San Jon Municipal Park
NM Boondocking Location
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| San Jon, New Mexico GPS: 35.107224, -103.331796 Elevation: 4029′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – City Park (Official) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
San Jon Municipal Park NM boondocking location: The road in is Paved. San Jon Municipal Park is open Year Round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay overnight at San Jon Municipal Park.
This is a nice little city park that appears to be well maintained. We were driving through the town and spotted the sign – “Free Overnight Parking” at the entrance to the park but we didn’t stay.
The park has picnic tables with shade shelters, a restroom that may not be opened all of the time, a Little League field, basketball court and tennis courts.
Route 66 runs through town but the businesses closed when the interstate was built so there’s not much around. A gas station and convenience store are within walking distance. A truck stop and restaurant are on the north side of the interstate.
About This Location
If you’re scouting for a quiet, free spot to boondock in New Mexico, San Jon Municipal Park is a pretty solid bet. This park has free camping sites for RVs of any size, with ground that’s mostly level and basic amenities like picnic tables and bathrooms—though, heads up, some of those might be closed depending on the season.
It’s a no-cost, low-hassle option that’s tucked away from the highway noise. Nothing fancy, but it works.
The park sits in the village of San Jon. There’s space to walk your dog, a playground, and a few picnic spots, so it’s a handy break if you’re traveling through.
You won’t find hookups or luxury facilities, but the peaceful vibe and small-town feel make it a practical place to catch your breath.
Location And Access Of San Jon Municipal Park NM Boondocking Location
San Jon Municipal Park is right in San Jon, New Mexico. It’s just off Interstate 40, so getting there is a breeze if you’re already on the main drag.
The park is near Oak Avenue in San Jon. GPS coordinates are about 35.1075, -103.3317—plug those in, and you’ll get there without much fuss.
Access is simple. The entrance is marked, and there’s room for all sorts of vehicles, even the bigger RVs.
It’s a first-come, first-served deal, so your timing matters if you want a spot.
The surfaces are a mix of grass and gravel, flat enough for a comfy overnight stay or maybe even a couple of days if it’s not crowded.
You’ll see picnic tables, BBQ pits, and public restrooms, but keep in mind some stuff gets shut down in the winter. There’s a covered picnic shelter and a few shaded areas, too.
Since it’s right off the highway and totally free, lots of folks use it for a quick overnight stop while road-tripping through New Mexico.
Directions: How To Get There And What To Expect From San Jon Municipal Park NM Boondocking Location
To get to San Jon Municipal Park, just head for the village of San Jon in Northeast New Mexico. The park’s near the intersection of Oak Avenue and 4th Street, and you’ll spot it not far from I-40.
If you’re coming from Amarillo, Texas, drive west on I-40 for about 90 miles. From Clovis, New Mexico, it’s about 50 miles east on I-40.
The exit’s close, so you won’t be wandering around looking for the place once you’re off the interstate.
Here, it’s all dry camping—no water or electric hookups. Sometimes the restrooms are closed, so be prepared for that.
It’s a good pick if you just need a free, overnight spot on your way somewhere else. There’s enough space for trucks and RVs, and you don’t need to make a reservation.
There’s no formal trailhead, but you can wander the surrounding area or just stretch your legs. It works as a simple rest stop before you move on to other places in the region.
Amenities And Activities At San Jon Municipal Park NM Boondocking Location
San Jon Municipal Park keeps it simple with the basics for boondocking and camping. There’s free overnight parking, so if you’re not looking for hookups or extra costs, you’re set.
Bathrooms with running water are available, but don’t expect showers. Sometimes they’re closed, especially off-season.
There’s a covered picnic area for meals, a playground, and even a baseball field. Not bad if you’ve got kids or just want to toss a ball around.
You get picnic tables and BBQ pits for outdoor cooking. Swings and some tree-shaded walking areas are nice for a stroll or to let your dog stretch out.
The camping spots are open and roomy—big rigs fit just fine. The park’s close to the freeway, so you might hear some traffic, but it’s convenient if you’re just stopping for the night.
No hiking trails here, but you can use it as a home base if you want to check out the local area a bit. It’s quiet enough and has what you need for a short stay.
Camping Regulations And Restrictions For San Jon Municipal Park NM Boondocking Location
Camping at San Jon Municipal Park is pretty straightforward. You’ve got urban camping with basics like picnic tables and bathrooms—though, again, bathrooms might be closed depending on the season.
The park’s good for free, safe overnight parking, and it works for both RVs and tents.
Dispersed camping isn’t allowed. Stick to the designated areas so everyone can enjoy the place and the park stays tidy.
Campfires? Usually a no-go, mostly for fire safety. If you want to use a grill or BBQ pit, check on site to see if that’s okay during your visit.
Plan to stay just overnight or maybe a couple of days—long-term camping isn’t really allowed.
Keep an eye out for posted rules and respect quiet hours. It helps keep things pleasant for everyone.
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Camping Type | Urban camping in designated spots |
| Campfires | Usually not allowed |
| Stay Duration | Short-term, usually overnight |
| Amenities | Bathrooms, picnic tables, BBQ pits (may be seasonal) |
Stick to the rules, and you’ll have a hassle-free stop.
Leave No Trace At San Jon Municipal Park NM Boondocking Location
When you roll into San Jon Municipal Park, it’s worth remembering those Leave No Trace principles. . Pack out every scrap of trash—even the little stuff, like gum wrappers or cigarette butts.
Stick to the picnic areas. Don’t set up on the grass or any patch of wildflowers you find. San Jon’s ground is surprisingly delicate, and it doesn’t take much to mess it up.
Make sure you dispose of waste properly. There aren’t any dump stations here, so you’ll need to take your sewage or gray water with you. Don’t try to bury anything—just use the restrooms if you can.
Try to keep the noise down. It’s a quiet spot, and that’s part of the charm. Plus, the locals appreciate it when visitors are considerate.
If you’ve got pets along, leash them up and pick up after them. It’s just good manners, and it keeps the park more welcoming for everyone.
Here’s a quick checklist to keep things simple:
| What To Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Pack out all trash | Prevents pollution and litter |
| Use designated areas only | Protects park vegetation |
| Dispose of waste correctly | Maintains park cleanliness |
| Keep noise low | Respects wildlife and neighbors |
| Keep pets leashed and clean up | Protects wildlife and park users |
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| BBQ Grill Picnic Tables Restrooms Playground |
RV Parking Tent Camping |
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