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Dispersed Camping

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness offers dispersed camping in a region characterized by unique rock formations and open desert terrain. Temperatures can range from highs of 90°F in summer to lows of 20°F in winter. Nearby, visitors can explore the Bisti Badlands and the Chaco Culture National Historical Park.

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Location

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

36.25629 N
108.2525 W

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Connectivity

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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
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    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
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    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 2 users

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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General Info


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4 Reviews

Reviewed May. 20, 2025

Nice spot

The only downside was the huge dip to go right after the parking lot, just with some dirt the problem could be solved. I could not go thought with my TT, there are pretty good spots passing it. I turned back and stayed by the road but a decent spot too.

Siteby the road
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping by Karla L., May 20, 2025
  • Review photo of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping by Karla L., May 20, 2025
  • Review photo of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping by Karla L., May 20, 2025
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Feb. 12, 2025

Bisti Campground

Very nice! Clean bathrooms and picnic tables. Flat parking lot.

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping by Julie K., February 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping by Julie K., February 12, 2025
  • Review photo of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping by Julie K., February 12, 2025
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 31, 2023

Backcountry adventure

We had the goal of exploring New Mexico back country and Bisti, which we did! The Dyrt directions to the trailhead here are perfect. There were a few folks camping at the parking lot and there is a relatively clean pit toilet there though bring TP. We drove past the lot and got over a ditch no problem with our Tacoma. Past the second lot there is dispersed camping. We picked a great spot on the left. Nearby our spot 100 yards were very cool rock formations. We hiked in the badlands and found some neat formations and petrified wood though nothing like the beautiful photos published online. It was still worth it for the unique experience. We did a 6 mile out/back hike with 2 dogs. Flat but hot and windy at times. Some of the wind got intense at our camp spot. All in all this is a worthwhile experience if you like getting off the beaten path and exploring something different. We drove from here to Alien Throne. GPS was spotty but got us there and we had on/off service in Bisti.

Sitedispersed
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping by Jennifer M., May 31, 2023
  • Review photo of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping by Jennifer M., May 31, 2023
  • Review photo of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping by Jennifer M., May 31, 2023
Reviewed Apr. 19, 2023

Two large open areas just before you get to the trailhead

We are full-timers in a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow. We were here for a few days in mid April. The gravel road is rougher than it appears to the eye. We camped in the large area on the West side of the road a short distance from the trailhead. It was very windy the day we arrived, with wind speeds of 28 mph and gusts of 45 mph. 

AT&T coverage showed 1-2 Bars of LTE service, but I was unable to get a connection without a booster. We had an unobstructed view of the sky and so we were able to receive all 3 SW Dish satellites and Starlink had up to 12 MB/s. We didn’t try to load any OTA channels.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping by Ray & Terri F., April 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping by Ray & Terri F., April 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping by Ray & Terri F., April 19, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

What should visitors know before visiting the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness?

Before visiting Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, be prepared for rough gravel roads that may be worse than they appear. There's a significant dip/ditch just past the parking lot that can be challenging for trailers and RVs to navigate. Bring your own toilet paper as the pit toilets may not be stocked. The area experiences high winds, especially in spring, so secure your camping setup accordingly. There are picnic tables available at the trailhead parking lot. No reservations are required, but the remote location means you should bring all necessary supplies. The parking lot is flat, making it suitable for overnight stays if you prefer to be close to the trailhead.

What are the most notable features to see in the Bisti Badlands?

The Bisti Badlands offer unique geological formations and backcountry exploration opportunities. The area features remarkable badlands topography with otherworldly hoodoos, unusual rock formations, and colorful layers of sedimentary rock. The wilderness area's remote setting provides excellent opportunities for hiking and photography in a pristine desert landscape. Trail navigation requires some preparation as formal trails are limited. While specific formations aren't mentioned in available information, the Bisti Wilderness is known for its alien-like terrain, petrified wood, and striking erosional features that make it a popular destination for photographers and geology enthusiasts.

Is camping allowed in the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed at Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. There's a large camping area on the west side of the road near the trailhead that accommodates various camping setups. Some campers stay directly in the parking lot area, while others find spots beyond it. The area supports larger RVs (including 36-foot Class A motorhomes), though road conditions can be rough. There are no formal facilities except for a pit toilet at the trailhead parking lot.