Free dispersed camping along Forest Rd 568 puts campers within a short drive of Cloudcroft, set within the conifer-covered terrain of Lincoln National Forest at elevation. The road is long enough to offer genuine flexibility in site selection, with established fire rings marking where previous campers have pulled off, and spots that extend up to 200 feet back into the trees. No fees, no reservations, no developed amenities.
Road conditions are the main variable here. The first stretch accommodates larger rigs, including at least one 31-foot Class C, but conditions deteriorate past a certain intersection and the road narrows considerably. A gate reportedly blocks access about 1.5 miles in, with no room to turn a trailer around. Campers hauling anything longer than a standard vehicle should scout conditions before committing. Winter and early spring visits bring mud and snow, which can make sites uneven and access unpredictable.
Site density varies by season. Labor Day weekend draws enough visitors that sites feel close together, while late fall and winter visits can mean having the entire road to yourself. Wild mustangs have been spotted walking through camp. Cell coverage is inconsistent, with one reviewer noting on-and-off single-bar AT&T service. Ben notes the area had "some snow coverage in February that made everything look beautiful." Campers interested in dispersed camping outside Lincoln National Forest will find this road a representative example of what the forest provides. This spot works best for self-sufficient campers who can manage rough access and don't need hookups or facilities.
Description
Throughout the Lincoln National Forest you are allowed to do what is called 'dispersed camping'. This is a rustic experience where you are allowed to drive up to 300' off of an open public road onto USFS lands to park and camp. No permits are needed for such activity and no cost is associated with this camping experience. Be sure to bring what you need, especially water, and also pack out what you pack in.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsForest Rd 568 Dispersed is located in New Mexico near Cloudcroft
Coordinates
32.97207389 N
105.73574155 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 7/31/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 7/31/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 24 usersLast on 7/31/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 7/31/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 7/31/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 24 usersLast on 7/31/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
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 Forest Rd 568 Dispersed needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 31 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 1 hr 38 min from El Paso, TX
- 3 hrs 18 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 40 min from Santa Fe, NM


















