I'm thinking of flying my Maule from the Seattle area to New Mexico this fall to visit my daughter. I'm looking for some interesting fly-in camping on my trip. I've enjoyed airplane camping on dry lakebeds in SE Oregon, and in Nevada and wondered if any of you have flown in to the Plains of St Augustin in SE NM for flamping. If so, any advice on where in that large area to aim for? Any other suggestions on places to visit with my Maule while I'm down that way?

Don't miss at least flying over Canyon de Chelly National Park just east of Chinle, Az. It is two 2,000' deep vertical wall red rock canyons that are prettier than the Grand Canyon. If you come by Mesa Falcon Field at Tempe Sep 29 to Oct 01, I will fly with you. I will be at the Tempe Embassy Suits for the Apache Troop 1/9th Air Cav reunion. I have flown extensively in the San Agustin area in Med Evac Hueys and small airplanes. You could land on secondary roads and dry lake beds out there, but I don't know about camping. Flash floods have left some roughness in places as well. It is in the San Pedro National Forest I think. David Trujillo, a great Huey pilot and forest engineer there many years ago, spent many sorties (training flights) with me looking for Anasazi sites all over out there. Have a good trip and visit with your daughter. PM me for specifics about almost anyplace in New Mexico.

It's been really dry and hot, check the TFR's on your flight app as there are some significant fires raging in the mountains surrounding the plains right now. Check https://inciweb.nwcg.gov. Mostly in the Gila and San Mateo Mtns. I've done some passage through the fire areas and the smoke does make it instrument flight even if you're not in the TFR. But you can get to the other side.

The Very Large Array radio telescopes span the plain is of interest. Never landed in the plains but like you am curious to explore the area.

Check with https://www.nmpilots.org. There are numerous Forest service airstrips available as the group is building an aviation tourism program similar to Idaho et al. Poke around on their website and you'll find a listing of airstrips that may suit your plans and interest. We've been busy flying mostly to our place in the Zuni's so I don't take opportunity enough to enjoy other destinations as much as I would like. I have been to Negrito in the Gila's (a great camping location with toilet facilities and crosswind runway) but there's a fire there now. It would be a great place. I think the NMPA website would be very helpful for your plans.