Aguirre Spring Recreation Area
A scenic desert campground in the Organ Mountains, offering stunning views, dark skies for stargazing, and access to hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities
Aguirre Spring Recreation Area
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic desert campground in the Organ Mountains, offering stunning views, dark skies for stargazing, and access to hiking trails.
"This place will make everyone happy and still the complaints are pretty standard for a campground and can be ignored."
🚗 RVs Beware!
Narrow, winding road. Best for tents/small campers. Large rigs may struggle.
💧 Water Source
Potable water at entrance gate, not at sites. Bring plenty of your own.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Organ Mountains Views
Campground and surrounding trails
Stunning desert mountain vistas and clear night skies perfect for stargazing.
Baylor Pass Trail
Trailhead at campground
A 6-mile hike offering diverse desert scenery and rewarding panoramic views.
Pine Tree Trail
Trailhead at campground
A shorter, 4-mile trail perfect for a scenic walk amidst the desert flora.
Filmore Canyon
Near campground
A popular hiking spot, especially during monsoon season when it can have water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Road to Aguirre Springs
Campground Amenities & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 RVs Beware!
Narrow, winding road. Best for tents/small campers. Large rigs may struggle.
💧 Water Source
Potable water at entrance gate, not at sites. Bring plenty of your own.
🌌 Stargazing Gem
Excellent dark skies for incredible stargazing opportunities.
🥾 Hike Early
Beat the heat on trails. Sunrise hikes offer stunning views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 RVs Beware!
Narrow, winding road. Best for tents/small campers. Large rigs may struggle.
💧 Water Source
Potable water at entrance gate, not at sites. Bring plenty of your own.
🌌 Stargazing Gem
Excellent dark skies for incredible stargazing opportunities.
🥾 Hike Early
Beat the heat on trails. Sunrise hikes offer stunning views.
🐾 Kid & Pet Friendly
Generally good for families and pets, but be mindful of other campers.
📅 First Come, First Served
No reservations. Arrive early, especially on weekends/holidays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Aguirre Spring is lauded for its stunning desert mountain views and excellent stargazing opportunities, making it a favorite for campers seeking natural beauty. While the road can be challenging for larger vehicles and amenities are basic, the breathtaking scenery and access to great hiking trails make it a highly recommended destination.
"Nice campground with pit toilets. Many different sites ( I think about 50) for different types of activities and vehicles. No hookups.
Trash cans on site.
Good T-Mobile cell service.
Excellent for kids and pets.
Close to Las Cruces.
Easy access even for larger rigs.
Can get busy on the weekends and holidays.
Probably too hot during the summer but from September till March it's perfect.
Good hiking trails..."
Helmut D
"Tucked under the eastern slopes of the Organ Mountains, Aguirre Spring Campground is a verdant escape amidst rugged peaks, providing stunning vistas of the Tularosa Basin and the plains just east of the San Agustine Mountains. The paved road leading to the campground is just past the WSMR entry point. While the paved road to the Aguirre Spring Campground is an improvement over the former dirt and gravel washboard road, it still features several sharp curves. Consequently, the campground is best suited for tent, car camping, and camper shells, rather than large RVs or fifth-wheel trailers.
The Aguirre Spring Campground offers vault toilets, covered picnic tables, and grills. Electricity and water hookups are not available at the campsites; however, potable water can be found at the entrance gate, approximately 4-5 miles before reaching the campground itself. Despite the lack of these amenities, the campground boasts spectacular scenery and excellent hiking trails.
Looking out of into the vast expanse of the Tularosa basin, one can imagine the ancient lake (Lake Otero) that once covered part of this landscape. A landscape that witnessed travels of ancient creatures from the last ice age to humans that according to recently discovered evidence had once walked alongside the shorelines of Lake Otero some 23,000 years ago. The beauty of the landscape at Aguirre Spring Campground more than makes up for the lack of amenities."
Terry Rostro
"I usually stay in dispersed campsites but decided to give this a try. The trial was nice, and the bathrooms were clean. Most of the campsites were level and have covered tables. The road to the campsite is very curvy and very long and though it is not recommended for vehicles over a certain length.. large rigs try to make it there. I'm sure my experience isn't a typical one, but during the two days I was there I got to listen to 4 couples arguing and screaming as they tried to maneuver large rigs into tiny campsites, two major dog fights due to the guy on the corner having dogs that barked all night and attacked any other dogs people were walking, people yelling off and on all night for the dogs to shut up.. and one guy who was either drunk or on something screaming at the sky for 2 hours in the middle of the night. There is no spring and no running water in the campground, but there is a place to get water at the host campsite at the bottom of the hill before the entrance gate. There was no answer when calling the host site multiple times. This place quickly reminded me why I avoid campgrounds. It is a beautiful place .. but some of the people camping there totally ruined it for me."
Rebecca Lents
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Aguirre Spring Recreation Area is located off Aguirre Springs Road, east of Las Cruces, NM. The paved road is scenic but has sharp curves, making it challenging for large RVs.
While the road is paved, it's narrow with sharp curves. It's best suited for tents, car camping, and smaller campers. Larger RVs and fifth-wheel trailers may find it difficult to navigate.
Aguirre Spring Campground is conveniently located about 40-45 minutes from White Sands National Park, making it a popular camping spot for visitors. +1
Yes, good T-Mobile cell service is available at the campground.
The drive is scenic, taking you into the heart of the Organ Mountains. Be prepared for a winding, paved road with several sharp turns.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Aguirre Spring Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. There are 55 sites available, plus two group sites. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.
Information on specific fees is not detailed in the provided content, but it is a recreation area and campground, so expect a potential day-use or camping fee.
The recreation area and campground are generally open year-round, but specific hours for facilities like restrooms or water spigots are not detailed.
No specific entrance requirements are mentioned beyond the standard recreation area access. Be aware of the road conditions for your vehicle type.
Yes, all 55 individual campsites are first-come, first-served, so no reservation is needed.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The campground offers pit toilets, covered picnic tables, and grills. There are trash cans on site. Electricity and water hookups are not available at individual sites.
Potable water is available at the entrance gate, approximately 4-5 miles before reaching the campground itself. There is no running water at individual campsites.
Aguirre Spring has two main trails departing from the site: the 6-mile Baylor Pass Trail and the 4-mile Pine Tree Trail. Filmore Canyon is also a popular hiking spot nearby.
Yes, it's considered excellent for kids and pets, offering a safe environment for outdoor exploration.
Visitors have reported seeing deer clusters and herds walking through campsites, especially in the evenings.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area offers stunning desert mountain views and is a prime location for landscape and astrophotography due to clear night skies. Couples also use it for photoshoots.
Absolutely! It's ranked as one of the top places in New Mexico for stargazing, offering incredible views of the Milky Way.
Yes, Aguirre Spring is a popular spot for couples' photoshoots, offering a beautiful desert mountain backdrop.
Sunrise hikes offer spectacular light, and the clear night skies are perfect for astrophotography. Golden hour in the late afternoon also provides beautiful lighting.
The dramatic Organ Mountains, vast Tularosa Basin views, and the clear night sky are the main photographic draws.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring plenty of water and snacks, as amenities are limited. The opportunity to see wildlife like deer can be a highlight for kids. Key Advice: Pack extra water, sunscreen, and hats. Consider bringing outdoor games or nature scavenger hunt lists to keep the little ones entertained. The pit toilets are basic but functional.
📸 Photographers & Stargazers
Couples often choose this scenic spot for memorable photoshoots. Insider Tip: Bring your wide-angle lenses for landscapes and your telephoto lens for capturing wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for those incredible night shots!
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Quick Tip: If you're just passing through, a few hours spent hiking a portion of the Pine Tree Trail can offer a great taste of the area's beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Road to Aguirre Springs
For those with suitable vehicles, the drive itself is quite rewarding, winding through the dramatic landscape of the Organ Mountains. It's a starkly beautiful desert environment that sets the stage for the camping experience. Remember to check your tire pressure and be prepared for a slower pace as you ascend.
Key Takeaway: Prioritize vehicle suitability when planning your trip. If you have a larger RV, consider nearby alternatives or be prepared for a potentially stressful drive. Smaller vehicles and tents are ideal for this location.
Camping Experience at Aguirre Springs
The campground is renowned for its spectacular scenery, including breathtaking views of the Tularosa Basin and the surrounding Organ Mountains.
Pro Tip: Bring all your own food and water, and be prepared for a more rustic camping experience. If you're seeking a quiet escape, aim for a weekday visit.
Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
Both offer unique perspectives of the desert landscape, from rugged mountain terrain to more accessible paths. The Baylor Pass Trail, in particular, is known for its challenging yet rewarding trek, leading to panoramic vistas. Beyond the designated trails, the surrounding area offers opportunities for exploration. Filmore Canyon is a popular spot, especially during the monsoon season when it can feature flowing water, creating a unique hiking experience.
Must-Do: Lace up your hiking boots and explore at least one of the trails. The views and the sense of accomplishment are well worth the effort.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit