Best Dispersed Camping near Cloudcroft, NM

Dispersed camping opportunities abound in the Lincoln National Forest surrounding Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Forest Road 568 offers numerous free primitive sites with established fire rings and access to hiking trails. Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping provides creek-side camping in a forested valley approximately 10 miles south of Cloudcroft off Sunspot Highway. Bailey Canyon and Forest Service Road 64 feature additional dispersed sites at elevations exceeding 9,400 feet, where campers report excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including elk.

No amenities exist at these dispersed sites. Visitors must pack in all water and pack out all trash. Cell service varies significantly by location; Forest Road 568 maintains good AT&T and Verizon coverage, while Bluff Springs has no Verizon service. According to recent campers, Forest Road 568 sites can be accessed by most vehicles as "road conditions aren't all that bad," though some secondary roads require high-clearance 4WD vehicles. Several campers noted that Bluff Springs becomes "pretty packed in the summer months," making advance arrival advisable.

Weather conditions require preparation. The high elevation causes significant temperature drops at night, even in summer. One visitor in September reported temperatures "got cold at night" despite camping during warmer months. Winter camping is possible but challenging, with snow common from November through March. Campfires are generally permitted in established fire rings, and campers report "plenty of wood to make a fire." During periods of high fire danger, restrictions may be implemented. The Lincoln National Forest follows standard dispersed camping regulations: camp at least 150 feet from water sources, stay no longer than 14 days, and leave no trace of your visit.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Cloudcroft, New Mexico (24)

    1. Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Cloudcroft, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-2551

    "You can get as far away from main roads as you need. There are infinite spots on this road. It’s quite long and the road conditions aren’t all that bad, so anyone can access it."

    "There was lots of really nice people staying at the sites at the entrance, but if you go further you can find some privacy. Less than a 5 minute drive from Cloudcroft."

    2. Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping

    16 Reviews
    Sunspot, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-7570

    "This is a quiet area tucked away in Lincoln National Forest. It's not too far from Cloudcroft, NM so it's easy to resupply on water, snack, etc."

    "Dispersed camping along the bluff spring stream. A ton of campsites, and easy access to bluff spring and a trail complex. High clearance vehicle recommended, pretty packed in the summer months."

    3. Forest Rd 568 Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Cloudcroft, NM
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-2551

    "You can get as far away from main roads as you need. There are infinite spots on this road. It’s quite long and the road conditions aren’t all that bad, so anyone can access it."

    "This was a beautiful location, near the town of Cloudcroft. We enjoyed the cooler weather up in the mountains. It was peaceful and quite. There were not very many spaces available."

    4. Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake

    52 Reviews
    Holloman Air Force Base, NM
    25 miles
    Website

    "There are no amenities here, and surprisingly there was no trash at all. There is a gravel road off the highway that leads into the campground."

    "1990 Winnebago Chieftain towing a '95 Wrangler from LA > FL

    Got here late last night driving from Albuquerque and since it's essentially just all dirt/shrub, you're able to park wherever you can (just"

    5. Dog Canyon

    17 Reviews
    Sunspot, NM
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "Main dirt road is fine, even for larger rigs. Side road that runs north/south may give you issues.

    Plenty of obvious campsites, many of which are level."

    "The turn off from the paved road is difficult to spot and the unpaved road is rough. High ground clearance recommended."

    6. Bailey Canyon

    1 Review
    Cloudcroft, NM
    2 miles

    "Very much so dispersed camping with no amenities. The road up was a little muddy but over all smoother and easy. We picked a spot at the highest point along Bailey Canyon Rd."

    7. Alamo Peak Rd

    1 Review
    Sunspot, NM
    7 miles
    Website

    "We have a 30 foot motor home and were so glad to find a dispersed spot in the mountains we could fit!

    Rim Trails and Alamo Peak Trails in walking distance."

    8. Lincoln National Park Forest Road 634 Dispersed

    1 Review
    Lincoln National Forest, NM
    6 miles

    "Follow sunspot highway to mile marker numbe 5, the forest road is right there. Once you enter take a left down the slope."

    9. Lincoln NF - Forest Service Road 64 - Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Sunspot, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 434-7200

    "We tent camped in mid September 2022 in the Lincoln National Forest south of Cloudcroft, NM off Forest Service Road 64. Over 9,400’ and it got cold at night. Saw one elk and heard more bugling."

    "Beautiful area off Davis drive, so many areas to camp. Some are restricted to motor vehicles but just keep driving down the gravel road and you will find something."

    10. Forest Road 634 - Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    Lincoln National Forest, NM
    6 miles
    Website
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Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Cloudcroft, NM

128 Reviews of 24 Cloudcroft Campgrounds



Guide to Cloudcroft

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Wildlife Watching while Free Camping near Cloudcroft

  • At Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping, visitors often spot majestic elk and deer while driving in, making it a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts.
  • The area around Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping is known for its rich biodiversity, where campers can enjoy sightings of hummingbirds and other local fauna.
  • Those camping at Dog Canyon can expect a peaceful environment with plenty of opportunities to observe birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • The stunning vistas at Lincoln NF - Forest Service Road 64 - Dispersed Camping provide a breathtaking backdrop for any camping experience, especially during sunset.
  • Campers at Bailey Canyon can enjoy panoramic views from elevated spots, perfect for photography and relaxation.
  • The picturesque landscapes surrounding Alamo Peak Rd offer a tranquil setting for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Hiking Trails for Adventurous Campers

  • The area near Dry Canyon Near Hang Glider Launch features steep trails that lead to stunning viewpoints, ideal for those seeking a challenge.
  • Campers at Forest Rd 634 - Dispersed Site have access to numerous hiking paths that wind through the beautiful Lincoln National Forest.
  • The trails around Hornbuckle Hill provide a great opportunity for exploration, with various routes suitable for different skill levels.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cloudcroft, NM is Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 17 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 24 dispersed camping locations near Cloudcroft, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.