4049 J in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico

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4049 J in NM

Gila NF, Reserve Ranger District
8,233 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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A 39.4-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Catron County, NM. The road serves Eckleberger Hill.

Gila National Forest, Reserve Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 30 days.

All 39.4 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (39.4 miles). Level ground alongside most of its length. Winds through 10 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Water crossings 22.1, 22.5, 23.6, 32.5 and 35.4 miles in.

Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.7 miles off. Eckleberger Spring lies 0.4 mi off. Elk Mountains stands 1,535 ft above the site, 4.4 miles east. The nearest town, Little Walnut Village, is 54 mi off.

September normals 4673°F, 3.0″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Fire restrictions

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
Sources checked August 2026Something wrong here?