Best Campgrounds near Las Cruces, NM
Camping near Las Cruces, New Mexico spans from developed RV resorts to free dispersed sites on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. The area features several notable options including the Las Cruces KOA on the city's western edge and the more remote Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground nestled in the Organ Mountains. BLM dispersed camping areas like Sierra Vista and Baylor Canyon Road Spur provide free alternatives with mountain views. Leasburg Dam State Park Campground, located about 17 miles north of Las Cruces, offers sites along the Rio Grande. According to campers, the Sierra Vista area provides "beautiful spots not too far from town" with good stargazing despite some light pollution from the city.
Most campgrounds in the Las Cruces area are open year-round, though desert conditions create extreme temperature variations. Summer daytime temperatures regularly exceed 95°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. High winds and dust storms are common, particularly in spring. Cell service is generally reliable at established campgrounds and even at many dispersed sites, with visitors reporting 2-4 bars of LTE coverage with major carriers. The BLM dispersed sites on rocky roads may require higher clearance vehicles, though 4WD is not always necessary. One visitor noted, "The road is pretty rocky, take it slow and you'll be good though. 4WD not needed, I managed fine in a 2WD Escape."
RV accommodations range from full-service resorts with 50-amp hookups to more basic state park facilities. The Las Cruces KOA and Hacienda RV Resort cater to larger rigs with level concrete pads and full hookups, while Sunny Acres RV Park offers a 55+ community environment in a central location. Tent campers have options at both developed and dispersed sites, with Aguirre Spring providing covered picnic tables that "definitely keep the sun off." Most campgrounds are pet-friendly, and many RV parks feature dedicated dog areas. Proximity to White Sands National Park (about 50 minutes away) makes Las Cruces a popular basecamp for exploring the region's natural attractions.
