Lincoln National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping options near Timberon, New Mexico, with sites typically situated between 7,000-9,400 feet elevation. The Sacramento Mountains create distinct microclimates where temperatures can vary by 15-20 degrees between higher elevation camps and lower desert sites. During monsoon season (July-September), afternoon thunderstorms frequently occur, creating slippery conditions on forest roads.
What to do
Hiking at nearby state parks: Dog Canyon provides BLM land camping adjacent to Oliver Lee Memorial State Park with hiking trails. "The state park has some nice trails," notes Christopher P., who camped at Dog Canyon.
Wildlife watching for elk sightings: Forest Service Road 568 Dispersed Camping offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "We drove in around 10pm and the small town of Cloudcroft was beautiful for anyone needing a place to stop before heading into the forest. We saw more elk than we could count! Just glowing eyes everywhere and all in the road," reports Aly E. from Forest Road 568 Dispersed Camping.
Waterfall exploration: Visit the small waterfall at Bluff Springs. "There is a small waterfall that we could see and hear from our campsite and a creek for kiddos to play in," shares Jeanie P., who stayed at Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping.
What campers like
Cooler temperatures in summer: The higher elevations provide relief from desert heat. "We have a 30 foot motor home and were so glad to find a dispersed spot in the mountains we could fit! Elk, hummingbirds, all tucked away in aspen grove. This is a special spot," says Brian and Janet S., who camped at Alamo Peak Rd.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution makes for exceptional night skies. "It was enjoyable out in the night sky and the stars were very clear and beautiful. Fire pits were all over the place and area had a lot of spots to set up camp," reports Michael N. about Forest Rd 568 Dispersed.
Proximity to White Sands: Free camping near Timberon offers convenient bases for visiting White Sands National Park. "This was my husband and I's first experience boondocking and we were looking for a location close enough to the White Sands National park that wouldn't be too far of a drive and this location was perfect," shares Courtney M. about Dog Canyon.
What you should know
High elevation camping effects: Lincoln National Forest camping can get cold even in warmer months. "We tent camped in mid September 2022 in the Lincoln National Forest south of Cloudcroft, NM off Forest Service Road 64. Over 9,400' and it got cold at night. Saw one elk and heard more bugling," reports Jacob W. from Lincoln NF - Forest Service Road 64 - Dispersed Camping.
Road conditions and vehicle requirements: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. "The road is rocky and narrow, but we were able to make it in a 2 wheel drive vehicle with pretty low clearance," notes Sarah H. about Forest Road 568 Dispersed Camping.
Seasonal crowds: Popular spots can get busy during peak season. "Been camping here several times a year and it just keeps getting busier and busier. Need to find a new place!" warns Manuel P. about Bluff Springs.
Tips for camping with families
Creek access for kids: Some sites offer water features for children to enjoy. "We found a pretty big spot and set up camp. With one camper, two tents, two jeeps, two dogs, six kiddos and 10 adults it was a chore to get everything out and set up but worth every minute to enjoy the next three days worry and technology free. The spot was amazing right next to the little creek," shares Gene S. about Bluff Springs.
Wind protection considerations: Position tents with wind in mind. "Beware of the dust coming from the road! The winds can be strong and will sweep the dust into your camp," cautions imnotpriscilla about Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping.
Free range cattle encounters: Some areas have roaming livestock that kids might enjoy. "Its a free range area so cows are all over the place which was fun to see," notes Jeanie P. about Bluff Springs.
Tips from RVers
Turn-around limitations: Large rigs should carefully assess road conditions before proceeding. "We should have have just stayed in the first location we found though. We went to the end of the road to find out that there was no way to turn our 29 ft trailer. We had to go in reverse about 1/4 mile to find a place to turn around," warns Violeta A. about Forest Rd 568 Dispersed.
Level site scarcity: Many forest sites are uneven. "The good: beautiful tree coverage, trails that lead to town, road biking distance to town, daily short rains, wild mustangs walking right through our site, plenty of room. The bad: rocky unlevel sites," reports TheFoxphire F. about Forest Rd 568 Dispersed.
RV size restrictions: Some roads have gates that limit access for larger vehicles. "Cell service barely exists, on and off 1 bar AT&T. It's a Forest road so check it out before pulling your trailer up it. Was gated and locked about 1.5 miles in no room to turn a rig around there. Larger than vehicle should stay at beginning of road," advises Silas T. about Forest Rd 568 Dispersed.
