American Mesa (FR 310) in NM -- Camping Rules & Access in New Mexico
American Mesa (FR 310) in NM
Why
U.S. Forest Service opens most of its land to dispersed camping unless a local order restricts it. Check the unit's current orders before you commit.All 33 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles, mostly graded dirt with 11.7 miles of dirt. Level ground alongside most of its length. Winds through 11 switchbacks. Dead-end road with no mapped turnaround, so expect to back out or unhitch. Gates 9.5, 12.2 and 19.2 miles in. Cattle guards 24.8 and 44.4 miles in.
Bancos Canyon runs 0.1 mi off. A well-travelled stretch, with camps along here. Exposed here, with the nearest through road 0.0 miles off. Quintana Mesa stands 1,024 ft above the site, 1.8 miles north.
Carson National Forest, Jicarilla Ranger District: Camping for more than 14 days, whether or not consecutive, within any 45-day period is prohibited.
| Fire restrictions | Set by Carson National Forest, Jicarilla Ranger District. Check current orders |
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September normals 46–79°F, 1.5″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.