I researched this place on YouTube (thank you creators) and on Freecampsites.net (thank you for folks who take time to post reviews) – it all comes in handy. Especially the YouTube vid’s that drive in, around, and out of a place. Great information.
We stopped at the Welcome Center first and the volunteer gave us a map of the area that shows – private campgrounds, state parks, Lincoln National Forest, and BLM land.
I asked her about BLM land at MM203? She said, “Oh, I didn’t realize that was the Mile Marker, but yes… look for the brown sign with binoculars and a 61 on it – turn left between the gates. (Thanks Freecampsites.net reviews! That was exactly what I had read!)
You can google map Holloman Lake Public Access and that is where you turn in. Easier to just look for Mile Marker 203 and the binocular sign.
All the reviews I read talked about F-16’s, the drones, and the lake. Some say the lake is radio active – some said it was waste treatment for the Air Force Base. LOL
I didn’t signs of either. It does have a lot of algae; which, in warmer temps I could see getting a little smelly. We were here in late February 2019 so no issues with smell.
And this family brought their sailboats out twice and were wading in the water, etc. so I doubt it’s radioactive or waste treatment. The rumors do make for a good story though.
As far as the jets go. Well, yes, they do maneuvers over this land and they are very loud, especially if they come in low and close. Personally, I enjoyed watching them! And I used to work at an airport so the noise didn’t bother me at all.
The drones freaked me out a little because I was thinking small drones – not something like a small aircraft! I couldn’t believe how big they were and they sound like a small aircraft (think Cessna).
Everyone who pulled in here gave each other plenty of elbow room. There were only a handful of us each night. And another plus is even if we were on full hookup’s at one of the nearby RV Campgrounds – we’d still be hearing the jets. So, free wins out for us.
Once you drive in you’ll know you’re at the right spot when you see the brown “campers” sign with all the rules. No glass, 14-day limit, etc., etc. Swim at your own risk. Several spots to choose from. When we were there they had just cleared a bunch of dead brush so that was piled around. But, again, no complaints from us. We had a nice level area to call home for a week and go explore White Sands National Monument and the Petrografts. Stay tuned!
Oh btw we grilled steaks and had a glass of wine to celebrate our 8th Wedding Anniversary. We didn’t forget after all. Hahaha!
Tomorrow off to Alamogordo, NM to resupply and acquaint ourselves with the town.