Best Dispersed Camping near Navajo Dam, NM
Several dispersed camping areas can be found on public lands surrounding Navajo Dam, New Mexico. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages multiple primitive camping zones in this region, with notable sites including Angel Peak Badlands, Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp, and Simon Canyon Trailhead. Additional dispersed camping opportunities exist near Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area and scattered locations along forest roads. These primitive sites typically provide minimal to no facilities and allow campers to experience the remote high desert landscape characteristic of the Four Corners region.
Access roads to dispersed sites vary significantly in quality, with many requiring slow navigation on dirt or gravel surfaces. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching more remote locations, particularly Angel Peak and areas near the Bisti Badlands. Most primitive camping areas lack drinking water, hookups, and trash collection, requiring visitors to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions are common, especially during summer months, with complete bans at some locations including Bisti Wilderness and near Brown Springs. Camping duration is typically limited to 14 days within a 28-day period on most BLM lands.
The dispersed camping experience near Navajo Dam offers remarkable geological features and stargazing opportunities. Angel Peak provides dramatic badland views with picnic tables and shade structures at some sites. Several areas maintain cell service despite their remote nature, making them suitable for remote workers. However, weather conditions can change rapidly, with reviewers noting that "wild weather came through" and "intense winds" can be challenging at exposed sites like Angel Peak. A camper at Alien Run Trailhead noted the area has "flat, very clean pit toilets, picnic tables with shade and a great trail," making it one of the more developed dispersed options in the region.
