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BLM Camping

Angel Peak Scenic Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Bureau of Land Management oversees 245 million acres of land nationwide. In New Mexico, these public lands are open to RVers for recreational use, such as hiking, fishing, watersports, and camping. Developed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds offer conveniences like picnic tables and restrooms. You usually pay a small fee to stay at these, and they often require a reservation. Another option is dispersed camping, which is free of charge. In these camping areas, you may find existing sites and fire rings. If they are available, the BLM asks that you use them to avoid further disruption to the local habitat. Visitors to New Mexico are not allowed to set up camp at day-use areas or where prohibited to protect endangered wildlife. Camping stays must not exceed 14 days within a 30-day period. Angel Peak Scenic Area is in the northwest corner of New Mexico and 30 miles southeast of Farmington. One of its main attractions is Angel Peak, which is nearly 7,000 feet tall and visible from almost anywhere within the BLM site. Explorers can see fossils in the canyons leading up to the peak in the multicolored sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone cliff faces. Near Angel Peak, Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area is a popular destination for hiking. If you are making your way to Mesa Verde National Park, this scenic area may be a good stopover point because the park is less than 100 miles north in Colorado.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Westland Park Walking Trail

Located in nearby Farmington, Westland Park offers many outdoor activities and a dog park. This loop trail is a great place to walk your four-legged family member and enjoy views of the San Juan River. Length: .51 miles Intensity: Easy

Riverside Nature Center

Forty miles north of Angel Peak, Riverside Nature Center has 8 miles of trails to explore the natural wonders of New Mexico. The path includes access to the Riverside Nature Center, playgrounds, and bird-watching. Remember to pick up a bag of free bird food at the center because the area is home to over 100 species of birds. Length: 8 miles on various trails Intensity: Easy

Bisti Badlands Trail

The Bisti Badlands Trail is in the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, about 40 miles southwest of Angel Peak. This area was once a prehistoric swamp, so it has unique geology, including chocolate-colored hoodoos. On the loop trail, you can rock-scramble up to high points to get a better view of the area. Length: 5.5 miles Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Vereda Del Rio San Juan Park is less than 22 miles north of Angel Peak and has a boat launch, parking area, and restrooms. You can access the San Juan River to paddle the water in a canoe or kayak. Anglers can fish from shore from several spots along its walking path. Fly-fishing enthusiasts may want to try the waters below the Navajo Dam in Navajo Lake State Park. It is a world-famous spot for catching trout. The park also has a marina that rents out boats and includes a restaurant.

Wildlife Viewing

While enjoying your time at Angel Peak Scenic Area, you may see mule deer, prairie dogs, and desert cottontails. If you are boating or hiking along the rivers in the area, look for snapping turtles, beavers, and frogs. Birders may spot eagles, kingfishers, and roadrunners.

Picnicking

There are ample picnicking options at Angel Peak. Sage, Castle Rock, and Cliffs picnic areas offer tables on concrete pads with shade structures. All three sites overlook the Kutz Canyon badlands, and nature trails are nearby to explore the area.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

The developed campgrounds at Angel Peak Scenic Area are tent-only sites. However, BLM RV camping is available nearby. Navajo Lake State Park, about 40 miles to the northeast, has 244 campsites with a mix of full and partial hookup options. It also offers showers, a playground, and vault toilets.

Free Camping

Bureau of Land Management free camping is available at Angel Peak and in the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area in dispersed camping areas. To find these opportunities and others, you can search "BLM camping near me" on your smartphone once in the area.

RV Rentals Near Angel Peak Scenic Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Angel Peak Scenic Area BLM trip

Angel Peak Scenic Area is in an arid environment, so having plenty of water with you is essential to stay healthy and enjoy this trip. You should also wear gear appropriate to desert weather, including a hat, and apply sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. Farmington is nearby and has grocery stores and retail shops if you need supplies. BLM RV camping offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy Angel Peak and the surrounding areas. These sites are also great for escaping the hustle and bustle of privately owned campgrounds. However, preparing for a stay at a campsite that does not offer many amenities can be a challenging task. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

The BLM asks that you follow the "Leave No Trace" principles when recreating and camping on public lands. When you leave your campsite, make sure that you clean up. This means taking all trash, food scraps, and camping equipment with you when you move on. You should also keep your distance from wildlife and be respectful of fellow campers. Finally, when exploring, stay on designated trails to reduce soil erosion. By following the "Leave No Trace" principles, you can do your part to preserve public lands for the next RV'er and future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.