Dispersed camping near Dell City, Texas offers open desert terrain at elevations between 3,600 and 8,751 feet with temperature variations of 30-40°F between day and night. The Guadalupe Mountains create a rain shadow effect, resulting in an arid climate with less than 12 inches of annual rainfall. Most primitive sites lack facilities and require campers to be entirely self-sufficient, bringing all necessary supplies including ample water.
What to do
Hike to Guadalupe Peak: Access the highest point in Texas (8,751 feet) from primitive camping areas near Wilderness Ridge Wilderness Campground. Pack extra water as the desert heat can be intense even during cooler months.
Visit Sitting Bull Falls: Located approximately 45 minutes from Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping, this hidden oasis offers a refreshing break from desert heat. "Another cool nearby place worth checking out is Sitting Bull falls," mentions David R., who found Mile 10 "Great for truck bed, car, tent or small trailer camping."
Wildlife viewing: Desert mornings and evenings offer prime opportunities for spotting native species. "Saw several Rio Grand Turkey near the two springs. Saw Pronghorn Antelope," reports Dan M. about his stay at Chosa Campground, noting the diverse wildlife despite the sparse landscape.
Stargazing: Winter and early spring provide optimal night sky viewing with minimal humidity. The new moon period offers the darkest skies. "The stargazing is impeccable and we got lucky and it was a shooting star frenzy," shares one Mile 10 camper, highlighting the exceptional celestial viewing opportunities in this remote area.
What campers like
Strategic location: The dispersed sites provide convenient access to multiple parks. "We pulled in and turned right at the 'No Camping Beyond This Point' sign and parked immediately to the left of 10 Mile. It was flat and level, a great spot to pitch a tent. The stars were amazing and we were about 20 mins from the Carlsbad National Park visitor center," explains a Mile 10 visitor.
Cell service reliability: Many remote workers appreciate the unexpected connectivity. "Great cell coverage! Maybe 3 others campers in a big space," reports Leah M. about Chosa Campground. Another camper confirms "AT&T and Sprint: 3 bars LTE" at Mile 10, making these sites suitable for digital nomads.
Privacy despite popularity: Even when multiple campers are present, the expansive terrain provides ample space. "Quiet place away from others, which we like. We followed the GPS coordinates and found a spot away from the freeway. It had a firepit and we weren't super close to our neighbors. We could see them, but they were a ways off," notes Shauna H. about her 4-night stay at Mile 10.
Sunrise views: The eastern exposure creates spectacular morning light across the desert landscape. "Beautiful view of the sunrise in the morning," notes Haley L. about Mile 10, adding that the site was "Very quiet, clean. A little windy, which was nice in the day, but got cold at night."
What you should know
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require layered clothing and sturdy tent stakes. "Fair warning: the area has absolutely no cover or wind breaks, so you WILL experience the wind. Be sure to secure your belongings/trash, and come prepared with appropriate clothing (especially in the winter)," advises Joel W. about Mile 10.
Road conditions vary seasonally: Some sites become difficult to access after rain. "I tried to make it all the way down. There was a spot that not safe, it only rained a little and there was a mud pit. Had to turn around. (I don't suggest low clearance)," warns Alakzandar N. about Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping.
Limited facilities: All dispersed sites require complete self-sufficiency. "No toilet, flat dessert for miles - so you have to be less than shy," notes Kaylyn H. about the bathroom situation at Chosa Campground, underscoring the primitive nature of these camping options.
Water refill options: Greasewood RV in White City offers water fills and dump station use. "Neil, the owner, was super nice. He told us we could just pull up to any open spot at his park and fill our water tanks, dump our black tank and use the big trash bin," reports one camper who stayed at Mile 10.
Tips for camping with families
Explore caves and sinkholes: The limestone terrain contains numerous geological features safe for supervised exploration. "Our kids even found a sinkhole with what looked like a small cave near our campsite," shares a family who stayed at Mile 10 for four nights.
Arrive before dark for first-time visits: The unmarked terrain can be disorienting after sunset. "We arrived after dark (7:30pm at the end of December), but had no trouble finding our way. There were already a few other vehicles taking advantage of the site, but we were able to find a spot for our van," reports Joel about Mile 10, though experienced campers recommend daylight arrival for families.
Pack extra water: Children typically require 2-3 liters of water per day in this arid environment. "We needed to refill our water and use a dump station, so I called around. White City RV charges $15 for dump and refill (too much), and we found an Ice House America at the White City gas station the had water refills for $.25 a gallon," notes a family staying at Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping.
Tips from RVers
Chosa for easy access: The large gravel lot accommodates larger rigs without risk. "This is just a big rocky/sandy lot. Perfect for RVs and there is even 4/5? Tent raised areas. This place is perfect if you're worried about getting stuck elsewhere, or if your vehicle can't make it elsewhere," advises Alakzandar N.
Level parking considerations: Most sites offer naturally flat terrain but front-to-back leveling may be needed. "Very large open lot with large bin for trash collection. It's easy to drive in/out off a main paved road," confirms Bianca G. about Chosa Campground's accessibility.
Toy hauler accessibility: Some sites accommodate larger setups despite primitive conditions. "Two 40 ft toy haulers fit great place," notes Tony about Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping, confirming that even larger rigs can utilize these free camping areas with proper planning.
