4043 J in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico
4043 J in NM
An 18.5-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Catron County, NM.
Gila National Forest, Reserve Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.
All 18.5 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 17.6 of the 18.5 miles in are dirt. Climbs 2,600 ft over 18.5 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 25%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~110 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 9 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Water crossings 3.2, 12.2 and 15.2 miles in.
Deep Creek Divide stands 847 ft above the site, 1.1 miles southeast. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.2 miles off. Christmas Tree Tank lies 0.4 mi off. The nearest town, Clifton, is 48 mi off.
September normals 45–72°F, 2.9″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Gila National Forest, Reserve Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov