Dispersed camping options near Mayhill, New Mexico in Lincoln National Forest offer a cooler alternative to the surrounding desert areas, with temperatures typically 15-20°F lower than nearby Alamogordo. Most sites sit at elevations between 7,000 and 9,400 feet, providing natural shade and wildlife viewing opportunities. Winter camping requires preparation for freezing temperatures, while summer brings afternoon thunderstorms that typically clear by evening.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Forest Road 568 dispersed areas provide excellent elk spotting opportunities, especially at dawn and dusk. As one camper noted, "We saw more elk than we could count! Just glowing eyes everywhere and all in the road. The road dead ends at a fenced private property so we turned around and just got a pull off spot for the night" (Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping).
Waterfall hiking: Several campsites provide access to seasonal water features. Near Bluff Springs, "There is a small waterfall that we could see and hear from our campsite and a creek for kiddos to play in. Its a free range area so cows are all over the place which was fun to see" (Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping).
Mountain trail access: The Forest Road 634 area connects to multiple hiking options. "Rim Trails and Alamo Peak Trails in walking distance. There were other campers nearby but it was quiet and beautiful... Elk, hummingbirds, all tucked away in aspen grove. This is a special spot" (Alamo Peak Rd).
What campers like
Cooler temperatures: The high elevation of rustic camping near Mayhill provides relief from summer heat. One visitor to Dog Canyon shared, "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" (Dog Canyon).
Stargazing opportunities: The limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. At Forest Road 568, "it was absolutely silent. You can get as far away from main roads as you need... I highly recommend this spot if you need somewhere free to stay extended or even one night if you're visiting Lincoln."
Accessibility to town: Many dispersed sites maintain proximity to services. "One of our favorites. Room for big rigs prior to road intersection pretty rough beyond that... beautiful tree coverage, trails that lead to town, road biking distance to town, daily short rains, wild mustangs walking right through our site" (Forest Rd 568 Dispersed).
What you should know
Road conditions vary seasonally: Many access roads deteriorate after wet weather. "The good: it was enjoyable out in the night sky and the stars were very clear and beautiful. Fire pits were all over the place and area had a lot of spots to set up camp. The bad: camp sites were a little too close together and for a packed Labor Day weekend it wasn't quite the escape it could have been."
Limited turnaround space: Many forest roads narrow significantly after the first mile. "This was a beautiful location, near the town of Cloudcroft. We enjoyed the cooler weather up in the mountains. It was peaceful and quite... We went to the end of the road to find out that there was no way to turn our 29 ft trailer. We had to go in reverse about 1/4 mile to find a place to turn around."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. "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... Good cell reception AT&T and Verizon" (Lincoln NF - Forest Service Road 64 - Dispersed Camping).
Tips for camping with families
Look for creek access: Several sites offer safe water play areas during warmer months. "We arrived in Cloudcroft NM around 7pm on Thursday the 6th got some last minute supplies at all sups gas station and headed to the ranger station just down the 130 Cox Canyon Hwy to get a map of the park... We found a pretty big spot and set up camp. With one camper, two tents, two jeeps, two dogs, six kiddos and 10 adults it was a chore to get everything out and set up but worth every minute."
Bring wildlife guides: The area supports diverse animal viewing opportunities. "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."
Plan for temperature swings: Mountain temperatures drop significantly after sunset. "Been camping here several times a year and it just keeps getting busier and busier. Need to find a new place!"
Tips from RVers
Scout sites before committing: Many roads narrow unexpectedly. "Cell service barely exists, on and off 1 bar AT&T. It's a Forest road so check it out before pulling you trailer up it. Was gated and locked about 1.5 miles in no room to turn a rig around there. Larger than vehicle should stay at beginning of road."
Level sites are limited: Come prepared with leveling equipment. "The rocky unlevel sites, local dude that drives in daily maniacally to smoke his cigar then speeds off."
Early arrival recommended: Prime sites fill quickly on weekends. "This site was very convenient and close to town and not far from white sands national park. There were plenty of spots to choose from and fire pits already available! We loved waking up to the Mountain View's."
