Bureau of Land Management oversees this dispersed camping area east of Roswell, where five designated sites with pavilions accommodate both RVs and tent campers on a first-come basis. The campground sits on over 2,000 acres of high desert terrain, accessed via a short dirt road from the highway. Cell towers at the entrance provide strong signal strength across all sites.
Each site includes a covered picnic table, fire ring, grill, and trash can under individual pavilions that offer protection from sun and wind. The spacing between sites allows for privacy even when the area reaches capacity on weekends. Travis A. notes "Site #3 has the best view" with open sightlines across the desert landscape toward the west.
Off-highway vehicle trails wind throughout the property, though campers report the area remains relatively quiet even during peak OHV activity. The trail network also serves hikers and mountain bikers seeking desert exploration. Two vault toilets serve the campground, consistently described by visitors as exceptionally clean and well-maintained. No water source exists on-site, requiring campers to bring adequate supplies from town.
Highway noise from passing traffic remains audible but minimal on this lightly traveled route. The $3-5 nightly fee operates on an honor system through envelope drop-off or QR code payment to Recreation.gov. Mario F. confirms the area accommodates large RVs, noting "We stayed in our fifth wheel camper for a week."
The location works well for campers needing an overnight stop or multi-day base camp roughly 20 minutes from Roswell's services and attractions. Those exploring the region can find additional campgrounds around Roswell for comparison shopping.
Description
The area has several picnic sites, complete with shelters, tables and grills. Toilet facilities are available but no potable water is available. Camping is allowed in pull outs next to the sun shelters and in the large gravel parking lot used for parking and events. Dispersed camping is allowed within the entire area, but there are only OHV trails to access the interior of the area for camping.
Fee Info
Individual -- $3.00. Vehicle (2 or more people) -- $5.00. Bus (over 15 people) -- $15.00.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHaystack Mountain OHV Area is located in New Mexico near Roswell
Directions
22 miles northeast of Roswell, NM, just off of US 70.
Coordinates
33.62942805 N
104.24349182 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/4/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/4/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/4/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/4/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/4/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/4/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- 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 Haystack Mountain OHV Area needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 14 min from Lubbock, TX
- 2 hrs 56 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 22 min from Midland, TX
- 3 hrs 23 min from Odessa, TX








































