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BLM Camping

Antelope Wilderness Study Area


The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

The Antelope Wilderness Study Area is a Bureau of Land Management (BLM)-owned land area of more than 87,000 acres in New Mexico. The Bureau of Land Management, a US government organization, works to ensure that public land is preserved in a natural state and accessible to the public for tourism and recreation. This BLM site is located about 120 miles north of the entrance to White Sands National Park.

Visitors to the Antelope Wilderness Study Area can visit and explore the desert landscape at no cost. The only requirement is that they follow the BLM's guidelines on environmental preservation. Popular activities in this area include hiking, wildlife viewing, photographing, picnicking, and stargazing. Perhaps what makes the Antelope Wilderness Study Area unique, though, is its historic archaeological sites, like the Shoshone Indian dwellings, known as wickiups, and the James Wild Horse Trap, both of which are listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

What to See and Do

What to See and Do

Hiking and BikingHiking and Biking

El Cerro de Los Lunas Trail

Full of volcanic mountain views, El Cerro de Los Lunas Trail is an out-and-back trail that climbs up some steep elevations.

Length: 5.7 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fourth of July Trail

Named after the United States' Independence Day, the Fourth of July Trail is best hiked in October, when the leaves of the nearby trees are changing in color to orange and red. 

Length: 4.6 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Spruce Spring Trail to Red Canyon Trail

The combination of the Spruce Spring Trail and Red Canyon Trails makes for a lengthy loop that follows a path up to a mountain peak and then down into a deep canyon. 

Length: 7.1 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Wildlife ViewingWildlife Viewing

As suggested by its name, the Antelope Wilderness Study Area is home to a number of wild antelope. It's also home to mule deer. Lots of birds call the area home, too, including populations of raptors, bald eagles, and falcons. Vegetation adorns the desert prairie and includes species like broom dalea and sand sage. As noted by the BLM's policies, feeding the wildlife is strictly prohibited.

Picnicking

There are no designated picnic areas, shelters, or tables placed anywhere in the Antelope Wilderness Study Area, but visitors are still permitted to picnic where they would like as long as it is at least 200 feet away from open water sources. The desert scenery makes for a great backdrop while enjoying a meal, so consider bringing your own seating, like folding chairs or blankets to picnic on. Remember to bring your own garbage bags and clean up after yourself.

StargazingStargazing

The New Mexico desert frequently experiences dry, clear night skies, so consider stopping by the Antelope Wilderness Study Area to enjoy an overnight stargazing experience when you can. Oftentimes, visitors can catch glimpses of the Milky Way from this wilderness area because it is far away from the glaring lights of large cities. Whenever you decide to come to this area to stargaze, try planning your experience around the phases of the moon, as the light of a full moon will likely wash out the stars in the sky. If you're looking forward to seeing the Milky Way, try coming to Antelope Wilderness Study Area when the moon is in its dark new moon phase.

Camping

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping Caravan Icon

If you enjoy primitive camping, you'll love staying at undeveloped Bureau of Land Management campgrounds. However, if you would like to have access to water and electricity, try RV camping at another campground near the Antelope Wilderness Study Area. One option you can try is South Monticello Campground in New Mexico, which has full water and electrical hookups plus clean restrooms and shower facilities. You may also like Escondida Lake Campground, which has hookups as well as access to Escondida Lake for fishing and swimming.

Free Camping Campground Icon

If you are in this part of New Mexico and looking for BLM camping near me, consider coming to Antelope Wilderness Study Area, which is designated as a dispersed campground by the Bureau of Land Management. As a dispersed campground, visitors can camp anywhere on the land that is at least 200 feet from marked roads and open water sources. This is a Bureau of Land Management free camping option since the BLM takes no fees from campers. It is difficult for RVs to enter the area, and there are no electric or water hookups, making this a primitive campground.

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Planning Your Trip

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Antelope Wilderness Study Area BLM trip

The Antelope Wilderness Study Area is warm year-round, with temperatures rising above 115 degrees Fahrenheit in the summertime. That being said, visitors should plan on bringing plenty of drinking water any time they visit the area and consider packing extras like sunscreen and battery-powered fans. 

If you are planning to camp in this wilderness study area, pack everything you will need since there are no camping stores in this wilderness area. Some essentials include cooking supplies, food, drinking and washing water, sleeping bags, appropriate clothing, and trash bags. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace Leaf

The Bureau of Land Management asks that all visitors to the Antelope Wilderness Study Area follow Leave No Trace rules and regulations, which help keep the land preserved for the public, wildlife, and the natural environment. To follow these rules, pack up everything you bring into the area with you, leave nothing behind, and keep your distance from wild animals. Since there are no restrooms in this wilderness study area, you also need to bury any human or pet waste at least 200 feet from water sources.

Leave No Trace
Location

Antelope Wilderness Study Area Location

To reach the Antelope Wilderness Study Area, start out on Highway 380, 7 miles east of Interstate 25. From there, turn right onto County Road 153, then travel 1.25 miles before turning left to stay on County Road 153. After that, veer right to stay on this road and travel for about another mile until you reach the western border of the wilderness study area. 

Ready to visit Antelope Wilderness Study Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.