Florida Mountains Wilderness Study Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

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Florida Mountains Wilderness Study Area

The Bureau of Land Management, also known as the BLM, was established in 1946 in order to manage public lands for the enjoyment of current and future generations. Most of the more than 245 million acres managed by the BLM are in remote areas. Bureau of Land Management campgrounds range from highly developed sites to primitive camping. The allure of BLM RV camping is often the solitude, total immersion in nature, and escape from modern life. Located in southern New Mexico, about 10 miles southeast of Deming, the Florida Mountains Wilderness Study Area (WSA) is known for its stunning views. Visitors breathe in the sight of the rugged mountains, canyons, and juniper trees. Add a national park to your itinerary when you visit the WSA. White Sands National Park is approximately 125 miles away and offers sledding, horseback riding, and hiking.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

West Lakeshore Trail

Short, easy, and spectacular are the best words to describe this unimproved trail. Located in Elephant Butte Lake State Park, the trail is 6 feet wide with a gravel surface. On bike or foot, its wildlife viewing and panoramic views of the lake attract locals and visitors alike. Flash floods are possible, so check the weather forecast frequently. Length: 10.5 miles Intensity: Easy

Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park Trail System

Hike around the Rio Grande, mitigation wetland, and constructed wetlands ponds. Use the state park's self-guided trail booklet to maximize your enjoyment. This trail system features both Interpretive Trails and Accessible Trails. No off-road vehicles or bicycles are permitted on the trails. Length: 2.3 miles Intensity: Beginner

Fishing and Boating

Bureau of Land Management campgrounds near Deming are a convenient place to stay when you visit New Mexico's beautiful waters. Go sailing, water skiing, kayaking at Caballo Lake State Park in a personal watercraft or motorized boat. Also close by is Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Kayaks, jet skis, and sailboats are all welcome at Elephant Butte, which is New Mexico's biggest state park.

Climbing

The Florida Mountains are about 10 miles southeast of the town of Deming. Rising out of the flatlands is a 12-mile stretch of mountain ranges. Florida Peak, the highpoint, lies in the north near Rockland State Park. Its elevation is 7,448 feet. Other peaks include Gym, Baldy, South Peak, and Capital Dome. Little Florida Mountains, a 3-mile-long mountain range, surrounds Rockland State Park. No permits are necessary to climb the Florida Mountains.

Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing is a massive attraction to the New Mexico state parks. There is so much more than birds in the sky. Over 300 species of butterflies call New Mexico home. Mammals, insects, reptiles, and amphibians are easy to see on the nature trails throughout the state parks. You can spot the western bluebird at Rockhound State Park in spring and fall. The great-horned owl is often spotted at City of Rocks State Park. For a real treat, add the Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park to your itinerary. Located off I-10W, the state park is an Audubon-designated Important Birding Area.

Picnicking

The closest picnicking site near Florida Mountains Wilderness Study Area is at Voiers "Pit" Park in Deming. Located only 20 miles away, Voiers "Pit" Park is an almost 90-minute drive via Gap Rd SE. It's a good spot to use the picnic tables and stretch your legs. The city-owned park features a mile-long exercise trail.

Sledding

Brilliant white dunes beg for the young and young-at-heart to grab a snow saucer and sled down the slopes. At White Sands National Park, sledding in the sun is a reality. In fact, sledding the gypsum sand dunes is one of the more popular activities at this desert oasis. Bring your own sled, or purchase a snow saucer at the park's gift shop.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

Florida Mountains Wilderness Study Area is not accessible for RV camping; however, state parks offer several camping options nearby. Developed camping is available with fees based per vehicle on a nightly or annual basis. Looking for "BLM camping near me"? RV camping is possible near the Florida Mountain Wilderness Study Area. Deming is home to many developed private campgrounds. Little Vineyard RV Resort offers all pull-through sites, dog park, and pristine bathhouse. Stagecoach RV Ranch is close to the Mexican border town of Columbus and Palomas, Mexico. This gem is another that is stocked with amenities.

Free Camping

When it comes to Bureau of Land Management free camping, there are a couple of options close to the Florida Mountains WSA for RVers. Primitive camping is available at Caballo Lake and Elephant Butte Lake state parks. Both sites are near Deming and feature beach camping and boat-in camping. No amenities are available at these campgrounds, though.

RV Rentals Near Florida Mountains Wilderness Study Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Florida Mountains Wilderness Study Area BLM trip

To make the most out of BLM RV camping trip, download the New Mexico State and National Parks app. The app offers up-to-date, complete information about the local parks and amenities. Also, check out the NPS app. Created by National Park Service rangers, this guide features interactive maps, park tours, news and alerts. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

"Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints," and "pack it in, pack it out" capture the essence of Leave No Trace principles. Do not approach wildlife. Do not litter. Dig catholes for solid human waste and avoid urinating near campsites. Use sealed plastic for food refuse. Remove all food, trash, litter, and human waste from your campsite upon your departure. Being considerate of other campers and the BLM site will keep these lands pristine for the enjoyment of all.

Florida Mountains Wilderness Study Area Location

From Deming, NM drive east on NM 549 approximately 6, miles and turn right on Rock Hound Rd/NM 143. Drive south for about 5.5 miles on 143, then turn right onto NM 198. Drive approximately 2 miles to where the road ends in Rockhound State Park. Park at the Lovers Leap Canyon trailhead. The Lovers Leap Trail is .8 miles long and ends at the boundary of the WSA. Address: Las Cruces District Office 1800 Marquess Street Las Cruces, NM 88001 Latitude / Longitude: 32.09762861, -107.6263697 Ready to visit Florida Mountains Wilderness Study Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you’ll have your RV to return to for the night where you’ll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.