Rael Mesa (FR 4036) in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico

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Rael Mesa (FR 4036) in NM

Gila NF, Reserve Ranger District
6,492 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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AT&TUNMEASURED
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A 23.0-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 23 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (23 miles). Climbs 4,600 ft over 23 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 30%. Winds through 11 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. A gate 9.6 miles in.

Bluff Tank lies 0.2 mi off. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.3 miles off. Joe Green Peak stands 1,396 ft above the site, 2.2 miles northwest. The nearest town, Eagar, is 39 mi off.

September normals 44–81°F, 2.2″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
4056 G in NMDispersed Camping17.5miPowerhouse (FR 722) in NMDispersed Camping19.0miHolt Gulch Trailhead (FR 4231) in NMForest Road Road20.0miCatwalk Parking (FR 95) in NMDispersed Camping20.3mi4054 R in NMForest Road Road20.8mi
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?