Thompson Grove Picnic Area

Rita Blanca National Grassland

US Forest Service

Free camping at Rita Blanca National Grassland

This is officially a picnic area though the information kiosk says that camping is allowed with a 14-day maximum stay. There are no campsites, it's just a dirt lot where most vehicles park along side the railing. It's a narrow parking lot large enough for small to medium-sized RVs.

Authority

Rita Blanca NG logo

Rita Blanca National Grassland

US Forest Service

Grassland Headquarters

Tel: (575) 374-9652

Official campground webpage

Particulars

GPS: 36.4150, -102.8058

Elevation: 4,354 feet

Reservations: First come, first served

Camping Fee: None

Permit: None

Max stay: 14 days

Amenities: picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilet, trash cans

Submitted by

Admin Staff

Admin Staff

Boondocker's Bible

Thompson Grove Picnic Area, Rita Blanca National Grassland

This picnic area also doubles as a campground according to the information kiosk posted at the site, offering a maximum 14-day stay. RVs and other vehicles will have to remain parked in the dirt lot, and there isn’t much room.

Vehicles pulling medium to large trailers will have difficulty turning around inside the dirt lot, and most will have to back into the lot. All parking is along the railing. There are no hookups.

Otherwise, Thompson Grove Picnic Area is not meant to be a camping destination, it was originally intended as a day-use area, but because Rita Blanca NG has so few camping options, it was opened up as a free campground.

Associated Documents

Cibola National Forest Order 3-03-00-23-03, Occupancy rules, camping limits, alcohol possession, public nudity, (eff: May 20, 2023, term: December 31, 2027)

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