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Signs & Maps

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Parks Ranch Campground

Parks Ranch Campground, near Carlsbad, New Mexico, is a solid spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the great outdoors. This area is perfect for tent and RV camping, offering a laid-back vibe with plenty of space to set up camp.

Visitors appreciate the freedom to have fires and the fact that it’s a free location, making it a budget-friendly choice. The campground is close to some fascinating cave systems, so don’t forget your helmets and headlamps if you plan to explore. As one camper noted, “Great spot to explore some caves,” highlighting the nearby adventures waiting for you.

The campground is a bit rugged, with some rocky roads leading in, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended. However, once you’re there, you’ll find a large gravel area with fire rings and scattered brush, providing a nice backdrop for your camping experience. Many campers have enjoyed the peacefulness of the site, with one stating it was a “perfect overnight stop” while visiting the nearby national parks.

If you’re looking for a place to unwind after a day of caving or hiking in the Guadalupe Mountains or Carlsbad Caverns, Parks Ranch Campground is a great choice. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, and enjoy your time in this beautiful part of New Mexico!

Description

Bureau of Land Management

Dispersed camp sites are located along most secondary roads and may not be marked. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Not all flat spots are sites. If possible, please use existing sites to avoid creating new disturbances. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area.

States may have additional requirements or restrictions for dispersed camping. Please see Regional Information before planning your trip.

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Location

Parks Ranch Campground is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

32.10974521 N
104.407013 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Parks Ranch Campground needs a permit.


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 8, 2024

Beautiful and quiet

We headed past the open campsite, first dirt road on the right then veered left and ended up at a fire ring site. It was quiet and we were far enough from the road that the cars were not a bother. Unfortunately it was extremely windy that night and we had to close up our rooftop tent and sleeping the truck. But overall site was lovely.

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by Kara S., November 8, 2024
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by Kara S., November 8, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2023

About the caves

We came to Carlsbad with permits for Lake Cave and Corkscrew Cave in nearby Slaughter Canyon, and had plans to visit Parks Ranch Cave as well. I’d rate it as an excellent beginner cave.

Firstly, it is very horizontal, and it isn’t easy to get lost if you follow the map. It consists mostly of linear meandering steam channels, and though there are several routes, they don’t have complex, three-dimensional maze structures like some nearby caves. There are a few climb downs, and if you take the lower route you will find one of the more dramatic ones (still small). There are also a lot of awkward points, where you will have to maneuver past weirdly incised channels, or stoop your head.

There is a fair amount of crawling within this cave, which usually occurs at flat, low areas in the cave, like past the climb down dome in the B survey. You WILL WANT KNEEPADS! Though a lot of the ground is just a mix of soil and guano, there are sections with rough pebbles and cobbles lining the entire floor. There are also some creepy-crawlies, though if you’re gonna go caving you shouldn’t be bothered by them (and this cave doesn’t have many). The worst thing I’ve seen is one cellar spider, and commonly cave crickets and the occasional harvestman.

Finally, something many people don’t talk about, but caves are water reservoirs, and they trap water. This cave is HUMID. There are some muddy sections near the middle/east section of the cave and some lakes. This isn’t crystal-clear, fresh spring water. This is CHOCOLATE MILK WATER. Visibility of zero. If you’re not okay with that, then stay near the western parts of the cave.

Also, don’t go to the Zoo room. It’s not worth it. Or the rotunda, either, unless you’re a real cavey-caver. The guarded entrance is full of tumbleweeds and has some gnarly, tight canyons and horrible crawling by the time you reach the river section.

Have fun caving!

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by Max D., June 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by Max D., June 19, 2023
  • Big canyon section, near the confluence with Selkirk’s Passage
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  • (21) View All
Reviewed May. 12, 2023

Perfect Overnight Stop For Dispersed Camping

Stayed here nights 1 and 2 of a road trip and had zero problems with the site. Tent camped both nights and made it pretty far back in 2WD Ford Fusion with low clearance so if you're just looking for a great spot to post up for Guadalupe Mountains National Park or Carlsbad Caverns National Park, this is it.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by Sam W., May 12, 2023
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by Sam W., May 12, 2023
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by Sam W., May 12, 2023
Reviewed Jan. 25, 2023

Great spot to explore some caves

Only 20 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns NP and about 35 minutes from Guadeloupe Mountains NP!

The area is a large gravel lot with some brush and scubs scattered about. Very cool campground with cave systems to explore. Bring helmets, headlamps, and some sturdy boots! As you drive up to the camping area, there are a lot of pull off sites if you don't want to camp in the larger area near the cave systems. Lots of fire rings!

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

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by Noah E., January 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by Noah E., January 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by Noah E., January 25, 2023
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2022

Cool spot!

Nice, open area by the highway with many campsites along the road. A few people around but not near. Caves to explore by the loop!

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by Anessa , October 26, 2022
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by Anessa , October 26, 2022
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2022

Great overnight spot close to caverns

Stayed here while seeing the Carlsbad caverns. Great free spot close to whites city with laundry and showers as well as the national park. Close enough to highway where you can see headlights in the distance but you can’t hear the noise at all. Level site, and some spots big enough for big rigs. We stayed in early Feb, and the weather was chilly at night but 50’s during the day. Great spot.

Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by CC C., February 13, 2022
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by CC C., February 13, 2022
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Reviewed Nov. 22, 2020

Rocky and narrow road

Road going in is rough, recommend high clearance vehicle. If you can't make it in, there is a large area right off the road you can stay in in a pinch. Saw evidence that others had done so. Note the sign saying no camping allowed east of it.

  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by Laura M., November 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by Laura M., November 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Parks Ranch Campground by Laura M., November 22, 2020

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Parks Ranch Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Parks Ranch Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Parks Ranch Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Parks Ranch Campground does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Parks Ranch Campground?

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