Carson National Forest – Tres Piedras Boondocking
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Tres Piedras, New Mexico GPS: 36.465424, -105.893705 Elevation: 7569′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (Official) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Carson National Forest Tres Piedras NM boondocking location: The road in is Dirt and 2 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. Dispersed camping and boondocking in undeveloped Carson National Forest. No facilities/services. Sand roads, not recommended for trailers. Verizon 3G/4G available.
Great, secluded location. We stayed on a great level pull-off with trees and stacks of black pallets. There’s very little trash. Create makeshift fire pits. I saw only two other vehicles over my four days here. There is some highway noise, but mostly it is pretty quiet.
There is no light pollution, which allows for excellent stargazing. If you follow the specified coordinates, you’ll enter halfway up, missing only a number of exposed locations. There are more private spots if you turn right at the tree line further in, but you will lose the vista. Beyond that right turn, I couldn’t find any additional spots.
About This Location
If you’re looking for a quiet, free spot to camp near Tres Piedras, New Mexico, Carson National Forest has some great boondocking options. The Carson National Forest Tres Piedras NM boondocking locations have flat terrain, scattered trees, and wide-open spaces that make it easy to set up camp without the hassle of a formal campground.
You can camp off Highway 64 near Tres Piedras, where dispersed sites let you enjoy nature without fees or crowds. It’s honestly pretty peaceful at Carson National Forest Tres Piedras NM boondocking locations.
This spot is managed for hiking, fishing, hunting, and other outdoor activities. You’ll find plenty to do if you’re up for exploring during the day.
The dispersed camping sites give you the freedom to connect with nature. You’ll stay close to basic amenities and ranger services, which is always a plus.
Boondocking here feels simple and low-key. Whether you’re rolling up in a tent or a camper van, the easy access and open spaces make it a solid choice.
Location And Access
You’ll find the boondocking area near Tres Piedras in Carson National Forest, New Mexico. This spot is all about dispersed camping—no developed facilities, just peace and quiet among the trees.
To get there, take Highway 64. Coming from the east, pass the ranger station and keep an eye out for a sign on the right; that’s your turn for the free camping area.
The ground is mostly flat, so parking or setting up camp is pretty straightforward. You can drive standard vehicles in, though a few dirt roads may get a bit rough—just use some caution.
Check local conditions before you head out. The Camino Real Ranger District manages this area, so you can always call them for updates if you’re not sure.
Bring everything you’ll need—water, food, and any supplies. There aren’t any hookups or services here, so you’re really on your own.
| Key Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Tres Piedras, NM |
| Access Route | Highway 64, east side of ranger station |
| campsite Type | Dispersed (boondocking) |
| Vehicle Requirements | Standard vehicles, dirt roads |
| Facilities | None (no water, no hookups) |
This site gives you a rustic camping experience if you want to unplug and get off the grid.
Directions
To reach the Carson National Forest Tres Piedras NM boondocking locations, start in Penasco, New Mexico. Head east on State Route 75 for about 4.8 miles until you hit a “T” intersection.
Turn right onto State Route 518. The road isn’t marked, so keep your eyes open.
Continue for roughly 6.8 miles on Route 518. After this drive, you’ll find dispersed camping areas near Tres Piedras.
The site sits about 40 miles from Taos, NM, so it’s not a bad stop if you’re coming from that direction.
If you’re starting in Tres Piedras, follow signs into the forest and look for less-developed, dispersed sites. There aren’t any marked campgrounds, so you’ll need to scout out a spot off the main roads.
Swing by the local ranger station if you need a map or want some advice. The Camino Real Ranger District office is the closest and can give you more detailed directions or updates.
Tips for your trip:
- Bring a detailed map or a GPS—navigation out here can get tricky.
- Watch for signs so you don’t end up on private land.
- Expect limited cell service; it’s pretty remote.
Amenities And Activities
When you go to Carson National Forest Tres Piedras NM boondocking locations, expect limited amenities. There aren’t any developed facilities like restrooms or water stations at most dispersed camping spots.
Bring your own water, food, and everything else you’ll need. Some areas have shaded spots and flat ground for tents or RVs.
Roads into these sites are usually fine for passenger cars, but sometimes conditions change. It’s smart to check road info before you head out.
You’ll find good hiking, wildlife watching, and plenty of chances for photography. Trails wind through the forest, or you can just soak up the quiet and natural beauty.
Stargazing is fantastic here thanks to the low light pollution. If you want something more organized, Agua Piedra Campground is nearby with marked sites off NM-518. It’s basic but might suit you if you prefer a little more structure.
| Amenities | Availability |
|---|---|
| Water sources | None at dispersed sites |
| Restrooms | Not available in boondocking areas |
| Shade | Some spots with natural shade |
| Vehicle access | Usually accessible by passenger car |
| Nearby developed campgrounds | Agua Piedra Campground |
Plan ahead and pack out all your trash. Follow forest rules to help keep the place beautiful for the next folks who visit.
Camping Regulations And Restrictions
When you camp in the Carson National Forest Tres Piedras NM boondocking locations, you’ve got to stick to some rules. Dispersed camping means there aren’t any amenities—no water, bathrooms, or trash cans.
You’ll need to bring everything you need and pack out what you bring in. It’s all on you.
You can stay up to 14 days in one dispersed site. After that, you’ve got to move at least five road miles before you set up camp somewhere else.
Some spots ask for a permit, so double-check before you head out. Always camp in designated dispersed areas and stay off unmarked roads.
Follow the Leave No Trace principles. Clean up your trash, keep campfires small, and give wildlife their space.
Grab the Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) to see where you’re allowed to drive and camp. These maps show you the right spots and help you steer clear of closed areas.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Tent Camping OHV Biking Fishing Hiking Horse Trails Hunting Wildlife Viewing |
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