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Las Cruces Rest Area offers a large roadrunner sculpture made entirely of recycled materials
Welcome to southwestern New Mexico, where public lands offer an amazing diversity of outdoor recreation opportunities. The BLM's Las Cruces District Office manages 5.4 million acres of public land and over 10 million acres of Federal mineral estate from the western side of the Guadalupe Mountains to the Arizona border, and from Sierra County and the southern edge of the Gila National Forest to the Mexican border. These public lands include majestic, scenic mountain ranges jutting from the desert floor, and towering over the surrounding desert. The confluence of the Chihuahuan desert, Rocky Mountains, great plains, Sonoran desert, and Sierra Madre make the area the most biologically and recreationally diverse region of New Mexico.
Guide
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.
Ranger
Gap Tank is located in the gap between Mt. Riley and the E. Potrillo Mountain ridge in the Desert Peaks National Monument on BLM land in the Chihuahuan Desert. Very few people out there. Very primitive. No campground. Little to no shade. I’ve camped here twice in my truck bed—once in 2017 when I climbed Mt. Riley and once in 2020. Close to Mexican border but I didn’t have any problems. Probably not conducive to RVs because difficult to pull off county road.
Ranger
Pretty crowded on a Wednesday night in April. Had a little trouble finding a level spot far enough away from others but otherwise no complaints for this free camp spot, great sunset views!
TravelerThis is our first time on BLM land. We didn’t really know what to expect. We pull a 36’ fifth wheel and was a little apprehensive about coming to a place like this for fear of being too large. After getting through the gate though, there is plenty of room. We got a nice spot right on the lake. There are a few other campers but it’s not crowded. We have enough distance between us to let our dogs off leash. The only advice I have is if you’re pulling a trailer and approaching from Alamogordo you should make a wide right turn in from the travel lane. Turn on those flashers and slow down. When you see the gate. Make turn as wide as possible. I pulled off the highway first and had a hell of a time getting straight enough to get through gate. From direction of las cruces. You’re fine.
RangerPros - Free camping, gorgeous sunsets. Plenty of available spots.
Cons - the lake is sewage from the Air Force base. It’s stinks here, badly.
We stayed here for one night. I think that’s all we could take. We got out of here as soon as we could. We love free camping as much as the next person, but we were kind of disgusted that we were sleeping next to a lake of pee and poo.
Stay here if you must, if you can find another campsite, do it.
Traveler
In the chill of November 2023, I found myself drawn to the desolate expanse of Dispersed Camping off Corralitos Rd on I-10, near Las Cruces, New Mexico. There, amidst the haunting shadows of dead horses scattered like forgotten relics, I lingered for a mere half-hour. This eerie spot, shrouded in mystery and decay, whispered secrets of forgotten tales amid the howling winds. A grim reminder of life's fragility, nestled just off the beaten path, where the line between the living and the dead blurs into obscurity.
Legend
There are many places along this road (road B059 per Google maps) to pull over and stay the night. Road in is rocky and rutted in places; we made it in our 26ft Class C but a higher clearance vehicle would have made for a much less stressful drive in. It was extremely windy when we stayed here, and boom / explosion sounds all night made for an uneasy night, especially for our dogs. We are assuming the sounds came from testing and / or training at the nearby Doña Ana range, but they sounded like chemical plant explosions. Boom sounds started the evening we stayed there and are still going on as I write this review the next day. Good verizon and ATT reception. Spring time in this area should be beautiful with wildflowers. I don't think we'll come back to see them though.
Scout
Sierra Vista’s Back Side Dispersed camping offers a pristine, serene outdoor experience. Its remote location provides ample space and minimal distractions, ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. Proper preparation is key—bring sufficient supplies and be ready for self-sufficiency to fully enjoy this hidden gem. rv park rio hondo
LegendThis whole valley is just… something! A disappearing and reappearing lake, ancient human and mastodon footprint fossils, the birthplace of nuclear reactions and aerospace exploration -- all this AND hills of white gypsum sand upon which you can sled year round? Not bad for the middle of New Mexico, between two mountain ranges.
However, camping nearby leaves something to be desired, even in the RV parks – which is never our thing. However, during a couple of visits we’ve spent the night at some BLM areas just a few miles to the east of the main entrance to the National Park. We’ve spent nights on either side of the highway, but the better boondocking area is on the north side of the highway here at Holloman Lake (not for swimming, read other reviews for details). You’re right on the border of the air force base, so expect a lot of activity nearby. In December, there were maybe 6-8 other RV's nearby, but lots of space to spread out. Road in was good (a little rough in spots) but overall pretty easy, even for our 67 year old camper. The sunsets are always spectacular, even better if it's a bit windy as the fine grains of gypsum sand are in the air, creating gorgeous color.
There’s nothing in the way of services at this place, just a good, quiet place to park for a few nights. But, the wide open range has everything you need for solar power and Starlink.
Outdoor activities outside of the park can be found up in the mountain ranges to the east of Alamogordo, or to the west in the mountains closer to Las Cruces.
Alamogordo is just 15- 20 minutes away where you can get anything you might need, food, groceries, gas, laundry etc. Oh, and go to the New Mexico History of Space Museum...super fun for kiddos of all ages!
Ranger
Conveniently located to town. Easy to get to. Would recommend high clearance vehicles, but manageable for others. Spectacular views of the organ mountains and plentiful hiking opportunities. Great spot to boondock. We had great service for work and virtual classes.
GuideI 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
LegendFirst 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.
LegendThis area is about 20 minutes west of Las Cruces. It's directly off the highway and is a gravel/dirt area. There aren't really any sites, more just areas to pull a vehicle through. Large enough for any kind of camper (RV, Trailers, ect). You could also tent camp if you wanted.
This area was nice to stop for the night because I was getting tired. Lots of highway noise, and the area is a bit trashy. For a stop to rest and eat, it worked perfectly. There is a gas station nearby, but the area is dispersed, so there are no services. Verizon service was good.
If you want a free site that you can spend a few days at, there are some great dispersed campgrounds on the east side of Las Cruces. They have hiking trails nearby at the Orange Mountains.
GuideThis was our first campsite on our cross country road trip. We arrived around 10pm and saw one other camper on the way in. It was pitch black outside so we were very pleased to wake up and see the giant mountain behind us the next morning. There were cows roaming about as it’s free range here. The road to the campsite was bumpy but not too bad. We were in a 2wd and had no issues. I’m hoping we can return to this campsite at some point but will be difficult as we live in Georgia 🥲
GuideHolloman AFB BLM.... aka... Raptor Lake Dispersed
Great spot....but... as others have said, it IS a tricky entry for bigger rigs, especially if you are traveling South on 70.
Sharp right turn, immediately into 2 gates with a slight curve between them, slight dip after the 2nd gate and then another curve going uphill.
We're only 34' long STD width, and used the left turn lane to turn right and get straightened before entering. I'm glad we did an RV park the 1st night to dump, pump, and resupply. It gave us a chance to drive out and see the entry 1st hand before towing in the rig.
Once you're in, it's a nice spot. Verizon & ATT both work great 3-4 bars. We got 23 OTA channels. Area was pretty clean.. Not as spread out as some places, but not on top of each other either. Stays reasonably busy even in February.
Winds were up some on arrival. Parked accordingly and had no problem. Ground is another issue. Firm enough for parking etc, but if it rains I imagine the silty texture might turn to peanut butter.
All in all a nice spot with the lake, mountains, and the jets from Hollowman AFB to watch. Road noise not noticeable inside the rig.
LegendComing 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. But if you keep going all the way to the trail head and turn left, you can access more dispersed and remote camp sites just around the bend. You will need a high clearance 4x4 to get to these sites, or you can park in one of the sites in the beginning lot and hike in. There are several large flat spots that are great for camping. There are small rock fire rings and hiking trails throughout. Good Verizon and AT&T reception.
ScoutHad a great time here! (October) At night it was so windy that the tent was basically flat on top of us, but it was fun. We had to move campsites to be a little further from the lake then we were originally because of the bugs. This was a great place to stay after visiting the sands, it’s free, and I highly recommend it! Beautiful stars too
Scout
my friends and I stayed here for two nights while exploring the area with our pop up camper! it’s completely free but you need 4wd to get through the bumpy and sand when pulling something! it is an area for dirtbiking and more so you will have people throughout the day and sometimes night riding nearby but they never messed with us and there is plenty of room and trails to find somewhere secluded for yourself! has no water or bathrooms though so be prepared to bring a shovel and your own survival supplies. about thirty minutes to the nearest town but the stars are amazing at nighttime! and it wasn’t too cold at night the time of year we went.
Scout
Lots of dispersed sites but looks like a very popular area we passed over 20 campers before finding a spot. Spots are pretty well spaced out with lots of vegetation inbetween. Road is a little rough 4x4 definitely recommended.
GuideIt looks like there’s a couple dif options along this road coming down from the trailhead. The trailhead parking was empty when we passed but opted to keep going to try to get more privacy. Pulled off to the left (heading south) just past a cattle guard and there were a couple other vehicles. We stopped at the first one with a fire pit. Great views, mountain on one side and the city on the other. A park ranger (blm ranger a thing?) showed up about an hour after we set up to give us an Info pamphlet and ask if we had any questions. Literally never had that happen before but he was nice. Started raining in the AM and the road in had signs that it can flood so we left early. Had 1-2 bars Verizon and Att was able to stream YouTube and Netflix!
GuideNice and quiet. Campsites, have a good separation. It’s open range.
Legend
This area is on the same road as the Baylor Canyon Spur Dispersed site. The road is dirt and a bit rocky. I was able to get a campervan through, but it can be a bit bumpy.
The main sites are right off the road. About 2 sites at the front with fire rings, one area that you could pull a large RV or Trailer through, and a few sites further back. Unfortunately, there was an abandon trailer in one of the best sites further back. There is a cattleguard on Baylor Canyon Rd, right next to the sites at the front, so you will hear cars drive over it throughout the night.
This isn't a bad spot if Baylor Canyon Spur is full, you can follow the road all the way to this area, or hop back on Baylor Canyon Rd and drive the paved path to the sites. Great view of the mountains, just a bit loud with the cattleguard.
Overall, if you are planning to camp out here for the great views and proximity to the trails, I'd recommend starting at the Baylor Canyon Spur Dispersed area and follow the road until you find a spot. If you can't find one there you will eventually get to this area.
No services, pack in pack out. Verizon service was good.
GuideGood spot to camp near white sands. Very busy- but most people seem to stick to the large lot near the entrance. If you follow the road around to the west side of the lake there are additional spots that are a bit more secluded.
The Air Force does regular flyovers throughout the day on weekdays. Very loud.
ScoutThe campsites are fantastic. You will need a 4x4 to get into the back area. The last few spots are the best.
ScoutI stopped here just for the night on a longer road trip, but this was a very nice camp. Very quiet with lots of privacy. I made it to a campsite in a prius even though the road is rocky (if you have 4wd you’ll have a smoother ride, but 2wd makes it just fine). There was no wind the night I stayed.
LegendCampground is right off the highway. Easy to get all kinds of campers, Rvs, trailers, ect into the campsites. No services, pack in, pack out. Only a few sites right next the to water and all fairly flat. There are plenty of more sites off the water. Only a 5 minute drive to White Sands National Park and about a 20 minute drive to groceries and restaurants.
GuideHow often do you find a free spot with AMAZING hiking and privacy? Honestly I didn’t want to leave a review so this spot doesn’t blow up… The sunrises and set are to die for, the camping is peaceful(little busy but nothing bad at all), and the parking lot is very level. The drive is a little much especially if you want to go to town often, but that’s it for cons. This place is perfect.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Doña Ana, New Mexico, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and scenic views.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Doña Ana, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Doña Ana, NM is Sierra Vista with a 4.7-star rating from 28 reviews.
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