Bosque del Apache Dispersed Camping

There are a few sites right by the interstate if you take a left off of the main dirt road. They would be great for quick overnight stops—they seemed pretty flat and the road was accessible. It’s flat with lots of creosote and prickly pear. There’s not a lot to see, though mountain views to the west. You are likely to see other campers as the spots are pretty close together and there are only a few.

However, if you want to stay for longer, see better views, and be more isolated, take a right off of the main road and keep driving. The road is a bit rough—rocky with some sections of washboards, but take it slow and smaller rigs and passenger vehicles should be fine. Go back about 3-4 miles and there is a nice spot next to an old corral big enough for a large rig. Keep going another mile or two and you’ll enter the hills with amazing canyon views. There are a few spots along the wash, all with incredible privacy and views. Obviously, don’t stay here in low lying areas when there is a risk of flash flooding. We stayed for 8 days in our 24’ motorhome and explored the canyons and mountains. Also, treat yourself to a drive further down the road and see some incredible cliffs and canyons.

I think it’d be fine for a couple or a group, just got a bad vibe. I can’t explain exactly what it was, but I didn’t feel safe so I left right away. It was easy enough to find, right off the highway. Maybe if I’d been with other people or in a big RV, it was a decent enough spot. There was room for big rigs or groups of people. Right away, I just got a bad vibe. There was no one else around, it was still light out, and I was tired, but I trust my intuition even when it’s just a weird feeling. Maybe it was the shotgun shells or the tire tracks that looked like someone had been doing donuts. The short time I was there, I got good ATT cell service and caught the beginning of a pretty sunset!

We arrived at this spot around 9pm. It’s a bit difficult to navigate at night so Id try to arrive before sunset. The spot itself is nice, my only issue is all the trash. It’s definitely the most trash filled spot I’ve personally been to. So just remember, pack in pack out.

It’s very quiet here even though you’re right off the highway. We had the place all to ourselves as well. I’d definitely come back.