(Northern NM)
As previously mentioned, I often explore around my camp to get familiar with the area. Pleasant scenes or interesting things may be just a short ways from my spot. Thought I’d share some views near some camps I’ve stayed at this summer in northern New Mexico.
A fairly short walk from my boondock camp found this stand of aspens along with some spruce trees; both are fairly typical in the high mountains. From the rear window of my camper, I watched a few crows repeatedly perch in this pine; presumably to survey the area.
Summer wildflowers covered a meadow just behind where I was camped. They were discovered when I decided to see what was beyond the trees. Sometimes I will get a visit from free range cattle. One time, a bold steer decided to use my rear bumper for a scratching post.
Some turkeys trotted through my campsite just poking around. Gnarly trees are some of my favorites. This old juniper had branches going every which way. They’re not always the grandest sights, but what nature provides are the simple pleasures I enjoy.
Camp: Various camps
Scene: Cattle, trees, birds, wildflowers
Love the natural art in a lot of vegetation. Thank you.
Me too. Thanks for commenting.
The wife and I are strongly considering northern New Mexico for our summer 2022 travels.
I assume the temperature and bug situation is not a problem during the summer months in Northern New Mexico. At about what altitude would you say is the best for temps and bug mediation in the summer months there? Are your summer locations along the entire northern portion of the state, or do you spend more time in one northern “quadrant” or another?
Has New Mexico re-opened their state parks fully yet? If so, is the annual pass still available for out-of-state residents?
I have appreciated your posts for quite some time now. I am most happy you have continued posting for so long. Seems like many of the full time RV bloggers I had been following have either given up blogging, gotten off the road or have gone to Europe!
Thank you for following my journey. About summer in NM…
1) I rarely have a problem with bugs at anytime in NM
2) Altitude is more important than location for temperatures. For every 1,000ft of elevation change the temperature changes 3 to 4 degrees. Generally, above 7,000ft in the summer does it; higher is needed at times. I like the area between Chama and east or north of Taos because there are many options and camps up to 10,000ft or so. I mostly boondock and avoid the cities. So, north central NM above Santa Fe. Other parts of NM also have camping between 7,000 and 9,000ft.
3) State parks are open for camping to everyone for now. Parks can restrict certain things like use of playground, limited bathhouse, campfires, number of campers, wearing a mask, etc.
4) Annual Camping Pass is being sold to out-of-state visitors. However, hookup sites definitely and most drycamp sites are by advance reservation only via Reserve America. Some parks have Primitive camping similar to boondocking which may not require a reservation; it varies by park.
Hopefully, things will be more settled by next summer, and you can enjoy camping. If further info is needed send an eMail using the Contact link above.
Great info. Thanks again!