Dispersed camping near Kirtland, New Mexico sits within a high desert environment at elevations between 5,300-6,500 feet. The terrain consists primarily of badlands, sandstone mesas, and juniper-piñon woodland. Summer temperatures in this northwestern New Mexico region regularly hit 95°F during day hours but drop to 50-60°F at night, creating significant temperature swings campers must prepare for.
What to do
Hike alien-like landscapes: At Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, visitors find otherworldly rock formations through unmarked paths. "Bisti was magical and I'm so glad I got to experience before we move out of New Mexico. We hiked in the badlands and found some neat formations and petrified wood," shares one camper who completed a 6-mile out-and-back hike with dogs.
Mountain biking: The Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp offers direct access to mountain biking trails. "Awesome spot and perfect for MTBing," reports one visitor. The trailhead serves as both camping area and starting point for rides, with most mountain bikers arriving in the morning hours.
Photography at sunrise/sunset: Angel Peak Badlands provides exceptional photography opportunities. "Just arrived at Angel Peak dispersed campground near Bloomfield NM. The gravel road from HWY 550 is in good shape. Strong 5G TMobile cell signal," notes a camper who appreciated both the scenery and connectivity. The west-facing viewpoints make sunset photography particularly rewarding.
What campers like
Accessibility to unique geology: Many campers appreciate the ease of reaching geological wonders. At Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Dispersed Camping, visitors enjoy exploring close to camp. "Past the second lot there is dispersed camping. We picked a great spot on the left. Nearby our spot 100 yards were very cool rock formations," writes one camper.
Affordable base camp for national park visits: The BLM areas near Kirtland provide free camping options for those visiting nearby attractions. "Stayed here for about a week while we visited Chaco Canyon and Valley of Dreams. This is a good camp site and does fill up quickly," explains a camper who used Angel Peak as a launching point.
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "Absolutely incredible views, not too crowded. We had good cell service with Verizon. It was cold for us but we had a nice fire to keep us warm," reports a camper at Angel Peak who enjoyed both connectivity and natural beauty.
What you should know
Road conditions vary by weather: The access roads to camping areas can change dramatically with precipitation. At Angel Peak NM Badlands, "The gravel road from HWY 550 is in good shape. Only one other camper in the entire area. This is completely dry camping. No potable water nor electricity."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping sites offer minimal amenities. "Clean vault toilets and covered picnic tables at some sites. Fantastic views," notes a camper at Angel Peak, highlighting the basic facilities available.
Wind exposure: The open terrain provides little wind protection. "I loved my stay here--absolutely incredible views, not too crowded. I left my tent up while visiting Chaco. Some wild weather came through and when I got back my tent had nearly gone over the canyon rim despite being staked down and weighted with my sleeping bag and pad."
Wildlife presence: Campers should be aware of potential wildlife encounters. "We did see a bear this morning! It walked away when I opened my trunk, but it looked like it was walking over to check out my camp," reports a camper at Madden Peak Road, emphasizing the importance of proper food storage.
Tips for camping with families
Shade considerations: The limited natural shade makes sun protection essential. "This is completely dry camping. However, each site has a fire ring, picnic table and shade shelter. Everything is very tidy," notes a visitor at Angel Peak NM Badlands Dispersed Camping.
Site selection timing: Arrive early to secure optimal family spots. "We got there at 10:30 pm on a Thursday and we were lucky enough to grab the last spot," shares a camper who nearly missed securing space at Angel Peak.
Tent security measures: Wind can be challenging for tent campers with children. "I'd strongly recommend tying at least one tent line to the shade structure around the picknick table in times of iffy weather," advises a camper after experiencing strong winds.
Tips from RVers
Road assessment: RV drivers should evaluate road conditions carefully. At Mesa Verde National Park Boundary, "Road is typical blm rocky dirt road. I think a 2wd car could probally do it. No issue for suv or van. Verizon signal is okay, weak but can surf and watch videos."
Size restrictions: Many areas have unofficial size limits. "We are full-timers in a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow. We found an irregular camping area on the NW side of the road 0.6 miles from the formal CG. After dropping our tow, we managed to get our 36' MH up and into it on the second attempt and then did a bit of jockeying around to find a spot reasonable level."
Ground conditions: Soil composition affects RV parking. "The ground is rather soft in some places. I would not recommend this spot unless you are very confident negotiating tight spaces with your rig," cautions an RVer describing the challenges of positioning a large motorhome.
