Best Dispersed Camping near Holloman Air Force Base, NM

The landscape surrounding Holloman Air Force Base in southern New Mexico features predominantly dispersed camping options on public lands, with Raptor Lake (also known as Holloman Lake) serving as a popular free camping area just minutes from White Sands National Park. Dispersed sites in Lincoln National Forest near Cloudcroft provide higher-elevation alternatives with cooler temperatures and forest cover. Most camping areas are primitive with no amenities, requiring self-sufficiency for water, waste disposal, and other necessities. The region's camping options range from desert sites with mountain views to forested areas at elevations exceeding 9,000 feet, accommodating tent campers, car campers, and various RV sizes depending on road conditions.

Road quality varies significantly throughout the region, with some areas accessible to standard vehicles while others demand high-clearance 4WD capabilities. As one camper noted about Forest Road 568, "It's quite long and the road conditions aren't all that bad, so anyone can access it." Weather considerations are important when planning trips, as higher elevations near Cloudcroft can get "cold at night" even in September, according to visitor reports. Summer brings intense heat to lower elevations, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Cell service is generally reliable near Raptor Lake and BLM lands closer to Las Cruces, with visitors reporting good Verizon and AT&T reception at most sites.

Mountain views consistently rank as the top highlight among campers in the region. At Raptor Lake, visitors appreciate the proximity to White Sands National Park, with one camper noting it's "only a 5 minute drive" and offers "beautiful sunset" views. The unique experience of "fighter jets flying from the Air Force base" adds to the location's character. In the Lincoln National Forest areas, wildlife sightings enhance the camping experience, with one visitor reporting "saw one elk and heard more bugling" during their stay. Crowding varies by season and location, with some BLM areas becoming quite busy during peak periods. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations required, though arriving early is recommended during popular weekends.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico (28)

    1. Dog Canyon

    17 Reviews
    Sunspot, NM
    12 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."

    2. Red Sands Off-Highway Vehicle Area

    8 Reviews
    Holloman Air Force Base, NM
    14 miles
    Website

    "it’s completely free but you need 4wd to get through the bumpy and sand when pulling something!"

    "It's great for off road vehicles and it's pretty open. No shade and can get pretty miserable if it's windy."

    3. Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Sunspot, NM
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-7570

    "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."

    "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."

    4. Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Cloudcroft, NM
    23 miles
    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."

    "04/15/22 service road 568, Lincoln National Forest, NM

    Friday night/Good Friday

    I found this camp on a suggestion from a local waitress at Big Daddy’s."

    5. Dry Canyon Near Hang Glider Launch

    1 Review
    Alamogordo, NM
    14 miles

    "However, the trail up to the camping spots is steep, washed out, and tight. Can be navigated with a stock 4x4 pick up. Also, there is a gun range at the bottom, so you'll hear gun shots til sundown."

    6. Forest Rd 568 Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Cloudcroft, NM
    23 miles
    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."

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

    2 Reviews
    Sunspot, NM
    18 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."

    8. Alamo Peak Rd

    1 Review
    Sunspot, NM
    18 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."

    9. Lincoln National Park Forest Road 634 Dispersed

    1 Review
    Lincoln National Forest, NM
    19 miles

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

    10. Forest Road 634 - Dispersed Site

    1 Review
    Lincoln National Forest, NM
    18 miles
    Website
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Holloman Air Force Base, NM

115 Reviews of 28 Holloman Air Force Base Campgrounds



Guide to Holloman Air Force Base

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, where you can enjoy stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities. This area offers unique spots for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle while still being close to attractions like White Sands National Park.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico

  • Many dispersed camping areas, such as Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake, provide a quiet retreat with no fees, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious campers.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping has no drinking water or toilets, so bring your own supplies.
  • Check road conditions before heading out, as some access roads can be rough; however, many spots are accessible for low-clearance vehicles, like those at Dog Canyon.

Outdoor activities while free camping near Holloman Air Force Base

Nearby attractions for dispersed campers

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Holloman Air Force Base, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Holloman Air Force Base, NM is Dog Canyon with a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Holloman Air Force Base, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 28 dispersed camping locations near Holloman Air Force Base, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.