Best Dispersed Camping near Kirtland, NM

The northwestern New Mexico landscape surrounding Kirtland features predominantly dispersed camping options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Within a 30-mile radius, campers will find free sites at Dispersed Campsite Near Brown Springs, which offers OHV trails and primitive camping suitable for both tents and RVs. The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, approximately 25 miles south of Kirtland, provides otherworldly badlands scenery with dispersed camping opportunities in designated areas. Angel Peak Badlands, located east of Kirtland near Bloomfield, offers more structured dispersed camping with fire rings, picnic tables, and shade shelters at some sites.

Road conditions throughout the region vary significantly, with many access routes requiring high-clearance vehicles, especially after rain. As one camper noted at Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, "You will need to check the weather and supply extra water since there is not much shade and no water sources." Most dispersed sites lack facilities, though some areas like Bisti/De-Na-Zin have pit toilets at trailheads. Cell service is surprisingly robust at many locations, with visitors reporting 5G connectivity at Angel Peak and Bisti areas. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Winter camping remains possible but requires additional preparation for cold desert nights.

The unique geological formations draw many visitors to camp in the area. At Bisti/De-Na-Zin, campers frequently mention the surreal landscape as a highlight. "Land forms looked like they should be from a different planet," reported one visitor. Sites typically fill by early evening during peak seasons, with campers advising early arrival to secure spots. Most areas permit camping in parking areas or designated pullouts, with some allowing tent setup directly on the landscape. Amenities are minimal, with visitors needing to pack in all water and supplies. The "pack it out" ethic is strongly emphasized throughout the region, with no trash collection available at most sites. Campers consistently rate the solitude and night skies as standout features of the Kirtland area camping experience.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Kirtland, New Mexico (24)

    2. Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Blanco, NM
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 564-7600

    "Covered picknick tables and good pit toilets.  

    I left my tent up while visiting Chaco. "

    "Just arrived at Angel Peak dispersed campground near Bloomfield NM. It's Monday July 9th 2024. We stayed one night. The gravel road from HWY 550 is in good shape."

    3. Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp

    5 Reviews
    Aztec, NM
    27 miles

    "Flat, very clean pit toilets, picnic tables with shade and a great trail. 100%!"

    "It's a gravel parking lot at a mountain biking trailhead. Pit toilet and single covered picnic table. On a Mesa so decent views and full bars of fast cell signal."

    4. Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    30 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    43 miles

    "These dispersed campsites were recommended to us and they did not disappoint! Secluded dry camping spots with great views of the monuments."

    "This is a good free spot near Mesa Verde, but if it is closed check out the many BLM spots on road 316 off the highway, barely West of Target Tree Campground slightly East of Mancos."

    5. Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area

    10 Reviews
    Nageezi, NM
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 564-7600

    "You can set up shop right on the outskirts of the parking lot on the flat ground or in the nearby canyons or turnoffs on the road to get the the parking lot. "

    "This free campground positioned us well to beat the heat and hike through the badlands first thing in the morning!"

    6. Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    24 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    44 miles
    Website

    "Could do it in a non 4wd non high clearance, but wouldn’t recommend beyond the 4.5 mark."

    "Madden Peak dispersed camping is a fantastic option for those seeking a peaceful and scenic camping experience near Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez, and Durango."

    7. BLM across from Mesa Verde

    18 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    43 miles
    Website

    "This is a good free spot near Mesa Verde, but if it is closed check out the many BLM spots on road 316 off the highway, barely West of Target Tree Campground slightly East of Mancos."

    "This campsite is right outside of Mesa Verde and is easy to locate. Campsites are located along a dirt road and they are clearly marked."

    8. Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed

    16 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 882-7296

    "Close to Hwy 160, so easy to access. Campsite access road ok, rutted abit in some places from prior mud which has since dried."

    "Some are to steep for a camper, but perfect for truck or van camping. We got to our spot around 4pm and by the time we were set up and heading into town for stuff all the spots were taken."

    9. Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Newcomb, NM
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 564-7600

    "We had the goal of exploring New Mexico back country and Bisti, which we did! The Dyrt directions to the trailhead here are perfect."

    "We camped in the large area on the West side of the road a short distance from the trailhead. It was very windy the day we arrived, with wind speeds of 28 mph and gusts of 45 mph. "

    10. Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp

    11 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    43 miles

    "We got to town late and our preferred spots were all taken, so we came here as a backup. The spots are all right off of the road and easy to get to. The views aren’t much, but they’re good spots."

    "Big spaces easy access for larger campers very peaceful"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Kirtland, NM

158 Reviews of 24 Kirtland Campgrounds



Guide to Kirtland

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Kirtland, New Mexico, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking a more rustic experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Kirtland, New Mexico

Scenic views and unique landscapes for dispersed campers

Top activities while free camping near Kirtland

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Kirtland, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Kirtland, NM is Dispersed Campsite Near Brown Springs with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Kirtland, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 24 dispersed camping locations near Kirtland, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.