Joe Skeen Campground

Make sure you get there before 3 most sites fill up fast covered tables and restrooms a plus

Arrived at dusk- campground was filled, but we were able to set up in the RV turnout by the gate (was clear by tire marks others had done this before). SPECTACULAR stars, quiet, beautiful sunrise. Definitely a slight distance off the highway and some rough roads. Only vault toilets, but lack of amenities doesn’t outweigh the great views/atmosphere- felt like we were in a car commercial.

Drove by earlier in the way to Albuquerque. Once I realized there were nothing close to town, I drove back to this place. It was pouring rain with thunder and lightning. Just sweet. Very short dirt road to campground with one short steep wash to go through. All the sites are great with shelter, fire ring and BBQ. Two pit toilets with trash bins. Very clean. My site allowed me to back up right next to the shelter and be level. Some, you park in front. Some are a full pull-through for bigger rigs and trailers. Behind me, on the East side, cute cliff I hiked in the morning. In front, facing West, just gorgeous land and sky. The sunset was the best. By morning, there were 2 or 3 sites still unoccupied. We are so lucky to still have these free campground. Bless BLM and other organizations for doing such a wonderful job for us, the public. Donations are accepted there. No water.

The roads off the highway to the campground were no problem for my Caravan. There is a dip that is quite deep and steep that might be a concern for long vehicles. I read 36' to be the limit. I don't know, don't drive those vehicles. No the road isn't new paved, but I've seen far worse. If this one bothers anyone I'd suggest the limit their camping experience to KOAs. In site 2 the Verizon signal was 0-8 mbps down with sometimes putting phone outside van to connect. Site 6 up the hill, was 35-45 with a high of 59, resulting in great data connection. There are 2, one holer, vault toilets with ample toilet paper. Very clean with water level high enough there were no smells. Outside each toilet were bear proof trash cans that were recently serviced. Ranger station is closed for remodel with a locked gate. Don't plan on getting water. 34.94501, -107.82080 is Site 6 Elev=6946 Each site I saw had covered picnic table, fire ring and grill.

We can't believe this is a free campground. We stayed here in March to and from our destination. We have recommended this location to others.

Easy to find and access right of the highway. The entrance road is rough up until the big dip, but gets better after that. Sites vary in size but all should be able to accommodate a tent.

This was not far off the road and really nice for a free campground. Each site has a table and shade. They were all full when we arrived but we pulled in front of the gate and that was great too. I can’t get over that this was free, I’ve seen many sites in rough shape cost a bit and this was lovely.

This place was amazing. Their are 11 campsites with pavilions and a dirt area on the side of the road where ppl can park if the campsites are full. There are trash containers all around the site to throw away your trash but they aren’t big enough for a full trash bag. We just used recycled grocery bags to throw our trash in while we were here. The view and stars are amazing and there are some sandstone bluffs like a mile a way from the campsite that are worth checking out. We also hiked up the mountain right next to the campsites. There is a town about 20 minutes alway from the campsite.

This is the best free campground we’ve ever stayed at. Beautiful surroundings, off the main highway enough to be very quiet, cement slabs with picnic tables, grill and fire pit. Bathrooms and well-spaced out sites. Would definitely stay here again!

We pulled in around noon on a Sunday, and pretty much had the place to ourselves. The sites are top notch with covered concrete pads including a grill and fire pit. The bathrooms were very clean. It was very peaceful and scenic. The views are amazing and the sunset coloring the surrounding bluffs was a perfect end to the day.