Best Campgrounds near Mesilla, NM

Mesilla, New Mexico offers proximity to a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas on public lands. Las Cruces KOA provides full-service camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations approximately 1 mile west of Mesilla, while Sierra Vista offers free dispersed camping options on BLM land about 8 miles northeast. Several state park options like Leasburg Dam State Park offer electric and water hookups within a 30-minute drive. The area provides access to both developed facilities with modern amenities and remote desert camping experiences near the Organ Mountains.

New Mexico's desert climate significantly impacts camping conditions around Mesilla. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. "The sites are well maintained. Great location near Old Mesilla, NMSU and I-10," notes one visitor to Hacienda RV Resort. Most dispersed camping areas near the Organ Mountains, including Baylor Canyon Road Spur, require high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough dirt roads. Water availability is limited at dispersed sites, making proper planning essential. Cell service varies considerably, with good coverage near established campgrounds but potentially limited reception in canyon areas. Many state park campgrounds offer year-round access, though reservations are recommended during winter months when snowbirds frequent the region.

The Organ Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for camping experiences east of Mesilla. Campers frequently mention the exceptional desert views and dark night skies at dispersed sites. According to reviews on The Dyrt, "There are many sites. Over 40" at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area, which offers an affordable alternative to private campgrounds. Wildlife sightings, including jackrabbits and various bird species, are commonly reported. The proximity to hiking trails in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument represents a significant draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Campgrounds closer to town offer convenience for accessing historic Mesilla's restaurants and shops, while dispersed sites provide greater solitude and connection with the Chihuahuan Desert landscape. Many campers use the area as a base for day trips to White Sands National Park, approximately 45 minutes northeast.

Best Camping Sites Near Mesilla, New Mexico (49)

    1. Las Cruces KOA

    57 Reviews
    Mesilla, NM
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 526-6555

    "We stopped at this KOA for one night while passing through New Mexico.   We had a great view of the valley below and our site had everything we needed--full hookups."

    "Took a short drive to La Mesilla and the farmers market in Las Cruces—definitely recommend both. White Sands is also not too far if you’re up for a day trip."

    2. Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    55 Reviews
    White Sands, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "Southeast New Mexico has mountains believe it or not. The camp is nestled up against one. It’s Memorial Day weekend and not too crowded. Highly recommend for the price (basically free)."

    "I've been on a nationwide roadtrip for a few months that now and I have tent camped alone in many sites from Florida to Arkansas to, now, New Mexico."

    3. Sierra Vista

    30 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    11 miles

    "Pitched my tent next to car and slept thru the night with no noise. Light wind this night. Some movement from others by 7am."

    "Clean, safe, beautiful views of the Organ mts and Las Cruses, great trails close by.
    Limited spots and could be more difficult for rvs. Great for vans."

    4. Hacienda RV Resort

    20 Reviews
    Mesilla, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 528-5800

    $36 - $64 / night

    "Located in Las Cruces New Mexico, Hacienda RV resort is conveniently situated right off of interstate 10."

    "Great location near Old Mesilla, NMSU and I-10"

    5. Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free

    13 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 522-1219

    "We 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."

    "Heard coyote’s howling pretty nearby around 1:30am, and in the area again at 3am-ish."

    6. Leasburg Dam State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Radium Springs, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 524-4068

    $15 - $30 / night

    "You can't beat New Mexico State Parks. Water and electric hook-ups for $18. Great views and a concrete picnic shelter to boot."

    "Like many New Mexico State Parks, Leasburg Dam offers beautiful views and nice facilities. We have the facilities here to be among the best. We love the adobe shelters!"

    7. Sunny Acres RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Las Cruces, NM
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 524-1716

    "We took extra day to visit white sands and experience some New Mexico Mexican food at Andele Restaurant.
    Weather was perfect in October.

    Very nice day."

    "Sunny Acres is a friendly and clean 55+ park in central Las Cruces, New Mexico. The sites are mostly back-in and have FHU 50amp sites. All sites are gravel with patios and picnic table."

    8. Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed

    12 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "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."

    "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"

    9. Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    11 miles

    "The best sites are furthest from The entrance"

    "There are even more dispersed spots if you go past the initial entrance. It's beautiful and clean which let's me know people take care to pack in and pack out. Which I greatly appreciated."

    10. Siesta RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Mesilla, NM
    1 mile
    +1 (575) 523-6816

    $32 - $34 / night

    "Needed a quick place to get out of snow storm in New Mexico - 30 amp no other connections - nice lady - gravel and ok Wi-Fi"

    "Seems like there are quite a few long term RVers around. We had few people come up to us and wanting to chat. Had one elderly gentleman knock on our door to chat."

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Recent Reviews near Mesilla, NM

376 Reviews of 49 Mesilla Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Leasburg Dam State Park Campground

    Best it could be.

    Park made the most of what they had. Spots are large with great covered tables. Views are beautiful. Many trails around Park down to the Rio Grande River. Can't beat the park for the area.

  • Kevin K.
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Las Cruces KOA

    Seems like a brand new KOA

    Remodeling of site continues but we got a remodeled back in site and they are nice. Very wide and 50’ deep. There is a concrete patio, table, grill and fire ring. The store is large and there is free coffee and danish in the mornings.

  • R
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Las Cruces KOA

    Pricey

    A clean , well kept campground with great views. But, for the price, I would expect more.

  • Brittany F.
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Las Cruces KOA

    Views and classic amenities

    We did one night at this KOA. Laundry was easy and used a QR app to pay or traditional coin operation. The place is beautiful and well maintained. Lots of views that everyone can enjoy. A stunning mountain range view that make sunrises and sets a treat.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Fort Bliss RV Park

    Clean park with lots of amenities

    This is a nice park with lots of facilities. Laundry has commercial machines. Full hookups with lots of pull thru spots.

  • S E.
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    Crowded, noisy, awful.

    This campsite is one of the worst I’ve been at in yeeeaaasrrrrsss. So many people. So many RUDE people. People who literally just want to party and play extremely loud music and keep their generator on all day and night. There’s supposed to be a no noise or generators after 10pm but there’s no enforcement. On top of that, the bathrooms are AWFUL. There are so many flies in the toilet it’s actually impossible to go, so bring your own LNT toilet and a tent for it since everyone will see you otherwise. Oh, and the gnats are INSANE. I only gave this place 2 stars because it’s gorgeous. Too bad it’s a magnet for the worst kinds of campers.

  • Jonathan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Oregan Wilderness Dispersed

    Rocky road and crowded, but beautiful

    There are many sites off this road, but it was super crowded when I went in April. Additionally, the sites are quite close to another nearby main road that is primarily parallel to the road you camp off. I didn’t hear much car noise from that road, but I could easily see the cars driving by from my tent. With these things in mind, I wouldn’t necessarily say I felt isolated when camping here in my tent, and it is definitely not “out there” in nature, but the views of the Organ Mountains are wonderful!

    The road in is very bumpy/rocky. I’m kind of a risk-taker with my Toyota Corolla and was able to make it the full way from one end of the road to the other (driving VERY slowly and carefully), but had to get out of my car quite a few times to move large rocks out of the way.

    In all, I recommend this spot due to the beautiful views and convenient location, but be aware that it might be pretty crowded and the road doesn’t necessarily suit normal cars (shout-out to my fellow non-camper/van/jeep peeps!).

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Hacienda RV Resort

    Served its purpose while in for a few days

    As noted in other review here: Traffic is fast on curved road, be alert. Overall, clean, showers have a step so water can stay inside shower stall, there is a handicapped shower. All shower closets have sinks and plenty of hooks on wall. The one I used has blow dryer. Only one toilet in men's room (room that is separate from showers). WiFi is available but you must create a sign-in/acct. so we did not use it. Phone reception was great and we were able to hotspot for work (used VPN). Staff is friendly and let us know water pressure is high so use a reducer (we did not need water hookup), and also cautioned us that there have been some bike thefts in area and let us know that if we wanted, we could keep bikes inside their office at no charge (open 9 to 5 so we were not able to do that). It was very hot (>100) and so we kept fan/AC on all night and wrapped our cord around bikes in such a way that if someone was up to no-good, s/he would need to turn it off and thus notify us that something was up (and they might get a shock depending on how that went! ;). No table, but had sewer and water in addition to electric. Site was level. There is a free dogwash! We watched a gray fox during day that was nearby (did not come very close to campground). I-10 is close but we did not notice any noise. A Wal Mart is across the frwy, and several restaurants nearby. We did not use spa but it was clean and there is a large patio area for activities/cookouts that is quite nice. Large area also for horseshoes, corn hole and as noted in other reviews a narrow but very long dog walk for pets to roam. 

    Might be a bit nicer in cooler weather----just way too hot to do much around grounds (BBQ, cornhole, spa). Would stay here again.

  • Haley L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 6, 2025

    Sierra Vista

    Beautiful but busy

    Tent camping 6/5/25. Almost all of the spots are full, unless you go much farther back onto what seems to be a rough dirt road. I parked and then put my tent a little ways out. Everyone is very quiet, but you can hear cars from the highway. Beautiful clear sky and view of the mountains. Very clean and well maintained.


Guide to Mesilla

Campsites near Mesilla, New Mexico offer unique high desert camping experiences with elevations ranging from 3,900 to 5,000 feet throughout the surrounding area. The Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem supports distinctive vegetation including creosote bush, ocotillo, and various cacti species that create natural borders between many camping spots. Winter nights often drop to 35-40°F while daytime temperatures can reach 110°F during summer months.

What to do

Hiking near Organ Mountains: The Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground features a 4-mile loop trail with stunning mountain views. "Great sites with close and clean toilets. We found a few level spots that would work for rooftop tents, but most spots seemed a little rocky and uneven for tents. There is a lovely 4 mile hike that loops up in the mountains by the sites," reports Kara S.

Stargazing events: Monthly astronomy programs at Leasburg Dam State Park Campground let campers participate in guided night sky viewing. "Well maintained park, clean facilities, and delightful monthly activities with the local astronomical society including live music, refreshments, and stargazing," notes Barbara M.

Explore historic sites: Within 15 minutes of dispersed camping areas, visitors can explore historical attractions. "Dripping Springs' historical site is nearby too," mentions Bonnie L. about her stay at Sierra Vista dispersed camping area.

What campers like

Mountain backdrop views: Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed provides excellent vantage points toward the Organ Mountains. "You will need a 4x4 to get into the back area. The last few spots are the best," advises Darin C.

Affordable camping options: BLM lands offer free camping with minimal restrictions. At Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, campers enjoy no-cost sites with basic amenities. "About every 40 or 50 yards, there are parking spaces big enough for two full-size pickup to park, sideways, end to end," explains David S.

Covered picnic areas: State parks provide sheltered eating spaces even during hot weather. "Covered outbuilding with a table and a little shade made for a great night," shares Syd P. about Leasburg Dam State Park.

What you should know

High clearance vehicles needed: Many dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. "Definitely would NOT recommend CARS going past the 3rd or 4th parking space! But - for higher clearance vehicles: OK. Just drive carefully," warns David S. about Baylor Canyon Road.

Wildlife encounters: Expect various desert wildlife at campgrounds near Mesilla. "Heard coyote's howling pretty nearby around 1:30am, and in the area again at 3am-ish," reports lynsey F. from Baylor Canyon.

Extreme temperature swings: Desert camping means preparing for rapid temperature changes. "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," notes lynsey F. about tent campers in the area.

Water scarcity: Las Cruces KOA offers reliable water access, but dispersed sites have none. "Water available at host site near gate before driving about 4 or 5 mi to campsites," explains Mark M. about Aguirre Spring, recommending visitors "brought our own 5 gal of water and were fine for 3 nights."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. "The kids enjoyed cornhole, basketball, tetherball, and the playground. The store was well stocked," shares Candy P. about Las Cruces KOA.

Consider timing your visit: Winter months provide milder conditions for family camping trips. "Weather was perfect in October. Very nice day," notes David H. from his stay at Sunny Acres RV Park.

Safety precautions: Some areas require additional vigilance. "Staff is friendly and let us know that there have been some bike thefts in area and let us know that if we wanted, we could keep bikes inside their office at no charge," reports Mark M. about Hacienda RV Resort.

Tips from RVers

RV site selection: Choose sites based on utilities and accessibility needs. "Remodeling of site continues but we got a remodeled back in site and they are nice. Very wide and 50' deep. There is a concrete patio, table, grill and fire ring," recommends Kevin K. about Las Cruces KOA.

Size restrictions: Be aware of length limitations at certain campgrounds. "BLM recommends nothing more than 23' long," notes Mark M. about Aguirre Spring Recreation Area, adding "Road IS narrow and winding and steep in place but pave and ONE way (don't turn wrong direction)."

Full hookup options: Several RV parks offer complete services. "Rates are about $464 / month. Pet park allows children for a few days only," explains C.W. about Sunny Acres RV Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mesilla, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mesilla, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 49 campgrounds and RV parks near Mesilla, NM and 15 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mesilla, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mesilla, NM is Las Cruces KOA with a 4.7-star rating from 57 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mesilla, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Mesilla, NM.