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Dispersed Camping

Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping

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.

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Bisti Trailhead To reach the Bisti Trailhead, Drive NM 371 just under 36 miles south of Farmington (from the San Juan River crossing) or just under 45 miles north of Crownpoint (from the intersection of 371 and Navajo Service Route 9), and turn east on Road 7297 (a gravel road). Drive Road 7297 for approximately 2 miles to a T-intersection and turn left. Drive just under one mile to the Bisti Trailhead, which is just south of a broad wash on the east side of the road. There is another, smaller parking area 1/4 mile further north.

De-Na-Zin Trailhead To reach the De-Na-Zin Trailhead by the best route drive US 550, 12 miles south of the Speedway Gas Station south of Bloomfield or 4 miles north of NM 57 and turn west onto County Road 7500. Drive approximately 11 1/4 miles to the De-Na-Zin Trailhead (on the right side of the road). A trail leads from the parking area approximately 3/4 mile to the De-Na-Zin Wash. An alternative route that includes a section of rougher dirt roads that are more prone to weather related hazards is to drive NM 371 approximately 43 3/4 miles south of Farmington (from the San Juan River crossing) or approximately 37 1/4 miles north of Crownpoint (from the intersection of 371 and Navajo Service Route 9), and turn east on County Road 7500. Drive approximately 13 1/4 miles on Road 7500 to the De-Na-Zin parking area (on the left side of the road).”

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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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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

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.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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4.5

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2 Reviews

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

  • Are fires allowed at Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is fair.