Water Canyon (FR 05009) in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico

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Water Canyon (FR 05009) in NM

Lincoln NF, Sacramento Ranger District
8,344 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
VerizonUNMEASURED
AT&TUNMEASURED
T-MobileUNMEASURED
StarlinkGOOD

A 2.4-mile stretch of gravel 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 2.4 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Gravel the whole way in (2.4 miles). Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch.

Benson Ridge stands 1,341 ft above the site, 2.2 miles north. Travellers have camped along here. The nearest town, High Rolls, is 8.3 mi off.

September normals 43–68°F, 3.3″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Logan Canyon (FR 00539) in NMDispersed Camping9.2miPasture Ridge (FR 00570) in NMForest Road Road9.2miUpper Pendleton (FR 00556) in NMDispersed Camping9.8miOld Mayhill L.o. (FR 00620) in NMForest Road Road10.5miPerk Canyon (FR 00171) in NMForest Road Road11.4mi
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?