Red Ketchum (FR 00593) in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico
Red Ketchum (FR 00593) in NM
A 4.8-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Lincoln County, NM.
Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 45 days.
All 4.8 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (4.8 miles). Climbs 970 ft over 4.8 miles -- sustained grades near 18%, with pitches to 22%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~130 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 10 switchbacks.
Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.3 miles off. Buck Tank lies 0.4 mi off. The nearest town, Capitan, is 8.4 mi off.
September normals 50–78°F, 2.2″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Lincoln National Forest, Smokey Bear Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov