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Cabezon Road Campsite Rio Rancho NM Boondocking Location

by John Rodgers / Thursday, October 17, 2024 / Published in New Mexico
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Cabezon Road Campsite Rio Rancho NM
Boondocking Location

 

ADDRESS
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
GPS: 35.50252, -106.813744
Elevation: 5577′
MANAGEMENT
Public – Bureau of Land Management (Official)
505.761.8700
This is a FREE campsite.

 

Previous Reviews:

Cabezon Road Campsite Rio Rancho NM boondocking location: BLM land provides access to the White Mesa Bike Trails and Ojito Wilderness. Once you’ve passed the White Mesa Mine, you can stop for the night or continue on to the Ojito, where primitive camping is permitted.

The dirt road stretches for several miles, and we know of two stations with garbage cans and day-use parking. If you continue down Cabezon Road, it ends somewhere between San Luis and San Ysidiro.

The official WSA (Wilderness Study Area) features a parking lot, but no motorized vehicles are permitted beyond that point. Camping is permitted anywhere along BLM-maintained roads and areas.

About This Location

If you’re after a quiet spot to boondock near Albuquerque, Cabezon Road in New Mexico is honestly a solid pick. At Cabezon Road Campsite Rio Rancho NM boondocking location you get free dispersed camping, with about 6 to 15 campsites, and it’s best for RVs up to 15 feet long.

The road’s dirt, so expect a bumpy drive in. Not a huge deal, but it’s good to know before you roll out.

You’ll find open space and a chance to soak up nature without a crowd breathing down your neck. Cabezon Road Campsite Rio Rancho NM boondocking location is family-friendly and close to outdoor stuff like hiking and off-road trails.

If you want a simple, no-frills camping experience, Cabezon Road Campsite Rio Rancho NM boondocking location delivers.

Location And Access

You’ll find the Cabezon Road Campsite Rio Rancho NM boondocking location near Rio Rancho, New Mexico. It sits about 20 miles northwest of Albuquerque.

To get there, take US Highway 550 and turn west onto County Road 279, which locals call Cabezon Road. The access road is dirt and gets rough in places, so a vehicle with decent clearance helps a lot.

The road leads you to several dispersed camping spots in a pretty wild landscape. There are 6 to 15 campsites along this stretch, good for tents and smaller RVs.

Maximum RV length is about 15 feet—definitely not the place for a big rig. You can camp for up to seven days at each site, which feels just right if you ask me.

Nearby landmarks include Cabezon Peak and the Ojito Wilderness. Both are worth a hike or a wander if you’re in the mood.

You’ll find quiet, open spaces but almost no services. Bring all your water and supplies—seriously, don’t count on picking up anything nearby the Cabezon Road Campsite Rio Rancho NM boondocking location.

Feature Details
Location Rio Rancho, NM
Access Road Dirt road (CR 279)
Nearby Highway US 550
Campsites Available 6 to 15
Maximum RV Length 15 feet
Recommended Vehicle High-clearance preferred
Maximum Stay 7 days

Directions

To get to the Cabezon Road Campsite Rio Rancho NM boondocking location start from Rio Rancho to reach Cabezon Road boondocking. Plug these GPS coordinates into your map: 35.50252, -106.813744.

From US Highway 550, head west on County Road 279. This spot is about 20 miles northwest of San Ysidro.

Watch for the turnoff signs as you get close. The road isn’t paved, but most vehicles can handle it if you take it slow.

After rain, things get slick and muddy, so drive with extra care. Once you arrive, look for open spots along Cabezon Road where dispersed camping is allowed.

The Bureau of Land Management oversees this area, and it’s totally free to use. There aren’t any marked facilities or services, so you’ll need to bring everything for a self-sufficient camping trip.

Amenities And Activities

At Cabezon Road Campsite Rio Rancho NM boondocking location, you’ll find the basics for a comfortable boondocking stay. There are picnic tables to sit at and eat, and trash cans are around to help keep the place tidy.

A shooting range sits nearby if you’re into target shooting. The area’s mostly raw land, so don’t expect much in the way of facilities.

For activities, you’ve got options. You can hit the biking trails, which work for all skill levels.

Horseback riding is popular here too, with designated horse trails ready to explore. If you’re into climbing, check out the rock climbing around Cabezon Peak.

It’s a great spot if you love being outside and don’t mind a little ruggedness.

Amenity Details
Picnic Tables Available
Trash Cans Present
Shooting Range Near the site
Activities Description
Biking Trails for all skill levels
Horseback Riding Designated horse trails
Rock Climbing Climbing near Cabezon Peak

Camping Regulations And Restrictions

If you’re planning to camp at Cabezon Road Campsite Rio Rancho NM boondocking location, there are a few rules you really need to know. This spot offers dispersed camping, so you won’t find any developed campsites or facilities out here.

You can stay for up to 7 days at a time. After that, you’ll need to move to a different spot so things don’t get crowded or overused.

The area only allows RVs up to 15 feet long. If your rig’s bigger than that, you’ll have to look elsewhere—these roads and sites just can’t handle large vehicles.

Getting here means driving down a dirt road. Take it slow, especially if it’s rained recently. Make sure your vehicle can handle rough, unpaved surfaces.

There are usually about 6 to 15 campsites scattered around. They’re pretty barebones—no water, no trash bins, no restrooms. Bring everything you need and, honestly, pack out everything you brought with you. Follow the Leave No Trace principles.

You might be able to have a campfire, but only if local fire rules allow it. Check for bans first. If you see an existing fire ring, use it. And please, don’t ever leave a fire burning unattended.

Try not to disturb the plants or wildlife. Deal with human waste responsibly—either use a portable toilet or bury your waste at least 6 inches deep and 200 feet from any water source.

If everyone does their part, Cabezon Road Campsite Rio Rancho NM boondocking location stays wild and welcoming for the next group of campers. Isn’t that the whole point?

 

AMENITIES: ACTIVITIES:
Picnic Tables
Shooting Range
Trash Cans
Biking
Horse Trails
Rock Climbing
Wildlife Viewing

 

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