Dispersed Car Camping in Jemez past Gilman Tunnels

Latitude, Longitude: 35.8360990, -106.7860470; Elevation: ~7400ft

Weather Forecast:  https://tinyurl.com/AHjemezSpotWeather

Fire Restrictions: https://nmfireinfo.com/fire-restrictions/

So, we never went here as a Boy Scout troop, but for nearly every May since 2015 or so, we've gone here for a church group campout, Fathers and Sons.  It's a beautiful little spot right off a road, nice grassy area for tenting, and near a stream for playing.  Good times. 

It's just dispersed camping on National Forest land in the Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest.

USFS Jemez Ranger District Website

We've always loved this spot.  Seemed perfect for going on a campout with a bunch of younger boys and some other siblings, and just hanging out and having a good time.  

Note that in May, the weather in the Jemez can be highly variable.  In 2021, it was beautiful weather, in the high 60s during the day and the evening weather before bed wasn't below the 40s.  It did get down to 35F overnight, but nothing that required double-bagging.  However, in the same May timeframe, we've had it rain non-stop the entire campout; and at other times, we've seen it snow.  So, watch the weather and plan accordingly.

The map below (as well as the GPS coordinates at the top of the page) show the location we camped at.

A few pictures of the campsite area:

The campground area includes a nice long strip of parking along the road, and a decent size meadow area for playing games, or just hosting lots of tents.  We've easily fit 60+ people here, and had room for more.  The Cebolla River (stream) runs right along the campsite, which dumps into the Guadalupe a mile or so downstream.

Nearby spot for exploration:

You pass through the Gilman tunnels on the way up here (assuming you go that way).  Once you pass the second (north) tunnel, there is a spot to pull off and park.  There are areas you can scramble over the rocks and get down to the water.  I wouldn't send a 2-yr old unaccompanied, but it's not too dangerous.  Highly recommended to stop and enjoy the rushing sound of water in the cascades as they tumble down the canyon.  This Guadalupe River is fed by the Cebolla (runs by the campsite) and the Rio delas Vacas.