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Camp Washington Ranch

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Camp Washington Ranch is located near Carlsbad, NM, surrounded by flat desert terrain. Temperatures can range from highs of 90°F in summer to lows of 30°F in winter. Nearby attractions include Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park.

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Location

Camp Washington Ranch is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

32.1099202 N
104.4595556 W

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Connectivity

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    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
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    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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47 min away

The Ranch SKP Co-Op

The Ranch SKP Co-Op

52 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 27, 2025

Nice little gem in the desert

We stayed 3 nights. They have 3 spots next to each other (with some space) in full sun, dirt-road style, no tables at sites. The cool thing is that you’re in an oasis. It got to 89 degrees and we sat under the trees with our chairs & we used their picnic tables waiting for it to cool off. We do not have AC in our Scamp. Showers had very hot water & were clean. Note that despite it stating that they have full hookups, the sewer pipes are next to site A. So it’s really a dump station area. The owner & staff were really nice.

SiteSite A
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Camp Washington Ranch by Carmen B., April 27, 2025
  • Review photo of Camp Washington Ranch by Carmen B., April 27, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 13, 2023

Scenery was the best part

Scenery by far the best part of this as people mention it and wonderful place to see water streams and stay writing some of my homework however food didn't seem to be as fresh as it should have been

Reviewed Jan. 23, 2023

Nice out of the way place

There are only a few sites with water and electric hookups. The dump location is directly in front of a site so you may need to dump elsewhere (we did because it was blocked by another camper at the time).

There’s a nice lake and walking paths. The place is dated but, the folks are friendly and nice stop for a couple of days.

We camped here on our way to Carlsbad Caverns.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Camp Washington Ranch by Joy W., January 23, 2023
  • Review photo of Camp Washington Ranch by Joy W., January 23, 2023
  • Review photo of Camp Washington Ranch by Joy W., January 23, 2023
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2022

National Park views, but with amenities!!

We stumbled upon Camp Washington Ranch when looking for someplace to stay near Carlsbad Caverns. It is an interesting property. While it was originally a ranch, it was purchased in the 1980s by a non-profit that serves adults with disabilities. There are group homes on a corner of the property but they also rent the property as a wedding venue and have four RV camping sites. We were surprised by the ponds and creeks running through the property (since its in the middle of a desert) but figured out that it receives excess water from the springs that service Carlsbad Caverns National Park. 

You can walk from Camp Washington to Rattlesnake Springs Picnic Area (part of the National Park), which was a neat adventure. The picnic area was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and you can visit the springs and see the irrigation system developed by the CCC. Rattlesnake Springs provides all of the water to the National Park and, we figured out, also explains the ponds and creeks in Camp Washington Ranch! 

It seemed like we had the whole property to ourself during our stay. We made our reservation and paid over the phone, and didn't see any staff or residents while we were on the property. Would definitely recommend to anyone needing a place to stay before heading to the national park for a cavern tour.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Camp Washington Ranch by Sara B., November 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Camp Washington Ranch by Sara B., November 18, 2022
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Frequently Asked Questions

What do reviews say about Camp Washington Ranch?

Camp Washington Ranch offers a limited number of camping sites with water and electric hookups. The property features a lake and walking paths in an oasis-like setting. While the facilities are somewhat dated, the location provides a welcome respite from the heat with shaded areas under trees and picnic tables. The campground has a unique character and friendly staff. Note that the dump station location may occasionally be blocked by other campers.

Where is Camp Washington Ranch located near Carlsbad, NM?

Camp Washington Ranch is situated in an oasis-like setting near Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico. The property features a serene landscape with water streams and a lake, providing a unique camping experience in contrast to the surrounding desert environment. Its proximity to Carlsbad Caverns makes it a convenient base for exploring this natural wonder.

What is the history of Camp Washington Ranch near Carlsbad Caverns?

Camp Washington Ranch began as a traditional ranch before being acquired in the 1980s by a non-profit organization serving adults with disabilities. The property now functions as both a camping destination and a community service facility, with group homes located on a section of the grounds. This dual purpose creates a unique character that distinguishes it from typical campgrounds. The ranch's transformation from agricultural land to a multi-purpose facility reflects its evolving role in the Carlsbad area.

Are there photos available of Camp Washington Ranch?

Yes, photos of Camp Washington Ranch are available online. These images showcase the property's distinctive oasis setting with its lake, water streams, and shaded areas. Visual documentation of the campground helps potential visitors understand the layout of the limited number of camping sites and the overall rustic atmosphere of this unique property near Carlsbad Caverns.