Juan Tomas Rd Tijeras NM Boondocking Location

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Juan Tomas Rd Tijeras NM Boondocking Location

Previous Reviews:

Juan Tomas Rd Tijeras NM boondocking location: The road in is Dirt and 1.8 miles from a paved road. Juan Tomas Rd is open All year. There are 16-29 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 at Juan Tomas Rd.

This is a neat place in the mountains. It’s got metal ring pits and it says to not burn outside of one. There’s a little trash, but nothing a couple bags wouldn’t pick up. The road in is dirt and rutty for a bit over a mile. Good area for walking. National Forest, so 14 day stay limit

About This Location

If you’re looking for a quiet, off-grid spot to camp near Tijeras, New Mexico, Juan Tomas Road is a solid bet. This Juan Tomas Rd Tijeras NM boondocking location is known for dispersed camping, where you can set up away from crowded campsites and enjoy some real privacy. Juan Tomas Road gives you easy access to boondocking locations with fire rings and plenty of small spots for tents or RVs.

The road gets a bit bumpy, but it leads you straight into designated camping areas within Cibola National Forest. Folks who want to escape into nature seem to love it at Juan Tomas Rd Tijeras NM boondocking location. You’ll find a mix of open spaces and tree cover, so you get that deep-forest feeling without being too far from basic amenities. Whether you want a quick overnight or a longer stay under the stars, it works.

Location And Access

You’ll find the Juan Tomas Rd Tijeras NM boondocking location east of Albuquerque, New Mexico. It’s tucked inside the Cibola National Forest, not far from the small town of Tijeras.

To get to Juan Tomas Rd Tijeras NM boondocking location, take Interstate 40 to Exit 175. After that, head south on NM 337, also called James McGrane Memorial Highway, for about 4 miles. Watch for the Juan Tomas Rd or Forest Service Road 542 signs—they’ll point you in the right direction.

Camping is dispersed along Juan Tomas Rd (FS 542), and you can expect somewhere between 16 and 29 spots. Both tents and RVs fit in fine.

Just a heads up: this is a boondocking location, so there are no hookups or running water. Many campsites have fire rings, though, so you can safely have a campfire.

Most vehicles can make it in, but a few spots might need some careful driving thanks to rough patches. If you haven’t been before, arriving in daylight makes things easier.

• Access via: I-40 Exit 175
• Nearby highway: NM 337 / James McGrane Memorial Highway
• Road: Juan Tomas Rd / FS 542
• Number of sites: 16 to 29
• Amenities: Fire rings, no water or hookups
• Suitable for: Tent and RV camping

Directions: How To Get There And What To Expect

To get to the Juan Tomas Rd Tijeras NM boondocking location boondocking spot, head toward Tijeras, New Mexico. Then look for Forest Service Road 542—locals call it Juan Tomas Rd.

Turn onto Juan Tomas Rd and just keep going almost to the end. That’s where you’ll find the camping area. The road isn’t paved, so if you have a high-clearance vehicle, you’ll be happier.

Expect a quiet, free camping spot managed by the Forest Service. It sits at about 7,493 feet, which means it can get pretty cool, especially at night.

You can do motorized dispersed camping up to 40 feet from the road’s centerline, but road conditions change, so access may vary.

Here’s a quick checklist:

Scout around before settling in. There aren’t any amenities, so bring what you need.

Amenities And Activities

At Juan Tomas Rd Tijeras NM boondocking location, you get the basics—nothing fancy, but it works. There’s a fire ring at most sites for warmth or cooking. No hookups, no flush toilets, so get ready for a rustic camping experience.

You can park your RV or pitch a tent. This is classic boondocking—no power, no water, just you and the outdoors. Bring all your supplies.

There are a few things to do around here. You can hike nearby trails or ride your bike. If you have a horse, bring it—horseback riding is allowed.

Hunters use this area in season, and wildlife is all around if you like spotting animals.

Here’s the quick rundown:

This is dry camping only, so plan ahead. It’s really for people who want to get away from the crowds and just be outdoors.

Camping Regulations And Restrictions

When you camp on Juan Tomas Rd near Tijeras, remember the road is dirt and about 1.8 miles from pavement. The Juan Tomas Rd Tijeras NM boondocking location stays open year-round, so you can show up whenever, but expect basic conditions.

You can stay up to 14 days at a time. Always check local signs or info boards for updates before setting up.

Fires are usually okay in designated areas, but always double-check current fire restrictions. Fire danger can spike quickly, especially in dry weather.

No water, no restrooms—bring everything you’ll need. Please practice Leave No Trace and pack out your trash.

Camping is dispersed, so don’t expect marked sites. Spread out your stuff to help protect the land.

Watch out for private land nearby. Stay on public land and avoid trespassing.

Following these basics keeps the area open and safe for everyone.

Leave No Trace

When you camp at Juan Tomas Rd Tijeras NM boondocking location, leave no trace. Follow the Leave No Trace principles. Don’t leave trash or damage behind—just pack up everything you brought, even the tiny food scraps and random bits of packaging.

If you want a campfire, use the fire rings that are already there. Please don’t build new ones. And double-check that your fire’s out cold before heading out. No one wants to be the reason for a wildfire.

Keep your campsite tight and don’t trample plants or hassle the wildlife. Stick to the roads and trails; it’s better for the land. Got pets? Keep ’em close and pick up after them.

Try to keep noise down so everyone can enjoy the peace. Campfires and bright lights—maybe keep those to a minimum at night, so the stars get their turn.

Here’s a quick rundown:

It’s really up to us to keep Juan Tomas Rd Tijeras NM boondocking location wild and welcoming. If everyone does their part, this spot stays special.