Dispersed camping near San Ysidro, New Mexico offers remote sites with elevations ranging from 4,500 to 6,000 feet in desert shrubland terrain. Campers frequently experience temperature swings of 30-40°F between day and night, especially during spring and fall seasons. The hard desert soil often requires specialized tent stakes or rock anchors for secure setup.
What to do
Hiking access: Multiple sites provide direct access to established trails through the Organ Mountains. At Sierra Vista, you'll find "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!" Many campers use these sites as staging areas for day hikes.
Mountain biking: The surrounding areas offer technical trails for riders of various skill levels. According to visitors at Sierra Vista, it's a "Good hiking/mountain bike area - lots of day hikers & bikers come in for the day so be mindful of not taking up parking spaces when looking for a place to camp."
Night sky viewing: Limited light pollution in most areas creates excellent stargazing conditions. One visitor at Baylor Canyon Rd Spur noted, "Sunset is breathtaking!! I don't recommend arriving here after dark whatsoever. 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."
What campers like
Proximity to town: Most dispersed sites are within 15-30 minutes of Las Cruces for supply runs. One camper mentioned that Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed has "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."
Privacy options: Sites vary from well-used areas to more isolated spots. A visitor at Sierra Vista Back Side noted, "Go as far as possible. The best sites are furthest from the entrance." This pattern is consistent across multiple camping areas in the region.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and evening hours offer opportunities to observe desert wildlife. At Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, one camper reported, "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."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Road conditions vary significantly between areas and weather conditions. At Oregan Wilderness Dispersed, "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."
Weather extremes: Strong winds frequently occur, particularly in afternoon and evening hours. A camper at Sierra Vista noted it was "Super crazy windy in the afternoons." Temperature variations between day and night can exceed 30 degrees.
Parking limitations: Most areas have specific guidelines for vehicle placement. One visitor cautioned, "There is a sign asking campers to not block the entrance and parking spots for hikers."
Military activity noise: Some camping areas experience noise from nearby military installations. In certain BLM areas, campers report "boom / explosion sounds all night made for an uneasy night, especially for our dogs. We are assuming the sounds came from testing and/or training at the nearby Doña Ana range."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: For families with young children, sites closer to the main access points offer easier logistics. At Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed, a camper noted, "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."
Water planning: Calculate 1-2 gallons per person per day minimum. All sites require bringing your own water supplies with no natural sources available nearby.
Wildlife awareness: Teaching children about local wildlife enhances safety and educational value. Several campers mention cattle and coyotes in the area: "There are a few cows in the area. Lots to see if you get out and walk the area."
Evening temperatures: Desert nights can drop rapidly after sunset. One family camper shared, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site sizing: Most areas have limited spaces for larger rigs. According to a camper at Baylor Canyon Rd Dispersed Site, "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."
Road condition assessment: RVers should scout access roads before attempting entry with larger vehicles. One visitor warned, "The road is pretty rocky; several places have large stones, sticking up, which could be hazardous to low-ride cars."
Leveling requirements: Most dispersed sites are on uneven terrain. As one camper noted, "Sites are not level so be prepared." Bringing leveling blocks or hydraulic systems is essential for comfortable overnight stays.
Cell coverage: Reliable connectivity exists at most sites for those working remotely. Multiple reviews confirm, "Good Verizon and AT&T reception" throughout the area, with specific mentions of "4-5 bars with AT&T" at several sites.
