Aspen Basin Campground, Santa Fe, NM

Espanola Ranger District

Santa Fe National Forest

Free Camping Near Santa Fe, NM

This is a free camping area offered by Santa Fe National Forest. It's located in the woods inside the parking lot "loop". There are about 10 picnic tables for tent campers, but the parking lot is also permitted for vehicle-campers, including motorhomes and trailers.

Authority

Espanola Ranger District logo

Espanola Ranger District

Santa Fe National Forest

District Office

Tel: (505) 753-7331

Official campground webpage

Particulars

GPS: 35.7954, -105.8041

Elevation: 10,312 feet

Reservations: First come, first served

Camping Fee: None

Permit: None

Max stay: 14 days in a 45-day period

Amenities: Vault toilet, picnic tables, fire rings

Submitted by

Admin Staff

Admin Staff

Boondocker's Bible

Camping at Aspen Basin Campground

Aspen Basin Campground is located adjacent to the very large parking area at Santa Fe Ski Basin. There are 10 units with picnic tables and fire rings. There is a vaulted toilet at the far west end of the parking lot. This campground is less developed than most, and primarily serves those who use it for an overnight stay before embarking on a backpack into the Pecos.

At 10,200 feet above sea level, it’s one of the highest campgrounds approachable via paved road in the US Forest Service system.

There is ample space for trailer/RV camping, but no dump station is available. There is no potable water and no campground host. The entire area is scenic, and NM 475 is also designated as the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. Because of the scenic quality and the easy access from Santa Fe, the area is very busy, especially in the summer and in the fall aspen viewing season.

Aspen Basin Campground is located about fifteen miles from downtown Santa Fe on NM 475.

Other Campsites Within 20 Miles Radius

Associated Documents

Santa Fe National Forest Order 10-494, Occupancy rules, camping limits, alcohol possession, public nudity, (eff: June 10, 2021, term: December 31, 2026)
Motor Vehicle Use Map, Espanola & Pecos Ranger Districts, Illustrates dispersed camping restrictions & OHV restrictions, (eff: January 1, 2024)
Motor Vehicle Use Map, Coyote, Cuba, & Espanola Ranger Districts, Illustrates dispersed camping restrictions & OHV restrictions, (eff: January 1, 2024)
Motor Vehicle Use Map, Jemez & Espanola Ranger Districts, Illustrates dispersed camping restrictions & OHV restrictions, (eff: January 1, 2024)

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