American Creek (FR 70) in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico
American Creek (FR 70) in NM
A 42.8-mile stretch of gravel National Forest road in Rio Arriba County, NM. The road is open seasonally, July 1 to May 14.
Santa Fe National Forest, Cuba Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 45 days.
16.8 of the 42.8 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Mostly gravel, with 16.6 miles of dirt. Climbs 6,800 ft over 42.8 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 22%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~130 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 46 switchbacks. Dead-end road -- no mapped turnaround; expect to back out or unhitch. Cattle guards 13.1 and 20.7 miles in.
Exposed here -- the nearest through road is 0.1 miles off. Nacimiento Peak stands 2,306 ft above the site, 3.4 miles northeast. A body of water lies 0.5 mi off. Travellers have camped along here. The nearest town, Jemez Pueblo, is 29 mi off.
September normals 44–73°F, 2.0″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.
Set by Santa Fe National Forest, Cuba Ranger District. Stage 1 and 2 orders change within days -- check the current order before you build a fire.
fs.usda.gov