The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees much of the public land in the United States. They also manage popular destinations like natural landmarks, hiking areas, rivers, and lakes to ensure these national treasures are available for future generations of nature lovers. You are welcome to stay in developed Bureau of Land Management campgrounds or dispersed camping areas in New Mexico. On public lands, there is usually a 14-day stay limit. In addition, because of the role the BLM plays in wildlife conservation, some areas may be off-limits for camping or recreation. Haystack Mountain OHV Area is a popular destination for motorcycle and mountain bike riding on its single-track trails in the southeast corner of New Mexico. There are also exhilarating hiking, fishing, and wildlife-watching options near this BLM site. Roswell is about a half-hour drive away and home to the International UFO Museum and Research Center. It has exhibits with information about the Roswell Incident, UFO sightings, and Area 51. While in the area, you may also want to check out Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Salt Creek Wilderness area. In addition, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is 127 miles to the south.
This route is a great hike or mountain bike ride to work out the kinks from the drive when you arrive at the OHV area. From the high points in the trail, you can see a sea of sage-covered desert terrain and mountain ranges in the distance. Length: 1.7 Intensity: Moderate
Salt Creek Wilderness Trail is about 25 miles southwest of the OHV area, and the trailhead is close to US 70. This trail leads you to the Inkpot Sinkhole, which has water at the bottom and reddish bluffs above. You will pass the Pecos River and Cow Drop Lake along the way. Length: 4.7 miles Intensity: Moderate
The Bluff Trail is in Bottomless Lakes State Park, slightly over 30 miles south of the OHV area. This route is a good choice if you are looking for a leisurely stroll. It is flat, has a hard surface, and has three benches overlooking small lakes. The turnaround point is at Lea Lake, the largest in the park. Although it is a relatively short hike, you can spend hours exploring the shores around the lakes. Length: 1.9 miles Intensity: Easy
Berrendo Creek fishing area is near Roswell, and you can fish from the shoreline. You can catch bluegill, catfish, and largemouth bass, and the creek is stocked with trout during winter. The other bodies of water in the area are off-limits for boating to protect wildlife or are too shallow to enjoy watersports. However, you can head 100 miles south to the Pecos River Corridor Recreation Area to canoe or kayak.
In the OHV area, you may spot mule deer, rabbits, coyotes, bobcats, and badgers. If visiting from October through February, birders may want to head to Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where you can see ducks, geese, and cranes as they stop to eat fish and drink at the refuge's lakes during their migration. The wetlands at Bitter Lake are home to dragonflies, turtles, and toads.
The OHV area has several picnic areas with shade shelters, tables, and grills. Alternatively, there are several parks in Roswell. Berrendo Park has tables, a large playground, restrooms, and horseshoe pits.
Haystack Mountain OHV Area offers 1,920 acres of bare rock and sandy wash single-track trails for motorcycle and dirt bike enthusiasts to ride. Gullies and challenging hill climbs offer you a chance to test your skills. Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV Area is a 35-mile drive to the southeast if you want a more open area to play in the sand. It has more than 610 acres of dunes and the Bowl, an area with a giant depression surrounded by dunes that are up to 90 feet high. This BLM site is suitable for riding ATVs, dune buggies, and four-wheel drive vehicles like jeeps.
BLM RV camping is available at Haystack Mountain OHV Area in dispersed camping areas with no amenities. If you want more services, there are several privately owned campgrounds near Roswell. Spring River RV Park has full hookups, laundry facilities, restrooms, and an on-site dog park.
In addition to the Bureau of Land Management free camping at Haystack Mountain, you can camp for free at Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV Area. During your trip, search "BLM camping near me" on your smartphone to find other opportunities.
You should be aware that OHVs wider than 50 inches are prohibited at this site, but you can ride at Mescalero Sands North Dune OHV Area with any size off-road vehicle. You should also make sure you have your OHV permit before heading out on your trip. Residents need to purchase OHV decals through the state's Motor Vehicles Division. Non-residents can get theirs online from the Department of Game and Fish. No potable water is available at Haystack Mountain OHV Area or other BLM sites nearby, so you should bring plenty. When hiking or riding, you may want to wear snake gaiters for protection as there is a significant rattlesnake population in this area of New Mexico. Finally, make sure bug-repellent makes your packing list because mosquitos can be a nuisance, especially if it has recently rained. BLM camping sites in this region of New Mexico offer you a low-cost way to experience the Chihuahuan Desert. Additionally, they are far away from busy private campgrounds, allowing you to appreciate the tranquility of the desert. While isolation has benefits, it can be challenging to plan a stay in a location with few services. Before you head out, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
When camping at BLM sites, the agency expects you to follow the Leave No Trace principles. Plan on packing out all garbage, including food scraps, by bringing along trash bags. You should also keep your distance from wildlife. You can use the thumb rule; if you can cover the entire animal with your thumb, you are at a reasonable distance.
From Roswell, drive 5.3 miles north on US Highway 285. Turn right onto US Highway 70 and travel east for 19.6 miles. The entrance to the OHV area will be on your right. Longitude / latitude: 33.62942806, -104.2434919 Ready to visit Haystack Mountain OHV 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.
