Tres Piedras Felipito Canyon
NM Boondocking Location
| ADDRESS |
|---|
| Tres Piedras, New Mexico GPS: 36.5931, -106.18561 Elevation: 8071′ |
| MANAGEMENT |
| Public – Forest Service (Official) This is a FREE campsite. |
Previous Reviews:
Tres Piedras Felipito Canyon NM Boondocking Location: The road in is Dirt. Beautiful free campsites with climbable mountains around. Just pass the bridge crossing the Vallecitos, Rio, open campground. Some trash from previous campers, but overall, great area with decent river. No trout during the Spring though.
About This Location
Looking for a quiet spot to camp without the crowds? Tres Piedras Felipito Canyon in New Mexico might just do the trick.
The Tres Piedras Felipito Canyon NM boondocking location at GPS 36.5931, -106.18561 sits in a remote area where you can boondock with almost no restrictions. You get to soak in nature without the buzz of busy campgrounds.
This site offers free boondocking and easy access to dirt roads and wide-open space. If you like your camping off-grid and peaceful, you’ll probably like it here.
You can explore nearby hiking trails and catch some scenic views. It’s a good fit if you want quiet nights under the stars and don’t mind a no-frills camping experience.
Location at And Access
You’ll find the Tres Piedras Felipito Canyon NM boondocking location tucked away in northern New Mexico. It’s near the little town of Tres Piedras, not far from Carson National Forest.
The GPS coordinates are 36.5931, -106.18561. Plug those in to guide your vehicle or RV right to the spot.
Unpaved roads lead you in. Some stretches get rough, so I’d bring a high-clearance vehicle or 4WD if you can.
Head off Forest Road 501. From Tres Piedras, drive north on State Road 112, then hang a turn onto Forest Road 501.
You won’t find services nearby. No hookups, no water, no fuel—so bring what you need.
It’s a quiet, natural setting with minimal traffic, especially if you come outside peak season.
Check the weather before you go. Rain or snow can turn those roads tricky.
Directions
To get to Tres Piedras Felipito Canyon NM boondocking location start in Tres Piedras, New Mexico.
Head north on US-285 for about 1.5 miles. Turn left onto County Road 18.
Follow County Road 18 for around 8 miles. The pavement gives way to gravel, and the road gets a bit rough—so take it slow.
Keep an eye on your GPS for 36.5931, -106.18561. That’ll lead you right to the boondocking location.
Cell service is spotty at best, so check your map often.
A vehicle with good clearance helps. Skip the trip if it’s just rained—dirt roads can turn to mud fast.
Stock up on fuel, water, and supplies before you leave town. There’s nothing close by.
If you roll across a cattle guard, you’re almost there. The site sits close to Felipito Canyon.
Park with care—leave space for others and don’t block the road.
Amenities And Activities
You’re getting a bare-bones boondocking experience at Tres Piedras Felipito Canyon NM boondocking location. No water, no power, no restrooms. Bring everything you need and pack out your trash.
There’s plenty of space for parking and setting up camp. The ground is mostly dirt and gravel, so you can fit RVs, vans, or tents without much hassle.
You can hike nearby. The canyon and open landscape offer quiet trails and some really nice views.
Bring sturdy shoes and lots of water—it gets hot and dry out here.
Wildlife watching is a bonus. You might spot birds, maybe a few small desert animals. If you’re into photography, the open skies and natural scenery really pop on camera.
| Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|
| Water | None on site, bring your own |
| Electricity | Not available |
| Restrooms | None |
| Waste Disposal | Pack out your trash |
You’ll need to be self-reliant. If you want quiet and solitude, and don’t mind roughing it, this spot’s worth a look.
Camping Regulations And Restrictions
When you camp in Tres Piedras Felipito Canyon NM boondocking location, you’ve got to stick to some basic rules to protect the land. You can stay for up to 14 days in any 28-day stretch.
After that, you’ll need to move at least 25 miles away before you set up camp again. No one’s allowed to build permanent structures or dig trenches.
Open fires? Only in established fire rings, and even then, it’s smart to check the latest fire bans before you light anything. Don’t assume it’s always safe—conditions change fast.
Follow the Leave No Trace principles. You’ll need to pack out all your trash. Please don’t leave any garbage or food scraps; it attracts wildlife and just makes things gross for the next folks.
If there are restroom facilities, use them. If not, do your best to follow Leave No Trace guidelines for waste.
Keep your vehicle on established roads and in parking areas. Driving off-road tears up the soil and damages plants, so it’s a big no.
Got a big group? If you’re planning to camp with more than 10 people, you might need a special permit. It’s best to check with local authorities ahead of time.
Important:
- No hunting or trapping
- Don’t cut live trees
- Keep pets leashed at all times
| AMENITIES: | ACTIVITIES: |
|---|---|
| RV Camping Tent Camping Hiking Wildlife Viewing Photography Stargazing Fishing |
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