Best Dispersed Camping near Blanco, NM

Dispersed camping near Blanco, New Mexico centers primarily around BLM lands and wilderness areas, with notable options including Angel Peak NM Badlands, Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, and Alien Run Trailhead. These primitive sites are situated in the high desert landscape characterized by badlands formations, mesas, and unique geological features. Most locations permit camping for up to 14 days, following standard BLM regulations for public land use. The region's remote nature provides opportunities for solitude and stargazing away from developed areas.

Access roads to dispersed camping areas vary significantly in quality, with many requiring slow navigation on dirt and gravel surfaces. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching most sites, particularly after rain when roads can become rutted or muddy. Fire restrictions are common during dry seasons, and campers should note the complete absence of drinking water, hookups, or trash services at these locations. Vault toilets are available at some trailheads including Bisti/De-Na-Zin and Angel Peak, but most areas have no facilities whatsoever. Cell service is surprisingly good at several sites, with reviewers noting "Strong 5G TMobile cell signal" at Angel Peak.

The dispersed camping experience in this region features dramatic badlands scenery and geological formations unlike anywhere else. Sites at Angel Peak offer panoramic views from the rim of colorful badlands, while Bisti/De-Na-Zin provides access to otherworldly hoodoo formations and petrified wood. Weather conditions can be extreme, with intense sun exposure and occasional strong winds. "We had the goal of exploring New Mexico back country and Bisti, which we did! The Dyrt directions to the trailhead here are perfect," noted one camper. Another visitor cautioned about environmental conditions: "I loved my stay here--absolutely incredible views, not too crowded. Some wild weather came through and when I got back my tent had nearly gone over the canyon rim despite being staked down."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Blanco, New Mexico (23)

    1. Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Blanco, NM
    13 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."

    2. Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp

    5 Reviews
    Aztec, NM
    11 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."

    5. Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    15 Reviews
    Bayfield, CO
    35 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"

    6. Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area

    10 Reviews
    Nageezi, NM
    33 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!"

    7. Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    24 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    47 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."

    8. Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp

    11 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    47 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"

    9. Durfield Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Bayfield, CO
    35 miles

    "Sites are very dusty which can be annoying..there is also a heard of cows that wonder around freely and poop. But overall a good easy spot to camp and be connected. No views tho."

    10. Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Newcomb, NM
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 564-7600

    "We had the goal of exploring New Mexico back country and Bisti, which we did! The Dyrt directions to the trailhead here are perfect."

    "Flat parking lot."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Blanco, NM

98 Reviews of 23 Blanco 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

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2025

    Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    Secluded and convenient

    Not much to add to the other reviews. Found a great spot with view about 4.0 miles up. The spots get way more secluded and separated as you go up the road. Could do it in a non 4wd non high clearance, but wouldn’t recommend beyond the 4.5 mark.


Guide to Blanco

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Blanco, New Mexico, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities for adventurers seeking a more rugged experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Blanco, New Mexico

Dispersed campers should check out Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp

  • This location is perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts, with trails nearby that cater to various skill levels, making it a great spot for both camping and biking adventures.
  • The access road can be rough, but the scenic views and solitude make the journey worthwhile, as noted by visitors at Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp.
  • While amenities are limited, the presence of a clean vault toilet adds a touch of convenience for those staying at this well-reviewed site.

Unique rock formations at Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness for dispersed campers

  • The area is known for its otherworldly landscapes, including unique rock formations that provide excellent opportunities for photography and exploration, as experienced by visitors at Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area.
  • Hikers can enjoy a variety of trails that lead to stunning vistas and geological wonders, making it a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • The lack of light pollution in this remote area allows for incredible stargazing opportunities at night, enhancing the overall camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Blanco, NM is Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping with a 4.6-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 23 dispersed camping locations near Blanco, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.