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Dispersed Camping

Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed

10 Reviews

Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed, near Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a unique spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the frills of traditional camping. This area serves as a trailhead parking lot, making it a convenient base for hikers eager to explore the stunning Organ Mountains.

The views here are nothing short of spectacular, with many visitors raving about the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding mountains and the city lights of Las Cruces at night. While amenities are sparse—no water, toilets, or trash services—campers appreciate the peace and quiet, with one reviewer noting, “Very quiet and dark all night.”

If you're planning to hike, this location is ideal for an early start, as it offers easy access to trails. Some campers have mentioned that while it’s not the most private camping experience, the area is spacious enough for RVs and trailers, and you can find spots away from the main parking area for a bit more solitude. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, as this is a no-frills experience. Whether you're here for a quick overnight stay or to tackle the trails, Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed is a solid choice for those who appreciate the raw beauty of the outdoors.

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Location

Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed is located in New Mexico

Coordinates

32.39130061 N
106.61400036 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Fair
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Good
T-Mobile
Good

Site Types

Dispersed

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Phone Service
Alcohol
Pets

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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Contact

General Info

Drive Time

17 min from Las Cruces
53 min from El Paso
3 hrs 3 min from Albuquerque
3 hrs 52 min from Sierra Vista

2335 T.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2024

Baylor Canyon National Recreation Trail

Parked in graded gravel parking area at base of a Organ Mountains. Fairly level.

Month of VisitOctober

Deb M.

Guide

Reviewed Feb. 27, 2023

Small but quiet

It’s a parking area for hiking with a few places for RV’s to park for a night. There is a sign asking campers to not block the entrance and parking spots for hikers. Views of Las Cruces and the surrounding mountains is amazing. Very quiet and dark all night.

Siteparking area

Month of VisitFebruary

Noah E.

Legend

Reviewed Jan. 4, 2023

Easy spot for access to the trails

This is a Trailhead parking lot. Not the best spot to camp for the night, but if you are getting up early to hike, it's worth it. There is an area to the side of the main lot that people coming to hike don't typically park in. The area is big enough for an RV or Trailer.

No services, pack in pack out, Verizon service was working well.

I stayed because I was getting up early to hike, so it was very convenient. Not a ton of noise, except the occasional car driving by the road or someone getting in and out of their vehicle.

Month of VisitJanuary

(8) View All

Shelby L.

Traveler

Reviewed Dec. 4, 2022

Beautiful views

This site is at a beautiful location, I think it would be better if you had a camper or RV than a tent but we still camped on some flat sand right off the parking lot. There’s not facilities and it is hard to find a place to go to the bathroom, but if you’re used to ruffing it and don’t have 4 wheel drive this is the place for you, we are in a 2001 Camry with a jacked suspension and were completely fine. As other people mentioned it does get very windy at times.

Month of VisitDecember

Alyssa L.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2022

Nice views but crowded

We stopped here on our way from las cruces to white sands. It’s very popular pullout spot for good reason- awesome views of the Organ Mountains! We pulled in late and easily found a spot, but cars here really are parked side by side. It’s a good spot for a nights rest.

Month of VisitDecember

Jeanie P.

Guide

Reviewed May. 21, 2021

Stopped here and kept going, you can do better

I don't know how to add a campground so I'll just review from here. This spot would be fine for a night if you get in late or plan to do the hike at the TH then camp. But you're literally camping in a parking lot. If you keep going down the road a bit farther, turn left onto a BLM dirt road (this camping area is listed on iOverlander app). There are a handful of dispersed sites just off the road. More private and space than the TH parking and close access to a TH that takes you up the Organ Needle. 2wd OK for access to most sites

Month of VisitMay

Bruce O.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 15, 2021

Good for a night

Good hiking trail but small parking lot. We were the only big rig but there 4 vans and a couple of cars overnight. No trash or water here

Month of VisitMay

Mark F.

Traveler

Reviewed Feb. 22, 2021

Great Spot Near White Sands

You can car camp in the lot or hike out and tent camp. Beautiful view and generally quiet, albeit windy. Very easy to access from the road with my 2WD car.

Jeff K.

Guide

Reviewed Feb. 14, 2021

Things to note

Yes, you can camp in the parking lot of the trailhead or around it if using a tent. There is a sign asking you not to block the day use parking spaces.
When you click "get directions" here on The Dyrt and use Google Maps, you will be taken to a different free/dispersed camping area a another mile or so down the road (I camped here) first come/first served. It is made up of pullouts along a rocky two track that roughly parallels the road
In reference to the above statement. Tent campers can use either area, the only stipulation is no vehicles or generators on the other side of the fence.
In reference to #2. If you are a large RV or 5th wheel, you probably won't fit and the rest of us will have a grand time watching you get out after you discover this fact for yourself. If you're lucky you'll get the single pull-through(ish) spot that is next to the cattle gaurd.
All of the above being said. This was a great place to establish a base camp for a few days while exploring the western parts of the Organ Mountains. The pullouts vary in size, from car and tent to pickup cab style RV. Most of the spaces were occupied by #vanlife types and my bright yellow teardrop stood out. Neighbors are close enough to wave at but not intrude.

(4) View All

Laura M.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 21, 2020

Camp in a Parking Lot=FREE

First off this is a parking lot but you are able to camp here for free. There were trailers, RVs and even car camping in this BLM area. There are other spots along the way such as Sierra Vista Trailhead and Baylor Canyon Road as well as multiple pullouts along the Dripping Springs Road.

You're basically at the foot of the Organ Mountains and the view is awesome, even the city lights in the distance were nice.

There are no amenities here. Cell reception good with AT&T and Verizon.

Nice place to stay if you plan on hiking the Organ Mountains or heading the next 40 miles to White Sands National Monument.

Month of VisitNovember