Atkinson Canyon (FR 00640) in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico

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Atkinson Canyon (FR 00640) in NM

Lincoln NF, Sacramento Ranger District
8,813 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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AT&TNONE
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A 4.1-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Otero County, NM. The road serves Cathey Peak.

Lincoln National Forest, Sacramento Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 45 days.

All 4.1 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (4.1 miles). Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~110 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 4 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.

Benson Ridge stands 872 ft above the site, 1.9 miles northeast. Travellers have camped along here. The nearest town, High Rolls, is 6.9 mi off.

September normals 46–67°F, 3.2″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Scott Able (FR 00460) in NMForest Road Road6.5miPasture Ridge (FR 00570) in NMForest Road Road9.7miOliver Lee Memorial State Park in NMCampground10.0miLogan Canyon (FR 00539) in NMDispersed Camping10.7miUpper Pendleton (FR 00556) in NMDispersed Camping11.4mi
Fire restrictions

Set by Lincoln National Forest, Sacramento 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?