Sierra Vista offers several free dispersed camping areas approximately 15 miles east of Fort Bliss across multiple BLM locations in the Organ Mountains. Most sites feature established fire rings and accommodate both tents and vehicles, with high clearance recommended for accessing the more remote spots. The main Sierra Vista area provides easier access with about 10 pull-offs visible from the road, while Sierra Vista Back Side requires 4WD to reach the more secluded campsites.
Several areas along B059 (Mossman Road) provide additional backcountry camping options. A recent review noted "first 2 miles were blacktop, then 2 miles of wide gravel road, then 2 miles of single vehicle gravel road with several turnouts for camp sites." Fort Bliss Army Range also permits dispersed camping but requires both an annual range permit from the Buffalo Soldiers Gate and permission from Range Control. Campers should be prepared for self-sufficiency as no amenities are available, and occasional noise from military training occurs. Most locations offer impressive views of Las Cruces, the Organ Mountains, and excellent stargazing despite some light pollution from nearby cities.
"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."
"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."
"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"
"Always stay here on my way back to Texas or heading farther west. A few solid campsites on mossman road; roads are a little rough closer to the campsite but nothing crazy, should be good for a 2wd."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Cox visitor center (Dripping Springs) nearby which we went to in the morning for bathrooms. Other cars and RVs came and went. Note there are two pull-offs so and we took the first one."
"This rest area is done so well with designated spots for truckers, rv's, campervans. And road sign tell you how many spots are available. Great view of the city. Nice restrooms."
"Safe. Beautiful view. No complaints."
"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."
"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."
TravelerWas a little nervous as I have a 27 ft class C plus towing and wasn’t sure about being able to turn around but no problem at all. Great loop drive with beautiful amazing views 360 plus you get to camp next to beautiful cows with horns. Great spot not far off main road at all.
TravelerEasy in had a very calm night.
ScoutIt’s just a medium sized parking lot. No turn offs to pull into. Good for 1 night on way through.
GuideThese spots are all along a stretch of very rocky road. Our small two wheel drive couldn’t make it down very far, but we were still able to get to a spot. We were the only folks there, and besides occasional cars passing by the main road, it felt very private.
Accessibility: very flat. Thin layer of loose gravel in parts. Could be navigated by manual wheelchair with off-roading wheels/freewheel.
TravelerIt’s not a bad place. I’m all by myself and easy to pull in. There’s some ruts you gotta look out for but it’s pull through. I mean easy to come and go relaxing hot. It’s not a bad place. You’re right by a gas station little expensive don’t have very much food there just a lot of merchandise.
GuideOnly four stars because people should clean up after themselves better. Our site had broken glass. The road is a little rough so we took the first site. We had a rented minivan. There is a an A.B. Cox visitor center (Dripping Springs) nearby which we went to in the morning for bathrooms. Other cars and RVs came and went. Note there are two pull-offs so and we took the first one. There are also other dispersed sites nearby so nice location to be able to find a spot because there are many.
ScoutThe Highlights The mountain views are stunning, and the campsites are impressively clean. My site featured a great rustic rock fire ring. The Access The trail in is very bumpy and rocky. Do not attempt this with a long motorhome or a low-clearance camper. Bottom Line A beautiful, clean getaway if your vehicle can handle the trek!
TravelerSome sites have fire rings. All are of good size and flat. Amazing views of Organ Mountains.
GuideAt the foot of the Organ mountains. BLM bumpy rocky road with clear pullouts for camping and day use. Highly recommend AT tires with some clearance. Fairly busy area.
Dispersed camping near Fort Bliss, Texas offers access to desert backcountry camping across multiple Bureau of Land Management (BLM) locations. The area sits at approximately 4,000 feet elevation with temperature swings of up to 30°F between day and night during spring and fall seasons. Winter nights regularly drop below freezing while summer daytime temperatures often exceed 100°F.
Hiking the Organ Mountains: Trail access from Baylor Canyon Rd Spur, BLM provides excellent starting points for day hikes. "We 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," reports one camper.
Stargazing at night: Dark skies at Oregan Wilderness Dispersed camping area offer prime stargazing conditions. "Sunset on the Organ Mtns was beautiful and we woke up to a light dusting of snow," notes one visitor who appreciated the night sky views.
Wildlife observation: The remote Gap Tank dispersed camping area provides opportunities to spot desert wildlife. "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," reports one camper about winter conditions.
Isolation from crowds: The back areas of Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed camping provide more seclusion. "The campsites are fantastic. You will need a 4x4 to get into the back area. The last few spots are the best," notes one camper who appreciated the privacy.
Cellular connectivity: Many dispersed sites maintain good coverage for remote work. At BLM Dispersed camping along B059, a camper reported: "Drove in at 8pm in dark. First couple miles paved then ~3 miles to camping top. Many places to camp along way up. Good T-mobile reception. Watched end of Chiefs-Rams football game on iPhone."
Proximity to amenities: The camping areas provide wilderness experience while keeping urban conveniences within reach. "This location is convenient enough to go back into town for things you need. We went to Holiday World RV (which I highly recommend) to get a repair done and returned to the area," noted a camper about Sierra Vista.
Military training noise: Expect occasional loud sounds from Fort Bliss training operations. One camper at BLM Dispersed camping along B059 reported: "It was extremely windy when we stayed here, and 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."
Wind conditions: Strong winds can affect tent camping, particularly in spring. "Super crazy windy in the afternoons," warned a visitor to Sierra Vista, while another noted "47 degrees dropped to 39 by morning" showing significant temperature fluctuations.
Road conditions: Many access roads require slow, careful driving. "The road is a bit rough but we found a great spot to spend the night," reports a camper at Oregan Wilderness Dispersed, while another notes "I tried another dispersed camping area, a couple of miles closer to Las Cruces... but it looked like there was a few cars there for a party."
Safety considerations: Las Cruces Roadrunner Overlook Rest Area provides a safer alternative for overnight stays with facilities. "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," notes one traveler.
Wildlife education: Use the camping experience for nature observation opportunities. One camper at Gap Tank shared: "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."
Timing considerations: Weekday arrivals increase chances of securing preferred sites. "Luckily we got here early, since it really filled up around sunset. Vans, tents, and RVs all fit," noted one camper about site availability at popular dispersed areas.
Space limitations: Select appropriate dispersed sites based on your vehicle size. At Baylor Canyon - Organ Mountains Basecamp, a camper reported: "I showed up here with my travel trailer, I think it was a good place to park and enjoy the view and night time breeze."
Parking etiquette: Respect day-use areas when overnight camping. "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," notes a visitor to Baylor Pass West Trailhead.
High clearance requirements: Most roads to remote sites require appropriate vehicles. "Able to get our 39' toy hauler into this location without any issues," reports a visitor to Oregan Wilderness Dispersed, while others caution about rocky terrain on many access roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Fort Bliss, TX?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Fort Bliss, TX is Sierra Vista with a 4.7-star rating from 34 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Fort Bliss, TX?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Fort Bliss, TX, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
