Best Campgrounds near Organ, NM

The Organ Mountains rise dramatically east of Las Cruces, providing a scenic backdrop for camping in southern New Mexico. Dispersed camping opportunities can be found on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands near Organ, with several free sites accessible from Baylor Canyon Road. Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground offers developed camping with basic amenities at the base of the mountains, while private options like Las Cruces KOA provide full hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations approximately 15 miles west of Organ.

Access to many dispersed camping areas requires navigating gravel roads, with some sites suitable only for smaller vehicles. According to one visitor, "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." The gate at Aguirre Spring Campground closes at 6 PM and reopens at 8 AM, restricting late arrivals and early departures. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F in the desert, while the higher elevation sites in the Organ Mountains provide some relief from the heat. Cell service is generally available with major carriers in most camping areas, though coverage may be spotty in more remote locations.

Campers consistently mention the spectacular views of both the jagged Organ Mountains and the expansive Tularosa Basin, which includes White Sands National Park visible in the distance. Sierra Vista and Baylor Pass West Trailhead dispersed camping areas provide convenient access to hiking trails that ascend into the mountains. Reviews indicate these areas can become crowded, particularly on weekends. One camper noted, "You're basically at the foot of the Organ Mountains and the view is awesome, even the city lights in the distance were nice." Many dispersed sites lack facilities, requiring visitors to pack in water and pack out waste. The region's camping areas provide excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution, with several reviewers highlighting the exceptional night sky views as a major attraction.

Best Camping Sites Near Organ, New Mexico (54)

    1. Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    55 Reviews
    White Sands, NM
    5 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."

    2. Sierra Vista

    30 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    8 miles

    "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."

    "Drive to the trailhead has about four areas set up for camping. Plus room for more at the cul-de-sac at the end."

    3. Las Cruces KOA

    57 Reviews
    Mesilla, NM
    18 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."

    "This is a very clean and organized KOA. One of the best I’ve stayed at. Nice showers and dog park. Located up on the hill so you have nice views."

    4. Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free

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

    "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 place to rest for the night before attempting any hikes in Organ Desert Mountains National Monument. "

    5. Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed

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

    "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"

    "Parked in graded gravel parking area at base of a Organ Mountains. Fairly level."

    6. Hacienda RV Resort

    20 Reviews
    Mesilla, NM
    15 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."

    "Staff is organized and efficient. Great location near Old Mesilla, NMSU and I-10"

    7. Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    8 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."

    8. Oregan Wilderness Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    5 miles

    "Additionally, the sites are quite close to another nearby main road that is primarily parallel to the road you camp off."

    "Sunset on the Organ Mtns was beautiful and we woke up to a light dusting of snow."

    9. Leasburg Dam State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Radium Springs, NM
    19 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!"

    10. Sunny Acres RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Las Cruces, NM
    14 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."

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Recent Reviews near Organ, NM

454 Reviews of 54 Organ Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Haven D.
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground

    So good!

    A fantastic spot to relax for a few days and soak in nature. Stunning cliffs rise to the east, with a wide-open valley stretching beyond. The starry night skies are absolutely beautiful. Facilities are decent—nothing to complain about. Strong cell service with both Verizon and T-Mobile. Great location for day trips to the mountains or White Sands. The open sky also makes it perfect for slope setups

  • 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.

  • Jeff V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground

    Not for the 4th of July, unless you just escaped Hell

    Oddly this popped up in my feed as a late 4th of July choice.  Good God, no.  I like heat and live in New Mexico.  Northern new Mexico, in the mountains, where no one needs air conditioning. 

    Cooler times of the year, like mid-winter, I do recommend the area, particularly Dog Canyon, a great winter or early spring hike. 

    But for mid-summer?  No, unless you're an infernal demon it's a bit warm those months.

  • 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!).


Guide to Organ

Dispersed camping options near Organ, New Mexico extend beyond the main BLM lands with several additional camping areas accessible via rugged roads. The elevation in this region ranges from 4,000 feet in the desert basin to over 8,000 feet at the Organ Mountains peaks, creating significant temperature variations. Winter overnight temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March, particularly at higher elevation sites.

What to do

Hiking from camp: At Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground, campers can access a 4-mile loop trail directly from their site. "There is a lovely 4 mile hike that loops up in the mountains by the sites," notes Kara S., making it convenient for early morning exploration.

Mountain climbing: The Organ Mountains offer technical climbing opportunities for experienced mountaineers. "Great 4 mile loop hike, and other much more strenuous/technical options for mountain climbers. Mountain crags remind me of a mix of Tetons, Patagonia and Sawtooth in Idaho," shares Mark M. about the diverse terrain options.

Stargazing: While city lights are visible from many sites, Baylor Canyon Rd Spur offers surprisingly good night sky viewing despite light pollution from Las Cruces. "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," reports lynsey F.

What campers like

Camping isolation: At Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed, more remote sites are available for those willing to navigate rougher terrain. "Keep going. The best sites are at the end," advises Jake & Lora K., indicating the farther sites offer more privacy and better views.

Wildlife encounters: Free-range cattle often roam near camping areas, and coyotes are frequently heard at night. "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," notes a camper at Baylor Canyon.

Winter camping: The region offers year-round camping opportunities with special advantages in winter. One camper at Leasburg Dam State Park Campground noted, "This campground has delightful monthly activities with the local astronomical society including live music, refreshments, and stargazing," making winter visits appealing with clear skies and fewer crowds.

What you should know

Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed camping roads require high-clearance vehicles, though careful drivers can navigate some areas in standard cars. At Oregan Wilderness Dispersed, a camper reported: "The road is a bit rough but if you can get camping spots in the first four sites from either side your gold, have high clearance then no troubles at all."

Temperature swings: Desert temperature variations can be extreme, with hot days and very cold nights, especially in winter. "Temps drop quite dramatically and the winds whip up there," warns a camper about overnight conditions at Baylor Canyon.

Water availability: No water is available at dispersed sites, and even at Aguirre Spring Campground, access is limited. "Water available at host site near gate before driving about 4 or 5 mi to campsites," notes Mark M., suggesting campers fill containers before heading to their sites.

Tips for camping with families

Avoid overcrowded weekends: Some sites become extremely busy, particularly on weekends. A camper at Las Cruces KOA shares a better experience: "We were the only ones in the tent sites so that probably made the experience better because we enjoy solitude. I'm sure it gets filled in the warmer months."

Wildlife education: Use the opportunity to teach children about desert wildlife safety. "We watched a gray fox during day that was nearby (did not come very close to campground)," reported a visitor, offering potential wildlife viewing opportunities for children.

Recreation options: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities beyond hiking. "The kids enjoyed cornhole, basketball, tetherball, and the playground," noted Candy P. about the Las Cruces KOA, providing alternative activities for days when hiking might be too strenuous.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for large rigs: RVers with larger vehicles should carefully research access before arrival. "Able to get our 39' toy hauler into this location without any issues," shares Mike M. about Oregan Wilderness Dispersed, though this experience requires careful navigation.

Water pressure concerns: At established campgrounds, water pressure can be surprisingly high. "Staff is friendly and let us know water pressure is high so use a reducer," cautions Mark M. at Hacienda RV Resort, suggesting RVers bring pressure regulators.

Winter wind preparation: Strong winter winds can affect RV camping comfort and stability. Pack additional stabilizers and windbreaks when camping from November through February, especially at higher elevations or exposed sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Organ, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Organ, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 54 campgrounds and RV parks near Organ, NM and 18 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Organ, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Organ, NM is Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 55 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 free dispersed camping spots near Organ, NM.