Best Dispersed Camping near Newcomb, NM
Dispersed camping near Newcomb, New Mexico centers primarily around the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness area, where several free primitive camping options exist on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. Campers can access sites at the Bisti Badlands trailhead parking area and along Indian Service Road 7000, with additional dispersed camping available at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Trailhead and near Brown Springs. These areas permit tent and RV camping without designated sites or reservations, following standard BLM dispersed camping regulations.
Access roads to these camping areas range from rough gravel to dirt tracks with significant ruts and washboard sections. Many campers report high-clearance vehicles are recommended, particularly for reaching Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah. The Bisti/De-Na-Zin access road includes a notable dip that may challenge larger RVs or trailers. Most areas lack drinking water, hookups, or other amenities, though the Bisti Badlands trailhead provides pit toilets and picnic tables. One camper noted, "The roads in can be pretty rough in places, but not too awful bad in others for dirt and gravel road anyway." Camping is generally permitted for up to 14 days in these areas.
The landscape surrounding these dispersed sites features unique badlands formations, hoodoos, and petrified wood that create an otherworldly camping experience. Cell service varies by location and carrier, with several campers reporting usable AT&T and Verizon coverage at Bisti Badlands. "We had an unobstructed view of the sky and so we were able to receive all 3 SW Dish satellites and Starlink had up to 12 MB/s," noted one RV camper at Bisti. Weather conditions can be extreme, with campers experiencing high winds and temperature fluctuations. The area near Brown Springs includes OHV trails that attract off-road enthusiasts. Despite the remote setting, the Bisti Badlands parking area can host multiple campers, especially during peak season, while other nearby dispersed areas tend to remain less crowded.
