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Mills Canyon Rim Campsite Mills NM Boondocking Location

by John Rodgers / Wednesday, October 23, 2024 / Published in New Mexico
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Mills Canyon Rim
Mills NM Boondocking Location

 

ADDRESS
Mills, New Mexico
GPS: 36.071833, -104.349431
Elevation: 5751′
MANAGEMENT
Public – Forest Service (Official)
This is a FREE campsite.

 

Previous Reviews:

Mills Canyon Rim Campsite Mills NM boondocking location: The road in is gravel and 7 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You may stay 14 days at Mills Canyon Rim Campsite.

This is a beautifully located campsite. It was completed in 2014 and has one pit toilet but no water or dumpster. It is about 7 miles from Hwy 39, of which the first 6 miles are a good gravel road while the last mile is a good dirt road which can become impassable after rain.

Right before the entrance to the campsiteis a concrete wash where we slightly touched the ground with our 32 ft Class A. There are 9 sites. Three of them can accommodate rigs up to 36 ft. Three other sites have horse corrals.

About This Location

If you’re after a quiet spot to boondock in New Mexico, Mills Canyon Rim Campground should be on your radar. You’ll find several campsites at the Mills Canyon Rim Campsite Mills NM boondocking location, and there’s enough room for RVs up to 35 feet. That’s a real bonus if you want to roll in with something bigger and not worry about squeezing into a tight spot. The campground sits at about 5,760 feet elevation and gives you the basics—vault toilets, some peace, and plenty of fresh air.

The road in is gravel, about 7 miles from the nearest pavement. You’ll perch right on the rim of the Canadian River Canyon, so you get those big views without having to brave any gnarly canyon descents. Mills Canyon Rim Campsite Mills NM boondocking location is a good fit for folks who want easy access but still crave that feeling of being out there.

Location And Access

Mills Canyon Rim Campsite Mills NM boondocking location hangs out in northeastern New Mexico, about 40 miles east of Interstate 25, high up on the prairie. It’s tucked near the edge of the Canadian River Canyon.

To get there, start on NM Highway 39 from Roy, NM. Head north for about 10 miles, then swing west onto Mills Canyon Road #600. Keep going west for roughly 9 more miles and you’re there.

You’ll be driving through mostly open land, a mix of paved and gravel roads. It’s quiet country, so don’t expect much traffic—or many services.

The campground works well for bigger rigs, with space for RVs up to 35 feet. If your vehicle isn’t made for sketchy canyon roads, this spot is a relief.

You can stay up to 14 days. The place offers fire rings and horse corrals, but don’t count on water or electric hookups.

Coordinates for navigation:

Latitude Longitude
36.071833 -104.349431

You’re getting a peaceful spot with surprisingly easy highway access, considering how remote it feels.

Directions: How To Get There And What To Expect

To get to Mills Canyon Rim Campsite Mills NM boondocking location start from Roy, New Mexico, take NM Highway 39 north for about 10 miles.

Turn west onto Mills Canyon Road #600. Drive another 7 to 9 miles.

Most of the road is good gravel, but the last mile turns to dirt. That section can get dicey if it’s been raining.

You’ll end up on high prairie with sweeping views at the rim of the Canadian River Canyon.

Bigger vehicles or trailers that can’t handle the lower canyon roads will fit in Mills Canyon Rim Campsite Mills NM boondocking location just fine.

You’re a long way from town, so stock up before you go. Services are basically nonexistent.

Road summary:

Road Type Distance Notes
NM Hwy 39 ~10 miles north Paved
Mills Canyon Rd 7-9 miles Gravel and then dirt road

Take it slow, especially with a big RV. The road’s not terrible, but it’s not a highway either.

Rough patches pop up here and there, but most vehicles with a bit of clearance should make it.

Just make sure your rig can handle gravel and dirt before you commit.

Amenities And Activities

At Mills Canyon Rim Campsite Mills NM boondocking location, you’ll get basic amenities—vault toilet, fire rings, picnic tables at each site. No water, so bring plenty.

There are six roomy sites with level pads, big enough for full-size RVs or tents. A couple of them have horse corrals if you’re rolling with horses.

There’s plenty to do. You can check out day hikes on nearby trails, which are pretty manageable for most folks. The views are worth the walk.

If you’re into rock climbing, there are some solid bouldering spots not far off. The terrain isn’t for total beginners, but if you’ve got the gear, it’s a fun challenge.

You can also cruise around on scenic drives. The roads are firm enough for a 2WD, so you can explore the area without too much stress.

Don’t forget your camera. The bird watching is decent, and the night sky is usually clear enough for some great photos—wildlife and stars both show up if you’re patient.

Whether you’re camping, hiking, climbing, or just hanging out, Mills Canyon Rim keeps things simple and natural—just enough comfort to make it work.

Camping Regulations And Restrictions

When you camp at Mills Canyon Rim Campsite Mills NM boondocking location, you’ll need to follow a few rules to keep the place nice and safe. Vault toilets are provided, but you’ll need to pack out your trash and waste.

The gravel road in is about 7 miles from pavement. RVs over 35 feet, low-clearance vehicles, or long trailers really shouldn’t try it. Double-check your vehicle size before heading out.

You can stay here for up to 14 days. After that, move along to avoid any fines and help protect the area.

There are between 6 and 15 campsites. Please don’t make new sites or tear up the plants—stick to what’s there. Use the fire rings if you want a fire, and only if fires are allowed.

Pay attention to any fire restriction signs, especially when it’s dry. Use only dead and down wood, and make sure your fire’s out cold before you leave.

Keep the noise down for the sake of other campers and the critters. Sometimes generator use gets limited, so check posted rules when you arrive.

If everyone does their part, Mills Canyon Rim Campsite Mills NM boondocking location stays wild and welcoming for the next round of campers. It’s a special spot, so let’s not mess it up. Learn more about the natural surroundings here.

Leave No Trace

When you camp at Mills Canyon Rim, stick to Leave No Trace principles—they’re pretty much essential if you want to protect the environment out here. These rules cut down on the mess humans can make, and honestly, the plants and animals need that break.

Try not to damage critical habitat, since these areas support endangered and threatened species. Just stay on the roads and campsites already there; it really helps keep habitats intact and lets wildlife do their thing.

Take your trash and food scraps with you. Leaving them behind just attracts wildlife in ways that don’t end well for anyone. Use the vault toilets if they’re around, or, if you have to go old-school, follow the guidelines for human waste so you don’t mess up water sources.

The area’s got ongoing conservation efforts—think environmental assessments and recovery plans. When you minimize your impact and stick to the rules, you’re actually helping those efforts, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

Sometimes, you’ll run into regulatory mechanisms here—basically, rules that protect habitats and species. These can change, often based on public comments or inspections. It’s not always predictable, but it’s worth keeping an eye out.

If you respect the Mills Canyon Rim, you help keep it wild and beautiful. That way, future visitors and the local wildlife get to enjoy it too. Isn’t that kind of the whole point?

 

AMENITIES: ACTIVITIES:
Fire Ring
Horse Corral
Picnic Tables
Restrooms
RV Parking
Tent Camping
Rock Climbing
Hiking
Photography
Wildlife Viewing

 

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Table of Contents

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    • Mills Canyon Rim Mills NM Boondocking Location
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  • About This Location
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  • Directions: How To Get There And What To Expect
  • Amenities And Activities
  • Camping Regulations And Restrictions
  • Leave No Trace
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