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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

The Box Recreation Area

9 Reviews

About

Bureau of Land Management

The 640-acre Box Recreation Area is a highly scenic, rugged area which is very popular for technical rock climbing and bouldering. The five cliffs on either side of this box canyon provide popular rock climbing for even highly skilled technical climbers. Challenging climbing opportunities include the Waterfall Wall, Corner Block and the Fillet a Papillon Wall.

There is a developed parking area with a trailhead, kiosks, and restroom. Drinking water is not available.

Special Rules: Camping in designated sites only. No shooting of weapons. Remember, that climbing is a high-risk activity. For safety, climbers should not attempt climbs beyond their abilities.

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Location

The Box Recreation Area is located in New Mexico

Coordinates

34.00699972 N
106.9931189 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Good
Verizon
Available
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Good

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Contact

General Info

Tracy T.

Guide

Reviewed Dec. 17, 2023

Beautiful

Very easy to get to, went up the hill past the cattle guard. Didn’t see anyone else in my 4 night camp. The sunsets and sunrises are amazing. Will def come back

Month of VisitJanuary

(5) View All

April N.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 25, 2023

Just fine

Stopped at the first parking area and it was flat, empty and quiet. We didn’t travel up the road to the spot the other reviewers stayed but we enjoyed the easy drive in.

Siteanywhere

Month of VisitMay

Nikki B.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 16, 2022

Beautiful canyon

One of my favorite places I’ve stayed. Will definitely come back!

The bottom Box Canyon parking lot is great. It is just a large gravel parking lot, but the views are amazing! There is a bathroom at the bottom parking lot (the only bathroom)! Occasionally I got 1 bar of service.

Instead of turning left into the parking lot, continue up the hill to find something more remote. If you cross over the cattle guard to the left, there is a large dirt pull off with an amazing view and private! We were there almost a week and only saw one other person park up there. There is no service, but walking back down the road just a bit a could find a few bars.

Several hiking trails with beautiful views! A lot of great climbing also! Spectacular views and lots of wild life! A great place to star gaze!

The road is used by truckers from a quarry nearby, so that can be noisy during the morning/day but is quiet at night.

Month of VisitFebruary

Taylor S.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 15, 2021

Parking lot

There are primitive camp spots down a rough dirt road right off the highway. Otherwise you are just setting up camp in the parking lot. Pretty quiet area and a vault restroom that’s door needs some TLC is available in the main parking area. Great spot if you want to get an early start on rock climbing.

Month of VisitNovember

Kolby B.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2021

Nice break from long drive

Just happened upon this stop on our way home from Sedona. Nice and quiet spot with some rock climbing that we didn't have time for, unfortunately. Fire pit and vault toilets available.

Month of VisitApril

(6) View All

Jeremy G.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2021

A piece of heaven

Just a little gravel parking lot but just the height and the views and all the caves that is so beautiful and so peaceful

Month of VisitAugust

(4) View All

Jeff K.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 19, 2020

Rough Tent Camping...Great Rock Climbing

Drove down the night before in order to go climbing the next day. Found a decent spot in a dry wash to put up the tent for the night. It worked and allowed quick access to the crag in the morning. Does start to get busy with climbers fairly early (8am or so). Would be perfect for somebody with a camper-van or teardrop.

Month of VisitDecember

Nathan M.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 12, 2020

Pretty cool area

Cool place. The spots with fire pits have been blocked off by private property signs. Camping definitely at your own risk, perfect for just a day trip.

Chloe H.

Guide

Reviewed Mar. 2, 2019

Climbing area where you can camp if you are chill

10-15 down 60 west of Socorro you'll find "the box" climbing area. This is on BLM land, and there is no trash pick-up or other managed facilities here, so camping is at your own discretion and you MUST leave the area as you found it (or better). There is a vault toilet at the main parking lot as you drive in, and if you drive further up the road there is a small pull-off with a couple of simple fire-pits where you will likely find a couple other climbers camping. Please be responsible about your food, trash and making a fire. There is loads of good climbing in the area and it's a great place to set up camp for a few days, but don't ruin that privilege for everyone by mistreating the area. Follow pack-in, pack-out, LNT and common sense rules.

Month of VisitMarch