Manager mark.komadina@emnrd.nm.gov. Get your space case on! Although still within Santa Fe National Forest boundaries, Iron Gate Campground is suited for Pecos Wilderness hiking. Hi. Call the Glenwood Ranger District for more information: (575) 539-2481, Location: Near Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Locals from adjacent settlements use it largely for picnicking, but it also serves those who stay overnight before starting a horseback or backpack trip into the Pecos. The map above leads to one of the more popular dispersed sites along Forest Service road 462DC1, but there are many additional sites in the surrounding area. Extremely beautiful desert scenery throughout the canyon. Along the road, there are plenty of dispersed camping areas, some along the creek. FS-88 Cuba, NM 505-438-5300 Official Website. Both allow dispersed camping with several spots suitable for larger RVs and trailers. Holy Ghost Group Area The map shall be on file and available for public inspection in the offices of the Chief of the . The Santa Fe National Forest offers beautiful camping areas that range from low to high elevation, high desert to forested and primitive to developed. 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. Protect our public lands by always treating them with respect. The Santa Fe National Forest, an easy drive from both Albuquerque or Santa Fe, New Mexico, offers a wide diversity of recreation . Its something of a tight turn off Highway 70 through the entrance gate, especially in a big rig. Free Camping in New Mexico Vibes Score: 8.2/10 A great option near Albuquerque. Reservation sites may be booked at Recreation.gov. Parks Ranch Campground is managed by the Bureau of Land Management. See 12 traveler reviews, 17 photos and blog posts New Mexico Free Camping Cuba Mesa De Cuba Dispersed Camping . It is best to check current regulations with the relevant USFS or BLM office, but you should plan on adhering to the following asoutlined by the USFS: Always be sure to check for current New Mexico fire regulations by visiting the New Mexico Fire Information website before setting out. These National Forests are home to some excellent dispersed camping opportunities, and offer some of the most remote wilderness youll find anywhere in the world! This is a great place for boondocking in New Mexico, although its important to take things slow on the approach. Its not far off of the highway, but far enough that it still feels private. Camping near Santa Fe National Forest. It stays a little cooler here than down in Albuquerque thanks to the higher elevation. This is hands down one of the most beautiful places in New Mexico, in my opinion. The Santa Fe Trail, Old Spanish Trail and El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro cross portions of the forest, giving you direct access to historic routes. Angel Peak is an excellent place to stop for an overnight on your way to or from the Four Corners Monument. There are also a handful of free developed campgrounds in the area, such as Cave Campground which is part of the Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area managed by the Bureau of Land Management. Many of the places are level. County Rd. In that area is also the Valles Caldera (pronounced VIE-ay) , the site of an old supervolcano eruption that is now a nature preserve. The 9 dispersed campsites outlined above are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to free campsites in New Mexico. 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.