Whether you come to Las Cruces for the food, the culture, or the wildlife, you can enjoy it all from your base camp at one of the many free campsites in town.
You’ll find many options, and some are better than others. If you’d like some guidance, we’re here to help.
Today, we’re highlighting five free places to boondock near Las Cruces.
Let’s roll!
About Las Cruces
Mexican, Spanish, and Indigenous influences converge for a rich cultural experience in the sunny city of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Its eclectic history is apparent in the lively downtown district, which features colorful boutiques, local galleries, and tons of restaurants.
A stroll down Main Street will open your eyes to the town’s artsy emphasis. You’ll see murals and sculptures around every corner. And after hours, you can dance the night away to the sound of melodic guitars.
While there’s a lot to enjoy about the city, there’s even more to love in the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. Las Cruces is nestled between the Organ Mountains, Dona Ana Range, Portrillo Volcanic Field, and Robledo Mountains. The landscape features staggering geologic formations, slot canyons, and even ancient dinosaur footprints.
Whether you’re an avid adventurer or prefer a casual stroll through nature, there’s a trail for you here. Mountain bikers and equestrians will also be in good company.
Additionally, RVers will be right at home here. With prevalent BLM land, you’ll find plenty of free campsites in and around Las Cruces. To make it even easier, we’ve put together five of the best places to camp that won’t cost you a dime.
#1 Tortugas Mountain Dispersed Camping
You’ll see an enormous “A” etched into the hillside when you look east from town. This is Tortugas Mountain. It’s an excellent spot for hiking, mountain biking, rockhounding, and boondocking in Las Cruces.
Located right off Dripping Springs Road, you can expect a decent amount of traffic and noise. After all, this is a busy destination that fills up quickly in the peak season.
You’ll only find space for a handful of overnighters. Depending on the size of your rig, it might be a tight squeeze. And the ground here is a little uneven, so you won’t want to leave your levelers at home.
However, the payoff is worth it. You’ll have striking views in every direction and adventure right outside your door. We suggest taking a day or two to explore the area. Five different trails traverse this part of the desert, giving you views of the surrounding landscape.
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#2 Monte Vista Trailhead
Folks looking for a bit more wiggle room can head to the eastern side of Tortugas Mountain. Here, you’ll find the access point for the Monte Vista hiking trail. You might have to deal with noise from the highway and early-morning hikers setting out on their excursions, but it’s not a bad trade-off for a free campsite in Las Cruces.
Folks with big rigs should try to arrive early. All that space evaporates when it’s busy. You’ll have access to trash cans, picnic tables, and the popular trailhead. Consider hitting the path before you get back on the road.
To get here, follow Dripping Springs Road east past the mountain and look for the Monte Vista Trailhead on the right.
#3 Prehistoric Trackways Dispersed Camping
Prehistoric Trackways National Monument is one of the hottest attractions in Las Cruces. Located 20 minutes north of downtown, you can see the fossilized footprints of Paleozoic-era dinosaurs. So, why not get comfortable and stay the night?
At the trailhead, you’ll have your pick of two spacious parking lots. The road is well-maintained, but you may encounter a few potholes along the way.
Although off-road vehicles dominate the area during the day, most leave by nightfall. When the sun rises, take the two-mile Trackways Trail to see the paleontological relics that draw in so many explorers.
#4 Sierra Vista Dispersed Camping
You might expect the best campground in the country to be a pricey spot with tons of amenities. But that’s not the case! According to The Dyrt, a free campsite at this Las Cruces national monument beats out competitors nationwide.
It’s clean, easy to access, and offers incredible views of the Organ and Tortugas Mountains. BLM rangers frequently swing by to ensure campers obey quiet hours.
However, quiet and solitude don’t always go hand-in-hand. Be aware that it gets really busy here during peak season. And if you choose to venture past the upper parking area, you’ll likely need four-wheel drive.
As you head east on Dripping Springs Road, you’ll see the Sierra Vista trailhead about six miles past Tortugas Mountain.
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#5 Baylor Canyon Dispersed Camping
You’ll want to hit up this spot if you have a relatively small rig with high clearance! The road is bumpy and rocky, but campers rave about the views and peaceful environment. Plus, you’ll have front-row seats for the best sunset vistas at this free Las Cruces boondocking area.
In addition to the sights, you’ll also have access to fire rings. You can expect to see friendly BLM rangers stop by occasionally on their rounds.
Be sure to get there early so you have plenty of daylight to assess the conditions. After all, you don’t want to end up in a pinch on this lonely mountain road. The next morning, hop onto Highway 70 for the 30-minute trip to White Sands National Monument.
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Is Boondocking in Las Cruces Worth It?
Although some people want all the bells and whistles of an RV resort, there’s nothing like getting out into nature and exploring the great outdoors. So, if you ask us, tracking down a free campsite in Las Cruces is definitely worth it. And finding one shouldn’t take much work.
The next time you’re in southern New Mexico, check out some of these spots and take a walk on the wild side!
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