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Best Dispersed Camping near Carlsbad, NM

128 Reviews

BLM land surrounding Carlsbad offers several free dispersed camping options, with sites approximately 20-30 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The Carlsbad BLM Land area and Dark Canyon Dispersed are two primary locations, both featuring primitive sites with no amenities. Pack in all supplies and pack out all waste, as these areas have no water, toilets, or trash collection.

Road conditions vary significantly between sites. The first few sites at most locations are accessible to standard vehicles, but reaching sites further in requires high clearance and often 4WD. According to one visitor, "The road gets more rocky the further you go up" in Dark Canyon. Some locations provide elevation and privacy, with a camper noting that Dark Canyon offers "a great spot off the highway with basically no noise from cars." Fire rings exist at some sites, though fire restrictions may apply seasonally. Avalon Lake Dispersed provides lakeside camping but visitors warn about excessive trash and nails in the camping area.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Carlsbad, New Mexico (8)

    1. Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed

    24 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 234-5972

    "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."

    "I stayed here because it was 15 minutes from Carlsbad cavern, and it did not disappoint. It was a really rough road past the first three spots, but my 2wd van made it."

    2. Chosa Campground

    55 Reviews
    Carlsbad Caverns, NM
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 234-5972

    "Traveled 10 hours to visit Carlsbad Caverns. Found this spacious location, was not very busy (only two other campers), spacious and quiet. Beautiful view of Carlsbad range."

    "Only 10 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns NP and about 25 minutes from Guadeloupe Mountains NP! The area is a large fenced in gravel lot. Plenty of spots for trailers/RVs/and any other campers."

    3. Avalon Lake Dispersed

    9 Reviews
    Carlsbad, NM
    7 miles

    "Bumpy dirt road, but passable in a motorhome."

    "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 ⚠️."

    4. Dark Canyon Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    10 miles
    Website

    "Only 30 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns NP and about 20 minutes from Carlsbad NM! This is a great spot off the highway with basically no noise from cars."

    "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."

    5. Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping

    33 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    24 miles
    Website

    "This is a good place for dry camping. Right off the road. GPS takes you straight there. 6 or 7 miles from Carlsbad Caverns. Not far from Carlsbad, NM. Very few people came through."

    "Only 10 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns NP and about 25 minutes from Guadeloupe Mountains NP! The area is a large gravel lot with some brush and scubs scattered about."

    6. Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 234-5972

    "Only 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."

    "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"

    7. Whites City Road Dispersed Camp

    2 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 234-5972

    "4 miles from Carlsbad Caverns NP. Not traffic. No noise. We had area to our self. Level Dirt/gravel area. Bring water and toilet. Would stay here again."

    8. Wilderness Ridge Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Be the first to review!
    Guadalupe Mountains National Park, TX
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (915) 828-3251

    $6 - $48 / night

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Carlsbad, NM

127 Photos of 8 Carlsbad Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Carlsbad, NM

128 Reviews of 8 Carlsbad Campgrounds

  • Rachel S.
    Apr. 6, 2024

    Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping

    Does the job

    Coming from Carlsbad the GPS may have you get off at Chosa Campground and there’s a dirt road connecting that to this site, but recommend you turn around to get back on the highway going north and then exit at this marker. Even camped right off the highway the noise didn’t bother us, but a few people continued down the roads going further away. Windy and hot until the sun went down!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 24, 2023

    Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed

    Dispersed sites near Carlsbad Caverns NP

    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. 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.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 25, 2023

    Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping

    Good dry camping area

    This is a good place for dry camping. Right off the road. GPS takes you straight there. 6 or 7 miles from Carlsbad Caverns. Not far from Carlsbad, NM. Very few people came through. I went past the first two sites on down a short distance to a great spot on the left. There was a rock fire ring there. Another big spot on down a little on the right. Great view of the mountains. No services, but not far from Carlsbad. Cell service is full 5G!

    Can't beat it for free campsite.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 25, 2023

    Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping

    Quieter than Chosa campground

    Only 10 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns NP and about 25 minutes from Guadeloupe Mountains NP!

    The area is a large gravel lot with some brush and scubs scattered about. Plenty of spots for trailers/RVs/and any other campers. Very easy to find right off the highway! There is no turn off if you are headed west. You'll have to make a Uturn about a mile up the highway. This campsite was less busy than Chosa campground, which I stayed at the night before. A few fire rings here and there.

    Dispersed area, pack in pack out. Verizon service was good!

  • Kenneth M.
    Oct. 14, 2021

    Chosa Campground

    Chosa Campground (BLM)

    Traveled 10 hours to visit Carlsbad Caverns. Found this spacious location, was not very busy (only two other campers), spacious and quiet. Beautiful view of Carlsbad range. This is a BLM managed site with no utilities except trash bins.

  • Nikki B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 18, 2022

    Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed

    Close to the caverns

    I stayed here because it was 15 minutes from Carlsbad cavern, and it did not disappoint. It was a really rough road past the first three spots, but my 2wd van made it. Very private and spread out with plenty of spaces. I had cell service at this location.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 25, 2023

    Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed

    Nice spot for larger campers

    Only 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!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 28, 2023

    Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed

    Great location

    Only 5 minutes from Carlsbad caverns, this dispersed OHV trail is accessible to anyone with a vehicle that can make it over potholes and speed bumps. Gorgeous views of southern New Mexico and the chihuahuan desert are worth it when you wake up

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 25, 2023

    Chosa Campground

    Great spot for big campers

    Only 10 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns NP and about 25 minutes from Guadeloupe Mountains NP!

    The area is a large fenced in gravel lot. Plenty of spots for trailers/RVs/and any other campers. Very easy to find right off the highway! Pretty crowded compared to most dispersed camping areas, but still a very easy spot to get to. If you want more secluded areas, there are more campgrounds further down the gravel road. A few fire rings here and there.

    Dispersed area, there is a large trash bin in the campground. Verizon service was good!

Guide to Carlsbad

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Carlsbad, New Mexico, where you can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and proximity to national parks, this area offers a unique experience for nature lovers.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Carlsbad, New Mexico

  • Arrive early in the evening during the summer months to avoid the intense heat, as temperatures can drop significantly after sunset. Consider staying at Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping for its spacious layout and proximity to attractions.
  • Be prepared for windy conditions, especially in open areas. Campers at Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed have noted the importance of securing tents and gear to withstand gusts.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles by packing out what you pack in. This is especially crucial at sites like Chosa Campground, which has no trash services.

Exploring Carlsbad Caverns for dispersed campers

  • The stunning Carlsbad Caverns National Park is just a short drive from several dispersed camping spots, making it an ideal day trip. Campers at Whites City Road Dispersed Camp enjoy the convenience of being only four miles from the park entrance.
  • Be sure to take a guided tour of the caverns to fully appreciate their grandeur. Many visitors staying at Dark Canyon Dispersed rave about the experience and the breathtaking views.
  • The area around the caverns offers excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing, enhancing your camping adventure. Campers at Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed have enjoyed the serene environment while being close to nature.

Top activities while free camping near Carlsbad

  • Hiking is a must-do activity in this region, with trails leading to stunning vistas and unique geological formations. Campers at Hackberry Lake have enjoyed exploring the surrounding landscapes.
  • Photography enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to capture the beauty of the desert and the caverns. Many visitors at Avalon Lake Dispersed have shared their stunning sunset photos taken from their campsites.
  • Stargazing is another highlight, thanks to the minimal light pollution in the area. Campers at Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping have reported incredible views of the night sky, making it a perfect spot for astronomy lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Carlsbad?

Several excellent dispersed camping options are available near Carlsbad, New Mexico. Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping is located just 10 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park and about 25 minutes from Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It offers a large gravel area with plenty of space right off the highway. Dark Canyon Dispersed is another great option, situated about 30 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns and 20 minutes from the town of Carlsbad, featuring a level gravel lot with minimal highway noise. Most dispersed sites are on BLM land within 5-30 minutes of Carlsbad Caverns, making them convenient bases for exploring the area's attractions.

What are the rules and regulations for dispersed camping in Carlsbad?

Dispersed camping near Carlsbad follows standard BLM land regulations. At Chosa Campground, a BLM-managed site, camping is permitted with no reservation system - it's first-come, first-served. There are typically no designated camping fees, but you should practice Leave No Trace principles. Carlsbad Caverns Dispersed and other nearby areas require you to pack out all trash and waste. Most sites have informal boundaries with no official designated spots. The standard 14-day stay limit applies to most BLM dispersed camping in this region. Campfires may be restricted depending on seasonal fire danger, so always check current fire restrictions before your trip.

What amenities are available at Carlsbad man camps and dispersed camping areas?

Dispersed camping areas near Carlsbad are primitive with minimal to no amenities. Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed offers privacy and cell service but no facilities. This area has rough roads past the first few spots, but the privacy and proximity to Carlsbad Caverns (just 15 minutes away) make it popular. Whites City Road Dispersed Camp, located 4 miles from Carlsbad Caverns, provides level dirt/gravel areas but requires you to bring your own water and toilet facilities. Most dispersed sites feature informal fire rings but no water, electrical hookups, or restroom facilities. You'll need to be fully self-sufficient with water, waste disposal, and power. Some areas have trash bins (like Chosa Campground), but this is the exception rather than the rule.

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