Springer Lake Wildlife Area
NM Boondocking
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| C 17 Springer, New Mexico GPS: 36.407448, -104.649962 Elevation: 5938′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – State Park This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Springer Lake Wildlife Area NM boondocking: Offers primitive camping facilities.
Stayed 4 days, a few locals came to fish, stay was quiet and peaceful. Nice sized lake surrounded by wide open flat land.
Large ruts in parking lot ( soft red dirt ) do not stay if rains expected. Actual camping area is fenced in with picnic tables and a vault toilet. Dumpster at gate entrance.
I parked by the water and another couple parked off the driveway in. A Ranger did pass through no issues.
Nothing to do but fish. No hiking or exploring.
About This Location
If you’re looking for free boondocking near water in New Mexico, Springer Lake Wildlife Area is a solid pick. You can camp for free here, with access to fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing in a quiet, open setting.
The area offers basic amenities like restrooms and picnic tables, but keeps things pretty simple. It’s a back-to-nature spot—no frills, just you and the outdoors.
Springer Lake sits just outside the small town of Springer, so it’s not a hassle to reach from I-25. Whether you roll up in an RV or pitch a tent, there’s space for you right near the lake.
This spot is especially nice if you want a peaceful place to relax without the price tag of a regular campground. Sometimes, that’s all you really want.
Location And Access To Springer Lake Wildlife Area NM Boondocking
Springer Lake Wildlife Area is up in northeastern New Mexico, close to the little town of Springer. You’ll find it off C 17 Road, with GPS coordinates 36.407448, -104.649962.
The elevation is about 5,938 feet, so you might notice the air is a bit crisper. If you’re coming from the southwest or somewhere like San Antonio, New Mexico, just hop on I-25 north toward Springer.
It’s a quick drive from the interstate, so you don’t have to worry about winding mountain roads. The area is north of Las Vegas, New Mexico, along the route.
Camping and lake access are free. Expect simple, natural surroundings—just you, the water, and some open space.
The terrain is wide and open around the lake. It’s quiet, and you get plenty of room for camping or fishing.
It’s not right on the Jemez River, but Springer Lake’s spot in New Mexico makes it a good stop if you’re exploring different waters in the state. Roads are mostly paved or decent gravel, so unless your vehicle is falling apart, you’ll be fine.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Springer, New Mexico |
| GPS Coordinates | 36.407448, -104.649962 |
| Elevation | 5,938 feet |
| Nearest Highway | I-25 |
| Access Type | Drive on paved or gravel roads |
| Camping Fee | Free |
You’ll want to bring all your own supplies, because there’s not much in the way of facilities. This place is for folks who like their camping on the wild side.
Directions: How To Get There And What To Expect From Springer Lake Wildlife Area NM Boondocking
To get to Springer Lake Wildlife Area, start from the town of Springer, New Mexico. Drive about 4.5 miles west, passing the New Mexico Boys School along the way.
The road is mostly paved, but as you get closer to the lake, it turns into well-maintained gravel. The last stretch is a short dirt road—nothing too gnarly, but just a heads up.
Most vehicles can handle it without trouble. Use GPS coordinates 36.407448, -104.649962 if you want to be precise.
Once you’re there, it’s free boondocking. No hookups, no fancy extras, so bring your own water and supplies.
It’s a quiet, natural setting—ideal if you just want to get away from it all. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and bullhead, so bring your fishing gear if that’s your thing.
Open meadows and flat spots make it easy to set up camp. There’s space to spread out, so you won’t feel boxed in.
You won’t find developed campgrounds here, but there’s plenty of room to camp by the water or in the wildlife area nearby. It’s not in the Jemez Mountains, but you get that same peaceful, outdoor vibe.
Weather can be unpredictable. Nights can get chilly at 5,938 feet, so bring layers and maybe an extra blanket just in case.
Amenities And Activities At Springer Lake Wildlife Area NM Boondocking
At Springer Lake Wildlife Area, you get dispersed camping in a relaxed, natural spot. There are a few basics: picnic tables, restrooms, and a boat ramp.
That’s about it, but sometimes less is more. The boat ramp is handy if you want to get a kayak or small boat out on the lake.
Fishing is a big draw here. You’ve got access to the lake for trout and rainbow trout, and it’s usually not crowded.
If you like to wander, there’s plenty of space for hiking and wildlife watching. The scenery is quiet—no crowds, just nature.
Whether you bring an RV or a tent, there’s room to spread out. The campground is fenced to keep cattle out, so you won’t wake up to a cow by your tent.
| Amenity | Available |
|---|---|
| Boat Ramp | Yes |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Picnic Tables | Yes |
| Dispersed Camping | Yes |
| Fishing Access | Yes (trout, rainbow) |
| Hiking | Yes |
Honestly, it’s a mellow spot for fishing, camping, and just soaking up the outdoors.
Camping Regulations And Restrictions For Springer Lake Wildlife Area NM Boondocking
You can camp for free at Springer Lake Wildlife Area, but only in a fenced area near the boat ramp. There are basic amenities like a pit toilet and picnic tables, but don’t expect much more.
A permit might be needed, so it’s smart to check with local authorities before you head out. Services are pretty much non-existent, so bring what you need.
Camping is only allowed from March through October. Tents are fine, but there are no hookups or fancy facilities.
Keep your site clean and pack out all your trash. Hunting and fishing are popular here, but make sure you follow the local wildlife rules so you don’t get in trouble.
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Camping Location | Fenced area by boat ramp |
| Costs | Free |
| Permit Requirement | Possibly required |
| Season | March to October |
| Amenities | Pit toilet, picnic tables |
| Services | Limited or none |
| Allowed Activities | Camping, fishing, hunting |
You’ll need to bring your own toilet paper and supplies. Fires might be regulated depending on current conditions, so keep an eye out for posted signs.
Respect quiet hours and other campers—nobody likes a noisy neighbor when they’re out in the wild.
Leave No Trace At Springer Lake Wildlife Area NM Boondocking
When you camp at Springer Lake Wildlife Area, sticking to Leave No Trace principles really matters. These guidelines help keep the place wild and pleasant for both critters and future campers.
Plan ahead and prepare. Know the rules for camping and fires before you show up. Bring your own gear—don’t count on borrowing from the land itself.
Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Stick to the roads and campsites that already exist. It’s tempting to wander off, but making new paths just messes with the plants and soil.
Dispose of waste properly. Pack out every bit of trash, scraps, and litter you make. If there are restrooms, use them; otherwise, handle human waste the right way.
Leave what you find. Resist the urge to pocket rocks, flowers, or anything historical. Leave things as they are so the next person gets the same experience.
Minimize campfire impact. Honestly, a camp stove is often easier and safer. If you really want a fire, use the rings that are already there and keep it small.
Respect wildlife. Admire animals from a distance and don’t feed them, no matter how cute they look. Make sure your food is secured so you don’t end up with unexpected visitors.
If you’ve ever been in Scouts, some of this probably feels familiar—respecting nature and camping responsibly go a long way out here.
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| Boat Ramp Near Water Picnic Tables Restrooms |
RV Parking Tent Camping Boating Fishing Wildlife Viewing |
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