Camping in the National Forest of New Mexico is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy some of the most stunning scenery in the United States. With over 5 million acres of public land to explore, there are plenty of options for camping trips in this beautiful state.
The U.S. Forest Service manages five national forests here in New Mexico, which include the Gila, Lincoln, Carson, Santa Fe, and Cibola National Forests. Each of these forests offers a variety of camping opportunities for visitors, from primitive sites to RV campgrounds.
Gila National Forest: This national forest is located in southwestern New Mexico and covers about 3 million acres of rugged mountain terrain. It is home to several species of wildlife and offers both primitive camping sites as well as developed campgrounds with amenities such as picnic tables and grills.
Lincoln National Forest: Located in south-central New Mexico near Alamogordo, this forest covers 1.1 million acres and is known for its abundant wildlife and outdoor recreation activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and camping. Primitive camping is allowed throughout the forest but there are also developed campgrounds located throughout the area that offer amenities such as picnic tables and restrooms.
Carson National Forest: Located in northern New Mexico near Taos Ski Valley, this forest covers 1.5 million acres and offers spectacular views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The forest has several developed campgrounds with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, grills, and restrooms; however primitive camping is still allowed in certain areas with a free permit from the U.S Forest Service office in Taos or Questa Ranger District office located on State Highway 522 south of Questa or at their website www.fs.usda/goto/r3/carson.
Santa Fe National Forest: This 1.6 million acre national forest spans across northern New Mexico from east to west along the Rio Grande corridor between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. It has several developed campgrounds that offer amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, water spigots, restrooms; however primitive camping is still allowed with a free permit from any one of their district offices or online at wwwfsusdaorg/goto/santafe.
Cibola National Forest: This national forest covers about 1 million acres around Albuquerque and includes four separate mountain ranges: Sandia Mountains to the east; Manzano Mountains to the south; Gallinas Mountains to the west; Datil Mountains to the north – offering incredible views as well as plenty of opportunities for hiking trails and campsites – both primitive sites as well as developed campgrounds with amenities like grills and picnic tables available upon request at any one of their district offices or online at wwwfsusdaorg/goto/cibola.
So whether you’re looking for an opportunity to rough it out under starry skies or prefer something a bit more comfortable with modern amenities nearby – there’s certainly no shortage when it comes to options for camping trips here in National Forest New Mexico!
Conclusion: In conclusion it can be said that you can indeed camp anywhere within National Forest New Mexico that fits your desired needs depending on if you’re looking for a primitive campsite or a more developed area with more amenities nearby – either way it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!
