Dispersed camping sites near Dexter, New Mexico provide economical options for travelers exploring southeastern New Mexico. Located at 3,500 feet elevation in the Pecos River Valley, the area experiences dramatic temperature shifts between day and night, particularly in spring and fall. Seasonal monsoon patterns from July through September can create flash flood conditions on unpaved access roads to primitive camping areas.
What to do
Birdwatching opportunities: During migration seasons, the wetland areas attract significant bird populations, particularly at Red Barn RV Park where visitors report excellent wildlife viewing. "We stayed at the Rv park for 3 days and it was quite clean and comfortable. The best part was seeing all the Canada geese and Sandhills cranes land in the fields right next to the property. There were hundreds and listening to them come and go throughout the day was so peaceful," noted a camper.
Fishing at Lake Van: The city-managed lake contains stocked fish and allows shore fishing without a boat, making it a convenient option for anglers. "Great fishing and camping right in town," according to one visitor at Lake Van.
Hiking opportunities: The terrain around camping areas offers various walking trails, particularly at Bottomless Lakes State Park. A camper mentioned, "Fun place to spend the weekend, we tent camped at D4 and it was quite and peaceful, great bike trail leading to the big lake too!"
Target shooting: Some public lands permit target shooting in designated areas. At Alamo Road dispersed camping, a reviewer noted, "There is a target shooting range on DOD land about 2 mi away so during the day you do hear gunshots from time to time. Everyone shooting there is shooting North so stay south of the zig zag road sign."
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: The region offers several low-cost camping alternatives beyond those mentioned in existing listings. A reviewer at Lake Van stated, "Can't Beat The Price. Although a bit rough around the edges, if you are traveling in SE New Mexico, this location is great for an overnighter."
Cell service for remote work: Many dispersed campsites maintain surprisingly good connectivity. At Haystack Mountain OHV Area, a visitor reported, "The cell service was the best, most likely because there were several cellular towers looming overhead."
Well-maintained facilities: Despite their rustic nature, many sites feature clean amenities. "The bathrooms were the cleanest pit-toilets we've ever seen and the area had extremely strong LTE," commented a camper about Haystack Mountain OHV Area.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse animal populations. One visitor to Alamo Road Camp observed, "A herd of cows came near my camp last night as the sun was setting."
What you should know
Security considerations: Some campgrounds have reported theft issues. A reviewer at Lake Van cautioned, "I left my belongings to run to the store. I came back to everything gone. Even my daughter's bible!"
Weather preparedness: The region experiences significant wind events and rapid temperature changes. At Alamo Road Camp, a camper noted, "Located directly across from Bottomless lake state park easy to get in. Flat wide open so wind can be tough. High winds warning for tonight up to 70mph gusts."
Insect activity: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially after rainfall. A visitor to Bottomless Lakes State Park warned, "Oh my, better be prepared for mosquitoes. My husband and I were swarmed by mosquitoes and were bitten no less than 25 times each, we counted!"
Road conditions: Access to dispersed camping requires careful driving on unpaved surfaces. "The road to camp is not labeled at all. The road is pretty primitive, with potholes along the entire length. You do not need four wheel drive, just drive slow," advised a camper about Alamo Road Camp.
Tips for camping with families
Pet considerations: Several campgrounds accommodate pets but present challenges. One visitor to Bottomless Lakes commented, "Great scenery here, and luckily New Mexico now allows camping again at its state parks, but... there are about a trillion sandburs on the grass here. We have 4 dogs and have spent an inordinate amount of time saving their paws from the burs."
Playgrounds and activities: Some sites offer dedicated children's facilities. At Carlsbad KOA, a visitor reported, "The sites were spacious and the playground was great for the kids. The bathhouse was clean, and warm (!!)."
Educational opportunities: The region provides learning experiences about desert ecosystems. "Traveling back from Texas, I had planned an overnight in this State Park. Due to weather, I ended up staying 3 additional days. And, so happy I did! It was a short and easy ride into Roswell to tour the alien paraphernalia. And, I also took in Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge. The sand cranes were arriving and it was interesting to see them create line formations in the valleys."
Swimming options: Water access varies by location, with some sites offering swimming in natural spring-fed lakes. A visitor noted, "You can rent paddle boards for cheap, and the water is surprisingly clear and blue. It's a kind of oasis for people surrounded by dirt and cacti."
Tips from RVers
Level parking: Many sites provide stable surfaces for larger vehicles. At Town & Country RV Park, a visitor observed, "Sites are gravel and pretty level with some shade trees."
Hookup configurations: RV sites sometimes have unusual utility arrangements. One camper at Lake Van reported, "We ended up in spot number 3 which had the sewer connection in the back so we had to stretch our sewer hose pretty far."
Extended stay options: Several campgrounds offer weekly and monthly rates. "It's $15 a night for full hookups, $95 a week, or $350 a month," mentioned a reviewer regarding Lake Van.
Site spacing: Some RV parks provide more separation between units than others. A camper at Town & Country RV Park stated, "Spaces are 95% level rock. Biggest downfall would be that all sites are buddy sites."
