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Best Dispersed Camping near El Paso, TX

52 Reviews

The desert landscapes surrounding El Paso, Texas feature numerous free dispersed camping opportunities on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, primarily in neighboring New Mexico. Popular areas include Sierra Vista, Baylor Canyon Road Spur, and Gap Tank dispersed camping, all within 30-60 minutes of El Paso. Most sites are primitive with no amenities, situated along dirt roads leading to trailheads or in remote desert locations. The Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument area east of Las Cruces provides the highest concentration of camping options, with sites offering dramatic mountain views and proximity to hiking trails.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with many sites requiring careful navigation on rough terrain. As one camper noted, "The road is pretty rocky, take it slow and you'll be good though. 4WD not needed, I managed fine in a 2WD Escape, wouldn't attempt going too far in with low clearance as some rocks are pretty big." Weather considerations include dramatic temperature fluctuations between day and night, particularly in winter months. Strong winds are common, especially in the afternoon and evening. Most areas have good cell service with major carriers, allowing for remote work possibilities. Fort Bliss Army Range dispersed camping requires special permits obtained at Buffalo Soldiers Gate plus approval from Range Control.

Mountain views dominate the camping experience near El Paso, with many campers highlighting the spectacular sunsets and stargazing opportunities. Several reviewers mention the contrast between city lights visible in the distance and the natural darkness of the camping areas. Wildlife sightings include coyotes, jackrabbits, quail, and dove. Campers frequently recommend arriving early to secure preferred spots, especially at popular areas like Sierra Vista. "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," explains one visitor to Baylor Canyon Road Spur. Most locations fill quickly on weekends and during pleasant weather seasons, though more remote areas like Gap Tank remain relatively uncrowded year-round.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near El Paso, Texas (15)

    1. Sierra Vista

    30 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    37 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."

    "This site has 6 solitary spots away from other campers and 1 large spot for 5 or 6 campers. The large spot can get kind of crowded so get there early if you want a spot away from other campers."

    2. Fort Bliss Army Range dispersed camping

    1 Review
    Chaparral, TX
    21 miles

    "My son and I tent camped on the Ft. Bliss range’s south training zones circa 2014 at a place called Kerby Tank (see google maps) on the east edge of the range. It was a great adventure."

    3. BLM Dispersed camping along B059 New Mexico

    6 Reviews
    Mesilla, NM
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "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."

    "Pretty good about 4 spots to pull off maybe more if you have a higher clearance vehicle and can make it back in farther my Camry couldn’t lol but still a nice place to stay a couple days good view of the"

    4. Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free

    13 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    38 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."

    5. Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    37 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."

    6. Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "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."

    "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."

    7. Oregan Wilderness Dispersed

    5 Reviews
    Organ, NM
    39 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. Gap Tank dispersed camping

    2 Reviews
    Chamberino, NM
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "I tent camped at Gap Tank again in January 2025. Awesome time again. It was actually cold then. The sky was dark at night and we couldn’t see any electric lights."

    "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."

    9. Las Cruces Roadrunner Overlook Rest Area

    3 Reviews
    Mesilla, NM
    42 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."

    10. Baylor Canyon - Organ Mountains Basecamp

    1 Review
    Organ, NM
    38 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near El Paso, TX

57 Photos of 15 El Paso Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near El Paso, TX

52 Reviews of 15 El Paso Campgrounds

  • Jacob W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 3, 2025

    Gap Tank dispersed camping

    Still lonely desert, still awesome

    I tent camped at Gap Tank again in January 2025. Awesome time again. 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. No javelinas this time, just a jackrabbit. Gap Tank was dry but nearby Mesquite Tank had water and even a little ice on the edges.

  • 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.

  • Dan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2022

    BLM Dispersed camping along B059 New Mexico

    4 Days of Dispersed Enjoyment

    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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Jacob W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 30, 2021

    Fort Bliss Army Range dispersed camping

    Army range camping

    My son and I tent camped on the Ft. Bliss range’s south training zones circa 2014 at a place called Kerby Tank (see google maps) on the east edge of the range. It was a great adventure. Very empty and quiet with a great view of distant, northeast El Paso and the Franklin Mountains at sunset. It was free but we needed two sets of permissions. First you need an annual range permit at the Buffalo Soldiers Gate. Then you need to call Range Control and ask to camp. Watch out for UXO (unexploded ordnance)!

Guide to El Paso

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near El Paso, Texas, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, these spots offer a perfect escape for adventurers.

Scenic Views for Dispersed Campers

  • Experience breathtaking sunsets and expansive views at Fort Bliss Army Range dispersed camping, where the quiet surroundings enhance your connection to nature.
  • The Sierra Vista area provides a picturesque backdrop with the twinkling lights of Las Cruces visible at night, making it an ideal spot for stargazing.
  • Enjoy the serene environment at Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free, where you can find privacy and stunning mountain views.

Outdoor Activities While Free Camping Near El Paso

Unique Experiences for Dispersed Campers

Frequently Asked Questions

What BLM land is available for camping near El Paso?

The El Paso area is surrounded by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas that permit dispersed camping. Sierra Vista offers about six individual camping spots plus one larger area that can accommodate multiple campers, all managed by BLM and located close to Las Cruces. For more remote options, BLM Dispersed camping along B059 New Mexico is accessible via the Mesquite Exit (151) off I-10, with the first two miles on blacktop before transitioning to gravel roads. This area features multiple turnouts with established rock fire rings. These BLM lands typically allow 14-day stays and require pack-in, pack-out practices.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near El Paso?

Several free dispersed camping options exist near El Paso. Gap Tank dispersed camping offers a remote desert experience in the Desert Peaks National Monument, providing dark skies and solitude despite being relatively close to El Paso. It's very primitive with no facilities. Another option is Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM, Free, which features multiple established sites with fire rings along a dirt road. The road is manageable without 4x4 in dry conditions, though high clearance is recommended. These sites offer convenient access to hiking opportunities and beautiful mountain views while remaining close enough to town for supplies.

What amenities should I expect at primitive camping sites around El Paso?

Primitive camping sites around El Paso are truly minimalist. At Baylor Pass West Trailhead Dispersed, which is essentially a parking lot where camping is permitted, expect no facilities whatsoever. Similarly, at Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed, you'll find more remote sites but no amenities. Most dispersed sites in the area feature nothing more than a cleared space and possibly a rock fire ring. There are no toilets, picnic tables, trash service, or water sources. You must bring everything you need, including water, and pack out all waste. Cell service varies by location, with better coverage at sites closer to Las Cruces or El Paso. Always prepare for self-sufficient camping.

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