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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Dark Canyon Dispersed

Dark Canyon Dispersed, near Carlsbad, New Mexico, is a fantastic spot for those seeking a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle. This area is perfect for tent camping or RVs, but be prepared for a rugged drive if you want to venture beyond the main camp area.

Visitors rave about the stunning views and the peaceful atmosphere, with many noting that it’s a great place to get away from traffic noise. One camper mentioned, “It did get very windy at night,” which adds to the wild charm of the location. The area is mostly gravel with some scattered brush, providing a nice backdrop for your camping experience. Just remember, this is a pack-in, pack-out location, so leave no trace behind.

If you’re up for an adventure, take your high-clearance vehicle further up the mountain for even more breathtaking sights. Reviewers have highlighted the thrill of exploring the trails, with one stating, “Sweet spot... you will end up in an amazing place.” Plus, you’re only about 30 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park, making it easy to fit in some sightseeing during your stay.

While amenities are minimal—think no drinking water or toilets—this spot is all about the experience of being off the grid. So grab your gear, pack some firewood, and enjoy a night under the stars at Dark Canyon Dispersed.

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Location

Dark Canyon Dispersed is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

32.29399905 N
104.34600036 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Dark Canyon Dispersed needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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9 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 10, 2024

Off the grid

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.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dark Canyon Dispersed by Danielle P., June 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Dark Canyon Dispersed by Danielle P., June 10, 2024
  • Review photo of Dark Canyon Dispersed by Danielle P., June 10, 2024
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Mar. 22, 2024

If you can, keep going up

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.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Dark Canyon Dispersed by Robert F., March 22, 2024
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Reviewed Oct. 8, 2023

Good spot

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.

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Jan. 27, 2023

Quiet BLM spot away from the highway

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!

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Dark Canyon Dispersed by Noah E., January 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Dark Canyon Dispersed by Noah E., January 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Dark Canyon Dispersed by Noah E., January 27, 2023
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Mar. 28, 2021

Damn it’s dark

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

Reviewed Oct. 6, 2020

Hill Top View

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

  • Review photo of Dark Canyon Dispersed by Chris , October 6, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 15, 2020

One night pit stop

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.

  • Review photo of Dark Canyon Dispersed by Nate R., September 15, 2020
Reviewed Dec. 1, 2019

Does the job

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

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2016

Open spot in the desert... That's about it

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Dark Canyon Dispersed?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Dark Canyon Dispersed, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Dark Canyon Dispersed have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Dark Canyon Dispersed does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Dark Canyon Dispersed?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is unknown.