Best Dispersed Camping near Aztec, NM

Several free primitive camping areas surround Aztec, New Mexico, with Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp offering a convenient gravel parking lot suitable for overnight stays. The site includes clean pit toilets and a covered picnic table. The access road has some ruts but remains passable for most vehicles when dry. "It's a gravel parking lot with a shelter and bathroom. The road is ok. You do have to straddle some ruts but nothing a low to the ground car can't handle," according to one visitor.

Angel Peak Badlands provides more scenic off-grid camping approximately 30 minutes south, featuring established sites along canyon rims with breathtaking views. These primitive campsites include fire rings, picnic tables with shade shelters, and vault toilets. The 6-mile gravel access road remains well-maintained and generally accessible to most vehicles. One camper noted, "Sights were incredible from site, easy to find. Woke up to amazing views." Cell service is available at both locations, with Angel Peak receiving strong Verizon and T-Mobile signals. No water or hookups exist at any dispersed sites in the region, and both areas can experience high winds.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Aztec, New Mexico (32)

    1. Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp

    5 Reviews
    Aztec, NM
    7 miles

    "Flat, very clean pit toilets, picnic tables with shade and a great trail. 100%!"

    "It's a gravel parking lot at a mountain biking trailhead. Pit toilet and single covered picnic table. On a Mesa so decent views and full bars of fast cell signal."

    2. Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Blanco, NM
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 564-7600

    "Covered picknick tables and good pit toilets.   I left my tent up while visiting Chaco. "

    "Just arrived at Angel Peak dispersed campground near Bloomfield NM. It's Monday July 9th 2024. We stayed one night. The gravel road from HWY 550 is in good shape."

    4. Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Bayfield, CO
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 882-7296

    "This spot is a little tough to find but can be worth it if you need a good free camp for the night. Located off Hwy 160, about 14 miles from Durango you will find BLM land."

    "You will see the blm sign. Gravel road, fire pits. We stayed in a camper van at one of the first spots and had 5g internet with AT&T. Can hear highway noise"

    5. Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    24 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    39 miles
    Website

    "Could do it in a non 4wd non high clearance, but wouldn’t recommend beyond the 4.5 mark."

    "Madden Peak dispersed camping is a fantastic option for those seeking a peaceful and scenic camping experience near Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez, and Durango."

    6. Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    31 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    45 miles

    "These dispersed campsites were recommended to us and they did not disappoint! Secluded dry camping spots with great views of the monuments."

    "This is a good free spot near Mesa Verde, but if it is closed check out the many BLM spots on road 316 off the highway, barely West of Target Tree Campground slightly East of Mancos."

    7. Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area

    10 Reviews
    Nageezi, NM
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 564-7600

    "You can set up shop right on the outskirts of the parking lot on the flat ground or in the nearby canyons or turnoffs on the road to get the the parking lot. "

    "This free campground positioned us well to beat the heat and hike through the badlands first thing in the morning!"

    9. Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp

    11 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    39 miles

    "We got to town late and our preferred spots were all taken, so we came here as a backup. The spots are all right off of the road and easy to get to. The views aren’t much, but they’re good spots."

    "Big spaces easy access for larger campers very peaceful"

    10. BLM across from Mesa Verde

    18 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    45 miles
    Website

    "This is a good free spot near Mesa Verde, but if it is closed check out the many BLM spots on road 316 off the highway, barely West of Target Tree Campground slightly East of Mancos."

    "This campsite is right outside of Mesa Verde and is easy to locate. Campsites are located along a dirt road and they are clearly marked."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Aztec, NM

176 Reviews of 32 Aztec Campgrounds


  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 10, 2020

    Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area

    Ranger Review: Banner and Oak Hat at Bisti Badlands

    This campground is more like a parking lot with extended canyons for camping. You can set up shop right on the outskirts of the parking lot on the flat ground or in the nearby canyons or turnoffs on the road to get the the parking lot. 

    There is a pit toilet located there that is really well taken care of. There is also a picnic shelter for those super hot days when you are in need of shade. 

    You can also backpack across the wilderness area as well. You will need to check the weather and supply extra water since there is not much shade and no water sources. 

    For Hiking: We used Gaia GPS to pinpoint our coordinates to the "cool" spots and ended up getting detoured due to really cool formations all over the place. We were like moths to flames. It is such a cool spot and LOTS to see!

    Gear review: Banner and Oak Freedom to Explore hat

    Occasionally as a Ranger we get the opportunity to test out some gear from time to time. I got this hat for my partner and he wanted to test it out for a while before we reviewed it so we thought this was the perfect opportunity. You can find the hat here: https://bannerandoak.com/collections/hats/products/horizon-olive

    This hat is extremely fashionable and comfortable. The color is a perfect Olive with black writing that says "Freedom To Explore". There is a mesh lining on the inner front of the hat that helps with sweat and heat. It also keeps you from getting a line across your forehead when removing the hat. He wore it all day and didn't take it off once for it being too loose or too tight. Even after a week fo wearing it everyday it didn't get that gross sweat smell that normal hats get. 

    The back of the hat has a buckle closure instead of snaps so it lays nice on the back of your head and doesn't dig in.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 5, 2025

    Cherry Creek Gravel Lot

    Easy & Free

    Only free place near Durango in the winter. We called and asked the BLM & Forest Service. Easy access, lots of space. Bumpy access road and highway noise.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2023

    Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    DO NOT GO HERE

    There is no overnight parking, and it is on the private property of done very angry people. There is no where to camp, and if you make the drive out there, you will have to do a lot of driving until you can find a spot. Don’t go here!!!!!!!!

  • Jordyn M.
    Jun. 10, 2021

    Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area

    Remote and cool hiking

    This free campground positioned us well to beat the heat and hike through the badlands first thing in the morning! Pit toilets available next to the parking lot as well as a pavilion area with tables.

    A handful of dispersed sites were available once in the BLM boundaries as well as plenty of space in the trailhead parking lot to spend the night.

    The hike to the various features of the badlands are not marked, however good GPS signal allowed us to plug in coordinates to follow during the hike. Land forms looked like they should be from a different planet!

  • Anthony P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2020

    Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    not much but free

    This spot is a little tough to find but can be worth it if you need a good free camp for the night. Located off Hwy 160, about 14 miles from Durango you will find BLM land. After crossing a cattle guard and a building you will then enter into BLM land and can camp wherever you need. There are about 10 spots already created with rock fire pits but that is about it here. It is very dispersed and there are no facilities. 

    We stayed out here during the off season and had no problem getting a spot but during the high season it can get pretty busy here. The views are just OK, you are treated to an over view of the plains. You may also have some visitors in the night, Cattle. We had many of them around us all night and we even heard a pack of coyotes in the distance. 

    Overall good spot not far from town. Free really helps.

  • Andrea P.
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful spot! Can get some intense winds

    I loved my stay here--absolutely incredible views, not too crowded.  Covered picknick tables and good pit toilets.  

    I left my tent up while visiting Chaco.  Some wild weather came through and when I got back my tent had nearly gone over the canyon rim despite being staked down and weighted with my sleeping bag and pad.  I'd strongly recommend tying at least one tent line to the shade structure around the picknick table in times of iffy weather.

  • Jennifer M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2023

    Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping

    Backcountry adventure

    We had the goal of exploring New Mexico back country and Bisti, which we did! The Dyrt directions to the trailhead here are perfect. There were a few folks camping at the parking lot and there is a relatively clean pit toilet there though bring TP. We drove past the lot and got over a ditch no problem with our Tacoma. Past the second lot there is dispersed camping. We picked a great spot on the left. Nearby our spot 100 yards were very cool rock formations. We hiked in the badlands and found some neat formations and petrified wood though nothing like the beautiful photos published online. It was still worth it for the unique experience. We did a 6 mile out/back hike with 2 dogs. Flat but hot and windy at times. Some of the wind got intense at our camp spot. All in all this is a worthwhile experience if you like getting off the beaten path and exploring something different. We drove from here to Alien Throne. GPS was spotty but got us there and we had on/off service in Bisti.

  • Kaltra B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    Next to highway, 5g connection

    Going east from Durango, you make a right turn on silver hills road. You will see the blm sign. Gravel road, fire pits. We stayed in a camper van at one of the first spots and had 5g internet with AT&T. Can hear highway noise

  • Carter Marie  M.
    Oct. 15, 2020

    Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    Hidden Gem

    These dispersed campsites were recommended to us and they did not disappoint! Secluded dry camping spots with great views of the monuments.


Guide to Aztec

Dispersed camping opportunities around Aztec, New Mexico extend beyond the popular Alien Run Trailhead and Angel Peak locations. The region sits at approximately 5,600 feet elevation with a semi-arid climate that produces cool nights even during summer months. Most free camping sites in the area feature juniper and piñon pine landscapes with limited natural shade, and visitors should prepare for temperature fluctuations that can exceed 30°F between day and night.

What to do

Mountain biking at Alien Run Trailhead: The area offers excellent mountain biking trails for riders of all skill levels. "Awesome spot and perfect for MTBing," notes one visitor to Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp. Another camper adds: "I found this campsite on The Dyrt app while searching for a quick overnight stay, and it turned out to be a great spot! I plan to return for the mountain biking, as this area looks like a fantastic destination for that."

Explore Bisti Badlands: Located about an hour south of Aztec, the otherworldly rock formations provide unique hiking opportunities. "This free campground positioned us well to beat the heat and hike through the badlands first thing in the morning! The hike to the various features of the badlands are not marked, however good GPS signal allowed us to plug in coordinates to follow during the hike. Land forms looked like they should be from a different planet!" reports a visitor to Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area.

Visit Mesa Verde National Park: A short drive from Aztec brings you to this UNESCO World Heritage Site. "This is a nice location close to Mesa Verde. This is our second visit to this location," says one camper at the BLM land near the park entrance. Campers appreciate having free camping options so close to major attractions.

What campers like

Convenience and accessibility: Many dispersed sites offer easy access for standard vehicles. At BLM across from Mesa Verde, "The road is pretty good and I made it in fine with my Nissan Versa. There's plenty of parking space on the pull off for this site and seems to be the same for most other sites I saw."

Solitude and space between sites: Campers value the privacy found at dispersed sites. A visitor to Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp notes: "This road can accommodate all kinds of camping. We didn't have to drive very far to find a good spot. Where we camped could fit all size rigs." Another adds: "A really great area! Tons of spots as you go up, some more secluded than others so a lot of variety of privacy and sizes for any setup."

Cell connectivity: Working remotely while camping is possible at many sites. One camper at Angel Peak reports: "Strong 5G TMobile cell signal," while another mentions: "We had good cell service with Verizon." This makes the area suitable for digital nomads needing connectivity while enjoying free camping near Aztec, New Mexico.

What you should know

Seasonal closures: Several camping areas close during winter months. "Road is currently closed. Assuming through March like most others in the area," reports a camper about Forest Road 316 in March. Similarly, for BLM areas near Mesa Verde, "This place is closed Dec-April due to it being considered elk habitat."

Weather considerations: The region experiences significant weather variations. At Angel Peak NM Badlands, one camper warns: "I'd strongly recommend tying at least one tent line to the shade structure around the picknick table in times of iffy weather." They explain further: "I left my tent up while visiting Chaco. Some wild weather came through and when I got back my tent had nearly gone over the canyon rim despite being staked down and weighted with my sleeping bag and pad."

Limited facilities: Most free sites have minimal or no amenities. "This is completely dry camping. No potable water nor electricity," notes a visitor about Angel Peak. Pack in all necessary supplies, including water, and prepare for primitive camping conditions at most locations.

Tips for camping with families

Arrive early for best spots: Popular dispersed camping areas fill quickly, especially during peak season. One camper at Angel Peak advises: "This is a good camp site and does fill up quickly. We got there at 10:30 pm on a Thursday and we were lucky enough to grab the last spot." Another notes: "If you get there later in the afternoon on a weekend you will have a hard time finding a place in the official camping spots."

Prepare for insects: Bugs can be problematic in certain areas. "The area is buggy and dusty but great views of the rocks and secluded!" reports a visitor to BLM land near Mesa Verde. Bring appropriate insect repellent and protective clothing.

Educational opportunities: Use the natural environment for learning experiences. At Madden Peak Road - Dispersed, a camper shares: "There was also some walking paths behind our campsite which helped us get to know the vegetation and animals in the area." The diverse ecosystems around Aztec provide excellent opportunities for nature education.

Tips from RVers

Road condition awareness: Carefully assess access roads before committing with larger rigs. "The 6-mile gravel road is in good shape. Only one other camper in the entire area," reports an RVer at Angel Peak. However, conditions vary by location, with another RVer cautioning: "The only reason I give this place a 3 is because of the close proximity to Mesa Verde NP. This stay is only for high clearance vehicles and small RV's. Deep drain ditches between service road and sites."

Scout ahead when possible: For larger rigs, preliminary scouting prevents difficult situations. "It's important to send a tow car down there to scout there is very little room to turn around at the end if all spots are full!" advises an RV camper about BLM land near Mesa Verde.

Check site leveling: Many dispersed sites require significant leveling. "We found an irregular camping area on the NW side of the road. After dropping our tow, we managed to get our 36' MH up and into it on the second attempt and then did a bit of jockeying around to find a spot reasonable level. The ground is rather soft in some places," shares one full-time RVer about their experience finding suitable no-cost camping near Aztec.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there free dispersed camping options near Aztec, New Mexico?

Yes, there are several free dispersed camping options near Aztec. Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area offers free camping with pit toilets and a pavilion area with tables. You can set up either near the parking lot or in nearby canyons. Another excellent option is Angel Peak NM Badlands, which features incredible views, covered picnic tables, and pit toilets. Both locations provide good access to natural attractions and hiking trails. For locations closer to town, check BLM land boundaries where numerous free dispersed sites can be found.

What regulations apply to dispersed camping in Aztec area?

Dispersed camping in the Aztec area follows standard BLM and Forest Service regulations. At Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Trailhead Parking Lot, camping is permitted but requires 4WD access during wet weather. At Mesa Verde National Park Boundary BLM Land, you must camp only in designated dispersed areas. Common regulations include a 14-day stay limit, no camping within 200 feet of water sources, pack-in/pack-out trash policies, and use of existing fire rings where permitted. Always verify current fire restrictions before your trip, as they change seasonally. Contact the Farmington BLM Field Office for specific area rules and seasonal closures.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Aztec, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Aztec, NM is Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Aztec, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 32 dispersed camping locations near Aztec, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.