Free Camping New Mexico – Best Boondocking & dispersed sites

If you’ve been dreaming of setting up camp in the middle of nowhere and waking up to amazing desert sunrises, all without paying a dime in the process, then New Mexico needs to be the next destination on your must-visit road trip list. And, with some awesome boondocking & dispersed camping locations to choose from, it’s never been easier to reconnect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. But, just like any other vacation, a little planning is needed to make the most of your adventure. That’s where we step in to help.

Below, you’ll find a list of the best dispersed camping spots in New Mexico. Each has something a little different to offer, so there’s a perfect overnight stop for everyone while retaining that one crucial component – they don’t cost any money.

Are you ready? Let’s explore the best free camping New Mexico has to offer.

New Mexico Free Camping areas – Boondocking & dispersed camping sites

• Dog Canyon Dispersed Campground
• Joe Skeen Campground
• Hackberry Lake OHV Staging Area
• Upper Bonito Recreation Area

Before we start looking at each of these free camping sites in New Mexico in close detail, it’s important to note that they are best visited by RV. This is because some are in quite remote areas away from public transport or town centers, making them harder to access without a reliable vehicle. Get in touch with the expert team at Travellers Autobarn today to learn more about hiring a campervan out of Las Vegas, and we’ll help you hit the road in comfort and style.

Dog Canyon Dispersed Campground

Alamogordo, New Mexico

Looking for a quiet spot surrounded by beautiful desert scenery? You can’t go wrong with Dog Canyon Dispersed Campground. Set in Lincoln National Forest, this spot has some of the best views that go on for miles, paired with the perfect kind of silence you can only find in the wilderness. Spots here are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, and both RV and tent camping are welcome, with a maximum stay of 14 days.

One thing you do need to keep in mind is that there aren’t any amenities here apart from picnic tables, so you’ll need to be a confident, self-sufficient camper to enjoy this dispersed camping spot. Don’t let that put you off, though, as this only adds to that back-to-nature experience you’ve been craving.

When it comes to finding things to do in the surrounding area, you’re in the perfect place for hiking. A 20-minute walk will take you to the Dog Canyon Trail, where you can head out on a fairly challenging 5.5-mile hike that ends in incredible views of the Tularosa Basin. You’re also just 15 minutes on foot from Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, where you’ll find even more hiking trails to explore, while a 30-minute drive from the campground will take you to White Sands National Park, where you can sled down the massive sand dunes.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Picnic Tables
• Pet Friendly

Joe Skeen Dispersed Campground

Grants, New Mexico

If you like the sound of Dog’s Canyon but would prefer a few more conveniences, Joe Skeen Campground is a great choice. Unlike most dispersed camping sites, this one has vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and even some covered shelters, which is a huge bonus if you’re looking for a way to escape the blazing hot desert sun.

You won’t need to worry too much about feeling crammed in with your fellow travelers either, as there are only 10 campsites (offered on a first-come-first-served basis), and there is a limit of 8 people per site. Also, since it is open all year round, it’s an ideal spot for summer and winter road trips alike. And, to top it off, it’s located in the El Malpais National Conservation Area, which means you’ll be surrounded by some seriously cool volcanic terrain.

Speaking of volcanoes, one of the best things to see nearby is the La Ventana Natural Arch. It’s only 10 minutes away from the campground and makes for some amazing photos, especially at sunset. Or, if you’re up for something a little more adventurous, take the 8-minute drive to the El Malpais National Monument, where you can explore lava tubes formed by ancient volcanic eruptions.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Vault Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• Fire Rings
• Sheltered Areas
• Pet Friendly

Hackberry Lake OHV Staging Area

Carlsbad, New Mexico

While Joe Skeen Campground might not be the best choice if you’re camping with a large group due to its occupancy restrictions, Hackberry Lake OHV Staging Area is the complete opposite. This is a very good spot to pull up if you’re traveling with several friends or family members, and there are 10 sites available without any rules on maximum occupancy. However, like most other dispersed camping sites, these are offered on a first-come-first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive early if you want to grab some spaces.

There are some good amenities at this free camping spot, including a vault toilet, picnic tables, trashcans, fire rings with grills, and shaded shelters. There’s even an information kiosk onsite, where you can find everything you need to know about activities and day trips in the area.

One extremely important thing to look out for here, however, is that you don’t get this place mixed up with Hackberry Sand Dunes Complex, which is 10 minutes down the road. This is also a free camping spot, but it isn’t suitable for RV camping as the sand is soft in several places, meaning there’s a risk of vehicles getting stuck. So, make sure you pay close attention to your GPS and that you’ve arrived at Hackberry Lake OHV Staging Area.

Once you’re confident you’re in the right place, you’ll find yourself a 50-minute drive from Carlsbad Caverns National Park, where you can explore massive underground caves, including the Big Room Trail, which takes you through one of the largest cave chambers in North America. And, when you’re ready to call it a night, head back to the campground and enjoy some of the best stargazing opportunities in New Mexico, with no city lights to pollute the view of the heavens.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Vault Toilet
• Picnic Tables
• Trashcans
• Fire Rings with Grills
• Shaded Shelters

Upper Bonito Recreation Area

Nogal, New Mexico

For a different kind of camping experience compared to the desert landscapes we’ve explored so far, head to Upper Bonito Recreation Area. Here, you’ll be able to escape the desert heat with tall pine trees providing shade and cool mountain air from the 7,700ft elevation. It’s also open all year round, but you can’t make a reservation to stay here as all spots are offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

As you might imagine, the added comfort provided by the trees and cooler air at this campground makes it pretty popular, but if you are lucky enough to grab a space, you’ll find some good amenities. These include vault toilets, picnic tables, and trashcans. Just keep in mind that you’re limited to a maximum stay of 14 days, but that should provide you with more than enough time to explore the area.

And there’s certainly plenty of opportunities for exploring on offer! For starters, Bonito Lake is just 15 minutes away from the campground and is the place to head if you want to spend an afternoon fishing – just make sure you check ahead for fishing seasons and whether or not you need a license. Or, if you’d prefer to head out on a hike, the Perk Canyon Trail is 45 minutes away, which takes you through some beautiful mountain views and is available all year round (aside from any safety closure, like wildfires). You should also take the opportunity to explore the town of Ruidoso while you’re here, which is 40 minutes from the Upper Bonito Recreation Area and is home to some interesting shops and fantastic restaurants.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Vault Toilets
• Picnic Tables
• Trashcans

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Get the Best Rates on Campervan Rentals near New Mexico

If you’re planning a road trip through New Mexico or want to explore some of the other best campervan campgrounds (no pillar page yet) in the United States, Travellers Autobarn makes it even easier with a fleet of RVs suitable for all kinds of explorer. Your ideal campervan doesn’t have to cost a fortune, either! We make it easy to rent an affordable campervan in Las Vegas, so you can explore without worrying about your budget. Even better, our rentals come with free unlimited miles, so you can roam as far as you like without worrying about extra costs.

Looking for some other awesome boondocking locations in the U.S? Here are some articles you might enjoy:

• Free Camping San Diego
• Free Camping Colorado
• Free Camping Oregon
• Free Camping Arizona

DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct at the time of publishing. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information.