Rustic camping near Deming, New Mexico offers dry desert experiences ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 feet elevation in the high Chihuahuan Desert. Daily temperature fluctuations commonly exceed 30 degrees throughout the year with monsoon season occurring July through September. Multiple campers report strong cell signals in this remote region, making it suitable for remote workers seeking primitive camping with digital connectivity.
What to do
Hiking to mountaintop vistas: From Gila National Forest Road 861 Dispersed, campers can access trails into the surrounding forest. "There are roads and trails leading out of the location and into the Forest," notes Danny H., who also mentions the continental divide is nearby on highway 90.
Wildlife observation: The desert ecosystem supports diverse wildlife beyond cattle. "No javelinas this time, just a jackrabbit," reports a camper from Gap Tank, while coyote activity is common throughout the region. "I heard coyotes singing nearby from multiple directions in the evening," reports Jonathan from Safari Campsite.
Stargazing: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. Mesquite Tank had "water and even a little ice on the edges" during winter months according to a January visitor, creating opportunities for unique desert photography with water reflections.
Rock collecting: The region contains various mineral deposits, particularly quartz. One visitor at Cattlemen Trail mentioned "Lots of quartz rock. Enjoyed my stay very much" while exploring the numerous hiking trails and washes in the area.
What campers like
Solitude and space: Most sites offer significant distance between campers. "This area was nice to stop for the night because I was getting tired," notes Noah E. about Dispersed Camping off Corralitos Rd, adding "Large enough for any kind of camper (RV, Trailers, etc)."
Accessibility: Many sites require minimal off-road driving. "Easy access, plenty of hidden spots behind/among the scrub brush and low trees," reports Kenny R. about Cattlemen Trail, making it suitable for standard vehicles despite the desert terrain.
Changing landscapes: Seasonal variations transform the camping experience. Near City of Rocks, one camper described "Great views, desert terrain. I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great," highlighting how the stark desert environment provides both visual appeal and practical connectivity.
Proximity to supplies: While remote enough for privacy, many sites remain reasonably close to civilization. "Town right up the road," notes John R., making resupply runs practical for extended stays while maintaining the primitive camping experience.
What you should know
Road conditions vary dramatically: Some areas require careful navigation. Noah E. warns that near 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."
Wildlife encounters: Beyond cattle, various desert wildlife frequents the area. At Gap Tank dispersed camping, a camper reports: "It was actually cold then. The sky was dark at night and we couldn't see any electric lights. Kind of cool so close yet so far from El Paso. No border problems."
Environmental impact concerns: Some sites suffer from previous visitor damage. One camper mentioned, "Previous campers left trash, so my two dogs and I cleaned it up. Cut up a 4x6 platform they left. Will burn the wood and haul off the frame to a dumpster in Silver City."
Industrial activity: Some sites experience noise from nearby operations. Daniel B. noted about South Gage: "There is a quarry and it's loud, it's very dusty. Maybe quieter in the evenings and weekends I don't know because I'm here on Monday afternoon."
Tips for camping with families
Best times for comfort: Spring and fall provide the most moderate temperatures. "We came in after dark, but the roads were clear and it was easy to set up. Quiet," reports Melissa S. about Gold Gulch Road, highlighting the ease of access even for night arrivals.
Finding shade spots: Limited tree cover makes shade planning essential. Kenny R. notes about Cattlemen Trail, "This is lower desert so there won't be any tall pines/sprices, but still a few slightly shady spots for the sides of your camper to stay cooler."
Water planning: No natural water sources exist at most sites. "Gap Tank was dry but nearby Mesquite Tank had water," reports one winter visitor, emphasizing the importance of bringing sufficient water supplies regardless of season.
Educational opportunities: Desert environments offer unique learning experiences. Dawid M. describes Gold Gulch Road as "a place like from some safari movie, beautiful sunset, you can see a herd of cows. Plenty of room for everyone and an easy route."
Tips from RVers
Level parking areas: Multiple cleared spaces accommodate various vehicle sizes. At BLM Near City of Rocks, Michael D. reports, "When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road."
Cell connectivity: Digital nomads find reliable service at most locations. "I'm getting 3 bars on AT&T which is pretty good I think. Streamed a movie last night with no issues," reports Silas T., highlighting the surprising connectivity in this remote region.
Site selection strategy: Arrive during daylight hours to evaluate site conditions. Rick J. from Gila National Forest Road 861 suggests, "A number of flat cleared areas not far off of hwy90. We cleaned up the beer cans, bottles, and trash left from other before us."
Access routes: Some navigation systems suggest problematic routes. Angela T. notes about Cattlemen Trail, "I found a great secluded spot along a rough back road area, my express van with chunky tires was able to clear the bumps in the roadway. Cell service is excellent for Verizon even wandering around the trails back here."
