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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed

Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed, near Carlsbad, New Mexico, is a fantastic spot for those who enjoy a more rugged camping experience. This area offers a chance to set up camp in a wide-open desert landscape, where you can enjoy stunning views and a sense of solitude.

Visitors have noted that the location is easy to find, with plenty of spots to choose from, especially if you have a high-clearance vehicle. The terrain can be rocky and steep in places, so take it slow if you're venturing further in. As one camper mentioned, “It was extremely windy, which was refreshing,” adding to the unique desert atmosphere.

While there are no amenities like drinking water or toilets, the freedom to camp wherever you like is a big draw. Campers have enjoyed the fire pits available at various sites, though you'll need to bring your own firewood. The nearby Carlsbad Caverns are a must-see, just a short drive away, making this location perfect for those looking to explore the natural wonders of the area.

Some campers have shared their experiences of waking up to the sight of cows wandering nearby, adding a bit of charm to the experience. With its beautiful scenery and the opportunity for quiet nights under the stars, Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed is a solid choice for anyone looking to escape into nature.

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Location

Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

32.20421948 N
104.33528897 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • 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.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed needs a permit.


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

18 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 7, 2024

Cool place for a few nights.

I stayed here for a few nights in march. I have a high clearance truck that allowed me to get up a bit higher. The view is nice, you can see the lights from the oilfield. Walmart is about 20 min, but at 70mpg the entire time.

Sitehigh up
Month of VisitMarch
Reviewed May. 13, 2024

Great place close to Carlsbad Caverns

Went on cavern tour which is highly recommended. Set up camp around 1600. Tent camping is interesting when you have 20 mph winds with gusts. Great location. A little road noise from highway. Almost no one else around. Would be ideal in overlander trailer or camper. Road past first parking area a little rough but 4WD made it seem easy. Some parts might not be optimal for low clearance vehicle.

Site3 rd site on left overlooking valley.
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Bill C., May 13, 2024
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Bill C., May 13, 2024
Reviewed May. 6, 2024

dispersed desert hill camping

Really easy to find, just pull off from the national parks highway and you'll find a big clearing at the base of the hill. More campsites up the hill but it's pretty rocky and a little steep, go slow and 4wd. It was extremely windy, which was refreshing, but there was a fire watch. I didn't build a fire but there were pits for them. Overall great location for a night in the desert, must visit Carlsbad Caverns 20 minutes away it's mindblowing.

Site4th one up
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by S H., May 6, 2024
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by S H., May 6, 2024
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by S H., May 6, 2024
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Apr. 12, 2024

Holy Cows!!!🤣

Only stayed here for a night. Super easy to find. I took the first spot available and made camp. I awoke to cows near my tent. Unphased by me doing their on thing. There were plenty other spots available that were higher up that gave beautiful views

SiteCarlsbad Cavern BLM land
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Chasity M., April 12, 2024
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Chasity M., April 12, 2024
Reviewed Mar. 12, 2024

Great dispersed camping

Good dispersed spot with no amenities. Just drive through the open fence and pick a spot. Very quiet and wide open in March. Area is wide open with typical desert bushes, nothing other than twigs to collect for fire wood. Road up is kind of rough and likely requires some 4x4 depending on how far you take it.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Nick B., March 12, 2024
Reviewed Jan. 20, 2024

Easy access to the canyons

First 3 spots are easily accessible. Last 4 spots require a little more patience and finesse to access and probably wouldnt be great for low clearance vehicles. We camped at spot 6, which gave great views. Spot 7 is semi adjacent to oil equipment, so not an optimal view. Fire pits at all locations, but bring your own wood. There is none to scavenge.

Site6
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Mark G., January 20, 2024
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Mark G., January 20, 2024
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Mark G., January 20, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2023

Beautiful views, easy and convenient location

Pulled in around 5:30 and picked a spot closer to the road, loved the view. Had a little wind and rain but nothing major. Would definitely come back again!

Sitesomewhere in 1-3
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Morgan H., June 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Morgan H., June 6, 2023
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Morgan H., June 6, 2023
Reviewed May. 1, 2023

Great campground - high clearance needed after site 3

If you have high clearance (4wd not needed but high clearance is) the sites farther in are amazing! The first three sites were fine but nothing really special. But sites 5-7 were all super cool, quiet, private, and well set up

Site6
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Justin C., May 1, 2023
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Justin C., May 1, 2023
Reviewed Apr. 9, 2023

Solitude

Got here late afternoon. No thrills except the scenery. But that’s why we go camping

Reviewed Mar. 28, 2023

Great location

Only 5 minutes from Carlsbad caverns, this dispersed OHV trail is accessible to anyone with a vehicle that can make it over potholes and speed bumps. Gorgeous views of southern New Mexico and the chihuahuan desert are worth it when you wake up

Site2nd lot in
Month of VisitMarch
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  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jan. 24, 2023

Dispersed sites near Carlsbad Caverns NP

Great spot right off the highway. Only 25 minutes from Carlsbad NM, and 20 minutes from the NP.

The road is a bit rough and may need a higher clearance the further you drive in. There are about 1-2 large spots right near the entrance if you don't want to jostle your way further up. If you go back far enough the hill blocks the highway. Sites are spaced well. Most of the sites are fairly level, may need to move some rocks if tent camping. Only noise throughout the night was the occasional car from the highway and some cows.

No services, so pack in pack out. Verizon service was good.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Noah E., January 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Noah E., January 24, 2023
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Noah E., January 24, 2023
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2022

Solitude, beautiful views!

Beautiful sunset, and gorgeous city views after dark. Great campfire ring, private and perfect! (Great breeze!)

Sitesecond one after entering
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Chris S., October 1, 2022
Reviewed May. 18, 2022

Great experience

Open land, elevated, great scenic view over the landscape. There are 10+ sites along the road, all private with firepits. Was windy for us during May and yes road is rough in some areas. But for everything else you get for free you can't beat it

Site3rd site up
Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Apr. 26, 2022

Great free spot

Easy to find but unless you have high clearance stick to first 3 sites. Road is very very rough beyond 3rd site. We were in ram 1500 with 12ft bumper pull and ran into trouble trying to get to fourth site. Hopefully fix road soon. Very pleasant Sherrif came by before sunset to make sure everyone was good. 3 campers last night.... us, a class a and a 4wd self contained unit.

Site2nd site up road.
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Mar. 25, 2022

4x4 highly recommend

Just arrived at this spot and I’ll tell ya, it’s secluded and beautiful!

I saw about 5 spots in the first half mile of the trip. If you’re a bold 2wd kind person, this may work for you. If you can make it to the top, stay left the entire route and there are some primo spots. My dog and I came in around 440 and it was quiet and BEAUTIFUL. We decided to stay a couple days.

The road was rough and full of good sized rocks in the road. I have a 2 inch lift on my little tacoma and we conquered this trail in no time. I have full service and can barely hear the road just a few miles away.

SiteTop, just passed the solar/ antenna set up.
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Mark S., March 25, 2022
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Mark S., March 25, 2022
Reviewed Feb. 15, 2022

Amazing Views

The roads are a little rough, but you could definitely make it in 2WD. Amazing scenery and lots of privacy! There are tons of spots, but they are all very spread out. Each has their own fire pit.

SiteUnmarked
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Ben , February 15, 2022
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  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Ben , February 15, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jan. 18, 2022

Close to the caverns

I stayed here because it was 15 minutes from Carlsbad cavern, and it did not disappoint. It was a really rough road past the first three spots, but my 2wd van made it. Very private and spread out with plenty of spaces. I had cell service at this location.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Nikki B., January 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed by Nikki B., January 18, 2022
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed?

    Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed is located at 3657 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed?

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