Free Camping in New Mexico
Discover 17 free and dispersed camping spots
Best Seasons
Fall, Winter, Spring
Climate
High desert with hot summers and mild winters
Terrain
Desert, Mountains
Free Spots
17 locations
Camping Spots (17)
Zuni Mountains Backroads
"Free dispersed camping at Zuni Mountains Backroads in New Mexico. Ponderosa forests and meadows with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Zuni Mountains. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Seasonal closures Arrive early
Carson – Tres Piedras/US 285 Spurs
"Free dispersed camping at Carson – Tres Piedras/US 285 Spurs in New Mexico. Granite domes and pinyon flats with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Tres Piedras. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Windy; exposed Arrive early
Chama – Brazos Cliffs Foothills
"Free dispersed camping at Chama – Brazos Cliffs Foothills in New Mexico. Aspen parks and meadows with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Brazos Cliffs. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Afternoon storms Arrive early
El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway
"Free dispersed camping at El Malpais – Chain of Craters Backcountry Byway in New Mexico. Volcanic terrain and cinder roads with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Chain of Craters. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Soft cinders when wet Arrive early
Gila – Bursum Road Vicinity
"Free dispersed camping at Gila – Bursum Road Vicinity in New Mexico. High country forests and creeks with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Bursum/Gila. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Monsoon washouts Arrive early
Jemez Backroads
"Free dispersed camping around Santa Fe NF New Mexico. Red rock canyons and ponderosa with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Jemez Springs. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Crowds near hot springs Arrive early to claim a legal
Jicarilla – Largo Canyon Roads
"Free dispersed camping at Jicarilla – Largo Canyon Roads in New Mexico. High desert canyons and mesas with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Largo Canyon. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Very remote Arrive early
Lincoln – Carrizozo Lava Beds Edge
"Free dispersed camping at Lincoln – Carrizozo Lava Beds Edge in New Mexico. Desert grasslands and lava flows with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Valley of Fires. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Heat; no shade Arrive early
Magdalena – Kelly and Water Canyon
"Free dispersed camping at Magdalena – Kelly and Water Canyon in New Mexico. Pinyon hills and canyon benches with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Water Canyon. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Narrow turns Arrive early
Quemado Lake Vicinity BLM
"Free dispersed camping around Gila Highlands BLM New Mexico. Piñon–juniper hills and mesas with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Quemado Lake. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Windy; sparse services Arrive early to claim a legal
Taos – Rio Grande del Norte Rims
"Free dispersed camping at Taos – Rio Grande del Norte Rims in New Mexico. Rim benches with canyon views with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Wild Rivers. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Wind; exposure Arrive early
Valle Vidal Access Roads
"Free dispersed camping around Carson NF New Mexico. High meadows and elk country with space for established pullouts and a few level clearings by Valle Vidal. Primitive conditions with no trash pickup or hookups. Seasonal closures Arrive early to claim a legal
Abiquiu – Cerro Pedernal Roads
"Free dispersed camping at Abiquiu – Cerro Pedernal Roads in New Mexico. Pinyon–juniper mesas and views with informal pullouts and some level clearings near Cerro Pedernal. Primitive conditions with no hookups or trash service. Rough tracks Arrive early
Carson NF – Taos Ski Valley backroads
Aspen & pine forests. Pullouts along forest roads near Taos Ski Valley.
Gila NF – Mogollon & Catwalk vicinity
Rugged canyons & hot springs. Several pullouts along forest roads.
Carson NF – Taos Ski Valley vicinity
Aspen & pine forests near high peaks. Pullouts along forest roads.
Gila NF – Mogollon & Catwalk area
Rugged canyons & hot springs nearby. Pullouts along forest roads.
Popular Camping Areas
- Gila National Forest
- Carson National Forest
- Cibola National Forest
Important Regulations
- Fire restrictions common
- High altitude awareness
- Flash flood awareness
Permits: Most national forest camping is free
Complete Guide to Free Camping in New Mexico
New Mexico offers diverse high desert camping with ancient cultures, hot springs, wilderness areas, and stunning southwestern landscapes.
Best Free Camping Areas in New Mexico
New Mexico offers diverse free camping opportunities across desert, mountains, canyons, mesas, hot springs. The most popular areas include Gila National Forest, Carson National Forest, Cibola National Forest, each offering unique landscapes and camping experiences.
When to Visit New Mexico for Camping
The best times for free camping in New Mexico are during fall, winter, spring. The state's high desert with hot summers and mild winters means weather conditions vary throughout the year, so planning your visit during optimal seasons ensures the best camping experience.
New Mexico Camping Regulations
Before camping in New Mexico, it's important to understand local regulations. Most national forest camping is freeMost dispersed camping follows standard federal guidelines, but some areas may have specific restrictions.
What to Expect
Free camping in New Mexico typically involves camping on public lands managed by the Forest Service, BLM, or state agencies. Expect primitive conditions with no hookups, but incredible natural beauty and the freedom to explore desert, mountains, canyons, mesas, hot springs at your own pace.