Camping at Red Sands Without Facilities
Camping at Red Sands can mean waking up beside the dunes and riding close to camp, but it also means arriving prepared for a place without toilets, potable water, trash service, or other conveniences. This guide covers how to plan, what to bring, how to camp responsibly, and what to check before unloading your ATV or UTV.
Plan for a No-Facilities Stay at Red Sands
Treat the trip as self-supported
At a site without facilities, the little tasks that are easy to ignore at a developed campground become part of your planning. You need to bring everything you expect to use, then pack out what you bring. That includes drinking water, food, toilet supplies, trash bags, lighting, and the equipment you need to handle a minor repair or a change in weather.
Make a written checklist before loading. It is easy to remember riding gear and forget basics such as hand soap, a way to wash dishes, or a separate bag for dirty clothes. If you are camping with children, someone with medical needs, or a group that has not camped without services before, plan extra water and supplies rather than assuming you can improvise.
| Need | What to plan for |
|---|---|
| Drinking water | Bring enough for drinking, cooking, and basic cleanup, with a reserve |
| Toilets | Bring a portable toilet or an appropriate waste system and supplies |
| Trash | Pack sturdy bags and take all rubbish with you |
| Power and lighting | Bring headlamps, lanterns, and spare batteries or charged power banks |
| Food | Choose meals that need little water and can be stored safely |
| Vehicle support | Carry basic tools, a tire repair kit, and a way to contact help |
| Navigation | Download maps and route information before leaving reliable service |
Do not count on finding water or supplies at the riding area. Buy what you need before you leave a town where you can refuel and shop, and keep drinking water separate from water intended for washing. A marked container for each purpose can prevent a frustrating mix-up halfway through a hot afternoon.
Check camping access and conditions before you go
A place that looks open on a map is not automatically a place where camping is allowed. Before you set up, check the land manager’s current information for camping rules, temporary closures, fire restrictions, and any limits on where vehicles may travel. Rules can differ between a staging area, a designated camping area, and nearby public land.
Use a map to understand where you are, but do not treat a map app as permission to camp or ride anywhere. Tools such as onX Offroad can help you study roads and terrain before the trip, especially when you want to distinguish a mapped route from an unmarked-looking track. Confirm important access and camping details with the relevant land manager before relying on them.
It is also worth checking the forecast and road conditions close to departure. Red Sands is a desert riding area, and a dry-looking route can become difficult after rain. Wind can make a tent uncomfortable, while heat can turn a short walk to retrieve gear into a bigger problem than expected. If the forecast suggests conditions you are not equipped to handle, changing the plan is better than trying to tough it out.
For a broader overview of the riding area and planning considerations, see [Red Sands OHV Area in Southern New Mexico] and [Getting to Red Sands Off New Mexico's US 54]. If you are comparing it with other places to ride, [Camping Near New Mexico Riding Areas] can help you think through different styles of camping and access.
Pack Carefully for Desert Camping
Bring more water than your first estimate
Water is the most important item to plan carefully. Work out how much your group will need for drinking, meals, and basic hygiene, then add a reserve for delays, heat, or a longer ride than expected. People often underestimate how much they use when it is hot, dusty, or windy, particularly if they are riding for several hours and returning to camp tired.
Keep the water accessible rather than buried beneath everything else in the vehicle. A small bottle for each rider is useful on the trail, while larger containers can stay at camp. If you carry water in multiple containers, check that lids are secure and that the containers are protected from damage while driving over rough ground.
For cleanup, conserve water with a basin, reusable cloths, and simple meals that do not leave greasy pans. Avoid washing dishes or pouring wastewater where it can run into a wash or collect around camp. Even when a spot seems empty, other people and wildlife may use the same area.
Plan for toilets, trash, and washing
With no restroom on site, decide in advance how your group will handle human waste. A portable toilet or other suitable waste system can make the trip more comfortable and help keep the camping area clean. Follow the product instructions and local requirements for storage and disposal. Do not leave toilet paper, wipes, or other waste behind, and do not assume that burying waste is acceptable at your chosen location.
Pack a small handwashing setup: water, soap or an appropriate sanitizer, and a basin that can be emptied responsibly. Keep it separate from the area where you prepare food. A simple routine makes a noticeable difference after handling dusty riding gear, fuel containers, or trail repairs.
Bring more trash capacity than you think you will need. Food wrappers, cans, packaging, and used paper can pile up quickly, and wind can scatter light rubbish before you notice. Close bags securely and store them so animals cannot get into them. At the end of the stay, inspect the campsite and the area around vehicles before departing.
Build a realistic camp kitchen
A no-facilities trip is easier when meals are simple. Plan food that can be cooked with minimal water and cleanup, and pack ingredients in the order you expect to use them. A cooler or storage bin should be secured so it does not shift during transport, and food should be protected from heat as much as possible.
Bring a stove only if it is permitted under current conditions, and check fire restrictions before you travel. Do not assume that a campfire is allowed because you see fire rings or old ash at a site. Restrictions can change, and old traces of previous use are not proof that a fire is permitted now. If you use a stove, set it on a stable, clear surface and never leave it unattended.
A useful meal plan might include a ready-to-eat breakfast, trail snacks, and a one-pot dinner. That reduces water use and makes it easier to clean up before dark. Keep cooking and fueling tasks separate: store fuel safely and follow the equipment maker’s instructions rather than placing fuel near a flame or hot cooking surface.
Set Up Camp Without Damaging the Area
Choose a durable, sensible campsite
Once you arrive, take time to look around before unloading. Choose a previously used, durable spot where camping is allowed, and avoid creating a new site on fragile vegetation or in a drainage channel. Do not block vehicle access, trail entrances, or the space other visitors may need to turn around and unload.
Desert surfaces can look tougher than they are. Repeated tire tracks can widen into damaged areas, and driving around a muddy patch may create several new tracks instead of one. Keep the tow vehicle and trailer on established surfaces where permitted, and avoid moving them simply to find a more scenic angle.
A map can help with orientation, but check that the route you intend to use is open and appropriate for your machine. onX Offroad may be useful for reviewing mapped routes and nearby terrain before setting out; still, follow signs and land-manager directions on the ground. For route planning in the wider region, [New Mexico Trail Maps Worth Carrying] and [New Mexico Trail Closures to Check First] offer related guidance.
Secure loose gear against wind and dust
Desert wind can turn a relaxed evening into a scramble. Use sturdy tent stakes suited to the ground, and secure shade structures according to their instructions. Keep lightweight items inside bins or vehicles when you are not using them. A loose towel, wrapper, or empty bag can blow away before anyone notices.
Dust is another reason to organize camp thoughtfully. Store bedding and clean clothes in closed bags, keep food covered, and avoid setting out gear you will not need until morning. If you are riding during a windy period, clean goggles and face coverings are easier to find when they have a dedicated, protected storage place.
After dark, use low, directed lighting where practical. Headlamps are helpful for walking around camp without leaving a lantern on all night. Keep lights and cables arranged so nobody trips over them, especially if children are moving between tents and vehicles.
Keep the campsite and riding area distinct
It is tempting to treat the whole area as an extension of camp, but riding paths and camp space should remain separate. Park machines where they will not block other users, and avoid riding through another group’s campsite or close to tents. The same courtesy applies when arriving late or leaving early: limit engine noise and unnecessary driving around camp.
Before every ride, make sure the machine is ready and that riders know the plan. Carry water, communication equipment appropriate to the area, and basic repair supplies. Tell someone where you expect to ride and when you plan to return. Cell reception can be inconsistent in remote areas, so do not rely on a phone call as your only safety plan.
For additional riding context, [Red Sands and Its Mesquite Coppice Dunes] describes the area’s terrain, while [Dust and Visibility on a Desert Trail] covers a common challenge that can affect both riding and camp setup. If a ride takes you onto public land beyond the immediate area, review [New Mexico Rules for Riding BLM Land] and confirm the rules for the specific route.
Make the Trip Safer and More Comfortable
Prepare for heat, wind, and changing weather
Check the forecast for the riding area, not just the town where you are staying. Conditions can feel different out on exposed terrain, and shade may be limited. Bring sun protection, clothing that covers skin, and enough water to manage the day comfortably. Plan strenuous riding for cooler parts of the day when conditions make that sensible.
Desert weather can change quickly. Secure camp before heading out, and do not leave awnings or loose equipment exposed if wind is expected. If rain is forecast, reconsider routes that cross washes or low areas. A dry wash can become hazardous during a storm, even if rain is falling somewhere else.
Make a simple contingency plan with your group. Agree on what to do if someone gets separated, a machine breaks down, or the weather turns. Set a turnaround time and a point where the group will regroup. These small decisions are much easier to make at camp than when everyone is tired and visibility is poor.
Think through fuel, recovery, and communication
Estimate fuel needs for both riding and the trip to and from the area. Do not assume every machine will use the same amount: terrain, load, riding style, and machine condition all affect fuel consumption. If you carry extra fuel, use approved containers and secure them properly away from heat and cooking equipment.
A basic tool kit should match the machines in your group. Depending on what you ride, that may include tire repair supplies, a pump, common hand tools, spare fuses, and items needed for a minor chain or belt issue. Check that someone knows how to use the equipment before leaving home. A repair kit is less useful if it is missing a key fitting or no one can locate it.
Plan how you will call for help if phones have no service. Carry a charged phone, but consider whether your group needs another communication option for remote riding. Keep important numbers and route details accessible offline. If you are using onX Offroad or another navigation tool, download the information you need ahead of time and bring a backup way to orient yourself.
Leave the site ready for the next visitor
Before you depart, take a slow walk around camp. Look under vehicles, near the cooking area, and around the tent site for small rubbish or forgotten equipment. Confirm that all waste is packed out, any permitted equipment is fully extinguished and cold, and nothing has been left tied to vegetation or placed in a drainage path.
Pack up in a way that avoids driving across undisturbed ground. If wind or dust has covered tracks, do not create new ones just to make departure easier. Follow established access routes and any posted directions. A final check of the riding area can also catch a forgotten tool, glove, or water bottle before you are miles down the road.
Good preparation makes camping at Red Sands feel less like a logistical puzzle and more like the quiet, independent trip many riders are looking for. Bring what you need, verify where camping is allowed, respect closures, and leave the site cleaner than you found it.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
