Best Dispersed Camping near Dexter, NM
Dispersed camping near Dexter, New Mexico occurs primarily at several primitive sites on public land, including Alamo Road Camp, Alamo Road Dispersed, Haystack Mountain OHV Area, and Avalon Lake Dispersed. These areas permit tent and RV camping without developed facilities or hookups. Haystack Mountain OHV Area, located about 20 minutes east of Roswell, provides a more structured dispersed camping experience with designated sites that include covered picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets for a $3-5 fee per night. The remaining locations are typical free, undeveloped BLM camping areas with minimal to no services.
Access to most dispersed sites requires traveling on unpaved roads that can become difficult after rain. Alamo Road has multiple pull-off camping spots about 12 miles outside Roswell, though the road is described as bumpy with potholes throughout. Avalon Lake access includes rocky terrain with potential hazards. Most sites lack water, toilets, and trash service, requiring campers to pack in supplies and pack out waste. Fire rings are available at some locations, and fires are generally permitted when no seasonal restrictions are in place. Cell service is typically strong in the area, particularly at Haystack Mountain OHV Area where a nearby tower provides excellent coverage.
The dispersed camping areas offer varying experiences based on location. Haystack Mountain provides elevated views with particularly notable sunsets and relatively clean facilities. A camper noted that "the sunset was so beautiful" and that "the vault toilet was immaculate." Alamo Road camping areas provide more separation between sites, with one visitor mentioning that the "closest camper is probably a few football fields away." Avalon Lake sites provide lakeside camping opportunities but several reviewers warned about trash issues and hazards, with one mentioning to "beware of nails" at some sites. Wildlife sightings include owls, desert insects, and occasional cattle herds passing through the camping areas.



