Camping in Las Cruces, NM, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2023

United States
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New Mexico
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Las Cruces

90% (1096 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Las Cruces

Under $50

Top camping destinations

Gila National Forest

244 campgrounds

Lincoln National Forest

146 campgrounds

Corona

186 campgrounds

Guadalupe Mountains National Park

88 campgrounds

Las Nutrias

233 campgrounds

Elephant Butte Lake State Park

196 campgrounds

Within one hour of Las Cruces

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Chiricahua Camp Site - 41 Acres

10 sites · RVs, Tents41 acres · Radium Springs, Doña Ana

Learn more about this land: RV and tent camping. Wide open spaces for camping and secluded privacy. Perfect for a Nakation, a clothing optional vacation, Lots of privacy on BLM land as well as unused or monitored State park property south. Hiking on Private Property, BLM and unmonitored New Mexico State Park Property Two miles away from a natural formation called Slot Canyon. Fishing on the Rio Grande. Hiking and climbing, nearby caves. Some controlled, slow quad vehicle exploration. Nearby is the Martinez Roping Arena, were they have regular Saturday Rodeo competitions. Caballo lake is just 30 miles away. Dancing at the Blue Moon Bar is 7 miles away. accomodations are under development and will have more available to campers in near future. Call for more information.

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Tres Caballos

3 sites · Lodging7 acres · Las Cruces, NM

Locals consider this property one of the best secrets of the valley. The main house is an old adobe built sometime in the '30s, added on to over the years. Joe Augustine raised his family as well as race horses here and it is often referred as the old Augustine place. Things I love about this place; a landscape in every direction, all the mountains that create the Mesilla Valley are visible, the way the light changes, the sound of the train, how quiet and peaceful it is, watching the crops grow and change, the very dark nights. It is an amazingly healing space to be, it kinda sucks the hustle right out of you allowing space for expansion. Come be still and listen. Access to the river and mountains is easy, day trips abound, and town is close enough but not too close. Ask me about an Artist Retreat beginner or masterclasses availableLearn more about this land:Welcome to dark star filled nights and birdsong days. This is your Gateway to all that southern new Mexico has to offer and it's a lot! Your Casita is a very well appointed two bedroom two bathroom, full kitchen, dining area and living room. All with a retro/boho feel, mid century modern meets vintage finds. The vistas are always enchanting and can be enjoyed from either of the covered porches, or out by the stock tank pond, you will have a front row seat to the Dona Ana and Organ Mountains, and probably a couple of exotic horses grazing in the pasture, just because!We have Parks, Monuments, public lands all for the hikers, foodies will delight in the many restaurants, food trucks, brew pubs and distilleries. Arts and culture abound also with a variety of museums, art galleries, theater and fiestas.And yet the farm feels remote, a slice of solitude, it is the perfect gateway to the world and the perfect place to come home to.

93%

(21)

Horner Hipcamp

15 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Radium Springs, Doña Ana

New to Hipcamp, but want to share my beautiful property with others. Located on the bank of the Rio Grande River with access to the river at all times. Property is rustic now, but improvements will continue to be made as time goes on. Come help me develop this beautiful location into the best Hipcamp in New Mexico. Just 14 miles of the Chile Capital of the World, Hatch, NM, come during chile harvest to take home fresh green chile right out of the field. 21 miles from Las Cruces, where you will find plenty of events and entertainment, should you so desire. Spaceport, America, T or C, White Sands are all within a day's drive, and Fort Selden is just a few miles down the road, as is Blue Moon Bar and Grill. My dad first came to this property as a farm hand for the elderly couple who owned it. This was in the 1930's. He met my mother, who lived 6 miles down the road, in 1939. She was just 14. Every Sunday he would ride those 6 miles to have supper with her and her family and in 1940, 2 weeks after her 16th birthday, they married. They traveled around before coming back here, buying a small portion of this farm from the elderly owners and farming the rest for them, but in 1953, the man died (his name was Ernest Ward) in the small concrete house I now use for storage, that my dad had built for he and his wife when he first came to work for them. My parents built a home for his widow in Hatch (14 miles) and bought the farm from her. My family has owned it since. I was gone for 31 years, but returned to the land and place I love and plan to stay here till I die!

95%

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Spur-C Desert Oasis

1 site · RV1 acre · Anthony, Doña Ana

Learn more about this land: This site is at least an acre of sandy soil full of desert bushes, cacti, and trees. Area for parking / tents is cleared. It is situated at the east end of a 20 acre horse boarding stable. This is a quiet setting in southern New Mexico just one mile off McNutt Rd on a dirt road. There is plenty of space to stretch your legs and enjoy a view of the Franklin Mountains and if you are lucky some of our wildlife. A great place to spend a quiet, safe, stopover. You are within easy reach of White Sands National Park, Hueco Tanks Park, Franklin Mountain Park, and all the amenities of El Paso , Texas. Schedule only through Hipcamp.com. Use this link or download the app to your phone. https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/new-mexico-spur-c-desert-oasis-kk9hworr?adults=1&children=0

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(81)

Ray & Lucille's place

2 sites · RVs3 acres · La Mesa, Doña Ana

Our farm is located in La Mesa, NM in the Mesilla Valley. Centered between Las Cruces, NM and El Paso, TX . The farming community offers open fields of various crops as well as pecan orchards. Minutes from hiking destinations Organ Mountain Desert Peaks National Monument and Franklin Mountains State Park. Various wineries and breweries within minutes. Elephant Butte Lake State Park 1 hr 41 min (104 miles) White Sands National Park 1 hr 8 min (72 miles)Learn more about this land:Come stay at our fully equipped, safe RV Sites with full hook ups here at our little farm in the middle of Mesilla Valley. Just 6 miles off I-10 in La Mesa, NM. We are in a farming community among pecan orchards, cotton fields, hay fields. Easy to find, our peaceful and private RV sites are 1/4 mile off scenic NM Hwy 28. There are 4 wineries and a brewery within 20 minutes of our farm. Great country setting 20 minutes south of Mesilla and Las Cruces and 20 minutes North of El Paso, TX.

12 top campgrounds near Las Cruces

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Freedom Field

5 sites · Tents40 acres · Ventura, NM

Learn more about this land:Freedom Field is an Ultralight and light sport remote airfield with campsites, two miles east of the Florida mountains in the Chihuahuan Desert of Luna County New Mexico. We boast a quiet remote location with very little light pollution for amazing up close, reach out and touch it night skies.Our campsites are Huge and far apart to accommodate large camp parties with some distance between campsites.Aircraft may operate from Sunup to sundown. Dry campers, RVs, Boondockers, tent campers, Hikers, Bikers, Skoolies and Van dwellers welcome. At this time there are no aircraft based at the field and air traffic is very sparse.We are roughly 26 Miles from Deming and 50 Miles to Las Cruces.It is about 16 miles by road to Exit 102 on Interstate 10.

SaddleHawk Ranch

22 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Deming, Luna

Located in the high desert (4500 ft) of the Southwest, we have multiple areas for you to RV boondock or tent camp. We are a working ranch and a 501(c)3 non profit charity organization, with 32 +- Equines (Horses, Mules, Donkeys) with a horse and buggy driving school. The non profit called Equine Safe Haven, a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization teaches horsemanship and carriage driving, using horses that were discarded in their older age. Some of these are x harness racing horses, and/or used in life by the Amish - and at an older age they were no longer useful to them. Equine Safe Haven & SaddleHawk Ranch purchased 8 of them from a Texas Kill Pen, only days away from being shipped to Mexico for slaughter. Come pet and love on them, as they have a second chance in life and the program makes a difference to those that are economically or physically disadvantaged. We have water hydrants located around the Ranch and a BBQ area for you to use. We can accommodate any size RV up to and including tractor trailers. We have two 50 amp sites and one 30 amp site if you need electric. Check in info: CHECK IN TIME: BETWEEN 3pm and SUNSET - it gets VERY dark here (great for stargazing) and we need you here by sunset, and also to be fair to the other guests that stay. NOTE: THE GATE IS LOCKED BETWEEN 9PM and 7AM. Checkout is by 11am. If you intend to arrive later than sunset or leave earlier then 7am this may not be the place for you to camp, sorry. As we would like to allow travelers time to rest, and as we are on a schedule, we have set hours that we operate in.

Hot Springs Glamp Camp

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Elephant Butte, Sierra

Come for the Hot Springs, Stay for the Camping! For travelers looking for a unique and easy getaway or break from the road, Hot Springs Glamp Camp offers the perfect "Glamorous Camping" experience! Unlike chain hotels or Airbnb stays, Glamp Camp creates a place for both community and alone time; for rejuvenation and healing in the onsite hot springs, in a relaxing, friendly, tribe vibe. Well-behaved children and dogs are welcome (Pets must be approved to stay in accommodations, be on-leash, and cleaned up after at all times). Fun Fact: This property is rumored to have been a nudist colony and/or spiritual commune in the 80's. We look forward to hosting you!

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Camp Rio

59 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Mayhill, Otero

Camp Rio, formerly named Camp @ Cloudcroft is located in beautiful SE New Mexico! The park is surrounded by thousands of acres of the Lincoln National Forest. The forest is laced with small villages, picturesque roads, riding, hiking, golf, and walking trails. Small valleys, surrounding mountains, racing streams, wildlife, birds, mountain glens and outdoor activities are available to Camp Rio guests. The small towns around us are Mayhill, Cloudcroft, Weed, and Pinion. These towns have scheduled activities such as arts and craft fairs, car shows, bluegrass festivals, dog shows, and Lumberjack days. Additional day trips to Alamogordo, Capitan (Smokey the Bear), Carlsbad, Las Cruces, Lincoln (Billy the Kid), Ruidoso (skiing), Sunspot (National Solar Observatory, Truth or Consequences (Hot Springs) and White Sands National Monument! Guests enjoy our upgraded free wifi to have the best of both worlds, surrounded by beautiful nature, while still being able to connect with family/friends/work. Our location is superb to use as a base camp for numerous attractions as a centralized location to have many adventures.

Stargazers Mountain Camping Retreat

4 sites · Tents5 acres · Nogal, Lincoln

Learn more about this land: We have sites available for bringing your own tent or car/truck camping. We have a port-o-potty. Beautiful 360 views on top of a Mesa. Wildlife is all about. 420 Friendly.

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Pedro S.’s Land

7 sites · Lodging30 acres · Nogal, Lincoln

Unplug from the city to soak up in nature and experience El Mistico Ranch. El Mistico Ranch consist of 30 acres of natural high desert land with natural spring waters, nearby Lincoln National Forest as our next door neighbor, you are actually just a short drive to Capitan for basic services and shopping; Ruidoso for arts, golf, dining, skiing, and more. The climate is mild here and the property is vegetated with pinon pine, juniper, and a variety of cacti.

Boot Hill RV Resort

20 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Alamogordo, Otero

Rent a cabin or bring your RV to the Boot Hill RV Resort to enjoy the quintessential desert vista that is a staple of New Mexico. Look for the big, red boot statue out front, and enter for excellent facilities and guaranteed great stay. Expect cabins decorated to match the decor of the Old Midwest, and a pavilion for group socials and entertaining. There's a laundry room, art gallery, picnic area, gift shop, WIFI, big-rig friendly sites and a pet-friendly space. Look forward for seasonal country dances, art classes and displays and of course, plenty of bluegrass live music. We can't wait to see you there!

89%

(68)

Casita on Sapillo Creek Escape

4 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Lake Roberts, Grant

Sapillo Creek Escape is a truly unique gem in the Gila Wilderness. It sits at 6,000 feet above sea level, was custom designed and built by the creator of the Bear Creek Motel and Lodge in Piños Altos, and took 7 years to construct. Everything from the saltillo tiles to the wood latilla ceilings are custom built and exquisitely hand-laid. With over 3,000 square feet in the home at your disposal, this place is made for just you, or you and your family and friends, to enjoy the Gila Wilderness, Silver City, and Grant County. Fishing, birding, biking, hiking, horseback riding and more await you in the Gila, with dining, arts, culture and more in Silver City. The Casita at Sapillo Creek Escape sits on 20 acres, so camping is welcome. Pets are permitted with prior review and approval. All pets must be friendly and get along with other pets, and must be fully vaccinated (proof of vaccinations is required, especially rabies, parvo virus and kennel cough). We purchased Sapillo Creek Escape in early 2019. We are thrilled and honored to own it, and be the caretakers of this gem, which was so dear to the owner’s heart.Welcome to our home! Tommy & Jennifer

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Tierra Soul

8 sites · RVs, Tents65 acres · Magdalena, NM

Hop Canyon is one of the most special places we have ever experienced. About 2 miles passed the turn off to the Kelly Mine Ghost Town and over the boundary of the Cibola National Forest, our little "camp" is set up just for you. Our guests tell us it's a little slice of paradise. Bring your small "Caravan" and enjoy our magical little place. We don't have proper hook-ups, or dump station, but we think the canyon beauty makes up for it! Moving our urban farm from Portland, Oregon to the New Mexican mountains has been a fun and exciting challenge. We began with a tiny test garden, then graduated to a full kitchen garden, and then moved to our off-grid acreage where we are designing a small-scale regenerative ranching project with our growing herd as well as reestablishing our bee sanctuary / honey spa / artist hive. We are excited to start inviting Farm-Stayers to join us. Join us up the canyon - just minutes from the village of Magdalena for a relaxing get away. We are currently gathering a collection of unique vintage RV & Shepherd Hut accommodations where you can detox and relax. We also have space for dry RV-ers and campers. We offer unique stays for visitors ~ extra special lodging for travelers, retreat spaces for seeking souls, and artist in residency studio spaces for creatives of all sorts . . . Ask us about our plans for trail riding, art experiences, healing retreats, tours, and our B&B family style culinary offerings.

Midtown Mountain Campground and RV

32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Ruidoso, Lincoln

Midtown Mountain Campground and RV is one of the top 5 RV Parks and Campgrounds in New Mexico, as rated by RV Life Magazine. We have the fastest WiFi in any RV Park in New Mexico. And we are one of the top destination locations in the Nation! Ruidoso New Mexico has it all from horse racing, casinos, hiking, fishing, shopping and much more!!! Midtown Mountain Campground and RV Park is at it's center. Come stay here and get out there!!!

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Apache RV Park with Tent sites

5 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Reserve, Catron

Learn more about this land:Apache RV Park is a quiet and spacious RV Park with beautiful Mountain View’s in Gila National Forest. We have full hookups, clean bathrooms with showers, Wi-Fi, Laundromat, propane, tent sites, horseshoe pit and country hospitality. Our lots are extra wide with plenty of space for your trailer and any extra vehicles. You can cuddle up close to a loved one with our newly renovated fire pit and spend some quality time reconnecting with nature. Paint the nearby village of Reserve red by stopping by the local watering hole and eating some great New Mexico cuisine. There is close access to local trail heads, side by side trails, Gila National Forest, Petroglyphs, historic ruins and the continental divide trail. We are your home away from home for hunting, rock hounding, fishing and hiking adventures. As always your furry friend is always welcome to stay with us.

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Plateau Hame De Colquhoun

5 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Bosque, Socorro

Our family purchased this land in January of 2020 with living on and building a tiny house. Along the way we plan on setting up a couple campsites and have a few small events.Learn more about this land:Here at Plateau Hame De Colquhoun our goal is to live off our land without leaving much of a carbon footprint. We have opened our land in hopes that others can come be themselves, relax, explore, learn or teach within a safe Environment! Plateau Hame De Colquhoun is reasonably private and you can make your visit your own. Enjoy being yourself amongst the space.. 420 friendly. Located on edge of the Mesa overlooking the Rio Grande with beautiful mountains views, keep in mind this is an ongoing project and much of the land is untamed and in all its natural glory. *Snakes, other wild life included* Like the lives of pioneers before us the amenities are sparse. If you enjoy ruggedness and serene isolation with majestic views of the local mountain ranges, then this is your place to visit.

Star Hosts in Las Cruces

Boot Hill RV Resort

20 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Alamogordo, NM

Rent a cabin or bring your RV to the Boot Hill RV Resort to enjoy the quintessential desert vista that is a staple of New Mexico. Look for the big, red boot statue out front, and enter for excellent facilities and guaranteed great stay. Expect cabins decorated to match the decor of the Old Midwest, and a pavilion for group socials and entertaining. There's a laundry room, art gallery, picnic area, gift shop, WIFI, big-rig friendly sites and a pet-friendly space. Look forward for seasonal country dances, art classes and displays and of course, plenty of bluegrass live music. We can't wait to see you there!

SaddleHawk Ranch

22 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Deming, NM

Located in the high desert (4500 ft) of the Southwest, we have multiple areas for you to RV boondock or tent camp. We are a working ranch and a 501(c)3 non profit charity organization, with 32 +- Equines (Horses, Mules, Donkeys) with a horse and buggy driving school. The non profit called Equine Safe Haven, a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization teaches horsemanship and carriage driving, using horses that were discarded in their older age. Some of these are x harness racing horses, and/or used in life by the Amish - and at an older age they were no longer useful to them. Equine Safe Haven & SaddleHawk Ranch purchased 8 of them from a Texas Kill Pen, only days away from being shipped to Mexico for slaughter. Come pet and love on them, as they have a second chance in life and the program makes a difference to those that are economically or physically disadvantaged. We have water hydrants located around the Ranch and a BBQ area for you to use. We can accommodate any size RV up to and including tractor trailers. We have two 50 amp sites and one 30 amp site if you need electric. Check in info: CHECK IN TIME: BETWEEN 3pm and SUNSET - it gets VERY dark here (great for stargazing) and we need you here by sunset, and also to be fair to the other guests that stay. NOTE: THE GATE IS LOCKED BETWEEN 9PM and 7AM. Checkout is by 11am. If you intend to arrive later than sunset or leave earlier then 7am this may not be the place for you to camp, sorry. As we would like to allow travelers time to rest, and as we are on a schedule, we have set hours that we operate in.

Freedom Field

5 sites · Tents40 acres · Ventura, NM

Learn more about this land:Freedom Field is an Ultralight and light sport remote airfield with campsites, two miles east of the Florida mountains in the Chihuahuan Desert of Luna County New Mexico. We boast a quiet remote location with very little light pollution for amazing up close, reach out and touch it night skies.Our campsites are Huge and far apart to accommodate large camp parties with some distance between campsites.Aircraft may operate from Sunup to sundown. Dry campers, RVs, Boondockers, tent campers, Hikers, Bikers, Skoolies and Van dwellers welcome. At this time there are no aircraft based at the field and air traffic is very sparse.We are roughly 26 Miles from Deming and 50 Miles to Las Cruces.It is about 16 miles by road to Exit 102 on Interstate 10.

Camp Rio

59 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Mayhill, Otero

Camp Rio, formerly named Camp @ Cloudcroft is located in beautiful SE New Mexico! The park is surrounded by thousands of acres of the Lincoln National Forest. The forest is laced with small villages, picturesque roads, riding, hiking, golf, and walking trails. Small valleys, surrounding mountains, racing streams, wildlife, birds, mountain glens and outdoor activities are available to Camp Rio guests. The small towns around us are Mayhill, Cloudcroft, Weed, and Pinion. These towns have scheduled activities such as arts and craft fairs, car shows, bluegrass festivals, dog shows, and Lumberjack days. Additional day trips to Alamogordo, Capitan (Smokey the Bear), Carlsbad, Las Cruces, Lincoln (Billy the Kid), Ruidoso (skiing), Sunspot (National Solar Observatory, Truth or Consequences (Hot Springs) and White Sands National Monument! Guests enjoy our upgraded free wifi to have the best of both worlds, surrounded by beautiful nature, while still being able to connect with family/friends/work. Our location is superb to use as a base camp for numerous attractions as a centralized location to have many adventures.

Hot Springs Glamp Camp

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Elephant Butte, Sierra

Come for the Hot Springs, Stay for the Camping! For travelers looking for a unique and easy getaway or break from the road, Hot Springs Glamp Camp offers the perfect "Glamorous Camping" experience! Unlike chain hotels or Airbnb stays, Glamp Camp creates a place for both community and alone time; for rejuvenation and healing in the onsite hot springs, in a relaxing, friendly, tribe vibe. Well-behaved children and dogs are welcome (Pets must be approved to stay in accommodations, be on-leash, and cleaned up after at all times). Fun Fact: This property is rumored to have been a nudist colony and/or spiritual commune in the 80's. We look forward to hosting you!

Dog-friendly getaways

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(10)

SaddleHawk Ranch

22 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Deming, NM

Located in the high desert (4500 ft) of the Southwest, we have multiple areas for you to RV boondock or tent camp. We are a working ranch and a 501(c)3 non profit charity organization, with 32 +- Equines (Horses, Mules, Donkeys) with a horse and buggy driving school. The non profit called Equine Safe Haven, a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization teaches horsemanship and carriage driving, using horses that were discarded in their older age. Some of these are x harness racing horses, and/or used in life by the Amish - and at an older age they were no longer useful to them. Equine Safe Haven & SaddleHawk Ranch purchased 8 of them from a Texas Kill Pen, only days away from being shipped to Mexico for slaughter. Come pet and love on them, as they have a second chance in life and the program makes a difference to those that are economically or physically disadvantaged. We have water hydrants located around the Ranch and a BBQ area for you to use. We can accommodate any size RV up to and including tractor trailers. We have two 50 amp sites and one 30 amp site if you need electric. Check in info: CHECK IN TIME: BETWEEN 3pm and SUNSET - it gets VERY dark here (great for stargazing) and we need you here by sunset, and also to be fair to the other guests that stay. NOTE: THE GATE IS LOCKED BETWEEN 9PM and 7AM. Checkout is by 11am. If you intend to arrive later than sunset or leave earlier then 7am this may not be the place for you to camp, sorry. As we would like to allow travelers time to rest, and as we are on a schedule, we have set hours that we operate in.

Boot Hill RV Resort

20 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Alamogordo, NM

Rent a cabin or bring your RV to the Boot Hill RV Resort to enjoy the quintessential desert vista that is a staple of New Mexico. Look for the big, red boot statue out front, and enter for excellent facilities and guaranteed great stay. Expect cabins decorated to match the decor of the Old Midwest, and a pavilion for group socials and entertaining. There's a laundry room, art gallery, picnic area, gift shop, WIFI, big-rig friendly sites and a pet-friendly space. Look forward for seasonal country dances, art classes and displays and of course, plenty of bluegrass live music. We can't wait to see you there!

Hot Springs Glamp Camp

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Elephant Butte, Sierra

Come for the Hot Springs, Stay for the Camping! For travelers looking for a unique and easy getaway or break from the road, Hot Springs Glamp Camp offers the perfect "Glamorous Camping" experience! Unlike chain hotels or Airbnb stays, Glamp Camp creates a place for both community and alone time; for rejuvenation and healing in the onsite hot springs, in a relaxing, friendly, tribe vibe. Well-behaved children and dogs are welcome (Pets must be approved to stay in accommodations, be on-leash, and cleaned up after at all times). Fun Fact: This property is rumored to have been a nudist colony and/or spiritual commune in the 80's. We look forward to hosting you!

Freedom Field

5 sites · Tents40 acres · Ventura, NM

Learn more about this land:Freedom Field is an Ultralight and light sport remote airfield with campsites, two miles east of the Florida mountains in the Chihuahuan Desert of Luna County New Mexico. We boast a quiet remote location with very little light pollution for amazing up close, reach out and touch it night skies.Our campsites are Huge and far apart to accommodate large camp parties with some distance between campsites.Aircraft may operate from Sunup to sundown. Dry campers, RVs, Boondockers, tent campers, Hikers, Bikers, Skoolies and Van dwellers welcome. At this time there are no aircraft based at the field and air traffic is very sparse.We are roughly 26 Miles from Deming and 50 Miles to Las Cruces.It is about 16 miles by road to Exit 102 on Interstate 10.

Camp Rio

59 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Mayhill, Otero

Camp Rio, formerly named Camp @ Cloudcroft is located in beautiful SE New Mexico! The park is surrounded by thousands of acres of the Lincoln National Forest. The forest is laced with small villages, picturesque roads, riding, hiking, golf, and walking trails. Small valleys, surrounding mountains, racing streams, wildlife, birds, mountain glens and outdoor activities are available to Camp Rio guests. The small towns around us are Mayhill, Cloudcroft, Weed, and Pinion. These towns have scheduled activities such as arts and craft fairs, car shows, bluegrass festivals, dog shows, and Lumberjack days. Additional day trips to Alamogordo, Capitan (Smokey the Bear), Carlsbad, Las Cruces, Lincoln (Billy the Kid), Ruidoso (skiing), Sunspot (National Solar Observatory, Truth or Consequences (Hot Springs) and White Sands National Monument! Guests enjoy our upgraded free wifi to have the best of both worlds, surrounded by beautiful nature, while still being able to connect with family/friends/work. Our location is superb to use as a base camp for numerous attractions as a centralized location to have many adventures.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Leasburg Dam State Park

Radium Springs, New Mexico

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Franklin Mountains State Park

Westway, Texas

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Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site

Butterfield, Texas

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Caballo Lake State Park

Caballo, New Mexico

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(28)

Lincoln National Forest

Twin Forks, New Mexico

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Elephant Butte Lake State Park

Hot Springs Landing, New Mexico

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(8)

Cibola National Forest

Magdalena, New Mexico

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(25)

Gila National Forest

Lower Frisco, New Mexico

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Guadalupe Mountains National Park

Dell City, Texas

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Brantley Lake State Park

Happy Valley, New Mexico

Camping near Las Cruces guide

All-season outdoor activities, nearly year-round sunshine, and adventures of all kinds await in the stunning desert lands of Las Cruces. A short drive north of El Paso, Texas and the Mexican border, the city offers vibrant culture with wine festivals and traditional Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations. From desert peaks to scenic hiking trails and winding canyons to picturesque equestrian routes, Las Cruces is also one of New Mexico’s top destinations for hikers, backpackers, campers, and hunters with some of the best camping in the southern US. Choose from picturesque tent and RV sites near hiking paths and swimming holes.

Where to Go

Doña Ana Mountains

North of Las Cruces, the Doña Ana Mountains prove an irresistible challenge for hikers. With several trails spanning the rocky, shrub and cactus-covered slopes, there are routes suitable for all ability levels, plus great routes for horseback riding and mountain biking. After exploring the mountains, unwind in town or at a nearby Las Cruces cabin rental.

Organ Mountains

The Organ Mountains are one of the most stunning and dramatic mountain ranges in New Mexico. Included in the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument (which also looks after Aguirre Springs and other important natural sites) the mountain range features rocky peaks towering more than 9,000 feet above the scenic Chihuahuan Desert. This region is packed with opportunities for adventurous hikers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, and campers navigating between rocky canyons, arid slopes, swaths of ponderosa pine, and more. Some trails are very challenging, so route pre-planning is essential. Afterward, campers are a stone’s throw from stunning Las Cruces glamping spots and peaceful RV sites with full hookups.

Kilbourne Hole

One of Las Cruces’ most incredible natural wonders, Kilbourne Hole, is part of the Organ Mountains–Desert Peaks National Monument. At a mile wide, the hole is the only remnant of a massive volcanic explosion that occurred tens of thousands of years ago. Visitors can explore some of the massive crater using the short but challenging loop route, uncovering ancient geology along the way—the crumbling, geometric columns of basalt lining the crater are a unique sight and give the area an otherworldly feeling. Nearby outdoor accommodations include Las Cruces tent sites with nearby climbing spots and even yurt rentals.

When to Go

Though Las Cruces is in a desert environment, it still experiences four distinct seasons (albeit with lots more sun than most places). Winters are mild and dry (average high of 78°F in January), while summers can get quite hot (average high of 101°F in August). Late summer and early fall also have the highest chance of rain (12% chance daily in September), though the odds are good for sunny days during any visit. Because the climate is so agreeable year-round, there’s never a bad time to explore Las Cruces and its surrounding nature. Summer visitors should be aware of heatstroke and sun safety—pack protective clothing, eyewear, sunscreen, and lots of water for outdoor adventures.