Tent camping near Angostura, New Mexico offers remote camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 feet across the region. The landscape transitions from white gypsum sand dunes to pine forests with temperature variations of up to 40°F between day and night in desert areas. Seasonal monsoons typically bring afternoon thunderstorms from July through September, requiring campers to plan accordingly.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Multiple trailheads provide direct access from camping areas. At Baylor Canyon - Organ Mountains Basecamp, campers enjoy proximity to challenging mountain terrain. One visitor noted, "I showed up here with my travel trailer, I think it was a good place to park and enjoy the view and night time breeze."
Night sky photography: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park provides unique photography opportunities on gypsum sands. "I love camping where you aren't by people. This place is great. The loop is a little over 2 miles up and down the dunes and there are a few designated camp sites around the loop," reports one camper.
Creek exploration: Several campsites feature seasonal water access. The small creek at Railroad Canyon Campground offers both scenic value and practical water access depending on rainfall. A camper shared, "Railroad Canyon Campground has many trails to access the wilderness from, and a small creek running behind each of the three campsites."
What campers like
Solitude and spacing: Many campers appreciate the isolation available at dispersed sites. At Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed, visitors recommend continuing past initial sites for better experiences. "Go as far as possible. The best sites are furthest from the entrance," advises one camper, while another notes, "Quiet, pull through camp sites. There are even more dispersed spots if you go past the initial entrance."
Primitive experience: The backcountry camping options provide genuine wilderness immersion. White Sands backcountry campers consistently mention the uniqueness of sleeping among dunes. One visitor explained, "If you want a peaceful night, do a backcountry trip at White Sands. It is the most quiet night you'll have (from humans!). We did hear a coyote or two."
Accessibility options: The region offers both roadside and remote camping. Kingston Campground provides tent sites with straightforward road access. "The campground is right off the highway, but not too much traffic. The small creek bed has nice water depending on the time of year," according to a camper's review.
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Some dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles. Sierra Vista's back camping area needs 4x4 capabilities. "You will need a high clearance 4x4 to get into the back area. The last few spots are the best," explains one camper.
Water availability: Most sites lack reliable water sources. At White Sands, one camper emphasized, "BRING ALL YOUR WATER! This is primitive backcountry camping. I believe we picked up a free permit at the visitor center."
Weather preparation: Wind conditions can be severe, especially at exposed sites. "I went in early spring and the wind was pretty ferocious - luckily I was prepared and had all the necessary gear," notes a White Sands visitor.
Limited facilities: Most areas have minimal or no amenities. Railroad Canyon offers basic services: "The campground does have a toilet, fire pits, picnic tables, and trash service."
Tips for camping with families
Shorter hike-in options: Several sites offer beginner-friendly backpacking distances. White Sands backcountry camping provides an accessible introduction to wilderness camping. "We were car camping and not prepared for backpacking but the hike in was < 1 mile so it was easy enough to just hike in with bags," shared one camper.
Sand play opportunities: Children can enjoy natural features as playground alternatives. White Sands provides unique recreational options beyond typical camping activities. "This place is great for just sand boarding," mentioned one visitor.
Seasonal planning: Lower-elevation sites serve as alternatives when mountain areas are inaccessible. Kingston Campground provides a fallback option during colder months. "It is a nice place when the weather is too cold to go further up the mountains to other campgrounds in the Gila," notes one camper.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most designated camping areas accommodate smaller rigs only. Railroad Canyon has minimal space for RVs according to visitors: "We tent camp, but I think you'd be able to park a small camper or trailer."
Dispersed options: Some areas permit RV camping without formal sites. Sierra Vista offers informal options for self-contained units: "Coming in off of Dripping Springs Rd, you pass a large flat parking area with small sites you can pull off into, and this area is easy for any rig to access."
