Wind carries the sound of distant highway traffic across this gravel dispersed camping area located directly at the Mile 10 marker along Highway 62/180. Campers spread out across the open terrain, with most sites offering existing fire rings and level ground suitable for both RVs and tent camping.
The area draws visitors primarily for its proximity to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, just 10 minutes from the entrance and about 15 minutes from the visitor center. Haley L. notes the road access: "Road is a little bumpy, but my small non-sporty SUV made it easily all the way through." Most reviewers report good spacing between sites, though the area can accommodate various camping setups from cargo trailers to large RVs. Cell service consistently runs strong, with multiple carriers providing 4-5 bars and 5G coverage for remote work needs.
Highway noise remains audible throughout the day but diminishes after dark. Reviewers consistently mention wind as a significant factor, particularly during spring months when gusts can reach 70 mph and create dust storms. The exposed terrain offers no natural windbreaks, so securing gear becomes essential. Shauna & Steve H. stayed four nights and found "occasional wind gusts, but not too bad" during their April visit.
Access requires no special clearance, with the entrance directly off the highway between mile markers. Campers heading west must continue about a mile past the site to find a safe turnaround point. The area operates under pack-in, pack-out principles with no services provided. For water and dump station needs, several reviewers mention driving 25 minutes to Carlsbad for supplies.
The site serves as an effective base camp for exploring both Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Park, about 45 minutes away. Nearby alternatives include Sunset Reef Campground, nm across the highway, which provides pit toilets and picnic tables but tends to pack sites more closely together.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Dispersed CampingMile 10 - Dispersed Camping is located in New Mexico
Coordinates
32.10459986 N
104.4244 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 35 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 35 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- 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 Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 57 min from El Paso, TX
- 2 hrs 36 min from Odessa, TX
- 2 hrs 38 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 2 hrs 42 min from Midland, TX

























































