Dispersed camping around Dexter, New Mexico occurs on public lands where temperatures can range from mid-90s in summer to below freezing in winter. The terrain consists primarily of desert scrubland with elevations around 3,500 feet, creating unique camping challenges related to exposure and water conservation. Most free camping locations require preparation for primitive conditions with no services and variable terrain.
What to do
Wildlife observation: At Haystack Mountain OHV Area, campers regularly encounter desert wildlife, especially during evening hours. "Black widows and massive tarantulas everywhere. We are not locals so it was startling to say the least," notes Alex T., reminding visitors to use caution during nighttime activities.
Sunset viewing: The elevated terrain offers exceptional sunset opportunities across the desert landscape. At Haystack Mountain OHV Area, campers can witness dramatic evening light displays. As Wendy K. observed, "We had the place to ourselves and watched another amazing New Mexico sunset."
Off-highway vehicle riding: Several dispersed camping areas provide direct access to OHV trails suitable for dirt bikes and ATVs. Stephanie P. mentions that Haystack Mountain remained "quiet and peaceful, even with dirt bikes and ATVs on the trails," making it suitable for both riders and those seeking tranquility.
What campers like
Cell service reliability: Unlike many remote camping areas, the dispersed sites near Dexter often have surprisingly good connectivity. At Haystack Mountain OHV Area, Melissa S. noted, "The cell service was the best, most likely because there were several cellular towers looming overhead."
Clean facilities: Where available, vault toilets are typically well-maintained despite the remote locations. Courtney S. was impressed by the "incredibly clean vault toilet" at Haystack Mountain, a sentiment echoed by several campers across seasons.
Spacious sites: Free camping near Dexter offers ample room between campsites. At Alamo Road Camp, Paul C. observed it was "peaceful, great views at night, and everyone was pretty nice and spread out so no troubles."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed camping areas require careful navigation, especially after weather events. At Alamo Road Dispersed, Brenda Y. reported, "The roads need graded but...BLM land and gov cuts. As another reviewer said, it's sad that in some places there's a ton of garbage."
Weather considerations: The open terrain provides little protection from elements. Wind can be particularly challenging in spring. Jeremy W. noted Haystack Mountain was convenient but windy, while Travis A. mentioned "You can hear the semi-trucks but it's not a heavily traffic hwy."
Hazards: Site-specific hazards require awareness. At Avalon Lake, multiple campers warn about debris. Robert F. advised "beware of NAILS" while Katie P. confirmed "nails are no joke, literally everywhere you walk."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose established sites with basic amenities when camping with children. Haystack Mountain OHV Area offers more structure with Travis A. noting, "There are four pavilions, each with trash can, fire pit, and grill. Two clean pit toilets."
Wildlife preparation: Educate children about desert wildlife encounters. Wendy K. warns, "Beware that there are rattle snakes in the area as we watched one slither across the road at a distance."
Water planning: No potable water exists at these sites, requiring careful planning for family needs. Shari G. advised, "There is no water at this camping area, not even a nearby creek, so come prepared. Roswell offers all the amenities you could want."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Locate level parking areas for larger rigs. At Avalon Lake Dispersed, Ryan E. advised "Many options for us in a small class C. Bumpy dirt road, but passable in a motorhome."
Seasonal timing: Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid local traffic. Ryan E. noted Avalon Lake "seems to be a place for weekend parties," suggesting midweek stays for quieter experiences.
Rig positioning: Carefully select parking orientation for comfort. At Alamo Road Camp, Randall G. observed the area is "Flat wide open so wind can be tough. High winds warning for tonight up to 70mph gusts," suggesting positioning rigs to minimize wind exposure.
