Primitive camping near Playas, New Mexico offers seclusion in the high desert terrain at elevations ranging from 4,500-6,000 feet. The region experiences dramatic temperature shifts between day and night, with summer highs regularly exceeding 95°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. Road conditions to most dispersed sites deteriorate significantly during monsoon season (July-September), with sandy stretches becoming impassable even for high-clearance vehicles.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Several dispersed sites provide direct access to hiking trails. At Cattlemen Trail, campers can explore numerous washes and desert paths. "Lots of hiking trails and washes to walk around. Easy to get to. Lots of quartz rock," notes a reviewer who enjoyed the area's geological features.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings and evenings are prime times for wildlife spotting. The area around West Turkey Creek Dispersed offers excellent wildlife viewing. "The creek was flowing and quite a few animals at dawn and dusk," reports a camper who visited the area.
Rock collecting: The desert landscape contains various minerals and formations worth examining. Cattlemen Trail is noted for its abundance of quartz: "Lots of quartz rock. Enjoyed my stay very much," according to one camper who appreciated the geological aspects of the area.
What campers like
Isolation and quiet: Many campers value the solitude these remote sites provide. At Granite Gap, the peaceful environment stands out: "I'm at the last site top of the hill and it's beautiful! Getting service with Verizon. 4g 1 or 2 bars," mentions one visitor who appreciated both the seclusion and connectivity.
Night sky visibility: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. At Gold Gulch Road, the sunset views are particularly noteworthy: "A place like from some safari movie, beautiful sunset, you can see a herd of cows. Plenty of room for everyone and an easy route," describes a camper who enjoyed the scenic vistas.
Water features: Some sites offer seasonal streams or creek access. At John Hand Campground, one camper notes: "Darling spot with sound of river over rocks. Great views. Free." These water features provide both ambiance and practical resources for campers.
What you should know
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs dramatically between sites. Cattlemen Trail offers surprisingly good reception: "I'm getting 3 bars on AT&T which is pretty good I think. Streamed a movie last night with no issues," shares one camper who was pleased with the connectivity.
Road conditions: Many access roads deteriorate rapidly after rain. "If wet I would think it may get a bit squishy, but with it dry a stock SUV would make it just fine," notes a Granite Gap visitor, highlighting how weather impacts accessibility.
Gate protocols: Several sites require opening and closing gates. "You have to open and close a gate but it is not locked. Quite, no lights nearby, dispersed camping at its best," explains a camper at Granite Gap, emphasizing the importance of proper gate etiquette.
Livestock presence: Free-range cattle roam throughout most camping areas. "Fantastic spot. Was not busy and cows were all around minding their own business," reports a visitor to Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed, indicating the common coexistence with livestock.
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Certain sites offer safe water features for children. West Turkey Creek provides exceptional water access: "Turkey creek flows right next to the campground and offers fantastic hikes along its banks. There are multiple small waterfalls and pools to splash in," explains a reviewer who enjoyed the aquatic features.
Wildlife education opportunities: Dawn and dusk wildlife viewing can become educational experiences. "The creek was flowing and quite a few animals at dawn and dusk," notes a camper at West Turkey Creek, highlighting optimal wildlife viewing times.
Space considerations: Some sites offer more room for family activities than others. At Gold Gulch Road, there's "plenty of room for everyone and an easy route," according to one visitor, making it suitable for families needing extra space.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Most sites require additional effort to achieve level positioning. At Granite Gap, "Site is not too level but throw a couple of rocks under the tires and you can level out," advises an RVer who found workable solutions.
Narrow access concerns: Some roads present clearance challenges for wider vehicles. "Drive up is a little bit narrow with cactus close to the road," warns a Granite Gap camper, suggesting caution for RVers with wider rigs.
Length limitations: Larger RVs may struggle at certain sites. "Great spot. Rocks and cactus and sunrises. Narrow sandy road, but manageable for smaller RV," notes a visitor at Granite Gap, indicating that compact RVs fare better on these access roads.
