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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed

Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed, near Carlsbad, New Mexico, is a unique spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. This area offers a chance to camp in a more natural setting, with no designated sites, allowing you to find your own perfect spot among the wide-open spaces.

Visitors have praised the quiet and seclusion of this location, making it ideal for a peaceful retreat. One camper noted, “If QUIET is what you are looking for, it is WELL worth the drive!” The drive to the area is mostly on gravel, and while some ruts may be present, larger campers can navigate it without much trouble.

Just a short distance from the famous Carlsbad Caverns National Park, this location serves as a great base for exploring the stunning underground formations. Campers have enjoyed the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, with plenty of opportunities to soak in the natural beauty around them.

While amenities are minimal—no drinking water, toilets, or trash services—this spot is perfect for those who appreciate a more rugged camping experience. Just remember to pack in what you need and pack out your trash. If you're up for a little adventure and want to enjoy the great outdoors, Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed is worth checking out.

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Location

Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

32.19159725122256 N
104.33156193477562 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Phone Service
  • WiFi
  • 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 Caverns Dispersed needs a permit.


Reviews

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4.0

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6 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 4, 2023

Close to Carlsbad

Good place to boondock! You get the low hum of the oilfield. Road can be kinda rough but we did it in a Camry. We were the only ones. May get a visit from some cows.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed by Joseph W., September 4, 2023
  • Review photo of Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed by Joseph W., September 4, 2023
Reviewed Apr. 21, 2023

Maybe we did something wrong but these coordinates were wrong

We tried this location. It looked like it could be just what we wanted. However, we followed the GPS coordinates here on Dyrt.com and though the road was smoother than the one across the street, it took us way out on a small dirt road that led to a cow field (with very aggressive cows) and eventually a dead end. It was a bit tricky getting turned around. We never did see places off to the side of the road to boondock. 

Just as we left the freeway, right by the grates there is a dirt lot off to the left but it was too close to the freeway and others for us. If you decide to try this spot, just don't follow the GPS coordinates.

We ended up staying 4 nights at Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping, and we really liked it.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2023

Nice spot for larger campers

Only 20 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns NP! This is area is about 2.5 miles off the highway. Only about .7 miles on a pretty level gravel road with some small ruts here and there.

There aren't sites per say when you get to where the GPS takes you. It's a long stretch of gravel road with some areas to pull off. I didn't see any fire rings, but it was a good spot to pull off for the night that is a couple miles from highway noise. Would be easy for any large camper to make its way here. (There is another dispersed site directly across the highway from this spot that has fire rings and a bit better of a view, but the road is rougher)

Dispersed area, so pack in pack out. Verizon service was good!

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed by Noah E., January 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed by Noah E., January 25, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2022

Quiet and secluded spot!

It is a 2 mile drive on gravel to get to this place… however if QUIET is what you are looking for, it is WELL worth the drive! We drove our 2003 Itasca (34’ long) motorhome here, and found a PERFECT flat spoke on the first left “road” after crossing the cattle guards into this dispersed land!

We see cars and trucks on the road FAR away… but HEAR NONE of them!

Wonderfully quiet! Beautiful sunrises… views… and sunsets! What a blessing! Praise Yahweh (God)!

SiteFirst left turn after crossing cattle-guard, Google Coor (32.1827221, -104.3297131)
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed by Tamra J., November 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed by Tamra J., November 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed by Tamra J., November 1, 2022
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Apr. 10, 2022

Wide Open Spaces

Great place to stop over prior to visiting and possibly after you visit the Caverns. High clearance for the upper levels of the roadway but several vans could stay below close to the entrance.  Quiet nights rest with occasional truck driving by on the roadway below

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed by Al L., April 10, 2022
  • Review photo of Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed by Al L., April 10, 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed?

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

  • Does Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed does have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed?

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