Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness offers free dispersed camping near the wilderness boundary, making it a rewarding destination for RV travelers seeking solitude, geology, and dark skies. Reservations aren't required, but rough dirt roads leading to the trailhead are best suited to smaller RVs and high-clearance vehicles. RVers can access it via US-550, but high-clearance vehicles are necessary for the unpaved rough roads and paths leading to it.
Quick Facts About RVing in Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness
• RV Friendly: Yes • Max RV Length: Recommended maximum length is 30 feet • Camping Type: Dispersed • Reservations: No • Hookups: None • Dump Station: None onsite • Potable Water: Bring your own • Cell Service: None • Pets: Allowed • Roads: Paved access road turns to dirt • Best Season: Spring and fall
Why RV Travelers Love This BLM Area
• Excellent dark-sky camping • Quiet, uncrowded campsites • Incredible opportunities for photography • Good basecamp for exploring nearby badlands • Quiet, uncrowded campsites
What to See and Do
Hiking and Biking
Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Trail
With a modest elevation of 144 feet, Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Trail is a popular hiking destination. Hikers are treated to views of the beautiful badlands and stunning desert landscapes. Keep in mind that this is an off-trail, unestablished path. Length: 2.7 miles Intensity: Easy
Valley of Dreams Loop
Similar to Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Trail, the Valley of Dreams Loop provides alluring extraterrestrial scenery. Located less than six miles away in the nearby Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, this sandy route features breathtaking rock formations made of sandstone, mudstone, and silt. Length: 3.7 miles Intensity: Intermediate
Fishing and Boating
Juan’s Lake in San Juan County, New Mexico appears to be the only fishing spot within 50 miles of Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness. However, there are more significant fishing and boating options about 78 miles away at Navajo Lake. Serving as New Mexico’s second-largest lake, Navajo Lake is stocked with catfish, rainbow trout, largemouth bass, pike, and more. Boating activities include sailing, wakeboarding, pontoon boating, and water skiing.
Climbing
Huérfano Mountain is a sacred mountain within the Navajo culture. The peak rises to an impressive 7,441 feet and consists of sandstone that dates as far back as 33 million years. This steep peak, which is located less than 30 miles away from Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, is a great option for adventurous mountain climbers.
Wildlife Viewing
There doesn’t appear to be any notable wildlife viewing opportunities within 50 miles of Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, but you can find some about 77 miles away at Navajo Lake State Park. Here, you will find bald eagles, mountain bluebirds, American bullfrogs, sagebrush lizards, gopher snakes, wild turkeys, and much more.
Picnicking
Salmon Park in Bloomfield, New Mexico is the perfect picnicking spot. The park is just 50 miles away from Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness and features over a dozen picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, and concrete tennis courts. The city of Bloomfield houses several other picnicking areas, including Lybertree Park, Qwest Park, and Vereda Rio De San Juan Park.
Bureau of Land Management Camping
RV Camping 
Horse Thief Campground is a dry camp that’s ideal for extreme nature lovers. The camp, which is just 20 miles away from Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, doesn’t provide any electricity or running water. However, generators are welcome. The campground can accommodate RVs of just about any size. If you’re looking for a campground with more amenities, take a 53-mile drive to Moore’s RV Park and Campground. The facility provides an on-site camp store, full hookups, a swimming pool, laundry services, fire pits, and much more. To find nearby Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, do a search for “BLM camping near me.”
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is available near the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Trailhead Parking Lot. It's free to camp with a 14-day stay limit. You won't find any amenities, so you should bring your own supplies. You can use a generator, but you must adhere to BLM quiet hours between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. Observe all fire restrictions and be mindful of tribal land boundaries to avoid accidental trespassing.
Is This BLM Area Good for Your RV?
• Camper Vans: Camper vans feature short wheelbases, and they can turn around more easily than other RV models. Select models have 4x4 capabilities, making them a better choice because they have higher clearance and can handle washboards. • Travel Trailers: Travel trailers can work well on this terrain and are often lightweight. You should tow it with a 4WD truck or SUV to avoid getting stuck. Choose a model with higher ground clearance and independent suspension. • Fifth Wheels: Fifth wheels aren't the best choice, because they tend to be larger and harder to maneuver. • Class A Motorhomes: Class A motorhomes are more difficult to maneuver in tight spaces. They also may not have the clearance necessary to reach the trailhead. • Class B Motorhomes: Smaller Class B motorhomes are generally the easiest motorized RV to bring here because of their compact size and maneuverability. Models with higher ground clearance are the best fit. • Class C Motorhomes: Class C motorhomes can present some challenges for this trip because most models have an overhang in the back. On uneven dirt roads, this could lead to bumper damage.
Free Camping 
There don't appear to be any free camping sites within 50 miles of Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness. However, there are some about 72 miles away at the Brown Springs Campground. This Bureau of Land Management free camping option provides RV sites, tent sites, ADA access, and a variety of basic amenities. Some of these amenities include restroom facilities, picnic tables, and fire rings. Electrical hookups and water services are not available.
RV Rentals Near Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Plan your next adventure
Planning your Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness BLM trip
In order to access certain parts of Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, you will likely have to drive or walk through designated Native American lands. Please be respectful of the crops, animals, private property, and people that you may encounter.
Because much of the ground and roads within the wilderness are clay-based, they can easily become impassable after moderate or hard rains. Therefore, it’s best not to visit the area after a recent rain or precipitation event.
Although hiking opportunities are available, the trails within Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness are undeveloped. Therefore, it can be easy to get lost if you stray too far off of the suggested paths. Bring along a GPS or compass as an added precaution.
Shady areas are almost nonexistent. If you will be visiting during the summer months, make sure you wear lightweight clothing and wear a hat that’s large enough to provide adequate coverage.
There are no basic facilities in the wilderness. Come prepared with all the necessary equipment.
Make sure you have enough drinking water.
Summer days in Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness may reach upwards of 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The fall and spring months are fairly mild with highs averaging anywhere from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. During the winter, temperatures could drop well under 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness offers a unique outdoor experience filled with unusual rock formations, alien-like landscapes, and sporadic vegetation. Whether you want to enjoy a day of hiking, exploring, or picture-taking, this magnificent wilderness is the perfect choice. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
What RV Travelers Should Know Before Arriving
RVers should know that if they choose dispersed camping at the trailhead, there are no amenities. You will need to bring your own water and supplies. The closest grocery and camping supply stores are 40 minutes to one hour away, so consider stopping on your way to Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness. Fuel is available along US-550 before reaching the wilderness. There is no cellular service at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness, so you should download maps in advance. You are responsible for your own trash, and the closest dump station is Moore's RV Park and Campground. A dump station is available at Moore's RV Park and Campground (fee applies). You can use a generator if you observe BLM quiet hours. The closest cities and towns are Nageezi and Bloomfield. You can also find semi-developed camping at Gallo Campground nearby at Chaco Culture National Historical Park. It is 15 miles away and offers trash bins, vaulted toilets, and seasonal drinking water. The camping spots are defined and offer some privacy. Reservations are recommended, and the nightly fee is $20. The maximum RV length is 35 feet.
Leave No Trace 
Although the BLM agency works diligently to preserve all of the public lands under its jurisdiction, it is the responsibility of every visitor to abide by the required and recommended outdoor ethics. Clean up and properly dispose of all trash and waste following the "Leave No Trace" guidelines. Only travel on durable surfaces. As a safety measure, make sure to keep all campfires contained in their designated areas.
Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness Location
Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness is almost a straight shot from Bloomfield, New Mexico. Starting in Bloomfield, take US-550 S for about 36.3 miles. Once you get to the town of Nageezi, New Mexico, follow Rd 7800. Continue down Rd 7800 for 27 miles until you get to NM-57. Make a left onto NM-57. Your destination will be on your right. Address: Farmington Field Office, 6251 College Blvd. Suite A, Farmington, NM 87402 Ready to visit Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
Plan Your Day at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness
• Morning: Head to the hoodoos and take a self-guided hike. The Alien Throne formation and Chocolate Hoodoos are local favorites. Remember to bring your compass, as there's no cell service. • Afternoon: Head back to the parking area and whip up a meal in your RV. This is also a good time to set up camp. • Evening: Continue exploring the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness after the hottest part of the day. If campfires are permitted, enjoy dinner around the fire before stargazing.
Nearby Attractions
• Valley of Dreams and Alien Throne: You will find towering hoodoos with rock formations in a variety of shapes and colors. These attractions are about 10 minutes away; however, it could take a little longer if you travel on the unpaved roads around the wilderness boundary. • Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness: Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness is about 30 minutes away. You will see a labyrinth of colorful badlands, clay hills, and petrified wood. • Chaco Culture National Historical Park: At Chaco Culture National Historical Park, you will see historical architecture and ancient Puebloan houses. It is 15 miles away, which is about a 20-minute drive, and you will travel on dirt roads along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you allowed to remove items from Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness and surrounding lands? While it's tempting to take souvenirs, removing any fossils or cultural artifacts is strictly prohibited. However, you are welcome to Rockhounding, which is permitted only where allowed under BLM regulations and not within protected fossil or cultural resource areas. Are motorized vehicles permitted inside Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness? Motorized and mechanical vehicles (bicycles) are not permitted inside Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness. You are required to park your RV at the trailhead parking lot, which is outside the wilderness boundary. Are pets permitted inside Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness? Yes, pets are permitted inside the Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness; however, you must keep your pets on a leash at all times. Remain cautious when hiking with your pets, as there is wildlife in the area. Are the trails at or around Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness marked? There are no markers on the trails in Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness to keep it pristine, but maps show where the trails start and end. Local tour services are available if you prefer a guide. Are there any amenities at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness? There are no amenities at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness for RVers, such as potable water, restrooms, or showers. However, if you prefer amenities, you can RV camp at the more developed camping areas, such as Gallo Campground at Chaco Culture National Historical Park. If you want RV camping with hookups, you can book a reservation at Moore's RV Park and Campground, 50 minutes from Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness.
Rent the Right RV for This Trip
Creating an incredible trip to Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness starts with renting the right RV. Camper vans and Class B motorhomes are the best choices if you plan to boondock close to the trailhead because of their compact size and maneuverability. If you're staying at a nearby campground with easier road access, travel trailers and fifth wheels can also work well. You can set up camp then use your personal vehicle to drive to the trailhead. Browse RV rentals in Nageezi, NM to find the best RV for your Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Wilderness trip.