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Las Cruces Rest Area offers a large roadrunner sculpture made entirely of recycled materials
Welcome to southwestern New Mexico, where public lands offer an amazing diversity of outdoor recreation opportunities. The BLM's Las Cruces District Office manages 5.4 million acres of public land and over 10 million acres of Federal mineral estate from the western side of the Guadalupe Mountains to the Arizona border, and from Sierra County and the southern edge of the Gila National Forest to the Mexican border. These public lands include majestic, scenic mountain ranges jutting from the desert floor, and towering over the surrounding desert. The confluence of the Chihuahuan desert, Rocky Mountains, great plains, Sonoran desert, and Sierra Madre make the area the most biologically and recreationally diverse region of New Mexico.
Guide
Yes, you can camp in the parking lot of the trailhead or around it if using a tent. There is a sign asking you not to block the day use parking spaces.
When you click "get directions" here on The Dyrt and use Google Maps, you will be taken to a different free/dispersed camping area a another mile or so down the road (I camped here) first come/first served. It is made up of pullouts along a rocky two track that roughly parallels the road
In reference to the above statement. Tent campers can use either area, the only stipulation is no vehicles or generators on the other side of the fence.
In reference to #2. 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. If you're lucky you'll get the single pull-through(ish) spot that is next to the cattle gaurd.
All of the above being said. This was a great place to establish a base camp for a few days while exploring the western parts of the Organ Mountains. The pullouts vary in size, from car and tent to pickup cab style RV. Most of the spaces were occupied by #vanlife types and my bright yellow teardrop stood out. Neighbors are close enough to wave at but not intrude.
Ranger
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.
Traveler
In the chill of November 2023, I found myself drawn to the desolate expanse of Dispersed Camping off Corralitos Rd on I-10, near Las Cruces, New Mexico. There, amidst the haunting shadows of dead horses scattered like forgotten relics, I lingered for a mere half-hour. This eerie spot, shrouded in mystery and decay, whispered secrets of forgotten tales amid the howling winds. A grim reminder of life's fragility, nestled just off the beaten path, where the line between the living and the dead blurs into obscurity.
Scout
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.
Scout
Sierra Vista’s Back Side Dispersed camping offers a pristine, serene outdoor experience. Its remote location provides ample space and minimal distractions, ideal for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. Proper preparation is key—bring sufficient supplies and be ready for self-sufficiency to fully enjoy this hidden gem. rv park rio hondo
Ranger
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.
GuideI don't know how to add a campground so I'll just review from here. This spot would be fine for a night if you get in late or plan to do the hike at the TH then camp. But you're literally camping in a parking lot. 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. 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
LegendFirst 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.
GuideThis was our first campsite on our cross country road trip. We arrived around 10pm and saw one other camper on the way in. It was pitch black outside so we were very pleased to wake up and see the giant mountain behind us the next morning. There were cows roaming about as it’s free range here. The road to the campsite was bumpy but not too bad. We were in a 2wd and had no issues. I’m hoping we can return to this campsite at some point but will be difficult as we live in Georgia 🥲
LegendThis 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.
LegendComing 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.
Scout
Lots of dispersed sites but looks like a very popular area we passed over 20 campers before finding a spot. Spots are pretty well spaced out with lots of vegetation inbetween. Road is a little rough 4x4 definitely recommended.
GuideIt looks like there’s a couple dif options along this road coming down from the trailhead. The trailhead parking was empty when we passed but opted to keep going to try to get more privacy. Pulled off to the left (heading south) just past a cattle guard and there were a couple other vehicles. We stopped at the first one with a fire pit. Great views, mountain on one side and the city on the other. A park ranger (blm ranger a thing?) showed up about an hour after we set up to give us an Info pamphlet and ask if we had any questions. Literally never had that happen before but he was nice. Started raining in the AM and the road in had signs that it can flood so we left early. Had 1-2 bars Verizon and Att was able to stream YouTube and Netflix!
GuideNice and quiet. Campsites, have a good separation. It’s open range.
Legend
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.
The main sites are right off the road. About 2 sites at the front with fire rings, one area that you could pull a large RV or Trailer through, and a few sites further back. Unfortunately, there was an abandon trailer in one of the best sites further back. There is a cattleguard on Baylor Canyon Rd, right next to the sites at the front, so you will hear cars drive over it throughout the night.
This isn't a bad spot if Baylor Canyon Spur is full, you can follow the road all the way to this area, or hop back on Baylor Canyon Rd and drive the paved path to the sites. Great view of the mountains, just a bit loud with the cattleguard.
Overall, if you are planning to camp out here for the great views and proximity to the trails, I'd recommend starting at the Baylor Canyon Spur Dispersed area and follow the road until you find a spot. If you can't find one there you will eventually get to this area.
No services, pack in pack out. Verizon service was good.
ScoutThe campsites are fantastic. You will need a 4x4 to get into the back area. The last few spots are the best.
ScoutI stopped here just for the night on a longer road trip, but this was a very nice camp. Very quiet with lots of privacy. I made it to a campsite in a prius even though the road is rocky (if you have 4wd you’ll have a smoother ride, but 2wd makes it just fine). There was no wind the night I stayed.
GuideHow often do you find a free spot with AMAZING hiking and privacy? Honestly I didn’t want to leave a review so this spot doesn’t blow up… The sunrises and set are to die for, the camping is peaceful(little busy but nothing bad at all), and the parking lot is very level. The drive is a little much especially if you want to go to town often, but that’s it for cons. This place is perfect.
Guide
So the road in is at the 151 Mesquite Exit off IH 10. First 2 miles were blacktop, then 2 miles of 2.5 vehicle wide gravel road then 2 miles of single vehicle gravel road. Several turnouts for camp sites with many having rock fire rings.
Lots of dove and some quail.
A few cows in the area.
Lots to see if you get out and walk the area. Several hiking trails into the Mountain range.
Light noise to the south from El Paso/IH 10 to the West but not much to the East looking into the canyon or North. Saw many stars and satellites.
Would stay again.
Light traffic during sunlight by hikers.
Quite otherwise.
Sites are not level so be prepared
TravelerThis site is at a beautiful location, I think it would be better if you had a camper or RV than a tent but we still camped on some flat sand right off the parking lot. There’s not facilities and it is hard to find a place to go to the bathroom, but if you’re used to ruffing it and don’t have 4 wheel drive this is the place for you, we are in a 2001 Camry with a jacked suspension and were completely fine. As other people mentioned it does get very windy at times.
LegendThis 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. The area is big enough for an RV or Trailer.
No services, pack in pack out, Verizon service was working well.
I stayed because I was getting up early to hike, so it was very convenient. Not a ton of noise, except the occasional car driving by the road or someone getting in and out of their vehicle.
TravelerGood hiking trail but small parking lot. We were the only big rig but there 4 vans and a couple of cars overnight. No trash or water here
TravelerYou 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.
GuideIt’s a parking area for hiking with a few places for RV’s to park for a night. 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.
RangerWe stopped here on our way from las cruces to white sands. It’s very popular pullout spot for good reason- awesome views of the Organ Mountains! We pulled in late and easily found a spot, but cars here really are parked side by side. It’s a good spot for a nights rest.
ScoutParked in graded gravel parking area at base of a Organ Mountains. Fairly level.
Traveler
Not bad at all. Not far off the main road. Paved road to it. Gravelled grounds. Pretty level. Quiet. This isn't a huge campground but we had no trouble finding a spot.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Radium Springs, New Mexico, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of options for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
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 28 reviews.
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