Hackberry Lake Off-Highway Vehicle Use Area
The Hackberry Lake Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Use Area offers over 55,000 acres of rolling stabilized dune lands and cliffs. The area is open for intensive use of motorcycles, sand dune buggies and other OHVs. Trails within the area take advantage of a variety of soils and topographic features, which include many turns and steep hill climbs. Routes go from shallow rocky, loamy soil on low hills to deep alluvial soils with sandy inclusions. The trails travel across small draws and along the bottom of deep arroyos. The area also includes a sand dune complex.
The area is used by the Desert Rough Riders Club for an annual competitive motorcycle event -- the Carlsbad 100 Desert Race -- which traverses more than 44 miles of public land. For more information on this event please visit The New Mexico Desert Racing Club at www.nmdrc.com.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
-
There are accessible toilet facilities and picnic tables on concrete pads.
-
The dunes can be accessed with an OHV, but visitors must be able to drive (or be a passenger) across changing, sandy terrain, and dodge other OHVs also recreating on the dunes.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Fees
- None.
- However, competitive events must apply for a Special Recreation Use Permit; see Contact Information above.
Facilities
-
Hackberry Lake OHV Staging Area
-
A large, gravel parking area perfect for staging OHVs and camping with large groups.
-
One vault toilet.
-
Information kiosk.
-
10 picnic sites with shade shelters, picnic tables, grills/firepits, and trashcans.
-
-
Hackberry Sand Dunes Complex
-
The parking area is a mix of rock and mostly hard packed sand. Be careful because the sand is soft in several areas and vehicles can get stuck.
-
There are eight picnic sites with shade shelters, picnic tables, grills/firepits, and several trashcans.
-
There is one vault toilet and one group shelter near the center of the parking area.
-
-
Please note that private property and facilities are intermingled with the Hackberry Lake OHV Use Area, this public land is a place of business for livestock grazing operations, oil and gas leaseholders, mining, communication and utility companies. Ride with caution and be alert for trucks and heavy equipment on and off the pavement.
Nearby Amenities
-
This nearest location to acquire food and gas is in Carlsbad, ~28 miles away via U.S. Highway 62/180 West.
Season/Hours
- Open year-round.
Special Rules
-
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
-
Pets must be on a 6-foot leash. Please dispose of their waste.
-
No fireworks, discharge or use of firearms, or any other weapons in the campground.
BROCHURES, MAPS, AND PUBLICATIONS
-
N/A
Wildlife in Area
-
Rattlesnakes
-
Coyotes
-
Jackrabbits
Phone
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
Hackberry Lake OHV Use Area is about 20 miles northeast of Carlsbad, NM, and can be accessed at a number of locations. To access the most commonly used parking area, follow US 62/180, turn north on SR 360, and travel approximately 5.7 miles then turn east on CR 222 / Shugart Road. Follow CR 222 for 1.8 miles. The trailhead is north of the CR222 and visible from the road.
Fees
No