Best Dispersed Camping near Holloman Air Force Base, NM

Looking for dispersed camping near Holloman Air Force Base? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico (29)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews near Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico

137 Reviews of 29 Holloman Air Force Base Campgrounds


  • Jeff K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed
    Feb. 14, 2021

    Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed

    Things to note

    1. Yes, you can camp in the parking lot of the trailhead or around it if using a tent. There is a sign asking you not to block the day use parking spaces.

    2. When you click "get directions" here on The Dyrt and use Google Maps, you will be taken to a different free/dispersed camping area a another mile or so down the road (I camped here) first come/first served. It is made up of pullouts along a rocky two track that roughly parallels the road

    3. In reference to the above statement. Tent campers can use either area, the only stipulation is no vehicles or generators on the other side of the fence.

    4. In reference to #2. If you are a large RV or 5th wheel, you probably won't fit and the rest of us will have a grand time watching you get out after you discover this fact for yourself. If you're lucky you'll get the single pull-through(ish) spot that is next to the cattle gaurd.

    5. All of the above being said. This was a great place to establish a base camp for a few days while exploring the western parts of the Organ Mountains. The pullouts vary in size, from car and tent to pickup cab style RV. Most of the spaces were occupied by #vanlife types and my bright yellow teardrop stood out. Neighbors are close enough to wave at but not intrude.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 16, 2020

    Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping

    Awesome Dispersed Camping Spot

    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. You can camp right next to a creek and the valley makes for some great views. This area is basically everything you can ask for when dispersed camping. It's quiet and other than the occasional hiker, nobody else is around. There's plenty of hiking and just good times to be had. A quintessential camping experience.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon
    Apr. 6, 2023

    Dog Canyon

    Free. Clean. Mostly quiet.

    Ok, so it's free on BLM land and there's quite a few places to put your camper. I'm sure you could pitch a tent as well. Most spots are reasonably level and the road in should be fine for most travel trailers, I wouldn't pull in a huge trailer but under 40' should be able to fund something that works.

    There's a self appointed camp host most of the year, you'll know him when you meet him. He'll be the one in a thong. Yes. A thong. No, it's not a big deal. Talk to him, and you'll understand why, and you'll be fine with it. He's a great guy, and he made our stay better.

    All in all, great little BLM spot. Watch out for all the bushes. They're basically midevil torture devices masquerading as bushes.

  • Rachel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake
    Apr. 4, 2024

    Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake

    Busy but great location for White Sands

    Pretty crowded on a Wednesday night in April. Had a little trouble finding a level spot far enough away from others but otherwise no complaints for this free camp spot, great sunset views!

  • Jacob  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping
    Aug. 3, 2020

    Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping

    Potentially good

    Bluff Springs is nestled in a pretty forested valley with a creek and falls in Lincoln National Forest about 10 miles south of Cloudcroft off Sunspot highway on Upper Peñasco Road. There’s a gravel parking lot with bathrooms but no campground. We tent camped Sat, Aug. 1, 2020, arriving about 2pm. There were many people camping and it was difficult to find a spot along the road with dispersed camping sites. We had to camp in thicker grass among cow dung because the mowed sites were taken. Still, life outside is better, right? It stormed much of the day and night but Sunday morning dawned clear and we took a short 1-mile hike from the Bluff Springs trailhead to the Willie White trailhead. There are longer hikes too. There were some camping trailers but no big RVs. Upper Peñasco Road is narrow in parts. A decent place.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake
    Jan. 28, 2023

    Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake

    Raptor lake dispersed camping

    This is our first time on BLM land. We didn’t really know what to expect. We pull a 36’ fifth wheel and was a little apprehensive about coming to a place like this for fear of being too large. After getting through the gate though, there is plenty of room. We got a nice spot right on the lake. There are a few other campers but it’s not crowded. We have enough distance between us to let our dogs off leash. The only advice I have is if you’re pulling a trailer and approaching from Alamogordo you should make a wide right turn in from the travel lane. Turn on those flashers and slow down. When you see the gate. Make turn as wide as possible. I pulled off the highway first and had a hell of a time getting straight enough to get through gate. From direction of las cruces. You’re fine.

  • Aidan M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake
    Apr. 2, 2022

    Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake

    Free and Pretty

    Pros - Free camping, gorgeous sunsets. Plenty of available spots.

    Cons - the lake is sewage from the Air Force base. It’s stinks here, badly.

    We stayed here for one night. I think that’s all we could take. We got out of here as soon as we could. We love free camping as much as the next person, but we were kind of disgusted that we were sleeping next to a lake of pee and poo.

    Stay here if you must, if you can find another campsite, do it.

  • Abraham The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping
    Jan. 1, 2021

    Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping

    Lots of options

    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.

  • Jacob  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lincoln NF - Forest Service Road 64 - Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 6, 2022

    Lincoln NF - Forest Service Road 64 - Dispersed Camping

    Awesome dispersed camping

    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. Plenty of wood to make a fire. Nice forest. We stayed at a spot on a meadow about 4-5 dispersed sites south of Sunspot Highway. Good times.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area
    May. 3, 2023

    Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area

    Secluded spot with bathrooms

    A lot of dispersed camping areas don't have toilets, but this one does.

    Lots of first come first served campsites along the little creek. Not much privacy when it's busier (warmer months).

    Good base camp for some of the best hiking around Ruidoso (Big Bonito Trail, Argentina Trail, etc.)

    Be prepared for lots of dust with the dirt road uphill from sites.

    In the summer there are horse riding camps set up to provide trail rides.

    Can get snowed in in the Winter months.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping
    Apr. 18, 2022

    Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping

    This place would be perfect if there was a place to swim

    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. It was a short drive off the main road to get to the camp. The spot I found felt pretty secluded despite there being a lot of other campers in the area. There were several rock fire rings so I took my pick based on the direction of the wind.

    It’s a dispersed area, so no bathrooms or showers, but well worth it for the scenery. There was a dry water run off that ran the entire length down the mountain and a tree lined bluff across from there. I bet it’s pretty cool to see the water run when the snow melts.

    There was an occasional OHV that cruised by and people walking their dogs, but everything went calm before sunset. I would have liked to hit some of the trails in the area, but my Jeep was completely overloaded so I decided to come back another time.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 24, 2018

    Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful area near Cloudcroft, NM

    It has dispersed camping that, depending on the site, may require a short walk. I did not actually camp here (wish I did!), but spent an afternoon at the campground. A beautiful area!

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bailey Canyon
    Mar. 12, 2024

    Bailey Canyon

    Great dispersed spot in the mountains

    This was a good patch of dirt and trees up in the mountain with a good clearing to park the truck. 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. There were several other dispersed spot further down the road. Nobody in sight, no animal sightings either.

  • Ivy M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed

    nice post

    Sierra Vista’s Back Side Dispersed camping offers a pristine, serene outdoor experience. Its remote location provides ample space and minimal distractions, ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. Proper preparation is key—bring sufficient supplies and be ready for self-sufficiency to fully enjoy this hidden gem. rv park rio hondo

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping
    Nov. 21, 2020

    Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping

    Generators and Chainsaws

    This is right off of highway 244. From CloudCroft take highway 82 east to highway 244 about half mile past designated campgrounds is a dirt road to the left. There is a large grass/dirt area right off the road on the left and a couple of spots further down. To the right there are a couple of more"secluded" spots though the generator noise and the chainsaws are still loud. One generator ran all night long. The chainsaw eventually stopped after the guy had maybe enough for a log cabin. 

    You can continue up the road which is a nice hike and there are a few more pull out site along the road. The road Ys and to the left are more sites that are private but the road is a bit rough. This place is FREE which we usually look for but this is probably one of the loudest we've been to. Both roads at the Y offer a nice hike with minimal traffic, there was only a single vehicle we came upon. Very nice.

    Good cell reception AT&T and Verizon. No water, garbage or bathrooms. PACK IN AND OUT! Multiple rock fire rings in random places as this is a dispersed camping area and watch out for the multitude of animal limbs and carcasses laying around from hunters.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 12, 2019

    Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping

    Lovely little spot in the Lincoln NF

    This is a little pull-off area in a very populated National Forest. It can get pretty crowded so hiking in is important. The car-camping and RV camping is right on the road.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake
    Jul. 10, 2024

    Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake

    Location + Free + Spectacular Sunsets = Great Option Near White Sands NP!

    This whole valley is just… something! A disappearing and reappearing lake, ancient human and mastodon footprint fossils, the birthplace of nuclear reactions and aerospace exploration -- all this AND hills of white gypsum sand upon which you can sled year round?  Not bad for the middle of New Mexico, between two mountain ranges. 

    However, camping nearby leaves something to be desired, even in the RV parks – which is never our thing. However, during a couple of visits we’ve spent the night at some BLM areas just a few miles to the east of the main entrance to the National Park. We’ve spent nights on either side of the highway, but the better boondocking area is on the north side of the highway here at Holloman Lake (not for swimming, read other reviews for details).  You’re right on the border of the air force base, so expect a lot of activity nearby.  In December, there were maybe 6-8 other RV's nearby, but lots of space to spread out.  Road in was good (a little rough in spots) but overall pretty easy, even for our 67 year old camper. The sunsets are always spectacular, even better if it's a bit windy as the fine grains of gypsum sand are in the air, creating gorgeous color.

    There’s nothing in the way of services at this place, just a good, quiet place to park for a few nights.  But, the wide open range has everything you need for solar power and Starlink.  

    Outdoor activities outside of the park can be found up in the mountain ranges to the east of Alamogordo, or to the west in the mountains closer to Las Cruces. 

    Alamogordo is just 15- 20 minutes away where you can get anything you might need, food, groceries, gas, laundry etc.  Oh, and go to the New Mexico History of Space Museum...super fun for kiddos of all ages!

  • Patrick B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 15, 2022

    Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping

    Good Intro to Dispersed Camping

    If you don't feel like dropping 20 bucks a night or more for a spot to camp, this is a great alternative.  FR 568 is about a mile long and has a ton of all types of dispersed camping on both sides of the road, from little tent sites to pull-throughs for campervans and trailers.

    Not a terrible road at all.  I drive a little, low-clearance hatchback and was able to make it all the way to the end of the road and back out while scoping out sites.  Go the whole length and see what your options are so you can pick the best one.

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free

    Wonderful views!

    Conveniently located to town. Easy to get to. Would recommend high clearance vehicles, but manageable for others. Spectacular views of the organ mountains and plentiful hiking opportunities. Great spot to boondock. We had great service for work and virtual classes.

  • Mandi W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping
    Jun. 29, 2023

    Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful free spot

    We tent camped here on a Friday night, it was kind of crowded for dispersed camping but a really beautiful place and still easy to find a spot despite arriving at like 8:30pm. We camped right on the creek, kids loved playing in it and seeing the waterfall. We saw deer, tons of elk, a hummingbird came right up to us and chirped and tried to land on us, and we woke up the first morning to a herd of cows mooing and walking past our tents with their calves. Would definitely stay here again. No cell signal (Verizon). Road to get there is not paved and in some places can only fit one vehicle so we did see some minor issues with that with people traveling the road.

  • Courtney M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon
    Nov. 13, 2023

    Dog Canyon

    Beautiful New Mexico Mountain Views

    This was my husband and I’s first experience boondocking and we were looking for a location close enough to the White Sands National park that wouldn’t be to far of a drive and this location was perfect. Clean, Quite and Beautiful. We enjoyed seeing all the rock trails that have been created from previous visitors.

  • Mark G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dry Canyon Near Hang Glider Launch
    Jan. 21, 2024

    Dry Canyon Near Hang Glider Launch

    Great camping. Difficult terrain. Gun range at the bottom.

    The camping is great and the views are amazing. 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. Also, a little highway noise is present in the distance.

  • Jeanie P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed
    May. 21, 2021

    Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed

    Stopped here and kept going, you can do better

    I don't know how to add a campground so I'll just review from here. This spot would be fine for a night if you get in late or plan to do the hike at the TH then camp. But you're literally camping in a parking lot. If you keep going down the road a bit farther, turn left onto a BLM dirt road (this camping area is listed on iOverlander app). There are a handful of dispersed sites just off the road. More private and space than the TH parking and close access to a TH that takes you up the Organ Needle. 2wd OK for access to most sites

  • Alexei M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 18, 2021

    Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping

    Alpine dispersed camping

    Great strip of dispersed campsites along the forest road. Very high elevation (8000ft), so it can get colder. Cell service is great. Services are near at cloudcroft. Was rather crowded here in October but still plenty of spot.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed
    Nov. 21, 2020

    Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed

    Camp in a Parking Lot=FREE

    First off this is a parking lot but you are able to camp here for free. There were trailers, RVs and even car camping in this BLM area. There are other spots along the way such as Sierra Vista Trailhead and Baylor Canyon Road as well as multiple pullouts along the Dripping Springs Road.

    You're basically at the foot of the Organ Mountains and the view is awesome, even the city lights in the distance were nice. 

    There are no amenities here. Cell reception good with AT&T and Verizon.

    Nice place to stay if you plan on hiking the Organ Mountains or heading the next 40 miles to White Sands National Monument.

  • Erin H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake
    Feb. 26, 2022

    Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake

    Watch the entrance

    Holloman AFB BLM.... aka... Raptor Lake Dispersed

    Great spot....but... as others have said, it IS a tricky entry for bigger rigs, especially if you are traveling South on 70. 

    Sharp right turn, immediately into 2 gates with a slight curve between them, slight dip after the 2nd gate and then another curve going uphill.

    We're only 34' long STD width, and used the left turn lane to turn right and get straightened before entering. I'm  glad we did an RV park the 1st night to dump, pump, and resupply. It gave us a chance to drive out and see the entry 1st hand before towing in the rig. 

    Once you're in, it's  a nice spot. Verizon  & ATT both work great 3-4 bars. We got 23 OTA channels. Area was pretty clean.. Not as spread out as some places, but not on top of each other either. Stays reasonably busy even in February. 

    Winds were up some on arrival. Parked accordingly and had no problem. Ground is another issue. Firm enough for parking etc, but if it rains I imagine the silty texture might turn to peanut butter. 

    All in all a nice spot with the lake, mountains,  and the jets from Hollowman AFB to watch. Road noise not noticeable inside the rig.

  • amanda R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free
    Apr. 4, 2024

    Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free

    Great site!

    This was our first campsite on our cross country road trip. We arrived around 10pm and saw one other camper on the way in. It was pitch black outside so we were very pleased to wake up and see the giant mountain behind us the next morning. There were cows roaming about as it’s free range here. The road to the campsite was bumpy but not too bad. We were in a 2wd and had no issues. I’m hoping we can return to this campsite at some point but will be difficult as we live in Georgia 🥲


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 Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 41 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Holloman Air Force Base, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.