Best Dispersed Camping near Roswell, NM
Dispersed camping options near Roswell, New Mexico include several primitive sites on public lands. Haystack Mountain OHV Area, located about 20 minutes east of Roswell, features five well-maintained campsites with covered picnic areas, fire rings, and grills. This BLM-managed area charges $3-5 per night through an envelope payment system at the entrance. Alamo Road Camp and Alamo Road Dispersed, approximately 12 miles from Roswell, offer free camping with widely spaced sites suitable for various camping setups.
Road conditions vary significantly between locations. Haystack Mountain provides easy access directly off the highway with well-maintained roads. According to reviews, Alamo Road features primitive, potholed dirt roads that become muddy during rain. Several campers noted that while 4WD isn't required, driving slowly is necessary. No drinking water is available at any of these sites; campers must bring all water supplies. Cell service is generally excellent, with multiple carriers reporting strong signals due to nearby towers.
Weather conditions demand preparation. The Roswell area experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with summer highs in the 80s-90s and cooler nights. Wind is common and can be intense, particularly at exposed sites like Alamo Road Camp. Wildlife sightings include rattlesnakes, desert insects, and occasional cattle herds. Campers report that Haystack Mountain features exceptionally clean vault toilets, while the Alamo Road sites have no facilities whatsoever. Haystack Mountain offers designated OHV trails suitable for hiking and mountain biking. The spectacular desert sunsets are frequently mentioned as highlights of camping in this region, particularly from elevated viewpoints at Haystack Mountain.