Chosa Campground

Chosa Campground is a free BLM camping area on a fenced 3.5-acre gravel pad outside Carlsbad Caverns National Park, between it and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. It’s roughly 11 miles from Carlsbad Caverns and 27 from Guadalupe Mountains. Think open parking area, not a developed campground with numbered spots: it’s first come, first served, and the pad is flat and roomy for large RVs, vans and tents. The 14-day limit makes it a useful dry-camping base if you’re visiting either park.

There are no toilets, potable water or hookups, so come self-contained. The nearest food, gas and water are in Whites City, about 8 miles away. From Carlsbad, follow US 62/180 south to mile marker 9, turn east on Dillahunty Road, then continue a quarter-mile; the campground sits on the north side. There’s no marked capacity; the pad can fit several large RVs plus other vehicles. Fires are allowed only in the provided rings, and dogs need a six-foot leash. The ground is hard and stony, and tent campers report wind exposure, so bring a setup that works on an open gravel pad.

The name comes from Chosa Draw, about 0.8 miles southeast, known for gypsum karst caves. This is gypsum country, with nearby springs and riparian channels supporting desert wildlife such as pronghorn and red-tailed hawks. Stargazing is one reason people stay here, and visitors often mention the quiet and dark skies. How busy the pad feels can change, so count on self-service camping rather than guaranteed solitude.