Free camping on BLM land, Fort Stanton Cave Campground sits about 1.5 miles off US Route 380 via a dirt road that reviewers describe as washboarded in spots. The campground has roughly three to four developed sites, each with some combination of a picnic table, fire pit, and covered concrete slab. Pit toilets and trash cans are on-site. No water hookups, electricity, or sewer connections are available here.
Site quality is mixed but functional. Covered slabs give campers a place to hang a hammock or stay shaded during the day, though not every site has one. The campground can fill on weekends, and several reviewers found all sites taken and continued down Cave Canyon Road to dispersed options, including fort stanton dispersed campsite just down the road. High-clearance vehicles are advised for dispersed spots beyond the main area. Verizon cell service has tested well here, and reviewers consistently report strong data speeds. Fires require caution: the terrain is dry and the pits are minimally enclosed, so checking local fire restrictions before arrival is worth the extra step.
The cave referenced in the name has been closed for years, so that should not factor into trip planning. Nearby, Rob Jagger Campground provides another option for campers who want a different setup in the same general area. As Quinn Z. puts it, this place is "functional and comfortable," which covers it accurately. No-fee camping, first-come first-serve, and no pets allowed.
Description
Several shelters, tables and fire rings are located here as well as a vault toilet. All sites are dry and on a first come/first served basis. The access road off of US 380 is graveled. There are no fees for camping in this area.
Fee Info
No fees
Reservation Info
Free dispersed
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsFort Stanton Cave Campground is located in New Mexico near Capitan
Directions
From the east side of Capitan, NM, drive east on US 380 for approximately 5.78 miles to Cave Canyon Rd. Once on Cave Canyon Rd. (to the right), drive approximately 1.12 miles to the campground. From the west side of Lincoln, NM, drive west on US 380 for approximately 6.18 miles to Cave Canyon Rd.
Address
2909 W. 2nd St.
Roswell, NM 88201
Coordinates
33.50657 N
105.49295 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 28 usersLast on 8/15/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/15/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 8/15/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 28 usersLast on 8/15/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/15/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 16 usersLast on 8/15/26
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)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Fort Stanton Cave Campground needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 25 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 2 hrs 31 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 2 hrs 32 min from El Paso, TX
- 2 hrs 54 min from Santa Fe, NM


















