Cibola NM National Forest Boondocking Location
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Tijeras, New Mexico GPS: 35.03405, -106.35473 Elevation: 7024′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (Unofficial) The road in is Gravel and 10 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Review:
To get to the Cibola NM National Forest boondocking location, we took Highway 337 south from Interstate 40 east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. We headed left into Cibola National Forest. There are trailheads there. There is no formal campground, yet people camp there anyway. There were several interesting cacti and plants.
The coordinates supplied for this location only represent the loop’s entrance. The Cedro Campground is closed, although there are other trailheads with enough parking around this loop.
The Cedro Peak trailhead features a rather large dirt/gravel lot with some outhouses.
Previous Review:
To get to the Cibola NM National Forest boondocking location, we took Highway 337 south from Interstate 40 east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. We headed left into Cibola National Forest. There are trailheads there. There is no formal campground, yet people camp there anyway. There were several interesting cacti and plants.
The coordinates supplied for this location only represent the loop’s entrance. The Cedro Campground is closed, although there are other trailheads with enough parking around this loop.
The Cedro Peak trailhead features a rather large dirt/gravel lot with some outhouses.
About This Location
If you want a quiet spot to camp without established facilities, the Cibola NM National Forest boondocking location at GPS: 35.03405, -106.35473 might be just the ticket.
You can camp for free here, surrounded by nature with plenty of space and privacy.
You’ll drive in on basic dirt roads. There aren’t any hookups or services, so bring water, food, and fuel.
If you want to avoid crowded campgrounds, this spot works well. You get nearby trails and some pretty great views for hiking and exploring.
It’s a solid choice if you crave a wilderness vibe but still want to be within reach of towns for supplies.
Location And Access
This Cibola NM National Forest boondocking spot sits at GPS coordinates 35.03405, -106.35473.
It’s tucked into northern New Mexico, right on the edge of the forest.
You can get there by car, but the roads are mostly dirt or gravel. SUVs or trucks with decent clearance handle it best.
Large trailers or cars with low clearance might struggle here. From Bernalillo, it’s about a 20-mile drive northwest.
Cell service drops out sometimes, so bring a map or GPS. There aren’t official signs marking the site.
Look for open clearings near the GPS spot. Parking is dispersed, and you probably won’t see many other campers around.
No services here—bring all your own water, food, and waste disposal stuff. Respect the area and pack out everything you bring.
Access at a glance:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 35.03405, -106.35473 |
| Nearest Town | Bernalillo, NM (about 20 miles) |
| Road Type | Dirt/gravel, suitable for SUVs or trucks |
| Services | None (self-sufficient camping only) |
Directions
If you’re coming from Albuquerque, NM, hop on I-40 west for about 20 miles.
Take the Tijeras exit (Exit 175), then follow NM-333 west for around 10 miles. Forest Road 333 will be on your right.
Drive Forest Road 333 with care—it’s mostly dirt and gets rough in spots. High-clearance vehicles do better here.
Stay on Forest Road 333 for about 5 miles. You’ll spot signs pointing toward the Cibola NM National Forest boondocking area.
Plug in 35.03405, -106.35473 to guide your final approach. Roads can get narrow, and cell signal is unreliable.
A paper map never hurts. Parking is scattered, so take your time to find a good spot.
Night falls quickly and there’s not much light, so try to arrive before dark if you want an easy setup.
Amenities And Activities
At this Cibola NM National Forest boondocking spot, you won’t find running water or electricity. It’s primitive camping all the way, so pack in everything you’ll need, including water, food, and waste disposal gear.
You’ll get wide open spaces for hiking, star gazing, and bird watching. The setting is quiet, far from busy campgrounds.
Trails nearby let you wander the forest and hills. Bring your camera—there are plenty of scenic views and wildlife.
| Amenities | Details |
|---|---|
| Water | Not available on site |
| Restrooms | No facilities on location |
| Electricity | None |
| Trash Disposal | Pack out all trash |
Common activities include:
- Hiking
- Wildlife viewing
- Camping under the stars
- Photography
Bring all your own gear and expect a basic, self-reliant experience. If you want to unplug and just soak in nature, this place fits the bill.
Camping Regulations And Restrictions
You need to camp only in designated areas within the Cibola National Forest. Sticking to these spots goes a long way toward protecting the land and local wildlife.
Don’t set up your camp too close to water sources. That helps prevent pollution, even if it sometimes feels inconvenient.
Campfires are allowed, but only in existing fire rings or pits. Remember to check current fire restrictions before lighting up—sometimes, especially during dry spells, fires are banned.
Always pack out your trash. Leaving no trace keeps the forest cleaner for everyone who comes after you. Follow the Leave No Trace principles.
If you’ve got a portable toilet, use it. If not, you’ll need to bury any human waste at least 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water.
Camping stays usually max out at 14 days within any 30-day window. If you want to stay longer, you’ll need to check in with the forest office about permits.
Keep your vehicle on existing roads and parking areas. Off-road driving isn’t allowed, and it does a number on the plants and soil.
Stick to marked trails. It’s honestly better for the forest, and you’ll avoid causing erosion.
Keep pets under control at all times. Please pick up after them—it’s just considerate.
Pay attention to posted signs and whatever rangers tell you. If you don’t, you could get fined or even asked to leave this Cibola NM National Forest boondocking location.
These rules might seem strict, but they really do help keep the forest wild and beautiful for the next folks who want to camp out there.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Tent Camping Hiking Wildlife viewing Camping under the stars Photography |
Have you been to this location?Please help us and future travelers by |