Cabezon Peak Wilderness Study Area
San Ysidro NM Boondocking Location
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Unnamed Road San Ysidro, New Mexico GPS: 35.610124, -107.12188 Elevation: 6237′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Bureau of Land Management 505-761-8700 This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Cabezon Peak Wilderness Study Area NM boondocking location is open all year. Free Dispersed camping in the Bureau of Land Management Rio Puerco District. First come -> first camped. No reservations are accepted.
Stunning vistas. It’s cow country, so be responsible and stay well away from watering holes. I found two camps with views of the back valley. I parked next to the primitive road on flat, arid ground. The road leading to the Cabezon Peak Wilderness Study Area NM boondocking location is to the right, and approximately halfway down the primitive road, you’ll notice the turnoff.
Beware, the camps appear to be for persons with higher clearance. There are no RVs whatsoever.
About This Location
If you’re hunting for a quiet, free spot to camp in New Mexico, Cabezon Peak Wilderness Study Area might be just the place. Cabezon Peak Wilderness Study Area NM boondocking location is famous for its wild volcanic plug—a steep, rocky landmark that gives the whole area a dramatic vibe.
You can camp here year-round on Bureau of Land Management land. No fees, no permits, just show up and set up.
You won’t find any developed facilities at Cabezon Peak Wilderness Study Area NM boondocking location, so you’ll need to bring whatever you need to get by. Roads like BLM 1114 let you find secluded spots, away from the crowds.
If you’re into exploring rugged landscapes or just want a peaceful night under a big sky, Cabezon Peak is a solid pick for off-grid camping.
Location And Access
Cabezon Peak Wilderness Study Area NM boondocking location sits in northwestern New Mexico, not far from the village of San Ysidro. It’s about 20 miles northwest of San Ysidro along US Highway 550.
To get there, turn west from US 550 onto County Road 279. Watch for a green sign marked “San Luis, Cabezon”—that’s your cue.
Drive about 12 miles southwest, passing through the tiny village of San Luis. At the intersection of CR 279 and BLM Road 1114, you’ll spot the old, privately-owned area called Cabezon.
Keep going south on BLM Road 1114 for another 2.9 miles. Eventually, you’ll see a dirt route veering into the Wilderness Study Area.
Key Access Points:
- Start: US 550, 20 miles northwest of San Ysidro
- Turn: West on County Road 279 (“San Luis, Cabezon” sign)
- Distance: 12 miles to BLM Road 1114
- Final: 2.9 miles on BLM Road 1114 to the dirt road
Most roads after the turnoff are unpaved. A high-clearance vehicle isn’t strictly required, but it sure makes things easier getting to Cabezon Peak Wilderness Study Area NM boondocking location.
Don’t count on services or reliable cell coverage out here.
Directions
To reach Cabezon Peak Wilderness Study Area NM boondocking location, start southwest past San Luis. Drive about 12 miles until you spot the turn-off for BLM Road 1114.
Turn onto BLM Road 1114 and keep going until you hit the intersection with County Road 279. It’s a good spot to double-check your route.
Roads like CR 279 and BLM Road 1114 are usually decent if it’s dry. If it’s rained recently, though, things can get slick and muddy, especially in spring or late summer.
A high-clearance vehicle is a smart choice. Some stretches of dirt road can get rough.
Here’s a quick checklist to keep your trip on track:
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Start | Southwest of San Luis |
| Distance to Turn-off | About 12 miles |
| Turn onto | BLM Road 1114 |
| Key Intersection | BLM 1114 and CR 279 |
| Vehicle Recommendation | High-clearance recommended |
Bring a map or GPS. Cell service can be spotty, sometimes nonexistent.
Amenities And Activities
Cabezon Peak Wilderness Study Area NM boondocking location is about as basic as it gets. You won’t find restrooms, picnic tables, or water sources—nothing fancy.
Bring your own water, food, and whatever else you need to be comfortable. You can camp wherever you want through dispersed camping, but be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles. The land’s pretty special, and it’s worth keeping it that way.
What can you do out here? Well:
- Hike around Cabezon Peak
- Watch for wildlife
- Snap some photos
- Stargaze (the night sky is ridiculous)
The Cabezon Peak Wilderness Study Area NM boondocking location stays open all year, so you can visit whenever works for you. Just remember, it’s a wilderness study area, so the goal is to keep things as undisturbed as possible.
There aren’t any official trails or signs. You’ll need to be comfortable navigating and handling yourself outdoors.
Cell service can fade out completely, so make your emergency plans ahead of time.
If you’re after quiet, primitive camping and a real taste of New Mexico’s wild side, this spot’s got you covered.
Camping Regulations And Restrictions
If you’re camping at Cabezon Peak Wilderness Study Area NM boondocking location, you’ll need to follow some specific rules to help protect the land. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees this area, so their regulations are in effect.
You can try free dispersed camping (a.k.a. boondocking) here. There aren’t any developed campgrounds or hookups, so you’ll need to camp in undeveloped spots and pack out every bit of your trash. Follow the Leave No Trace principles.
Fire rules can get strict. Use established fire rings if you spot them, and skip building new ones. Sometimes, especially when it’s dry, fires are completely banned. It’s smart to check current fire restrictions before you head out.
Always set up camp at least 200 feet away from water sources. This distance keeps water clean and gives wildlife their space.
Vehicles are welcome, but you have to stick to designated roads or existing tracks. Don’t drive over plants or make new paths—let’s not add more scars to the landscape.
You can’t stay forever. Camping is usually limited to 14 days within any 28-day period. After that, you need to move at least 25 miles away to a new site.
Respect quiet hours from dusk until dawn. It really does help keep things peaceful for everyone.
Leave natural and cultural resources alone. Take only photos—leave rocks, plants, and artifacts right where you found them.
Bring a portable toilet or, if you have to, dig a cathole at least six inches deep and 200 feet from water to deal with human waste.
It’s a good idea to check for updated rules or seasonal restrictions before your trip. Rules can change, and you don’t want to be caught off guard.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Pets Welcome | Tent Camping Camping Hiking Backpacking Climbing Walking Wildlife Viewing |
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