Chosa Campground, near Carlsbad, New Mexico, is a straightforward and spacious area perfect for those looking to camp without the frills. It’s essentially a large dirt lot that offers a free place to park your rig, making it a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions like Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks.

The location is known for its flat, open lands, which some visitors found ideal for big rigs and trailers. One camper noted, “It’s just a huge free dirt lot to camp in,” highlighting its simplicity. While there are no amenities like drinking water or electric hookups, the campground does have a large trash bin to keep things tidy. 

If you’re planning to visit during the summer, be prepared for some heat during the day, but it cools down nicely at night. Many campers recommend arriving closer to sunset to enjoy the cooler temperatures. The area can get a bit busy, but folks here are generally respectful of space and keep the noise down, making it a decent spot for a peaceful night under the stars. 

With easy access off the highway, Chosa Campground is a practical choice for those looking to explore the stunning landscapes of New Mexico. Whether you’re just passing through or planning to stay a while, it’s a no-fuss option that gets you close to some incredible natural wonders.

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.

Chosa Campground

The desert city of Carlsbad, NM, is near a national park by the same name and boasts the third largest cave chambers in the United States. It’s also where some of the best camping in New Mexico is located. Whether you pitch a tent or stay in a cabin to enjoy the stunning desert sunset, camping near Carlsbad Caverns National Park is an unforgettable experience. Rattlesnake Canyon is aptly named and a great place for primitive campers ready for a backcountry adventure. Stop by Rattlesnake Springs to see desert reptiles. The wetland also brings in hundreds of birds. RV campsites are also an option for your trip to the caverns.

Carlsbad Caverns

The Best Camping Near Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

This was our first boondocking experience and we loved it! This is absolutely an entry level boondocking spot, but that was perfect for us. There is a gravel parking lot that is pretty level and trash cans. There are no facilities other than that though. The big draw of this place is being right outside of Carlsbad Caverns NP. We also lucked out and were camping there when another couple we knew were(totally by chance!) and we met an additional couple while there. While we were here we also visited Guadalupe National Park. I highly recommend this spot! Make sure you come stocked up with supplies though because it is a bit of a drive to get to town!

Awesome free spot near 2 national parks

Quick overnight spot in large open area.  Easy to find, even at night.  Super close to the cavern.  

Easy to find

A nice spot just off the highway, flat and easily accessible. IT’S FREE, and is exactly what you’d want from a quick rest on your way to the Carlsbad Caverns or elsewhere. There are a few fire pits and nice trails. We were fortunate enough to witness a thunderstorm at night. Just park and pitch your tent.

A Great Quick Spot

Chosa Campground is essentially a giant gravel parking lot. Pretty much a last ditch effort, free campsite near the caverns. Great for overlanders and the RV crowd as it’s nice and flat. There are no bathrooms, no electrical hook-ups, and no shade. Plan accordingly. 

Gravel Parking lot in the desert

Really easy to find and is pretty close to Carlsbad Caverns. We needed a place to set up tent for the night. It was very spacious and private. Very primitive campground, no bathroom, no cover or anything, so plan ahead!! 

Quick rest stop

This was our first boon docking night ever, and it was great. The large site has four trashcans, far enough from the road so there isn't any noise or many lights, and is super quiet. You can see SO many stars in the clear sky, and the mountains are beautiful.

Great Quiet Site

Great

FREE BLM site with easy access from highway. Paved road leads right to large compacted dirt/ gravel lot, very level, a lot of space for any size rig. Some tent camping observed on the outside of the fenced off lot. One dumpster available, but no recycling. Good Verizon &amp; AT&amp;T service. Good place for a quick overnight or a place to pull off the road for a rest.

Easy one night stand

Works as a place to stay when traveling. Giant open gravel parking lot with some fire rings made of stone around the perimeter. Not too photogenic but as functional as a box of nails. Cell reception was fine, close to Carlsbad and Guadalupe mountains. A slightly better site for smaller rigs or tent campers is just up the road at mile marker 10. The two sites are connected by a road that runs along the highway.

Big Free Gravel Lot

Free dirt lot

Easy site to access from the road for my 2WD car. It’s just an empty dirt lot so it’s best for car camping. It’s a nice halfway point between Guadalupe Mtns and Carlsbad Caverns. Not too much to see in terms of views but still a nice spot. Great T-Mobile reception.

Gets the Job Done

This is a great BLM spot. Flat parking lot like fenced in space. Plenty of room to spread out. We only stayed two nights visiting Carlsbad Caverns (20 min drive) and pretty much had the place to ourselves. Great T-Mobile service. 

Gorgeous sunsets over the Guadalupe Mountains (if you’re coming from the south also a gorgeous ride through the mountains with great views of El Capitan)

This was our first time staying on BLM lad and we will definitely be doing more of it. Seemed way better than some of the rv parks that were in Whites City. Especially if you like quiet and solitude 

Boondocking at its finest 

Nice big flat spot with plenty of room and a great view. Good number of folks there. If they added a pit toilet, it would be perfect. 

Does the job



Stopped here to sleep for a night. Around 30 other RVs/vans, but nice and spread out in order for peace and quiet. Clean. Nice view of Guadalupe mountains as well, nice to wake up to! 

Perfect pit stop 

As basic as it gets for a free gravel lot used as a base camp, but a view worth a million bucks. Took an evening walk and everyone was very kind and friendly, kids had fun with other kids, and felt safe leaving the camper all day while we were at the national parks.

Parking lot with GORGEOUS views 

Nice open spot right off the highway. Drive up the paved road and it’s on your left. Gravel has been laid down so it’s nice and firm for campers/RVs. Also has a garbage can there. No hookups or bathrooms.
We tented but did so just outside the fence. There was several fire rings out there and the ground is much softer for stake driving. Real close to Carlsbad Cavern and Guadalupe NP. It did get windy as hell at night. Like 30mph wind so definitely take that into consideration especially if you’re tenting. 

Good Stop Between Carlsbad and Guadalupe

We found the place empty so we took a scenic corner. Big trash dumpster on the gravel.

Great views

Literally a big square of rocks in a desert but the stars made it worth it.

5 stargazing

When we pulled in we were the 2nd rv there. The lot is huge so we spread out. By the morning 3 more people arrived without any crowding issues. The surrounding area is sparse and beautiful. Be careful of wildlife, though!

Easy and quiet boondocking.

This is basically just a big rocky lot. Perfect for one night in our truck bed camper. Some highway noise,  but not offensive. No toilet, flat dessert for miles - so you have to be less than shy  😉 

Easy to find, Bright Stars 

Open acre or so of flat Rocky area with a fence around the property. Plenty of room for 20 or more RVs. Close to Carlsbad caverns national park.

Wide open space

2 females staying here, were the only ones here and it’s off the highway a bit so we feel very safe. flat gaveled camp site. 

nice isolated campsite 

This is a flat graveled lot with some homemade firepits (or rocks you can use to make one). Big trash dumpster but no other services. Very close to Carlsbad Caverns. Worked really well for our two camper vans. Close to freeway but not much road noise.

Good option close to caverns

Traveled 10 hours to visit Carlsbad Caverns. Found this spacious location, was not very busy (only two other campers), spacious and quiet. Beautiful view of Carlsbad range. This is a BLM managed site with no utilities except trash bins.

Chosa Campground (BLM)

A big square lot - plenty of space - trash dump available. Very close to Carlsbad Caverns. 

Basic but easy access

This spot is close to the caverns only 2 miles. We felt safe since there was more RV’s and people camping there. If you get the chance to wake up early you can see the stars!

Perfect overnight spot 

BLM land that is close to Guadalupe Mountains and Carlsbad Caverns. Great cell reception. A fenced in area of land, that has dumpsters, just of the highway. Some traffic noise, but not that bad. Free camping by two National Parks!

Close to Carlsbad Caverns and Free!

Easy access from highway with any vehicle.  Level site.  Short drive to an amazing cavern.

Close to Carlsbad Cavern

Easy to find - levels spots. There was a lot of space. Only a few other campers when we pulled in.  Great proximity to Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe. 

National park tour 

About 3 acres of gravel one big huge dumpster for your garbage area is fenced in and close to the main highway.

Big gravel lot

Easily accessible for big rigs and great service on T mobile, decent At&amp;t. About 20 minutes to Carlsbad. If you're coming from the south, do not take 652!! The road is under major construction and so bumpy!

Peaceful and easy access

You certainly can't beat the price or location. Easy access from the highway and close to two national parks. Plenty of room for any sized rig and lots of them. 

But wide open can also mean big wind.  We got a wind storm that kept us up all night. 

Cell service is great. Would stay again. 

Wide open and free

What can I tell you that a hundred reviews hasn't already mentioned? It's a large, level,  gravel parking lot a quarter mile off of Hwy 62/180 8 miles north of the Texas border in New Mexico. It's clean,  mostly quiet, and close to both Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Perfect if that is where you are headed the next morning or if you are just passing through. Not some place I would  visit just to camp. If you are doing any of the above, I recommend it. I would stay here again. 

Great overnight sleepover location 

As others have said, it's a large gravel parking area. Trash bin was nice touch. Nice enough view. Verizon via Visible  rocked strong at 4, AT&amp;T via Straight Talk bounced between  2-3. This was our 1st dry camp with the new set up, and was perfect for that purpose.  Easy in/out, any size rig fits and there was plenty of room to spread out. Even arriving  at 3pm on a Friday, there were only 5 others here, and we scored a spot on the rail with a view of the sunset. Saturday morning  there were 12 rigs here including us, and most pulled out by 11am, leaving only us &amp; 3 others till nightfall. Some road noise, but nothing unbearable.  Did have some winds,, but again nothing unbearable.  Walmart, Albertsons, Lowes, Tractor Supply all just a short drive up in Carlsbad. Diesel prices are consistent  all over so we topped off at Marathon in White's City, rather than going back to town. All in all a good stop over. We stayed 4nts to do both parks &amp; resupply. DH enjoyed it.... I may have made a believer out of him finally. 

2/18/22:   652 is a mess. While a shorter distance  than how our GPS  wanted to go, there were 5 areas where it was 1 lane &amp; we had to wait for it to be our directions turn... while shorter, it took just as long. Luckily  it isn't  very traveled or it could have taken a lot longer.




Great free spot for any size rig. 


Like everyone said- it’s a parking lot, but big enough for a lot of campers of all shapes and sizes. There are other areas nearby as well.
Really close to Carlsbad caverns and about 20 miles from town.
Served it’s purpose and while there were fire rings and a dumpster. It’s not a place to stay for more than a day or 3.

Close to the caverns 

Would have stayed longer had we known more about this spot.  Very large parking area for any size rig.  Dumpster on site but no hookups.   ATT service was good.

Stayed one night - great!

Close to Carlsbad Caverns, Rattlesnake Springs and Cottonwood Day Use Area with had a spring fed pool .

Saw several Rio Grand Turkey near the two springs.

Saw Pronghorn Antelope.

Quite and decent night views. Light noise from Carlsbad and White City

Flat caliche site.

Plenty of additional campsites away from the caliche pad in the desert.

Verizon service was great.

Chosa Was Nice

Went on a birthday road trip, and found this site by chance. Because of the old cattle corral, my friend and I were both able to set up our hammocks for the night. If you have dispersed camped before, this site is great. Pack it in, pack it out, would stay here again in a heartbeat. 

Perfect night under the stars

We had just drove to Carl's Bad Caverns and needed a place to camp for the night, the campsite we had planned on going to was all filled up and someone recommended Chosa Campsite to us. When we got there, it was total isolation in the middle of the desert...a single dump with a nasty mattress leaning against it, a dead rabbit square in the middle of the road, no maintenance what, no water or electricity. We just decided to go home after that and get a hotel 😥 Basically just a dirt plot in the middle of nowhere...but if your into camping in a dirt plot with a dead bunny go for it!!!

👹CHOSA CAMPSITE👹

Decent place to stay for the night right across from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Easy to get to. Arrived on a Saturday evening and the lot was packed with travelers. There was trash, but nothing else. Pack in, pack out! Great cell service. 

Overnight parking lot

A lot not far from Carlsbad park. Not great-not bad. 

Large lot

Large level area big enough foot plenty of campers. 

42’ bus with toad

Perfect waystation

Only 10 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns NP and about 25 minutes from Guadeloupe Mountains NP! 

The area is a large fenced in gravel lot. Plenty of spots for trailers/RVs/and any other campers. Very easy to find right off the highway! Pretty crowded compared to most dispersed camping areas, but still a very easy spot to get to. If you want more secluded areas, there are more campgrounds further down the gravel road. A few fire rings here and there.

Dispersed area, there is a large trash bin in the campground. Verizon service was good!  

Great spot for big campers 

Just off the road of Mile marker 10. A flat, dirt road brings you in and opens up to several spots in a large circle and a drive-through loop. Some road noise, depending on time of day; and distance lights from the city of Carlsbad. Convenient location. 

Just off the road 

Its super easy to get to if you take the route through Carlsbad. We arrived at 8:30pm on a Friday, and it was fairly full. There wasn’t an issue finding somewhere to stay though. 

Easy Spot, Nothing Special 

This is a great free area of land located conveniently between the Guadalupe mtns and The Carlsbad Caverns. It is a bit busy but all the people that park here are respectful of space and are very quiet. If you’re looking for an area to camp for free near the NPs, this is the option for sure.

Little busy, but fantastic!

It is a great location for both Guadalupe Mountains NP and Carlsbad Caverns.  

Convenient location

Spacious and fairly level

Our first NM BLM camp was here. Literally 6 miles north of the Texas border. We got there at 5pm in 90 degree weather. Luckily we had a swamp cooler to keep us cool. I highly recommend if you camp in Summer months to get there closer to sunset. It cools down quickly when the sun is down, and gets as cold at night as it gets hot in the day. We left around noon before it got too hot.

Desert Climate. Flat, open lands.

It’s just a huge free dirt lot to camp in. Very close to Carlsbad caverns and Guadalupe National parks. 

Photos of Chosa Campground

Real photos from real campers