Curtis Canyon (FR 00269) in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico

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Curtis Canyon (FR 00269) in NM

Lincoln NF, Sacramento Ranger District
6,999 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
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AT&TNONE
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A 14.2-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Otero County, NM. The road serves Upper Rio Penasco Site Two Dam.

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

14 of the 14.2 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Dirt the whole way in (14.2 miles). Climbs 3,200 ft over 14.2 miles -- sustained grades near 14%, with pitches to 27%. Winds through 4 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.

Lightning Spring lies 0.3 mi off. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.1 miles off. The nearest town, High Rolls, is 18 mi off.

September normals 49–75°F, 3.0″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Jim Lewis Canyon (FR 00255) in NMForest Road Road9.7miBluewater Lookout (FR 00085) in NMDispersed Camping10.8miRawhide (FR 00522) in NMForest Road Road11.9miBluewater Canyon (FR 00160) in NMForest Road Road12.0miAvis (FR 05544) in NMDispersed Camping12.3mi
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?