Is Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground?

Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground is open Entrance gate hours: Winter hours (November to March): 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Summer hours (March to November): 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground?

Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground?

Cell phone service at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground have?

Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground has 55 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground?

Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground

4.45

435 reviews

Top 3% in NMWinter

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Featured in:Primitive Camping New Mexico#1 Camping Near White Sands National Park#1 Pet-Friendly Campgrounds New Mexico +3 more

Quick Facts

5,801 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Entrance gate hours:...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,801 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Entrance gate hours:...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$7.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

575-525-4300BLM_NM_LCDO_Mail@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground

32.3667, -106.5568

Nearby places

Las Cruces: approximately 14 miles east (30-minute drive)

Weather at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground

Best Time to Camp at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable, stable weather for exploring the Organ Mountains — expect daytime highs generally in the mid-50s to upper-70s °F (50–80°F) with cool nights (30–50°F). Monsoon storms have ended and spring winds have calmed, so trails are dry and visibility is excellent for long views across the Tularosa Basin and White Sands. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography are at their peak as cottonwoods and willows near springs take on autumn tones while crowds remain moderate (week Peak months: October, November, September, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Overview: 'Best season: fall' with comfortable, stable weather cited for exploring the peaks.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Entrance gate hours: Winter hours (November to March): 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Summer hours (March to November): 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

About Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground

Aguirre Spring Recreation Area sits on the western slope of the Organ Mountains outside Las Cruces, managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The mid-elevation campground serves as a base for hiking the rugged peaks and offers tent, RV, group, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for the trails, stargazing, and sweeping views across the Tularosa Basin and White Sands.

Aguirre Spring Campground caters to tent campers, small RVs, and group camping. The lack of hookups and more rustic facilities make it ideal for campers seeking a primitive experience. Group sites can be reserved, but all other sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable, stable weather for exploring the Organ Mountains — expect daytime highs generally in the mid-50s to upper-70s °F (50–80°F) with cool nights (30–50°F). Monsoon storms have ended and spring winds have calmed, so trails are dry and visibility is excellent for long views across the Tularosa Basin and White Sands. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and photography are at their peak as cottonwoods and willows near springs take on autumn tones while crowds remain moderate (week Peak months: October, November, September, March

Elevation5801 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Organ Mountains rise in jagged spires above camp, their rock faces shifting from rose gold at sunrise to deep purple at dusk. Ancient alligator junipers twist from rocky outcrops while gray oaks and mountain mahogany cling to sheltered slopes. Where perennial springs persist, cottonwoods and willows create unexpected green corridors against sun-baked stone and desert thornscrub. The convergence of ecosystems means you'll see both desert vegetation and mountain species within walking distance of your site.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or similar accommodations at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

The campground has two group sites available, each for $50 per night. Reservations are required for group sites. Details about capacity were not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsGroup reservations can be made by calling 575-525-4300.

AccessibilityThe campground has accessible vault toilets and some campsites are described as easy to navigate for certain disabilities. One reviewer stated, "Camp hosts go out of their way to help you find the best place to camp if [you're] handicap.

Site SizeSites vary in size, accommodating smaller RVs and tents. It is recommended for RVs under 23 feet due to the narrow and winding road leading to the campground. Some reviews noted that certain sites, such as 53, may be undersized or rocky for tents.

PrivacyPrivacy varies across campsites. Some sites closer to trails and bathrooms are less private, while others deeper into the loop offer more seclusion. Reviewers often mentioned sites with better privacy, such as site 14 described as "sooo private, with your own little private hiking trails and rocks.

Total Campsites55 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #8 offers excellent views and privacy. Sites in the upper loop provide solitude but are less suitable for large RVs. Sites in Loop A are more protected from wind.

Amenities available

The pay stations currently accept cash, check and tap to pay options. Water is only available at the entrance of the recreation site nearby the Camp Host Site.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Aguirre Spring Campground is a hub for outdoor activities, offering hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic photography opportunities. The Pine Tree Trail, a 4-mile loop, and the Baylor Canyon Trail, a 6-mile one-way hike, are connected to this campground. Hikers have praised these trails for the stunning desert and mountain vistas. The area is also popular for photography, particularly the dramatic views of the Organ Mountains and White Sands National Park.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the site; only vault toilets are provided.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans are available near each site, and reviewers noted that the campground is generally clean but expressed concern about litter during busier times. One reviewer highlighted, "Every site has a picnic table, grill, and trash cans."

Cell CoverageCell phone service is generally available and described as good by several reviewers. One noted, "Good cell phone service was able to telework for a few hours when needed," while another mentioned "2-3 bars of Verizon in most places, up to 5 with a booster."

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

435 reviews

Recommended

Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Aguirre Spring Campground generally receives high praise for its breathtaking views, cleanliness, and affordability. Visitors emphasize the natural beauty, with comments frequently mentioning the Organ Mountains and proximity to White Sands National Park.

Review Summaries

Based on 435 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 435 reviews.

Site 14Loved
Site 14 is noted as private and secluded.
Site 36Mentioned
Site 36 provides wind shielding due to a boulder and bushes.
Site 9Mentioned
Site 9 is recommended for big rigs but requires careful maneuvering.

What Campers Love

Visitors rave about the views, affordable camping fees, clean vault toilets, and hiking trails. Multiple users highlighted the peaceful atmosphere and starry nights.

Based on 435 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the narrow, winding road to the campground, limited water access near campsites, lack of showers, and occasional noise during busy periods like Easter weekend.

Based on 435 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring plenty of water due to the limited access at the entrance. Use a long hose to refill RV tanks. Arrive early to secure a good campsite, and consider scouting sites in a smaller vehicle. Prepare...

Based on 435 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter brings a quieter experience with cool temperatures, while spring is windy. Summer and fall are popular, but gates close as early as 6 or 8 PM depending on the season.

Based on 435 reviews

Camper Quotes

"For $7/night you can't beat the views." "The wind comes down from the mountains with epic bursts. Tents and awnings can easily get ruined." "No hook-ups but very nice." "Spot 14 was sooo private,...

Based on 435 reviews

Accessibility Features

Camp hosts are helpful in finding accessible spots. Vault toilets are available and generally accessible.

Based on 435 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground provides a good environment for camping with pets. No specific amenities for pets are mentioned in reviews.

Based on 435 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$7.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

575-525-4300BLM_NM_LCDO_Mail@blm.gov

Go if

You want affordable mountain camping with hiking access and don't mind vault toilets or bringing extra water.

Skip if

You need full hookups, guaranteed solitude during busy weekends, or consistently spotless restroom facilities.

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Campgrounds

Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground

C+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 50% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 203 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A+.Value
Grade A.Belonging
Grade B+.Scenery

Watch-outs

Grade D.Rules & policies
Grade C.Staff & hosts
Grade C+.Bugs & weather

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how New Mexico grades overall

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