New Mexico boondocking is the perfect getaway. The place is packed with gorgeous landscapes and some of the most interesting historic sites in the United States. In a few days, you can explore Ancestral Pueblo cliff dwellings, go snowboarding high in the mountains, and hike across enormous white sand dunes.
Best of all, boondocking in New Mexico is a breeze, thanks to the state’s wealth of public lands. More than 47% of the state is publicly owned, and much of that land is open for free dispersed camping. In this article, we will discuss our favorite spots.
Boondocking Sites in New Mexico
Chosa Campground
Explore the southern part of New Mexico from your home base at the Chosa Campground. Run by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), it’s located close to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Bring RVs of all sizes; the campground consists of a large, open gravel lot that’s easy to navigate. The nearest community is Carlsbad, which sits about 27 miles north.
Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area
Camp within driving distance of White Sands National Park at the Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area. Located in the Lincoln National Forest, this beautiful spot is also close to Cloudcroft and the fascinating historic mining sites in the region. The town of Alto is about 10 miles away. This campground offers designated sites, toilets, and drinking water, so it’s a popular choice; get there early, especially on weekends.
Dripping Springs Road, Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
The Dripping Springs Road dispersed camping area is located in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument. This spot is best suited for vehicles with high clearance and four-wheel drive; spots are limited for larger RVs. Nearby, the Organ Mountains offer fantastic hiking and biking opportunities. Cell service is strong, and Las Cruces is just 11 miles west.
Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary
The views of the stars are spectacular at the Cosmic Campground International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Since it’s popular among stargazers, the Forest Service suggests that you arrive and set up camp before dusk and avoid campfires or light sources when other campers are outdoors looking at the sky. Alma is located about 8 miles away; you’ll find basic services there. The eight sites accommodate RVs up to 32 feet long, and there are vault toilets in the campground.
Sante Fe National Forest
Explore Santa Fe and Bandelier National Monument from your campsite in the Sante Fe National Forest. This is one of the most convenient spots for free camping in New Mexico — most of the forest is open for dispersed camping as long as you’re at least 100 feet away from lakes and streams. Depending on where you camp in Santa Fe National Forest, Santa Fe, La Cienega, and White Rock are within an hour’s drive.
Where to Boondock in New Mexico
- Start with the BLM; local offices are always happy to recommend locations.
- You can also camp almost anywhere in New Mexico’s five national forests; some, including the Gila National Forest, offer designated dispersed campsites.
- Many New Mexico State Parks offer inexpensive dry camping.
- You’ll also find free overnight parking at many Walmart and Cracker Barrel locations, among others.
Boondocking is a fantastic way to experience New Mexico, and you’ll find numerous free campsites scattered around the state. If you want to experience New Mexico camping for yourself, but don’t have an RV, you can always rent one!
