Dark Canyon Dispersed

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. 

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

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. 

One night pit stop 

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

Hill Top View

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!  

Quiet BLM spot away from the highway

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. 