Six Mile Canyon Dispersed Camping

I arrived around 4:30 on a Friday. There are a few sights to choose from varying in distance to the interstate and phone signal. There was no one here when I showed up. The views as you go further back are prettier but there is a stretch that made me nervous so I turned around and headed for the spot near the entrance. You can see I-40 but the noise isn’t too bad. I was playing with my pup getting out some energy when four (presumably wild) dogs came up. I quickly shuttered my dog into the camper and the others ran off. I shrugged it off and continued to set up camp just planning to stay for a night. I was putting up my window covers when a man by the name of David came into my camp with his dog and parked his side by side. He said he liked to introduce himself to the campers that came through. The interaction was pleasant enough but his voice came off really quiet in a bit of an unnerving way. He said he liked to run his dog on this road but his dog was in the side by side and after our interaction he turned around and drove off the way he came. I look up and he’s parked by the gates that lock. At this point the sun is setting. For context I’m a single female with a dog. This place is also a bit out there and I saw no one coming in. At this point I’m freaked out and left. The minute I started driving off so did he down the road in front of me and then sped off once he got to the main road.
I’m not sure what his intentions were but it gave me a really bad feeling.
Ladies just keep your eyes out. I wouldn’t come back here personally.
Two stars strictly for the scenery when you drive further back.

Gate was open. In fact, as I drove up the frontage road to gate a sheriff was driving out. I stopped and motioned to roll down window to confirm that dry camping was permitted. He confirmed that it was.
Clouds were forming and monsoon has arrived, so based on reviews below I was concerned about wet, muddy road. I needn't have been. It rained a bit. But, as an AZ gal, I can attest to the fact that the few washes that one crosses over will not retain water for long. Do not cross a flowing wash. However, the wait for a decrease in flow is usually short.
In addition, the road into the canyon has gravel added. So not likely to get very sticky/muddy.
I did not go too far into canyon on road. Walked it a ways to determine ease in passage. Very good gravel road with no washboard when I came. Not recommended for big rigs. But, my 19' Airstream was great. Heard some hwy noise as well as train. Both distant. But, I was camping at top, above canyon. Lower down was sweet & quiet. A bit in some very sweet & quiet sites. No crowds. 16 miles to Gallup.

Unfortunately NM got some heavy rains when we wanted to stay (enough that 40 was shut down too). So it’s not surprising that the water ways there were a muddy mess. I didn’t have a problem getting across but we need our other caravan car (Ford Edge) wouldn’t make it. Shane, we were looking forward to checking out this spot. Just make sure you always check the weather and have a plan if you get trapped in or need to camp somewhere else!

We found a quiet spot down a dirt road off the gravel road. We have a Casita so had no problem finding a spot. A bigger rig would want to camp at one of the first sites near the entrance to camping area. The gravel road going in was about 1.5 miles to the first cattle gate, was gravel but did dip down through 5 washes. Those would make these sites inaccessible if it has rained or will be raining. Would definitely stay here again.

We are traveling from the Grand Canyon, AZ to San Angelo, TX. This was to be our first one night stop. We decided to stay for 2 nights because of high winds and serious gusting expected today and tomorrow. We will just drive longer on our 3rd travel day. We are probably about 2+ miles from the gate on 6 Mile Canyon Rd. We have about 58' total between 5th wheel and long bed truck. Not too many place for a rig our size unless we had twice the leveling supplies...and we have a LOT! Would be great for a smaller rig or vanlife campers. We do have a beautiful site and are very glad to spend 2 nights here. We saw a van, car/trailer and two sites had multiple tents set up. Will definitely keep this on our favorites list!!

I only stayed one night while passing through but it was very quiet. Some highway noise if you stay near the entrance but once you head back, it gets quiet. No services or amenities so pack in and pack out. There’s a gas station about 7 minutes away. Beautiful sunsets and plenty of coyotes howling in the early morning. Felt safe and would stay again!