New Mexico is the perfect place to pursue dispersed camping, also called boondocking. Here are 10 places to try it for yourself.
Boondocking—also called dispersed camping—is camping in a primitive setting with few to no amenities. The trade-off is waking up in nature with a profound sense of freedom. Whether you are interested in saving some money on lodging or simply excited to stay in a magical place, everyone should try this style of camping at least once in their life.
The first time I took my husband boondocking, SUV-style, we woke up not far from the Rio Grande. Four years later, and he still gets a look of wonder in his eyes while talking about the experience. Without showers, running water, or a traditional shelter, the novelty and adventure are what make it truly worthwhile and memorable. Oh, and did I mention the cost? Boondocking is free. You only pay for gas, food, and supplies, and save majorly on the lodging.
It’s good to know that boondocking is typically done in up to 14-day increments, which is the legal limit for staying on Bureau of Land Management or National Forest land. Since these spots offer places to set up camp for no charge, it should come as no surprise that very few to no amenities are available. With the right gear, though, you are bound to have an experience worth remembering and talking about for years to come, perhaps with your own look of wonder.
Essential boondocking gear
Because dispersed camping involves limited amenities—typically no water, restrooms, or trash service—it is best to be prepared. Pack your satchel beforehand like a pro and be sure to bring the following things.
- Plenty of drinkable water—bonus if there is a pump to simulate running water for washing hands
- Baby wipes, as there likely is no real running water
- A lantern and/or flashlight
- Plenty of gas
- A jacket
- A shovel to help bury excrement
- A portable charger
- A tent (or “bed” for your SUV)
- Camp chair
- Portable Stove and basic eating gear—gotta have the morning java
- Appropriate bedding—sleeping bag and pillow
- Snacks
- Binoculars for bird watching
- Pack of cards for remote games
- Telescope (if you have one) for starry skies
- A sense of wonder
Know before you go
There are a few things to keep in mind before taking off. A major rule of thumb is to “leave no trace,” making sure you pack out what you pack in. Double-check each site before burying excrement; you may instead pack it out in a designated waste container. Here are some very important must-dos:
- Download offline maps—don’t rely on cell service in remote areas
- Check fire restrictions
- Camp at least 100-300 feet away from water—general rule
- Tell someone where you’re staying—better safe than sorry
- Check the iOverlander, Campendium, or FreeRoam apps for hints on where to stay as well as exact pin locations
- Check road and weather conditions
- Although camping is allowed for up to 14 days on BLM and National Forest Land, if a ranger asks you to move, listen
10 places to boondock in New Mexico
Dog Canyon Dispersed Camping
Are you interested in sliding down the dunes at White Sands National Monument? What about seeing the world’s largest pistachio?
Just 10 miles south of Alamogordo and not far from Oliver Lee State Park is Dog Canyon Dispersed Camping. This dispersed camping offers mild temperatures, a panoramic mountainous setting, and textbook Southwest sunsets.
On a gravel loop road, this drive-in site can accommodate 40-foot trailers, as well as cars, SUVs, and tents. Pick your spot and enjoy this highly desirable locale.
Williams Lake Wheeler Peak Wilderness
Love Taos but hate the cost? Wheeler Peak Wilderness offers dispersed camping, as well as a few established primitive campgrounds, where you are able to stay for up to 14 days. There are strict rules, including that no fires are allowed and you can’t camp within 300 feet of the stream.
But find your spot, and you will enjoy access to Taos as well as Williams Lake, where you can fish, breathe in the fresh air under the shade of the trees, and enjoy the views. With the proper equipment, you may even be able to brew yourself some tea from tea.o.graphy. Yum.
Caja Del Rio
Just west of Santa Fe, Caja Del Rio is a plateau of volcanic origin that offers adventure, privacy, and plenty of room to roam. With small shrubbery lining the plentiful dirt roads and cow trails, this boondocking paradise offers some shade and also a sense of privacy. The dirt can get quite soft, though 4×4 is not necessary. There is plenty of room for RVs, as well. In certain areas, there are picnic tables and vault toilets, but for the most part it is just a vast landscape of adventure.
Although generally peaceful, the land is intended for multi-use, so do anticipate ATVs and some target shooting. After a restorative night’s sleep, drive into Santa Fe for food, culture, Meow Wolf, and of course, Tia Sophia’s (because no trip to Santa Fe is complete without a stop at Tia Sophia’s).
Angel Peak Scenic Area
Angel Peak Scenic Area has both a traditional—for free—campground with a pit toilet, picnic tables, and covered shelter, as well as dispersed camping. The area is a stunning portion of the badlands.
Not too far from Bloomfield and Farmington, this area is rich enough in geological mystery to provide the wilderness feel, yet near enough to town for basic needs. A connected trail gives visitors the chance to see petrified wood, hoodoos, and fossils—all unique insight to this unusually geologically rich area.
Manzanita Recreation Zone at Sandia Peak
Have you ever wanted to camp out near the waving woman of Sandia Peak? Take Forest Road 462 on Sandia Peak to camp at the Manzanita Recreation Zone. This is one of the few sanctioned dispersed camping areas that doesn’t require backpacking, yet high-clearance, 4×4 vehicles are necessary.
Despite the fire rings marking several campsites, there are no amenities. If you are without the proper vehicle, try backpacking into Sandia Mountain Wilderness where you can camp for free as long as you remain at least 100 feet away from designated trails. Take the tram to the top of the peak or pop into Albuquerque for any civilization needs you might have.
Upper Bonito Recreation Area Dispersed Camping
Located in Lincoln National Forest is the Upper Bonito Recreation Area. At the end of Forest Road 107, this secluded gateway to the White Mountain Wilderness Area is just outside of the village of Ruidoso.
Near Bonito Lake for fishing and plenty of hiking and ATV trails, this dispersed camping area is an excellent way to experience a magical part of New Mexico that is complete with waterways, trees, and an abundance of wildlife. If you want more civilization, head over into the village for ziplining at Inn of the Mountain Gods, for sandwiches at The Village Buttery, or for some dancing in one of the local hubs.
Bosque Redondo Park
If you like fishing, access to vault toilets, shade structures, and a generally no-frills setup, then Bosque Redondo Park is for you. Although it lacks the lush wilderness of the other locations, it is in the Eastern part of the state where public land—and dispersed camping—is harder to find.
Staying here means access to some rich history. Not far from Sumner Lake State Park and Fort Sumner, this is a great place to set up camp and save on lodging while learning a thing or two about Billy the Kid.
Box Canyon
Do you like rock climbing? Box Canyon, just outside of Socorro, has world-famous rock climbing, stunning hiking, and dispersed camping, all with access to a vault toilet. While there are designated gravel camping areas that can accommodate up to a 20-foot trailer, there are also more primitive locations deeper into the wilderness.
This location is like a breath of fresh air—or a gulp while climbing—in the heart of a stunning part of the state.
Valle Vidal of Carson National Forest
Valle Vidal in the Carson National Forest is not for vehicle-dispersed camping, as you will need to backpack in at least a half mile to reach the allotted areas. Tucked among spruce, aspen, and fir, the need for backpacking in simply guarantees a memorable stay.
There are established, paid campgrounds nearby, too, but the dispersed camping allows you to wake up in the woods with moving streams not far—ok, at least 100 yards—in the distance. The refreshing nature of this area explains why it is literally called the Valley of Life.
Monticello Road/Elephant Butte
Elephant Butte is the best not-so-kept secret for camping fun. We have taken the kids camping at the $8 campsites many times, and have all loved it. Camping spots are right on the beach with full amenities—including bathrooms, playgrounds, and shaded structures.
Notably, it does get busy, crowded, and LOUD. For example, the first time we stayed there, a group was setting off fireworks well into the wee hours of the night. Moral of that story: Don’t try to stay here during Labor Day Weekend.
Since it costs to get in and is established, this isn’t quite up to boondocking standards. Instead, head up to Monticello Road to find dispersed camping that is far enough away to be legal, but close enough to count as camping at this stunning lake.
May you set forth and find your own perfect place. Happy camping!
