US Forest Service
Learn about camping and boondocking in national forests and grasslands.
Big Tesuque Campground, Santa Fe, NM
This is a free, developed campground offered by Santa Fe National Forest. There are 10 small camping units intended for tents only, though it's common to see vans, pickup truck campers, and small trailers set up in the parking lot. It's also a popular picnic stop along the road to the ski resort at the top.
Aspen Basin Campground, 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.
Rio Puerco Campground, Coyote, NM
This is a free, developed campground offered by Santa Fe National Forest, located close to San Pedro Parks Wilderness. There are five campsites here, but are sized small. Trailers up to 20 feet in length are okay, but it'll tough getting in something larger. There is tight turnaround at the end that may be too small for larger rigs.
Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area, Abiquiu, NM
This is a free, designated dispersed camping area offered by Santa Fe National Forest. It's a large, sandy riverbank near a bend in the river where whirlpools commonly form. There's enough room here for a dozen or so campers, but nothing for large RVs, The only amenity is a vault toilet on site.
Oak Point Dispersed Camping Area, Abiquiu, NM
This is a free, designated dispersed camping area offered by Santa Fe National Forest. It's located along Forest Road 151, about 26.7 miles northwest of Abiquiu, NM, which is where the nearest fuel and supplies are. This camping area is popular with those seeking water activities along the Chama River.
Rio Chama Campground, Abiquiu, NM
This is a free, developed campground offered by Santa Fe National Forest. Open only from April through November, it offers 12 sites, some of which are large enough for 20-28 foot long trailers or motorhomes. The road throughout the campground is firm-packed dirt, suitable for any vehicle.
Resumidero Campground, Coyote, NM
This is a designated dispersed camping area offered for free by Santa Fe National Forest. It's a large alpine meadow with a grassy area large enough for dozens of full-sized RVs. Camping is permitted off of roads as long you remain within 150 feet from the side of a road.
New Canyon Campground, Estancia, NM
This is a small, developed campground offered free by Cibola National Forest. It's strictly for tent campers, though it has a small dirt parking area, but only large enough for a few small vehicles. Motorhomes and trailers just won't fit here, unless you're talking tear-drop trailers. Vans, pickup truck campers, or roof-top tents are doable.
Water Canyon Campground, Socorro, NM
This is a free, developed campground offered by Cibola National Forest, with about 10-12 campsites, many of which are large enough for small to mid-sized trailers and motorhomes. There is a group campsite with pavilion nearby, and a picnic area for day-use. There is also a trailhead nearby.
Springtime Campground, Truth or Consequences, NM
This is a free, developed campground offered by Cibola National Forest. There are six campsites, each with "Adirondack" style shelters intended for campers wanting to roll out a sleeping bag on the ground. It's a long drive along rough and rocky dirt road that can get muddy in wet weather.