Last year we arrived in NM in time for the Balloon Fiesta, for which we did have reservations at the mass lot south of the balloon field. After that we spend the months of Oct and Nov wandering all around NM without reservations anywhere and we never had a problem getting a site.
The same applies to our trip west from New England.
Here is a journal of our meandering trip, which includes comments, photos, and links to all the campgrounds at which we stayed.
In Jan and Feb we moved to TX for warmer weather, again we did fine without reservations.
We pretty much always stay at public campgrounds (BLM, USFS, State Parks, etc) and have the Federal Golden Geezer pass which makes staying at federal locations an excellent deal.
Also note that NM has the best Annual Parks Pass of any state in the country: Their pass is $225. It waives entrance fees, gives you free camping without hookups or if you want electric hookup, it's only $4 dollars. With hookup, it pays for itself in three weeks! Even less if you dry camp.
There are lots of places to boondock in UT and NM, all for free. How do we find them? We have found
The Ultimate US Public Campground Project to be the most comprehensive source for public campgrounds, especially the smaller and out-of-way locations.
That's a wonderful part of the country to explore - have a great trip!
Ted H.
