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BLM Camping

Casamero Pueblo


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

Casamero Pueblo is a BLM site in northwest New Mexico. It is an ancient Chacoan archaeological site that's located about 101 miles west of Albuquerque. BLM sites like this one are on public lands administered by the federal Bureau of Land Management. Most of these undeveloped lands are open to everyone for activities like hiking, biking, climbing, camping, and horseback riding—although permissible activities vary from site to site. 

Casamero Pueblo is an outlier of the large Chacoan settlement at Chaco Canyon, which is now the site of Chaco Culture National Historic Park. People lived at Casamero Pueblo between AD 1000 and 1125. Hiking and taking pictures of these fascinating remains are the main activities there. Camping isn't permitted at this archaeological site, but you can find lots of BLM camping opportunities nearby. This part of the Land of Enchantment has many miles of public lands, but they're often next to private, tribal, or military lands, which you can't cross without written permission. However, if you stick to county, state, and national highways, you'll be good to go! 

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

Casamero Pueblo Trail Ruins

The trail that winds around the ruins of this pueblo is short but climbs in elevation as it passes the sites. Interpretive signs provide info as you travel. Look for the Tecolote (Owl) Mesa, which has two circles that resemble owl eyes.

Length: 0.3 miles

Intensity: Moderate

The Bluewater Dam Trail

Head to Bluewater Lake State Park near Prewitt for an easy out-and-back trail with scenic views of the water and the Zuni Mountains.

Length: 1.5 miles

Intensity: Easy

Mount Sedgwick Trail

This mountain trail is south of Casamero Pueblo near Grants. Following this trail takes you to the highest peak in the Zuni Mountains. Hiking, biking, and OHVing are all allowed on this trail.

Length: 5.4 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and BoatingFishing and Boating

Bluewater Lake State Park is the nearest location to Casamero Pueblo for fishing, boating, and swimming. A beach and boat docks await you there. Get ready for a big haul — these waters are known for some amazing tiger-muskie fishing!

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

In the area in and around Casamero Pueblo, you can spot cute prairie dogs, jackrabbits, ground squirrels, colorful collared lizards, and graceful mule deer. Pronghorn, a mammal species that looks similar to antelope, also live in this area. The Grand Canyon tarantula is native to this part of New Mexico, but don't worry – this species is shy and spends most of its time in a burrow.

Picnicking

Las Tusas Recreation Area at Bluewater Lake State Park has two group picnic shelters. The park also has a playground and restrooms with running water. It's a wonderful place to stop and enjoy a meal outdoors.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

Bluewater Lake Lodge RV and Horse Motel in Prewitt has large, open RV sites with full hookups for water, electricity, and sewer. It costs $20 per night for an RV. If you've brought along a horse, it can also sleep there for $10 nightly. Blue Spruce RV Park is in Grants. It has 25 RV sites, some with full hookups, plus free Wi-Fi, a rec hall, and a dump station. Grants KOA Journey is another great place for RV camping in the Casamero Pueblo area. In addition to its large pull-through sites with full hookups, it's got loads of amenities, like free Wi-Fi and cable, a playground, and a dog park. You can also get camp meals delivered to your site there.

Free Camping Campground Icon

Bureau of Land Management free camping spaces are available on all public lands away from the Casamero Pueblo site as long as that land doesn't display "closed to camping" signs or have other posted restrictions. RVers are encouraged to set up at existing dispersed campsites, which are usually found along unimproved roads. You can often recognize a location previously used for camping by the disturbed, flat appearance of the ground. Note that you must camp further than 900 feet from any developed water source so that it's free for access by wildlife and livestock. If you'd like more options for free campsites, search for "BLM camping near me."

RV Rentals Near Casamero Pueblo Plan your next adventure

Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Casamero Pueblo BLM trip

Staying in an RV at Bureau of Land Management Campgrounds in New Mexico is an unforgettable experience. Blazing orange and purple sunsets are the norm, and stargazing is spectacular there. Most of the BLM lands in this part of the state are remote and don't get cell service, and they also don't have potable water or restrooms, so make sure to come prepared. 

The landscape is rugged, and the weather is unpredictable. Temperatures can swing from 25 degrees to 75 degrees in a single day. It makes sense to pack clothes that you can layer as the temperatures change. For more tips before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for everything you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

Nobody wants to leave an adverse effect on the local land or wildlife when they visit BLM lands. You can do your part by packing out anything that you bring to your campsite. Campfires are permitted, but keep a very close eye on them because this area is prone to droughts, creating a very high fire risk. Fireworks are strictly banned on public lands. Do your best to leave local animals and plants as undisturbed as possible. You can obtain specific guidelines for each BLM site by contacting the local field office.

Leave No Trace
Location

Casamero Pueblo Location

The nearest town to Casamero Pueblo is Prewitt. After taking the exit for Prewitt from Interstate 40, continue north to Frontage Road. Keep going about 0.5 miles until you reach County Road 19. Take a left there, and continue for about four miles to arrive at the Casamero Pueblo parking area.

Ready to visit Casamero Pueblo? 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.