Dispersed camping near Carlsbad, New Mexico offers free options for campers seeking basic accommodations without reservations. Located in the Chihuahuan Desert at approximately 3,100 feet elevation, the area experiences extreme temperature fluctuations with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. The terrain consists primarily of rocky, sandy soil with limited natural shade.
What to do
Visit local caves: Carlsbad Caverns National Park, just 30 minutes from Chosa Campground, features 119 known caves formed when sulfuric acid dissolved the surrounding limestone. "Saw several Rio Grand Turkey near the two springs. Saw Pronghorn Antelope. Quite and decent night views. Light noise from Carlsbad and White City," notes a camper at Chosa Campground.
Go stargazing: The desert's minimal light pollution creates optimal conditions for viewing the night sky. A camper at Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping described their experience: "The stars were amazing and we were about 20 mins from the Carlsbad National Park visitor center. The town of Whites City is maybe 5 minutes(The drive into Carlsbad NP is what takes so long)."
Visit Living Desert Zoo: This state park showcases native Chihuahuan Desert plants and animals in naturalistic habitats just minutes from Carlsbad. "Carlsbad RV Park & Campground makes a good basecamp for Carlsbad Caverns NP, Guadalupe Mountains NP and more. Even Roswell is less than 90 minutes away and Living Desert Zoo State Park is close, too," according to one camper.
What campers like
Free dispersed options: BLM land provides no-cost camping without amenities. A visitor to Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed shared: "Really easy to find, just pull off from the national parks highway and you'll find a big clearing at the base of the hill. More campsites up the hill but it's pretty rocky and a little steep, go slow and 4wd."
State park facilities: For more amenities, state parks offer designated campsites with basic facilities. A camper at Limestone Campground — Brantley Lake State Park noted: "The sites are so well made that you still get some privacy with a little wall near the picnic table that blocks the view on your neighbors. Also the table is shaded. The showers are great!"
Winter climate: The mild winter temperatures make Carlsbad an appealing destination during colder months. "Just stayed at Brantley Lake state park and loved it. With my NM state park pass my stay was only $4 per night with 30amp and water. This site is about 4 miles off the highway which makes it super quite," reported one winter visitor.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely between camping areas. "Great cell service (Verizon) also got like 30 over the air channels," noted a visitor at Brantley Lake, while coverage may be spotty in more remote dispersed areas.
Weather considerations: High winds and dust storms are common, particularly in spring. A visitor to Buds Place RV Park reported: "The campground was great the owners were nice. We stayed an extra day due to the sand storms. Shower house was clean and the water was hot!!"
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require careful navigation on unpaved roads. "The drive ups a little rough but doable for almost any vehicle. Great views and close to Carlsbad and Guadalupe national parks," advised a camper at Carlsbad BLM Land.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for extreme temperatures: The desert climate demands preparation for both hot days and cold nights. "It was extremely windy! We would have possibly stayed again if Pine Springs in Guadalupe Mountains NP was full. It's about a 45 min drive to that park," advised a family at Mile 10 Dispersed.
Choose developed campgrounds: Families may prefer established campgrounds with amenities. "Accommodated our family as our reservation was deleted and we had nowhere else to go! Great clean restrooms and showers," reported a visitor at Carlsbad KOA.
Bring extra water: Desert camping requires additional hydration supplies, especially during warmer months. "The campground's location made it easy to access Carlsbad Caverns and other nearby attractions, making it a convenient choice for exploring southeastern New Mexico," noted a family staying at Limestone Campground.
Tips from RVers
Level parking considerations: Many dispersed sites feature uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. "It's just a huge free dirt lot to camp in. Very close to Carlsbad caverns and Guadalupe National parks," reported an RVer at Chosa Campground.
Waste disposal planning: With limited dump stations, plan your waste management carefully. "We needed to refill our water and use a dump station, so I called around. White City RV charges $15 for dump and refill (too much), and we found an Ice House America at the White City gas station the had water refills for $.25 a gallon."
Size restrictions for pets: Some RV parks have specific pet policies limiting size or breed. "Need an exception to have a dog over 25 lbs. They also want to know what kind. People are bad at not picking up after their dog," advised an RVer about Buds Place RV Park.
