Dispersed camping near Newcomb, New Mexico offers primitive backcountry experiences on Bureau of Land Management lands. The region features several free campsites situated near unusual badlands formations, with elevations ranging from 5,400 to 6,200 feet. Weather patterns create significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, often exceeding 30 degrees difference even during summer months.
What to do
Hike without markers: Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area offers unmarked hiking routes through unusual rock formations. "This is a free campground with bathrooms near by. There is no visitors office and the landmarks/features are not marked on the trail map," reports Anahi B. at Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area.
Photograph night skies: The remote location provides excellent stargazing opportunities. "Plenty of stars and a bathroom to use, which is always appreciated at a free spot," notes Jillian who camped at Bisti Badlands.
Track coordinates: GPS is essential for finding specific formations. "We used Gaia GPS to pinpoint our coordinates to the 'cool' spots and ended up getting detoured due to really cool formations all over the place. We were like moths to flames," explains Hayley K. about exploring Bisti Badlands.
Drive OHV trails: Areas near Brown Springs provide extensive off-highway vehicle opportunities. "OHV trails are all over. I am not a OHV guy, but looks to be OHV haven. Flat and hilly areas for lots of fun," writes Roger W. who visited the area.
What campers like
Unusual landscapes: The otherworldly terrain attracts photographers and geology enthusiasts. "This place is haunting and beautiful. Very dry, very much a sun-baked desert. The soil at the top of the bluffs was oddly soft and puffy," describes Hannah O. at Bisti Badlands.
Clean facilities: Despite the rustic setting, the maintained facilities receive positive mentions. "Very nice! Clean bathrooms and picnic tables. Flat parking lot," reports Julie K. about her experience at Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Dispersed Camping.
Camping flexibility: The open format allows for choosing ideal spots. "Camping is in the parking lot area and basically any pull off you can find a space. If you're in a tent just hike off anywhere and pitch it for the night," explains Laura M. who visited Bisti Badlands.
Sunset viewing: The unobstructed horizon creates dramatic evening light. "We were not able to have a campfire but did witness a magical sunset. This area is such a gem!" shares Karen B. about her camping experience.
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Access roads require preparation and appropriate vehicles. "We didn't stay at this campsite, but it was one we were considering for this adventure and I'm really glad we decided on a different one because we did drive down the road that this is on and it was rough," warns Matt F. about Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Trailhead.
No marked trails: Navigation skills are essential for exploring. "I was expecting a visitor office, but went in too early before dawn and didn't see one. We entered and kept walking: realized we were way too off from the good spots," shares Devang S. about getting lost at Bisti Badlands.
Limited shade: The exposed landscape provides little natural protection. "You will need to check the weather and supply extra water since there is not much shade and no water sources," advises Hayley K. based on her experience.
Pack out trash: Wilderness regulations require carrying out all waste. "There is no trash collection out here. Please pack it out!" reminds Karen B. about camping responsibilities at Bisti Badlands.
Tips for camping with families
Download maps beforehand: Cell service can be unreliable for navigation. "I highly recommend getting a hiking map or downloading one before you get to the site. Other reviewers said they had service but once we left the paved highway we didn't have any," advises Hannah O. from her experience at Bisti Badlands.
Time visits for cooler hours: Early morning exploration avoids midday heat. "This free campground positioned us well to beat the heat and hike through the badlands first thing in the morning!" shares Jordyn M. who camped at Bisti Badlands.
Bring all supplies: No water sources exist at these primitive sites. "This is a parking lot to access the trail. Nothing there. Just a flat dirt lot surrounded by a wire fence to keep out the horses that wander nearby," explains Walther D. about the sparse amenities at Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Trailhead.
Pack extra toilet paper: While some sites have pit toilets, supplies may run low. "The bathrooms were clean and well stocked with TP," notes Karen B., though conditions vary throughout the season.
Tips from RVers
Check road conditions: Recent weather affects accessibility. "I wouldn't attempt it in anything other than a 4WD if the area were to get any significant rain, as the ruts in the road were pretty significant," cautions Ray & Terri F. about reaching Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Trailhead.
Watch for entrance dips: Some access points have challenging terrain features. "The only downside was the huge dip to go right after the parking lot, just with some dirt the problem could be solved. I could not go thought with my TT," shares Karla L. about Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness.
Consider satellite connectivity: While cellular service varies, satellite options work well. "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 10 MB/s," reports Ray & Terri F. about their connectivity experience.
Prepare for wind: Open terrain experiences strong gusts. "It was very windy the day we arrived, with wind speeds of 28 mph and gusts of 45 mph," notes Ray & Terri F. about conditions at their camping location.
