South of Valles Caldera Dispersed Camping
Santa Fe National Forest
Write a Review Forest Road 36 (FR-36) Jemez Springs, NM 87025 505-438-5300 Official WebsiteGPS: 35.8237, -106.4459
Location submitted by: KampKnupp
Overview of South of Valles Caldera Dispersed Camping
South of Valles Caldera Dispersed Camping is located about 15 miles west of Los Alamos, New Mexico. This area is managed by Santa Fe National Forest Jemez Ranger District and is a popular site for camping near Valles Caldera National Preserve as it is only 9 miles from the Valles Caldera Entrance Station. Campers should be aware that this area has a 14-day camping limit, dispersed campsites are first-come-first-served and do not have developed facilities or potable water (dry/primitive camping).
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: Boondocking 101
Last Price Paid: $0
Reported by Stephen on 10/31/2020
Pad Type dirt
Open Seasonally Yes
Elevation 8,825 ft / 2,689 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Reviews of South of Valles Caldera Dispersed Camping 2 people have reviewed this location.
“Free is good!”
Reviewed 10/31/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 0 |
I had come into the area from the west on Hwy 4 on Oct 16, 2020 and had hoped to stay in Jemez Falls Campground. Butit seems some folks get there early and then place chairs and stuff on other sites to hold for their friends coming in later. But this dispersed camping was my option 2. Had looked it up on Google Earth and saw other trailers (i pull a smallish 21’er). Suggest you enter the area east of Valles Caldera. On Hwy 4 about 2-3 miles east if entrance to Caldera there is a road named FS-289 or St. Peters Dome road on maps. Take this road going back west. It is hard packed gravel but wash board in some areas. The road actually traverses the north property boundary of Bandalier National Park. But about 2 miles down the road you will see a big area on left used for parking and what not. I set up there, although there are other dispersed sites along the FS roads. Many appeared to be taken when I arrived because Elk hunting season was starting day after I arrived. If you are tent camping or pulling small trailer lots of dispersed camping opportunities. But note, much of area couth of FS-289 is a burn area. But I did lots hiking and saw mule deer. Also, in the part that traverses Bandalier property thereis Alamo Trailhead that goes north to top of mountain and from there you can look north down into Valles Caldera. Great hiking area. One last point, best to get as faroff FS 289 as possible since the locals (from Los Alamos?) get wood cutting permits and they drive fast down the road and create lots dust.
Stephen would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Be ready for COWS!! ”
Reviewed 7/11/2020
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
There is a heard of cows roaming this area. Several cows grazed through our campsite. Getting close enough to slobber on the tent. Their physical presence wasn’t too big an issue, unless you ask my dog... but they are LOUD! And all night long. We will not go back because of it. Not peaceful at all.
That paired with the fire scars, this was a disappointing campsite.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- dry camping
- Dispersed Camping
Pets
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