Best Dispersed Camping near Radium Springs, NM

Dispersed camping near Radium Springs, New Mexico centers around multiple Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas, particularly in the Organ Mountains region. Several free camping zones exist along Baylor Canyon Road and near Sierra Vista, with sites ranging from parking lot-style pullouts to more secluded spots along rocky dirt roads. The BLM permits camping at established dispersed sites including Sierra Vista, Baylor Canyon Road Spur, Baylor Pass West Trailhead, and Organ Mountain Area Dispersed, all within 30 minutes of Radium Springs and Las Cruces.

Access to most dispersed sites requires navigating unpaved roads with varying conditions. The Organ Wilderness Dispersed area features rocky terrain where high-clearance vehicles are recommended. "The road is a bit rough but we found a great spot to spend the night," noted one camper about the Organ Wilderness area. Most roads become increasingly difficult after rain. These primitive sites have no services—no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities. Campfires are permitted at most locations except Baylor Pass West Trailhead and certain other areas with seasonal restrictions. All dispersed camping follows standard BLM regulations with pack-in, pack-out requirements.

The camping experience varies significantly by location. Sites near Sierra Vista and Baylor Canyon offer dramatic views of the Organ Mountains, particularly at sunset. According to reviews, "Sunset on the Organ Mountains was beautiful and we woke up to a light dusting of snow." Popularity fluctuates seasonally, with some campers reporting, "Lots of dispersed sites but looks like a very popular area—we passed over 20 campers before finding a spot." The Baylor Pass West Trailhead area serves dual purpose as a hiking access point and overnight camping area, making it busier but convenient for hikers. Most areas provide adequate cell service through Verizon. Wind can be significant in exposed areas, and the stark desert landscape offers minimal shade or natural wind breaks.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Radium Springs, New Mexico (15)

    1. Sierra Vista

    30 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    20 miles

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

    "The “roped” is BLM area in nice enough, pull outs, but not much room to maneuver. Big rigs beware- we were able to just turn around as there were quite a few vehicles."

    2. Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed

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

    "You can car camp in the lot or hike out and tent camp. Beautiful view and generally quiet, albeit windy. Very easy to access from the road with my 2WD car."

    "If you keep going down the road a bit farther, turn left onto a BLM dirt road (this camping area is listed on iOverlander app). There are a handful of dispersed sites just off the road."

    3. Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free

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

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

    "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."

    4. Las Cruces Roadrunner Overlook Rest Area

    3 Reviews
    Mesilla, NM
    14 miles

    "Safe. Beautiful view. No complaints."

    "I spoke to the security guard and he said that the rest area is very safe. He said that he is mostly here to ensure that semi trucks do not park across car spots."

    6. Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    20 miles

    "Coming in off of Dripping Springs Rd, you pass a large flat parking area with small sites you can pull off into, and this area is easy for any rig to access."

    "Sierra Vista’s Back Side Dispersed camping offers a pristine, serene outdoor experience."

    7. Oregan Wilderness Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    19 miles

    "I would definitely try to get spots here before Sierra Vista or Baylor Pass trailhead as you don’t have to deal with the traffic trying to get to the parking area to hike."

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

    8. Baylor Canyon Rd Dispersed Site

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

    10. Organ Mountain Area Dispersed

    1 Review
    Organ, NM
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "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."

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Radium Springs, NM

54 Reviews of 15 Radium Springs Campgrounds


  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 21, 2020

    Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed

    Camp in a Parking Lot=FREE

    First off this is a parking lot but you are able to camp here for free. There were trailers, RVs and even car camping in this BLM area. There are other spots along the way such as Sierra Vista Trailhead and Baylor Canyon Road as well as multiple pullouts along the Dripping Springs Road.

    You're basically at the foot of the Organ Mountains and the view is awesome, even the city lights in the distance were nice. 

    There are no amenities here. Cell reception good with AT&T and Verizon.

    Nice place to stay if you plan on hiking the Organ Mountains or heading the next 40 miles to White Sands National Monument.

  • Sam W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 12, 2023

    Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free

    Perfect Stop For The Night

    Great 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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 23, 2020

    Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed

    Rugged area past the main parking lot

    Coming in off of Dripping Springs Rd, you pass a large flat parking area with small sites you can pull off into, and this area is easy for any rig to access. But if you keep going all the way to the trail head and turn left, you can access more dispersed and remote camp sites just around the bend. You will need a high clearance 4x4 to get to these sites, or you can park in one of the sites in the beginning lot and hike in.  There are several large flat spots that are great for camping.  There are small rock fire rings and hiking trails throughout.  Good Verizon and AT&T reception.

  • Jacob  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2020

    Gap Tank dispersed camping

    Lonely desert

    Gap Tank is located in the gap between Mt. Riley and the E. Potrillo Mountain ridge in the Desert Peaks National Monument on BLM land in the Chihuahuan Desert. Very few people out there. Very primitive. No campground. Little to no shade. I’ve camped here twice in my truck bed—once in 2017 when I climbed Mt. Riley and once in 2020. Close to Mexican border but I didn’t have any problems. Probably not conducive to RVs because difficult to pull off county road.

  • Johnny W.
    Apr. 4, 2024

    Truth or Consequences Camp on Rio Grande

    Free riverside camping

    Free camping (14 days) on the riverside! Amazing. Perfect for van life. Space for big rigs too but only a couple big turnaround spots so just be strategic about it.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 4, 2023

    Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free

    Great views, great spot

    First 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.

  • Izzy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2022

    Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free

    Wonderful views!

    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 spot to boondock. We had great service for work and virtual classes.

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2025

    Oregan Wilderness Dispersed

    Beautiful and isolated spots

    I would definitely try to get spots here before Sierra Vista or Baylor Pass trailhead as you don’t have to deal with the traffic trying to get to the parking area to hike. The road is a bit rocky and the middle section has some bigger rocks protruding 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. Able to get our 39’ toy hauler into this location without any issues.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 2, 2023

    Dispersed Camping off Corralitos Rd on I-10

    Dirt area off the highway

    This 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.


Guide to Radium Springs

Dispersed camping opportunities surround Radium Springs, New Mexico across arid desert terrain at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 5,500 feet. The area experiences extreme temperature fluctuations with summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Most rustic camping sites feature open, exposed terrain with minimal natural barriers against wind or sun.

What to do

Hiking access: The Sierra Vista area serves as both camping area and trailhead access. "This is a dispersed camping space so there aren't bathrooms. The views of the mountain ridge as the sun comes up is awesome. The stars from here are pretty great too! There are a couple pull off sites in a groomed road that leads to a trailhead," reports one camper.

Mountain biking: Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed provides convenient access to multiple trail systems. "This 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," notes a camper who used the area as a base for activities.

Stargazing: Clear desert skies offer excellent night viewing opportunities. "Beautiful clear sky and view of the mountains. Very clean and well maintained," notes a visitor to one of the dispersed areas. Light pollution from Las Cruces affects some sites, but many camping spots maintain relatively dark skies suitable for astronomy.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: At Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free, campers appreciate the layout. "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," one reviewer explains. Despite the primitive nature, most sites provide adequate separation.

Morning wildlife: Early risers often spot desert wildlife. "We were the only big rig but there 4 vans and a couple of cars overnight," noted one camper about the trailhead areas. Another mentioned, "There were cows roaming about as it's free range here." Various primitive camping areas provide opportunities for wildlife viewing including coyotes, which can often be heard at night.

Accessibility: Many appreciate the proximity to Las Cruces for resupply runs. "This location is convenient enough to go back into town for things you need," explained a camper. Another mentioned, "What a nice place to stay. I like it so much I stayed for 8 days. Very close to White Sands NP and to the city."

What you should know

Road conditions: The Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed area requires appropriate vehicles. "You will need a 4x4 to get into the back area. The last few spots are the best," notes one camper. Another explains, "Coming in off of Dripping Springs Rd, you pass a large flat parking area with small sites you can pull off into, and this area is easy for any rig to access. But if you keep going all the way to the trail head and turn left, you can access more dispersed and remote camp sites."

Wind exposure: The open desert terrain provides minimal protection from elements. "You get a bit of nighttime wind as a heads up for tent campers," warns one visitor. Another noted, "Super crazy windy in the afternoons."

Regulations: The Bureau of Land Management monitors these areas regularly. "The Ranger went by every day I like that," mentioned one camper. Another shared an important warning: "Just bc our app shows BLM land, it doesn't mean we can park anywhere. We were unknowingly in an arroyo, for water flow, and the acceptable camping areas are the trailheads."

Tips for camping with families

Safety considerations: Oregan Wilderness Dispersed camping requires preparation. "The road is a bit rocky but we found a great spot to spend the night," notes one camper. Families should be aware that most sites have no barriers or fencing, creating potential hazards for unsupervised children.

Temperature preparation: Desert temperature swings require proper gear. One camper observed, "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."

Water planning: No potable water exists at any dispersed sites. Families must bring all required water for drinking, cooking, and minimal hygiene. Plan for at least one gallon per person per day, with additional reserves for summer camping.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Las Cruces Roadrunner Overlook Rest Area provides a convenient overnight option. "This is a clean and well maintained test area. There is security here during the overnight. I spoke to the security guard and he said that the rest area is very safe. He said that he is mostly here to ensure that semi trucks do not park across car spots."

Leveling challenges: The natural terrain requires preparation. "Pretty level," notes one camper about a site, though most primitive camping areas require leveling blocks or similar equipment.

Timing arrival: Competition for sites increases on weekends and during seasonal migrations. "Lots of dispersed sites but looks like a very popular area we passed over 20 campers before finding a spot," reports one camper. Another mentioned, "Every site was taken along the way until the trailhead. We decided to squeeze in and just sleep in the car, instead of risking our luck."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Radium Springs, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Radium Springs, NM is Sierra Vista with a 4.7-star rating from 30 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Radium Springs, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Radium Springs, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.