Caja del Rio Plateau Campsite Santa Fe NM
Boondocking Location
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Santa Fe, New Mexico GPS: 35.691879, -106.21582 Elevation: 6692′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (USDA) (Official) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Caja del Rio Plateau Campsite Santa Fe NM boondocking location: The Caja del Rio Plateau is a vast and desolate landscape of old volcanoes, wells, horse traps, and other wild west remnants, as well as dirt roads and trails. It is located at the eastern margin of the Rio Grande, the lifeblood of central New Mexico, between the river and Santa Fe.
The views from the Caja are spectacular, sometimes to the west overlooking Los Alamos/White Rock and occasionally to the south towards Albuquerque. Typical Western huge sky.
About This Location
If you’re after a quiet, roomy place to boondock near Santa Fe, the Caja del Rio Plateau in New Mexico deserves a look. You’ll find plenty of dispersed camping spots with dirt road access, so it’s easy to claim your own patch of solitude.
The Caja del Rio Plateau Campsite Santa Fe NM boondocking location sits high enough to give you sweeping mountain views and, surprisingly, solid cell signal in many spots. It’s practical, peaceful, and has a bit of that “hidden gem” vibe for overnight stays.
Roads here are decent, even for bigger rigs, but don’t expect anything fancy—no hookups, no amenities, just you and the land. Folks come out for backpacking and off-road exploring, so if you want something to do, you won’t run out of options.
Looking for a safe, quiet spot close to Santa Fe? This plateau makes a strong case.
Location And Access
The Caja del Rio Plateau sprawls northwest of Santa Fe, New Mexico. You’ll get to the Caja del Rio Plateau Campsite Santa Fe NM boondocking location by taking Highway 599 north out of town, then turning onto local roads that snake up to the plateau.
Dirt and gravel roads lead you in, and most vehicles can handle them—though after a rain, you’ll want high clearance. The ground can get a bit sketchy if it’s muddy.
You’ll spot several dispersed camping areas scattered across the plateau. There aren’t any developed campgrounds or marked sites, so you’ll need to choose a spot carefully and stick to Leave No Trace.
Camping’s allowed in most places, but some sections have overnight restrictions. Always check for posted rules before you settle in.
Cell service drops out in much of the plateau. Download your maps or GPS ahead of time so you don’t get lost if you lose signal.
The Caja del Rio Plateau Campsite Santa Fe NM boondocking location really suits campers who like wide-open, quiet spaces and don’t need hookups or facilities.
Quick access tips:
- Go slow on the dusty, loose roads
- Bring all the water and supplies you’ll need
- Steer clear of wildlife-sensitive areas
- Double-check for seasonal closures or restrictions
Directions
To get to the Caja del Rio Plateau Campsite Santa Fe NM boondocking location start from Santa Fe, New Mexico. Head north on US-285 for about 6 miles.
Turn left onto County Road 62. This road heads you straight toward the plateau.
Stay on County Road 62 for around 8 miles. The pavement may disappear, but most standard vehicles can still make it.
Keep your eyes peeled for dispersed camping spots along the route. It’s pretty open, so you’ll have options.
Cell service is spotty, but Verizon users sometimes get two bars here and there. Not a guarantee, though.
Bring a paper map or offline GPS, just in case. The area’s big, and not every path is clearly marked.
Make sure your vehicle’s up for a few rough patches. Weather can change the road fast, so check local updates if you can.
Amenities And Activities
When you camp at Caja del Rio Plateau Campsite Santa Fe NM boondocking location, don’t expect any built amenities. No restrooms, no water, no trash cans—just open land.
You’ll drive in on a decent gravel road, so most vehicles can make it. But there’s no water, trash pickup, or electric hookups, so you’ve gotta come prepared.
Outdoor lovers will find plenty to do. Run, hike, or mountain bike the nearby trails. The open vistas are perfect for wildlife watching by day and stargazing once the sun drops.
Dog owners will appreciate the off-leash dog park nearby. It’s a nice bonus if your pup needs to burn off some energy.
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find:
| Amenities | Activities |
|---|---|
| No restrooms or water | Running |
| Gravel road access | Biking |
| No trash service | Hiking |
| No electric hookups | Wildlife watching |
| Off-leash dog park nearby | Stargazing |
Follow the Leave No Trace principles. Pack out everything you bring in. This spot really relies on folks following Leave No Trace—nobody wants to find your trash blowing across the plateau.
Camping Regulations And Restrictions
When you’re camping on the Caja del Rio Plateau Campsite Santa Fe NM boondocking location, you’ve got to stick to some rules to help protect the land. Dispersed camping is fine, so you can set up outside the developed campgrounds.
But don’t stay in one spot longer than 14 days. No one charges fees for camping here.
Use vault toilets if you find them, and always pack out your trash. Fires might be okay, but double-check for fire restrictions before you light anything.
Overnight camping in certain areas is prohibited. Watch for signs or ask locals so you know where you can’t camp.
Pay attention to closures, or you might end up with a fine. Group size limits usually exist, so try to keep your party small.
That helps reduce your impact on the environment. Also, steer clear of camping right next to water sources to protect wildlife and keep the water clean.
Respect all posted signs and local rules. If you bring pets, keep them under control.
Be careful not to damage plants or disturb wildlife while you’re out there.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Shooting Range | OHV Hiking Horse Trails Hunting Wildlife Viewing |
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