Best Dispersed Camping near Lincoln National Forest
Lincoln National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities in the mountains of southern New Mexico. Forest Road 568 near Cloudcroft provides extensive free camping options with multiple established sites extending up to 200 feet into the woods. Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping, located about 10 miles south of Cloudcroft off Sunspot Highway, features a creek-side setting in a forested valley. Bailey Canyon and Forest Road 634 areas provide additional primitive camping options at higher elevations, typically above 9,000 feet.
No amenities exist at most dispersed sites. Visitors must pack in all water and pack out all trash. According to camper Jacob W., "We tent camped in mid-September 2022 in Lincoln National Forest south of Cloudcroft off Forest Service Road 64. Over 9,400 feet and it got cold at night." Nighttime temperatures drop significantly even in summer months, with winter camping requiring proper cold-weather gear. Cell service varies by location, with Forest Road 568 reporting good AT&T and Verizon reception.
Campfires are permitted in most areas when no fire restrictions are in effect. Many sites contain existing rock fire rings. Road conditions vary seasonally; Forest Road 568 is generally accessible to standard vehicles, while Bluff Springs access requires higher clearance, particularly during wet conditions. Several campers noted that summer weekends can become crowded, especially at Bluff Springs. Wildlife sightings include elk, with bugling commonly heard during fall months. The town of Cloudcroft provides resupply options approximately 5-8 minutes from Forest Road 568 camping areas.
