Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground

4.47

435 reviews

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

$7 - $50/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Entrance gate hours:...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Quick Facts

5,801 ft

Price

$7 - $50/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

55 campsites

Season

Entrance gate hours:...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

February 2026

Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground

$7.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $7 per campsite per night. Group sites are $50 with reservations required. Day use fees are $5 per vehicle and $15 per bus.

Standard Site Fee$7.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

575-525-4300

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 435 reviews

526 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanhiking

Some mention

crowded

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground

32.3667, -106.5568

Driving directionsTake U.S. 70 for 14 miles east of the I-25/U.S. 70 interchange in Las Cruces, then turn south on the Aguirre Spring Road (1.1 miles after San Augustine Pass) for six miles. At mile 4 the road becomes a one-way loop and climbs steeply.

The road to the campground becomes narrow and winding with steep inclines and declines. It is paved but is not recommended for trailers longer than 23 feet due to sharp turns.

Nearby places

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

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including groceries and camping essentials, are available in Las Cruces, 14 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground

Winter brings crisp, clear days with temperatures dancing between 30°F and 50°F, perfect for hiking without the desert's summer intensity. While gentle 4 mph breezes typically whisper through the mountain passes, spring awakens more spirited winds that rush down from the peaks—a reminder to secure your tent stakes extra tight during these months. The dry climate means stargazing is spectacular year-round, with countless stars illuminating the desert sky.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

March–Nov is peak season with extended gate hours; popular for hiking though can be busy.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Mild weather and good hiking conditions in fall; popular and comfortable season.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring is windy (noted in seasonal reviews); still popular but wind can affect comfort.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Crisp, clear days (30–50°F) and quieter visits; good for hiking though gate hours shorter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March to November is considered peak season with extended entrance gate hours.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
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

Nestled at the dramatic base of the Organ Mountains, Aguirre Spring Campground welcomes adventurers to a world where jagged peaks meet endless desert vistas. From your choice of 55 individual campsites or two spacious group areas, you'll wake each morning to breathtaking panoramas of the Tularosa Basin stretching toward the gleaming white gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park in the distance.

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 SeasonsWinter brings crisp, clear days with temperatures dancing between 30°F and 50°F, perfect for hiking without the desert's summer intensity. While gentle 4 mph breezes typically whisper through the mountain passes, spring awakens more spirited winds that rush down from the peaks—a reminder to secure your tent stakes extra tight during these months. The dry climate means stargazing is spectacular year-round, with countless stars illuminating the desert sky.

ElevationPerched in the high desert foothills where the air is crisp and the views are endless, this mountain sanctuary offers a refreshing escape from the lower desert floor. The elevation provides cooler temperatures and a unique perspective of the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem transitioning into mountain terrain.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering above your campsite, the Organ Mountains thrust their needle-sharp spires and sheer cliff faces into the azure sky, creating a dramatic backdrop that shifts from rose gold at sunrise to deep purple at dusk. Hidden within the canyon folds, seasonal springs bubble to life after rains, creating temporary oases that attract wildlife and nurture surprising pockets of greenery in this arid landscape.

Geological RegionThis remarkable convergence of ecosystems showcases the rugged beauty of the Chihuahuan Desert as it climbs into mountain territory. Ancient alligator junipers twist from rocky outcrops while gray oaks and mountain mahogany cling to sheltered slopes. Where perennial springs persist, ribbons of riparian habitat create verdant corridors through the landscape, offering glimpses of cottonwoods and willows that seem almost magical against the backdrop of sun-baked stone and desert thornscrub.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Entrance gate opens at 8:00 AM during winter and 7:00 AM during summer.

Check-out

Entrance gate closes at 6:00 PM during winter and 8:00 PM during summer.

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

Site layoutThe campground consists of 55 individual sites and two group sites distributed across loops. A one-way road system facilitates navigation.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is offered for all 55 individual campsites on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites tend to fill up quickly during holidays and weekends.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are offered for individual sites as all are first-come, first-served. Cancellation policies do not apply for individual sites. Group site reservations are subject to a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fees if canceled late.

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

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

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.

HikingThe campground provides direct access to the Pine Tree Trail and Baylor Canyon Trail. Pine Tree Trail is a 4-mile loop with moderate difficulty, offering panoramic views of the Tularosa Basin and Organ Mountains. Baylor Canyon Trail is a 6-mile one-way trail traversing the Organ Mountains. Multiple reviewers praised the trails, with one stating, "The hike to the Pass was moderate and wonderful. The hike to the peak was easy to follow but very difficult."

Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant in and around the campground, including deer and birds. One reviewer remarked, "Lots of wildlife. Peaceful." Another mentioned hearing wild cows while hiking.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent high winds can damage tents and awnings. Wildlife such as skunks and deer are common; precautions should be taken with food storage.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings at each campsite. Campers must bring their own firewood, as gathering wood is prohibited.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be accessed in Las Cruces, which is approximately a 30-minute drive from the campground.

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."

Water FeaturesSeasonal springs and small streams are located within the canyon bottoms. Perennial springs support limited riparian habitat.

Camp HostCamp hosts are friendly and available at the entrance gate. They provide water and general campsite information.

Weather at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground

Reviews

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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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

0 review

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.

Last updated February 17, 2026

Nearby Campgrounds

Popular campgrounds in New Mexico

Campgrounds

Aguirre Spring Recreation Area And Campground