Free dispersed camping on BLM land provides access to the otherworldly Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness through a gravel road that proves rougher than it appears. The main camping area sits west of the road near the trailhead, where large RVs can find level spots suitable for big rigs. A pit toilet serves the area, though campers should bring their own supplies.
Wind dominates the camping experience here, with gusts reaching 45 mph during spring visits. The exposed terrain offers unobstructed sky views that work well for satellite internet and starlink connections, while AT&T cell service shows 1-2 bars but may require a booster for reliable data. Rock formations appear within 100 yards of some camping spots, giving visitors a preview of the badlands geology they'll encounter on hiking trails.
Access requires navigating a significant dip just past the main parking area that stops some travel trailers, though spots remain available before this obstacle. The wilderness itself rewards hikers with a 6-mile round-trip exploration across flat but exposed terrain where petrified wood and unusual rock formations dot the landscape. "Clean bathrooms and picnic tables" provide basic amenities, as Julie K. notes.
This spot works best for self-sufficient campers prepared for wind and seeking an unconventional camping experience near geological wonders.
Description
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).”
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingBisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping is located in New Mexico
Coordinates
36.25629 N
108.2525 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 5/5/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 5/5/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/5/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobilePossible CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 5/5/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 5/5/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/5/26
Access
- Drive-InPark 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.
Drive Time
- 39 min from Farmington, NM
- 2 hrs 29 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 18 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 5 hrs 8 min from Grand Junction, CO
