San Lorenzo Canyon Lemitar NM Boondocking Location

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San Lorenzo Canyon
Lemitar NM Boondocking Location

Previous Reviews:

San Lorenzo Canyon Lemitar NM boondocking location: We’ve camped in this area before. It’s a good stopping point for a night or 2. The first time here we camped in the river bed. We ventured further up the hill this time into the canyon. It’s amazing!!

It will accommodate a big rig for the first few campsite areas. But, be careful how far back you go. You should be able to back up and turn around if needed. It was really windy while we were there. And the wind definitely whips through the canyon, but it did provide some shelter for us.

The canyon is about 30 minutes from the freeway (pulling a trailer). It’s worth the drive! It’s very desolate and there’s a good chance you might be in the canyon by yourself. No cell signal in the canyon.

About This Location

If you’re searching for a boondocking spot near Lemitar, New Mexico, San Lorenzo Canyon is a pretty solid pick. This place offers free dispersed camping and is easy to get to off I-25, roughly 5 miles northwest of Lemitar.

You just take Exit 156 and head west along the frontage road—super convenient, honestly.

San Lorenzo Canyon has these massive canyon walls and tons of open space, so it’s a quiet, natural spot to park your rig. The road in is dirt for about 4.5 miles, so be ready for some bumps and maybe a little dust.

Locals love it for the scenery and how peaceful it is.

If you want to skip crowded campgrounds but still be close enough to grab supplies in town, this one’s worth considering. Whether you’re staying for a night or a week, it’s a simple, free spot for your next adventure.

Location And Access Of San Lorenzo Canyon Lemitar NM Boondocking Location

San Lorenzo Canyon is northwest of Socorro, New Mexico, and around 5 miles from Lemitar. It sits near the west frontage road along Interstate 25 (I-25).

To get there, drive north on I-25 and take Exit 156. After you exit, turn onto the frontage road on the west side of the highway.

Keep going north for about 5 miles, and you’ll spot a sign for San Lorenzo Canyon on the left. That’s your turn.

The last stretch is a dirt road, about 4.5 miles long. It can get rough, so a high-clearance vehicle is definitely helpful.

You’ll be camping out in a wide desert area surrounded by those big canyon walls. It’s all dispersed boondocking, so don’t expect campsites or amenities—bring what you need.

Quick access summary:

Make sure your vehicle can handle dirt roads. It’s pretty remote, so don’t count on finding any services nearby.

Directions: How To Get There And What To Expect From San Lorenzo Canyon Lemitar NM Boondocking Location

Take I-25 north to reach San Lorenzo Canyon near Lemitar. Use the Lemitar exit to get off the highway.

Go under the bridge, then turn onto the west frontage road. Drive north for about 5 miles.

Look for signs for San Lorenzo Canyon on your left and follow them to the boondocking area.

The road is mostly maintained, but it’s dirt or gravel in spots. Standard vehicles can make it, but keep an eye out for rough patches, especially if it’s been raining.

Once you’re there, expect dispersed camping—no water, no hookups, nothing fancy. Bring everything you need, including water, food, and a way to haul out your trash.

There’s plenty of open space for camping, hiking, and just soaking in the quiet. Cell service is hit-or-miss, so plan accordingly.

Quick Tips:

• Top off your gas before you leave Lemitar.
• Take all your trash with you.
• Check the weather before heading out—mud can be a problem.
• Daylight driving makes navigation a whole lot easier.

Amenities And Activities At San Lorenzo Canyon Lemitar NM Boondocking Location

You won’t find the usual campground amenities at San Lorenzo Canyon. No running water, no electricity, no toilets—just a primitive, free spot.

There are a few campsites marked by fire rings, so you can set up camp without messing up the natural vibe too much.

Hiking is a big draw here. You’ll find marked trails with great views of the canyon and the desert beyond.

Wildlife and desert plants are everywhere, so keep your eyes open. Photographers will love the canyon walls and the way the light changes throughout the day.

If you like quiet, natural settings, it’s a great place for peaceful camping without the crowds.

Bring plenty of water, food, and a way to pack out your waste. This spot really is for folks who want a simple, back-to-basics camping trip.

Camping Regulations And Restrictions For San Lorenzo Canyon Lemitar NM Boondocking Location

Camping at San Lorenzo Canyon is free—it’s managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). No camping fees, and you can pitch your tent just about anywhere in the dispersed camping zones.

Fires are usually allowed, but always check for current fire restrictions. The rules change depending on weather and how dry it is.

No developed campgrounds or facilities out here. Bring all your own supplies, including water and a way to handle your trash.

You get a lot of freedom to pick your spot, since all camping here is dispersed. No marked sites, no amenities.

BLM asks that you:

• Camp at least 200 feet from water sources
• Limit your stay to 14 days within any 28-day period
• Don’t damage plants or wildlife habitat

And yeah, Leave No Trace is the way to go—leave it nice for the next folks.

Leave No Trace At San Lorenzo Canyon Lemitar NM Boondocking Location

When you’re camping at San Lorenzo Canyon, followingLeave No Trace principles isn’t just a suggestion—it’s kind of the only way to keep this place wild. Services out here are pretty much nonexistent, so you’ll have to bring everything you need and, yep, pack out every bit of trash.

What you should do:

• Pack out all garbage, leftover food, and litter.
• Use a portable toilet, or if you must, dig a cathole 6-8 inches deep for human waste—always far from water sources.
• Try not to mess with plants, animals, or cultural sites. Just let them be.

Campfires? Sometimes they’re off-limits because it gets so dry. Double-check the rules before lighting anything, and if it’s allowed, only use existing fire rings.

If you’re driving in, the dirt roads can be rough. Take it slow so you don’t tear up the soil or crush any vegetation. Stick to established paths and only park where it’s clearly okay.

San Lorenzo Canyon is public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. You’re sharing this space with everyone else—now and down the line—so what you do out here actually matters.

New Mexico Helpful Information Links:

Bureau of Land Management
Recreation.Gov
National Park Service
New Mexico State Park Service
New Mexico Trust
New Mexico Fish and Game