Sitting about six miles north of the Texas border along Hwy 62/180, Chosa Campground is a large, fenced gravel lot managed by the BLM that functions primarily as a staging point for visits to Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The layout is straightforward: a wide circular area with a drive-through loop, stone fire rings around the perimeter, and enough flat, firm gravel to accommodate rigs of any size. A trash bin on-site is a practical touch for dispersed camping. Campers looking at campgrounds near Carlsbad Caverns will find this one of the most accessible options in the corridor.
The site reads more like a gravel parking area than a traditional campground, and reviewers are consistent on that point. What it trades in atmosphere it makes up for in function. David R. describes it as "functional as a box of nails," which captures the tone well. Tent campers have found softer ground and additional fire rings just outside the fence line, where stake driving is easier. Crowds are manageable most of the time, though Saturday mornings tend to draw more rigs before most pull out by mid-morning.
Cell coverage is solid across multiple carriers. Verizon users report strong signal, while AT&T connections have ranged from two to three bars. Some road noise carries in from the highway, particularly during daytime hours, and light pollution from Carlsbad is visible at night, though Dan M. notes "decent night views" remain. Sunsets over the Guadalupe Mountains are visible from the western edge of the lot.
Summer heat is a real factor here. Temperatures can reach 90 degrees by late afternoon, and multiple reviewers suggest arriving closer to sunset if camping in warmer months, as temperatures drop quickly after dark. Wind is another variable, with gusts reaching 30 mph at night not uncommon, especially for tent campers. Supplies are available in Carlsbad to the north, and the nearby communities of White's City provide a closer fuel stop. For those wanting more seclusion, Dilhunty Road BLM Dispersed near Carlsbad Caverns and BLM Dispersed near El Capitan — Guadalupe Mountains are nearby alternatives along the same corridor.
Chosa works best as an overnight stop or a multi-night base for visiting the two national parks, and it suits RV travelers and van campers especially well given the level gravel surface and easy highway access.
Description
Chosa Campground consists of a 3.5-acre, pipe-rail fenced pad that offers a trash container and a safe parking space for your Recreational Vehicle plus a protected area to set tents, whatever your camping style. Chosa campground provides visitors a fee free location strategically located between two national parks with Carlsbad Caverns a short 11-mile drive north and Guadalupe Mountains National Park 27 miles south on highway 62.
Fee Info
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsChosa Campground is located in New Mexico near Carlsbad Caverns
Directions
Chosa Campground is about 27 miles southwest of Carlsbad, NM. From Carlsbad, NM take US 62/180 south approximately 27 miles until mile marker 9, turn east on Dillahunty Road/County Road 424. Follow Dillahunty Road for 0.25 miles and the campground will be on the north side.
Address
Carlsbad Field Office
620 E. Greene Street
Carlsbad, NM 88220
Coordinates
32.08861 N
104.43222 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 28 usersLast on 7/28/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 42 usersLast on 7/28/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 7/28/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 28 usersLast on 7/28/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 42 usersLast on 7/28/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 7/28/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- 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 Chosa Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 56 min from El Paso, TX
- 2 hrs 35 min from Odessa, TX
- 2 hrs 37 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 2 hrs 43 min from Midland, TX
