Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Artesia, NM is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Artesia. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Artesia, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"Just needed a place to pop up the RTT with others in the convoy it worked but it’s definitely rocky and has nails at certain locations drive with caution ⚠️."
"Other than that, some night you might get some loud locals riding OHV on the other side of the lake."
"If you have high clearance (4wd not needed but high clearance is) the sites farther in are amazing! The first three sites were fine but nothing really special."
"Great spot right off the highway. Only 25 minutes from Carlsbad NM, and 20 minutes from the NP.
The road is a bit rough and may need a higher clearance the further you drive in."
"This is a great spot off the highway with basically no noise from cars.
The area is a level gravel lot with some brush and scubs scattered about. Seems like a place that isn't well known."
"This was a great camping spot off the beaten path. I would make sure to have high clearance and even 4 wheel drive for the steep rocky drive up if you plan to go past the main camp area."
"Down a bumpy and mostly dirt road. This area will get muddy for sure in a decent rain. Closest camper is probably a few football fields away."
"Located directly across from Bottomless lake state park easy to get in. Flat wide open so wind can be tough. High winds warning for tonight up to 70mph gusts. Good cellar service with Verizon."
"High clearance for the upper levels of the roadway but several vans could stay below close to the entrance.  Quiet nights rest with occasional truck driving by on the roadway below"
"This is area is about 2.5 miles off the highway. Only about .7 miles on a pretty level gravel road with some small ruts here and there."
"The roads need graded but...BLM land and gov cuts. 🤷🏻♀️ As another reviewer said, it's sad that in some places there's a ton of garbage--too much for one person to pick up."
"It's a decent pull off from a random dirt road in New Mexico. You have to drop off into a slight ditch to get to the spot, about 3-4 inches I'd say."
"Bring water and toilet. Would stay here again."
TravelerWe tried this location. It looked like it could be just what we wanted. However, we followed the GPS coordinates here on Dyrt.com and though the road was smoother than the one across the street, it took us way out on a small dirt road that led to a cow field (with very aggressive cows) and eventually a dead end. It was a bit tricky getting turned around. We never did see places off to the side of the road to boondock.
Just as we left the freeway, right by the grates there is a dirt lot off to the left but it was too close to the freeway and others for us. If you decide to try this spot, just don't follow the GPS coordinates.
We ended up staying 4 nights at Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping, and we really liked it.
TravelerMultiple pull offs along the paved road to sitting Bull Falls. The road follows a winding canyon up to a natural spring and waterfalls. There's a picnic area at the falls and trailhead to loads of hiking into Lincoln National Forest. No facilities at the campsites but there is water, trash, and bathrooms at the end of the road at the bottom of the falls. Well with the visit!!
TravelerIf you have high clearance (4wd not needed but high clearance is) the sites farther in are amazing! The first three sites were fine but nothing really special. But sites 5-7 were all super cool, quiet, private, and well set up
LegendGreat spot right off the highway. Only 25 minutes from Carlsbad NM, and 20 minutes from the NP.
The road is a bit rough and may need a higher clearance the further you drive in. There are about 1-2 large spots right near the entrance if you don't want to jostle your way further up. If you go back far enough the hill blocks the highway. Sites are spaced well. Most of the sites are fairly level, may need to move some rocks if tent camping. Only noise throughout the night was the occasional car from the highway and some cows.
No services, so pack in pack out. Verizon service was good.
GuideEasy to find but unless you have high clearance stick to first 3 sites. Road is very very rough beyond 3rd site. We were in ram 1500 with 12ft bumper pull and ran into trouble trying to get to fourth site. Hopefully fix road soon. Very pleasant Sherrif came by before sunset to make sure everyone was good. 3 campers last night.... us, a class a and a 4wd self contained unit.
GuideGreat place to stop over prior to visiting and possibly after you visit the Caverns. High clearance for the upper levels of the roadway but several vans could stay below close to the entrance.  Quiet nights rest with occasional truck driving by on the roadway below
GuideIt's a decent pull off from a random dirt road in New Mexico. You have to drop off into a slight ditch to get to the spot, about 3-4 inches I'd say. We were fine in a truck camper but it's something to consider. There was a decent amount of local trees traffic on the road, but we were far enough away from the highway that we couldn't hear much of any road noise. Literally just a patch of somewhat level gravel
LegendOnly 20 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns NP! This is area is about 2.5 miles off the highway. Only about .7 miles on a pretty level gravel road with some small ruts here and there.
There aren't sites per say when you get to where the GPS takes you. It's a long stretch of gravel road with some areas to pull off. I didn't see any fire rings, but it was a good spot to pull off for the night that is a couple miles from highway noise. Would be easy for any large camper to make its way here. (There is another dispersed site directly across the highway from this spot that has fire rings and a bit better of a view, but the road is rougher)
Dispersed area, so pack in pack out. Verizon service was good!
GuideI stayed here for a few nights in march. I have a high clearance truck that allowed me to get up a bit higher. The view is nice, you can see the lights from the oilfield. Walmart is about 20 min, but at 70mpg the entire time.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Artesia, New Mexico, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Artesia, NM is Avalon Lake Dispersed with a 3.2-star rating from 8 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Artesia, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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