Dog Canyon Dispersed Camping

We were a little unsure about how to reach the camping spots as we drove down Dog Canyon Road, but found a faded red "CLOSED" BLM sign, got out and verified, just closed to hunters. This is the first entrance. This is the only viable entrance at this time. The second entrance is almost completely washed out in several locations, and is only accessible by foot. Do not attempt to cross without verifying it has been repaired.

We found only 2 other campers here when we arrived, and drove out as far as the T where the 2nd entrance merges. Decided to take the spot closest to the T intersection. Perfect view of the Sacramento Mountains. Sunrise comes up right in the center where there is a valley between 2 mountains.

Sunset is directly behind us. Traversed the mound behind us to get a good view of the sunset. Found a big hole burrowed into the center of the mound, assumed some large desert animal lived there and avoided it. I went back up just as darkness fell to get one last picture...I approached the whole within maybe 3 feet and saw thousands of scorpions come flying out in every direction looking for their prey (Me!). I backed up a couple of feet and they returned to their lair. BEWARE.

No other signs of wildlife. Lots of annoying flies. Biggest display of stars every night, very little light pollution if you are facing the mountains. Alamogordo does throw some light pollution, but only until 10 or 11 pm, then it appears the whole town shuts down for the night.

Decent AT&T and Verizon signals, able to attend online courses, stream music and TV.

Gets pretty hot during the day, so be prepared to open everything up so the intermittent breeze can cool your rig down. We went 100% solar here,(320 watt solar panel, 100 amp hour lithium battery), able to maintain a full battery all day into the night, no need for generator to recharge and also because no AC used. Nights cool right down and everything inside cools off easily.

The location has gorgeous view of mountains 360 degrees, will attempt to upload a video.

Stayed here 4/14/2020 to 4/25/2020. I camped here with some friends in another rig and we had no trouble finding a big site to accommodate both rigs. There are two spots you can turn into this area. The first is really rutted right at the beginning, but is completely smooth after that. If you go really slow over the ruts, this is probably the best way to go. The second entrance is a little more narrow and rocky but not too bad.

Verizon signal here was fantastic and we had no trouble working or streaming video. It's also about 15 miles from Alamogordo which has all main stores and services you would need. I used the KOA in Alamogordo to dump my tanks, trash, and fill up with water which was only $5 and very easy access. The KOA also has propane. On the way out I used the dump station at the Chamber of Commerce which was also very easy access for dumping tanks and trash (no set price, but they take donations), but didn't have any water.

Overall this was a fantastic boondocking site!

We have a 39' fifth wheel and had no trouble finding several options for spots. The sunrises were spectacular and there is a nearby state park that only charges $5 for a Day Use Pass. This allowed us to use the showers, dump the tanks, and fill up on fresh water. There are also hiking trails that get included in the day use pass.

Extremely quiet nights, especially when there is no wind. It's a little surreal!

Great AT&T and Verizon cell service.

Nearby Alamogordo has shops and restaurants and White Sands National Park is only 30 minutes away.

As one reviewer states, there are large thorn bushes everywhere but as long as you're careful they aren't a problem. Do wear sturdy shoes if you go exploring the area, I wore sandals and had thorns stuck in the soles.

We would stay here again, it is a great boondocking spot!

Pulled in on a Saturday in late January and stayed until the following Sunday. Only one other camper there for the first few days, but even when a group of about 8 pulled in on Thursday, we did not feel encroached upon. Plenty of space.

We chose the second entrance to avoid the ruts at the first, only to encounter a gauntlet of thorn bushes sturdy and mean enough to leave scratches down the length of our RV. Husband spent several hours buffing them out and battled the bushes with a machete to clear the path for our exit, and make the entry wider for the next folks to arrive, however long that lasts. Looked like he got in a fight with a very angry cat. Ha!

State park a mile farther in has a dump station, rest rooms, and fresh water, but we did not inquire about price or make use. If you walk or bike in, there's no admission charge, and they've got a couple of trails for those interested in hiking.

It's a 15-20 minute drive into Alamogordo, which has plenty of shopping and dining options. Easy access to White Sands National Monument, Holloman AFB, the cute mountain village of Cloudcroft, and the Sunspot National Observatory.

I don't remember how many bars of cell service we had, so I left that part blank, but we had no issues with either Verizon or T-Mobile.

We arrived late, around dusk after realizing we couldn't fit in the state park up the road.
Finding the entrance was tricky but we made it. The first entrance as you are headed toward the State park has large ruts. There is a second entrance that is easier a hundred or so yards past that. There is a power pole along the side that might make it easier to spot. Once in the area there are a lot of spaces to park. It is a bit of a maze so getting out to scout for a spot is a good idea. There were about 5 other rigs here and none had to park near each other.