Dark Canyon Dispersed

You'll definitely need 4wd low and plenty of clearance to get to the canyon, but any of the spots here were nice. We made it up two ridges before it got too dark to continue, but the view of Carlsbad was worth the drive up.

This was a great camping spot off the beaten path. I would make sure to have high clearance and even 4 wheel drive for the steep rocky drive up if you plan to go past the main camp area. I was worried it would be busy this time of year, but we were the only ones there. We drove up the road a way past the camp site. Beautiful views. It did get very windy at night. Very quiet and far off from traffic noise.

Sweet spot. I have a high clearance truck that allowed me to continue past the lot, and up up up the mountain. If you get up to the top and keep following it, you will end up in an amazing place.

I went further up the trail past the lot and there are a few spots up there as well. Nice view of the city and zero noise. Trail up to the top is a rough one though. High clearance needed and offroad tires recommended if going past the lot camp spot. Great off the beaten path spot.

Only 30 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns NP and about 20 minutes from Carlsbad NM! This is a great spot off the highway with basically no noise from cars.

The area is a level gravel lot with some brush and scubs scattered about. Seems like a place that isn't well known. I'd recommend high clearance to get up to the main area. There are other sites as you follow the road up the hill, but the road gets more rocky the further you go up. One fire ring in the main area and some fire rings in other sites. If you want a site that you can't see the highway from, this is the spot.

Dispersed area, pack in pack out. Verizon service was good!

This place is a lot of fun. So many trails. But be careful, when it gets dark it’s almost purple.

I spent 1 night there and had the place to myself. Great location when checking out Carlsbad Caverns. Close to the road.

We found a little gravel track off the road and parked for the night. Some cows roaming nearby. Served as a good free camp out for us to check out Carlsbad caverns the next day.

Does tho job for an overnight stay and no one to disturb you. Literally a spot in the dessert. 4 wheel drive recommended

I only spent one night here while on a road trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. If you are looking for amenities, shade, or pavement, this isn't the place for you. It's just a few open areas large enough for an RV to park. Some call it bookdocking. If you just need a place to sleep one night, this could be a good spot. As I recall, it was about 40 minutes from the caverns.