Bales/San Miguel (FR 534) in NM -- Free Camping & Overnight Parking in New Mexico
Bales/San Miguel (FR 534) in NM
A 54.2-mile stretch of dirt National Forest road in Sandoval County, NM. The road is open seasonally, September 1 to February 29.
Santa Fe National Forest, Cuba Ranger District allows dispersed camping here -- 14-day limit in any 45 days.
All 54.2 miles in are maintained only for high-clearance vehicles. 34 of the 54.2 miles in are dirt. Climbs 9,600 ft over 54.2 miles -- sustained grades near 16%, with pitches to 37%. Stretches run along a shelf with a drop of up to ~120 ft on the downhill side. Winds through 46 switchbacks.
Big Mountain stands 2,029 ft above the site, 2.7 miles east. Private here -- the nearest through road is 1.8 miles off. The nearest town, Jemez Pueblo, is 24 mi off.
September normals 42–76°F, 1.6″ 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