South of Valles Caldera Dispersed Camping

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.

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.