Are you planning a dispersed camping trip to Las Cruces? We've got you covered. Dispersed camping means that no facilities or amenities are provided, so that you can truly disconnect and get back to nature. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your New Mexico excursion.
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.
Traveler
Not bad at all. Not far off the main road. Paved road to it. Gravelled grounds. Pretty level. Quiet. This isn't a huge campground but we had no trouble finding a spot.
Scout
Parked in graded gravel parking area at base of a Organ Mountains. Fairly level.
Scout
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ScoutSierra 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
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Guide
This 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 🥲
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.
TravelerThe road is pretty rocky, take it slow and you’ll be good though. 4wd not needed, I managed fine in a 2wd Escape, wouldn’t attempt going too far in with low clearance as some rocks are pretty big. There were quite a few Campers and 5th-wheels further down the way, but I found a good spot with venturing too deep. Person not too far from me pitched a tent, I car camp so can’t say how tent conditions would be, but saw him with a tent pitched & staked! I was up at 7am and they were gone, imagine they must’ve been pretty cold, temps drop quite dramatically and the winds whip up there. Heard coyote’s howling pretty nearby around 1:30am, and in the area again at 3am-ish. There was also lots of scat around, pretty large piles, thinking it’s cow as there’s several cattle ranches very close by and they seem to get loose often-be cautious when driving around, they pop out of nowhere on the main road to Baylor. Sunset is breathtaking!! I don’t recommend arriving here after dark whatsoever. Stars are surprisingly visible too- there’s a lot of light pollution from Las Cruces down below, but it didn’t seem to have much effect on star gazing while I was there. Will definitely return!
ScoutI got up the top trail fine in my f-150, it is kinda sketchy though so be careful , but the views up top are great , spaced out a lot better
GuideThis was easy to find, the road in is a bit rocky, but I saw All types of vehicles make it, just watch for a few rocks. Beautiful views and easy to get to hiking.
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.
GuideGreat place to rest for the night before attempting any hikes in Organ Desert Mountains National Monument. I had a little trouble with the road driving a low clearance 2WD Ford Fusion, but was able to navigate to a fire ring about 2 spots in where I made camp for the night. Tent camped although the ground is quite hard for spikes and spot can be very windy in the afternoon but views were worth it.
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.
GuideIt’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.
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.
LegendFirst off, views of the mountains are great! The sites are off a single dirt road with pull offs for the sites. There are about 10 or 12 sites as you follow the road. More if your neighbors are friendly. You shouldn't a need 4x4 unless it rains, but some there are some larger rocks that might scrape if you don't have a high clearance. You could potentially maneuver around them.
I saw some trailers up the road, however it does get narrow at points, so a large RV might have some issues. I'd say these site are more tent, car, and campervan friendly.
There are no services, pack in pack out. Verizon service was good.
LegendThis 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.
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.
LegendWe stayed close by at Sierra View for a night and then tried this spot out and really enjoyed it! A bit more space and privacy here and the mountains are just gorgeous. The spur road is dirt and a bit rough in places. We didn’t have too much of a problem in our Chevy van but it was slooow going. There’s a fair amount of spots around the spur road and we didn’t have trouble finding a site in December when we were here. It gets pretty chilly out here! No services but a beautiful, quiet place to park. The paved road near by has some noise but wasn’t bothersome to us. Lots of hiking close by. We did Baylor Pass a few miles down the street (there’s also camping allowed in the parking lot there in a pinch) and it was a great hike. Highly recommend.
GuideNice and quiet. Campsites, have a good separation. It’s open range.
TravelerThis 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.
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!
RangerWe 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.
RangerConveniently 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.
Traveler
Pretty good about 4 spots to pull off maybe more if you have a higher clearance vehicle and can make it back in farther my Camry couldn’t lol but still a nice place to stay a couple days good view of the mountains and the sunsets!
Lots of side by sides rip ridin around
GuideSo the road in is at the 151 Mesquite Exit off IH 10. First 2 miles were blacktop, then 2 miles of 2.5 vehicle wide gravel road then 2 miles of single vehicle gravel road. Several turnouts for camp sites with many having rock fire rings.
Lots of dove and some quail.
A few cows in the area.
Lots to see if you get out and walk the area. Several hiking trails into the Mountain range.
Light noise to the south from El Paso/IH 10 to the West but not much to the East looking into the canyon or North. Saw many stars and satellites.
Would stay again.
Light traffic during sunlight by hikers.
Quite otherwise.
Sites are not level so be prepared
ScoutThe campsites are fantastic. You will need a 4x4 to get into the back area. The last few spots are the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Las Cruces, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Las Cruces, NM is Sierra Vista with a 4.7-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Las Cruces, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Las Cruces, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
