Ruidoso Ridge (FR 203) in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico

AnyRoost

Ruidoso Ridge (FR 203) in NM

Santa Fe NF, Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District
8,120 ft
Maps
Overnight camping allowedRUTTED
VerizonWEAK
AT&TNONE
T-MobileWEAK
StarlinkGOOD

A 10.5-mile stretch of graded dirt National Forest road in San Miguel County, NM.

Santa Fe National Forest, Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 45 days.

All 10.5 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. Mostly graded dirt, with 2.8 miles of dirt. Climbs 2,400 ft over 10.5 miles -- sustained grades near 12%, with pitches to 20%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~130 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 6 switchbacks.

Secluded here -- the nearest through road is 2.4 miles off. Rito la Vega runs 0.7 mi off. The nearest town, Las Vegas, is 19 mi off.

September normals 42–72°F, 2.0″ rain. Monthly averages, PRISM 1991–2020.

Nearby Spots
Rowe Mesa RD (FR 124) in NMForest Road Road12.4miHighway Rest Area - Ribera in NMRest Area13.1miValle Grande (FR 324) in NMForest Road Road13.1miFR 325 — Division Tank in NMForest Road Road13.2miHighway Rest Area in NMRest Area14.0mi
Fire restrictions

Set by Santa Fe National Forest, Pecos-Las Vegas 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?