Camping near Las Cruces
The ancient desert lands and volcanic craters of Las Cruces beckon.
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Camping near Las Cruces guide
Overview
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.