Free Camping at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge

Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 3,699 acres of land used to serve as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Designated so in 1965, this area makes wildlife the priority and provides a feeding and resting habitat for the migratory birds. Due to this critical role as a refuge, camping at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge is limited and only allowed at Lake 13. Located about 3/4 of a mile north of the visitor center, this camp area has a few amenities. Here you’ll find picnic tables, trash cans, and vault toilet.

To ensure that wildlife is not negatively affected by public use, there are a number of rules to be aware of. For starters, camping is limited to 5 days. Also, campfires are prohibited. There is no swimming allowed, pets must be leashed, and no firearms or hunting. Fishing is only permitted during fishing season between March 1 – October 31 and state/federal regulations apply.

rule sign at maxwell national wildlife refuge

Quick Info: Free Camping at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge

Cost: Free

Ownership: US Fish and Wildlife Service; 5 day limit

Directions: Click here to get directions to Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge Campground

Solar: Great

Miles From Town: About 10 minutes from Maxwell, New Mexico

Water: No

Road Conditions: Great condition

Cell Service: Yes

Our Experience Camping at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge

After spending longer than we expected at the incredible skatepark in Trinidad, there was no way we were going to make it to Santa Fe. So we decided to check out the free camping at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge. Although the refuge is huge, there is one designated area for camping by Lake 13.

The road to get to Lake 13 was in great shape. Once we located Lake 13, there were several dispersed primitive camp spots with picnic tables and trash cans. There were also two vault toilets. The first night we took the cute camp spot under the tree. But then we realized that camp spot was the most limiting as far as solar conditions. So we moved to one of the camp spots lined up in a row on the grass.

free camping at maxwell national wildlife refuge

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We only spent two nights camping at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge. But the setting was very peaceful and the lake was very pretty. We didn’t drive around the refuge much while we were here but we did get out for a run along the dam until it dead ended.

pretty lake at maxwell national wildlife refuge

While we were camping at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge, we saw several other campers. Most people seemed to come in for the evening and left in the morning. We weren’t here very long so we can’t weigh in on the weekend use. All in all, this was a very convenient, peaceful and serene area to enjoy a free night or two of camping.

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We hope you found this article about free camping at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge informative. If you’d like to read about more free camping opportunities we’ve experienced, check out these articles:

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