Best Dispersed Camping near Shiprock, NM

Dispersed camping options near Shiprock, New Mexico include several primitive sites on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. The closest dispersed camping area is located near Brown Springs, approximately 30 miles northwest of Shiprock. Additional BLM camping opportunities can be found at the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area about 45 miles southeast of Shiprock and Angel Peak Badlands roughly 60 miles east. These areas provide free, primitive camping with minimal or no facilities on public lands. Most sites require self-sufficiency and adherence to leave-no-trace principles.

Road conditions vary significantly across these dispersed camping areas. The Brown Springs area features OHV trails and a mix of flat and hilly terrain that may become problematic during heavy rainfall. Access to Angel Peak Badlands and Bisti Wilderness typically requires slow navigation on unpaved roads. Most areas prohibit campfires, especially during high fire danger seasons. No drinking water, trash service, or sanitation facilities are available at these primitive sites. Visitors must pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Camping is typically limited to 14 days in a 28-day period on BLM lands in this region.

The dispersed sites near Shiprock provide access to unique geological formations and stark desert landscapes characteristic of the Four Corners region. The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness offers unusual badlands formations and a picnic table with vault toilets at the trailhead, making it popular among photographers and hikers seeking otherworldly scenery. Angel Peak Badlands provides excellent views across the rugged landscape with sufficient space for RVs and tents. "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. I'd stay away during heavy rain," notes one camper about the Brown Springs area. Cell service can be unreliable in these remote locations, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Shiprock, New Mexico (19)

    1. Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    31 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    42 miles

    "These dispersed campsites were recommended to us and they did not disappoint! Secluded dry camping spots with great views of the monuments."

    "This is a good free spot near Mesa Verde, but if it is closed check out the many BLM spots on road 316 off the highway, barely West of Target Tree Campground slightly East of Mancos."

    2. Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    24 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    49 miles
    Website

    "Could do it in a non 4wd non high clearance, but wouldn’t recommend beyond the 4.5 mark."

    "Madden Peak dispersed camping is a fantastic option for those seeking a peaceful and scenic camping experience near Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez, and Durango."

    3. BLM across from Mesa Verde

    18 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    42 miles
    Website

    "This is a good free spot near Mesa Verde, but if it is closed check out the many BLM spots on road 316 off the highway, barely West of Target Tree Campground slightly East of Mancos."

    "This campsite is right outside of Mesa Verde and is easy to locate. Campsites are located along a dirt road and they are clearly marked."

    4. Chutes and Ladders Dipsersed

    16 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 882-7296

    "Close to Hwy 160, so easy to access. Campsite access road ok, rutted abit in some places from prior mud which has since dried."

    "Some are to steep for a camper, but perfect for truck or van camping. We got to our spot around 4pm and by the time we were set up and heading into town for stuff all the spots were taken."

    5. CR 34 Dispersed Campground

    10 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 882-7296

    "For iPhone users use google maps. Or it will take you to a dead end private road. This site is also two other names on here also! The chutes and ladder one and also the mesa verde dispersed!"

    "Great view of the mesa, easy access, plenty of firewood on the ground, not crowded, and clean campsites"

    7. Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp

    11 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    47 miles

    "We got to town late and our preferred spots were all taken, so we came here as a backup. The spots are all right off of the road and easy to get to. The views aren’t much, but they’re good spots."

    "Big spaces easy access for larger campers very peaceful"

    8. Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area

    10 Reviews
    Nageezi, NM
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 564-7600

    "You can set up shop right on the outskirts of the parking lot on the flat ground or in the nearby canyons or turnoffs on the road to get the the parking lot. "

    "This free campground positioned us well to beat the heat and hike through the badlands first thing in the morning!"

    9. Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping

    11 Reviews
    Blanco, NM
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 564-7600

    "Covered picknick tables and good pit toilets.   I left my tent up while visiting Chaco. "

    "Just arrived at Angel Peak dispersed campground near Bloomfield NM. It's Monday July 9th 2024. We stayed one night. The gravel road from HWY 550 is in good shape."

    10. BLM Dispersed on San Juan River

    8 Reviews
    Montezuma Creek, UT
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (435) 587-1500

    "A little difficult to find the turn off when arriving at night but a fun bumpy road down to the bluff. Beautiful river view when you awake in the morning."

    "Lots of space to choose from with no amenities good views of sunrise and san juan river, recommend a somewhat off road capable vehicle for this area."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Shiprock, NM

152 Reviews of 19 Shiprock Campgrounds


  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 10, 2020

    Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area

    Ranger Review: Banner and Oak Hat at Bisti Badlands

    This campground is more like a parking lot with extended canyons for camping. You can set up shop right on the outskirts of the parking lot on the flat ground or in the nearby canyons or turnoffs on the road to get the the parking lot. 

    There is a pit toilet located there that is really well taken care of. There is also a picnic shelter for those super hot days when you are in need of shade. 

    You can also backpack across the wilderness area as well. You will need to check the weather and supply extra water since there is not much shade and no water sources. 

    For Hiking: 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. It is such a cool spot and LOTS to see!

    Gear review: Banner and Oak Freedom to Explore hat

    Occasionally as a Ranger we get the opportunity to test out some gear from time to time. I got this hat for my partner and he wanted to test it out for a while before we reviewed it so we thought this was the perfect opportunity. You can find the hat here: https://bannerandoak.com/collections/hats/products/horizon-olive

    This hat is extremely fashionable and comfortable. The color is a perfect Olive with black writing that says "Freedom To Explore". There is a mesh lining on the inner front of the hat that helps with sweat and heat. It also keeps you from getting a line across your forehead when removing the hat. He wore it all day and didn't take it off once for it being too loose or too tight. Even after a week fo wearing it everyday it didn't get that gross sweat smell that normal hats get. 

    The back of the hat has a buckle closure instead of snaps so it lays nice on the back of your head and doesn't dig in.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 5, 2025

    Cherry Creek Gravel Lot

    Easy & Free

    Only free place near Durango in the winter. We called and asked the BLM & Forest Service. Easy access, lots of space. Bumpy access road and highway noise.

  • Jordyn M.
    Jun. 10, 2021

    Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area

    Remote and cool hiking

    This free campground positioned us well to beat the heat and hike through the badlands first thing in the morning! Pit toilets available next to the parking lot as well as a pavilion area with tables.

    A handful of dispersed sites were available once in the BLM boundaries as well as plenty of space in the trailhead parking lot to spend the night.

    The hike to the various features of the badlands are not marked, however good GPS signal allowed us to plug in coordinates to follow during the hike. Land forms looked like they should be from a different planet!

  • Andrea P.
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful spot! Can get some intense winds

    I loved my stay here--absolutely incredible views, not too crowded.  Covered picknick tables and good pit toilets.  

    I left my tent up while visiting Chaco.  Some wild weather came through and when I got back my tent had nearly gone over the canyon rim despite being staked down and weighted with my sleeping bag and pad.  I'd strongly recommend tying at least one tent line to the shade structure around the picknick table in times of iffy weather.

  • Jennifer M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2023

    Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping

    Backcountry adventure

    We had the goal of exploring New Mexico back country and Bisti, which we did! The Dyrt directions to the trailhead here are perfect. There were a few folks camping at the parking lot and there is a relatively clean pit toilet there though bring TP. We drove past the lot and got over a ditch no problem with our Tacoma. Past the second lot there is dispersed camping. We picked a great spot on the left. Nearby our spot 100 yards were very cool rock formations. We hiked in the badlands and found some neat formations and petrified wood though nothing like the beautiful photos published online. It was still worth it for the unique experience. We did a 6 mile out/back hike with 2 dogs. Flat but hot and windy at times. Some of the wind got intense at our camp spot. All in all this is a worthwhile experience if you like getting off the beaten path and exploring something different. We drove from here to Alien Throne. GPS was spotty but got us there and we had on/off service in Bisti.

  • Carter Marie  M.
    Oct. 15, 2020

    Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    Hidden Gem

    These dispersed campsites were recommended to us and they did not disappoint! Secluded dry camping spots with great views of the monuments.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2025

    Madden Peak Road - Dispersed

    Secluded and convenient

    Not much to add to the other reviews. Found a great spot with view about 4.0 miles up. The spots get way more secluded and separated as you go up the road. Could do it in a non 4wd non high clearance, but wouldn’t recommend beyond the 4.5 mark.

  • Texas Roving Ranger
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping

    Tranquil, secluded and scenic boondocking sites

    Just arrived at Angel Peak dispersed campground near Bloomfield NM. It's Monday July 9th 2024. We stayed one night. The gravel road from HWY 550 is in good shape. Only one other camper in the entire area. This is completely dry camping. No potable water nor electricity. However, each site has a fire ring, picnic table and shade shelter. Everything is very tidy. Only a small bit of litter in the fire ring. Clean vault toilet nearby. Strong 5G TMobile cell signal.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Cherry Creek Gravel Lot

    Just fine for a night

    Fine, especially when nothing else is available and you need a place to stop for a night. USFS access roads weren’t open for the season yet.


Guide to Shiprock

Dispersed camping near Shiprock, New Mexico encompasses Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands across the high desert plateau of the Four Corners region, with elevations ranging from 5,500 to 7,000 feet. The continental climate brings hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and cold winters with occasional snow. Road conditions across these primitive sites vary seasonally, with many access routes becoming impassable during monsoon season from July through September.

What to do

Hiking at Bisti Wilderness: Explore the otherworldly hoodoo formations across 45,000 acres of public land. "This is a great place to stay. There is no visitors office and the landmarks/features are not marked on the trail map," notes a camper at Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area. Visitors should download GPS coordinates before arrival as most geological features lack marked trails.

Wildlife observation: Early mornings and evenings provide opportunities to spot desert wildlife. The dispersed camping areas near San Juan River offer prime viewing areas. "We stayed 2 nights. Absolutely beautiful and peaceful. The views are amazing. No shade available so bring your own or camp in cooler months," reports a camper at BLM Dispersed on San Juan River.

Mountain biking: The terrain near Hesperus offers moderate to challenging routes with minimal crowds. "Stayed here for two weeks! The spots are spacious and clean, and there is cell reception. There are plenty of spots along the first mile or two of the road," reports a camper about Madden Peak Road - Dispersed.

What campers like

Easy access to Mesa Verde: Several campsites provide quick access to major attractions. "Great location with multiple sites. The 'fire rings' aren't established and there are no facilities here. That being said it's beautiful and secluded from the road and other campers. Great spot if you're spending time in Durango or Mesa Verde NP," says a visitor at Madden Peak Road - Dispersed.

Scenic canyon views: The area's dramatic landscapes offer exceptional sunset viewing opportunities. "This is a very accessible area. Spots are big and private. Clean 15 total spot so you're sure to find one," mentions a camper at Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land).

Reliable cell service: Unlike many remote dispersed camping areas, several sites near Shiprock maintain usable connectivity. "I have AT&T and had good coverage here," notes one visitor about their rustic camping experience, while another adds, "Nice places to stay for a night. Several places to park but the road seems to get rougher as you go. Each spot can easily fit multiple campers or vehicles."

What you should know

Seasonal closures: Many BLM sites implement wildlife management closures. "Closed from November to May 31st," warns a visitor about one site, while another notes, "Could not stay--pulled up and the sign on the closed gate says closed until April 30 for elk and deer winter range." Always check current status before traveling.

Road conditions: Access roads can deteriorate rapidly with weather. "Road is typical blm rocky dirt road. I think a 2wd car could probably do it. No issue for suv or van," shares a camper about Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping. The final note adds, "The gravel road from HWY 550 is in good shape."

Weather preparedness: The open terrain provides little protection from elements. "I'd stay away during heavy rain," advises one camper. Another mentions, "We had a nice fire to keep us warm," highlighting the temperature fluctuations common in high desert environments.

Tips for camping with families

Pit toilet availability: Some sites offer basic sanitation facilities. "There's a bathroom near the parking area where there were half a dozen campers. On the way in there were a handful more," reports a visitor at Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area.

Site spacing: Choose locations with adequate distance between campsites. "The sites are spread out on both sides of the road. I stayed there on a Thursday and there were quite a few folks there - mostly RVs - good pull through options," notes one camper.

Potential hazards: Wildlife and natural features require vigilance with children. "I did see a bear this morning! It walked away when I opened my trunk, but it looked like it was walking over to check out my camp," warns a visitor, emphasizing the need for clean camps and proper food storage when primitive camping near Shiprock, New Mexico.

Tips from RVers

Level parking: Finding flat spots can be challenging but critical. "The picnic area has a handful of picnic tables but only one you can park right next to. They have shelters over each table if you're a hammocker but given that it's on the edge of a canyon it's very windy," shares a camper at CR 34 Dispersed Campground.

Big rig accessibility: Larger vehicles face significant limitations. "The only reason I give this place a 3 is because of the close proximity to Mesa Verde NP. This stay is only for high clearance vehicles and small RV's. Deep drain ditches between service road and sites. All sites are extremely uneven."

Turnaround space: Some roads end without adequate turnaround areas. "It's important to send a tow car down there to scout there is very little room to turn around at the end if all spots are full!" advises an RV camper, highlighting a critical consideration for larger vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits or regulations are required for dispersed camping at Shiprock?

Most dispersed camping near Shiprock is on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land and doesn't require specific permits, though you should always check current regulations before your trip. At Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land), camping is generally free with standard BLM dispersed camping rules: camp at least 200 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings when possible, and follow Leave No Trace principles. For Cannonball Mesa, be aware that access may involve crossing private land before reaching BLM territory.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping at Shiprock?

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant conditions for dispersed camping near Shiprock, with moderate temperatures ideal for exploration. Summer brings intense heat, making early morning activities essential, as noted by campers at Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness | Dispersed Camping who planned early hikes to avoid the heat. Winter camping is possible at lower elevation sites like Cherry Creek Gravel Lot, which remains accessible year-round, though prepare for cold nights and potential wind.

Where can I find dispersed camping near Shiprock?

Several dispersed camping options exist near Shiprock. Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area offers free camping with a parking lot area and nearby canyons for setting up camp. Pit toilets are available. You can also explore Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping, which features covered picnic tables, pit toilets, and incredible views. Both locations provide good access to the stunning landscapes of northwestern New Mexico and are within driving distance of Shiprock.