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Established Camping

Carlsbad KOA

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Carlsbad KOA, near Carlsbad, New Mexico, is a solid choice for campers looking for a mix of comfort and outdoor fun. With a variety of accommodation options, including tents, RVs, cabins, and even yurts, there's something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned camper or just starting out.

The campground boasts clean facilities and a range of amenities that make it easy to settle in. Visitors have highlighted the nice gravel sites and wide roads, which make maneuvering a breeze. The pool and playground are great spots for families to unwind, while the well-maintained restrooms and showers ensure you can freshen up after a day of adventure. One camper noted, “Good shower. WiFi not very Stanley,” so keep that in mind if you need to stay connected.

Located about an hour from the stunning Carlsbad Caverns, this KOA is perfect for those wanting to explore the natural wonders of the area. Plus, you're just a short drive from the town of Carlsbad, where you can grab supplies or enjoy a meal. Some campers appreciated the thoughtful communication from the staff, especially during storms, which adds a nice touch to your stay.

While the campground has its quirks, like occasional road noise and a bit of dust, the friendly atmosphere and variety of activities make it a worthwhile stop. Whether you're passing through or planning a longer stay, Carlsbad KOA offers a welcoming spot to kick back and enjoy the great outdoors.

Description

From the KOA website: Kick back with family and friends at this beautiful desert oasis built in 2000. This award-winning KOA is big rig friendly: All sites are huge 30/50-amp pull thrus with free Wi-Fi and free cable TV. The staff will spoil you as you enjoy the 2,000-square-foot community room, meals delivered to your site, a beautiful commercial laundry, outstanding restrooms, a fenced dog park and a heated pool. From this KOA in the heart of SE New Mexico, visit Carlsbad Caverns, Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park, Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area, Roswell's International UFO Museum and White Sands National Monument. Check out the Robert H. Goddard rocket collection at the Roswell Museum and Art Center and the "Billy the Kid" history at the campground. A horse hotel also is available. See how this KOA is going green with the help of a wind turbine. Pool: March 15 - October 15. Max pull thru: 75 feet. Your hosts: Scott, Susan and Brian Bacher.

Fee Info

Adults 18+, Kids 9-17, Free 0-8

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Location

Carlsbad KOA is located in New Mexico

Detail location of campground

Directions

Located 13 miles north of Carlsbad, between mile markers 51 and 52 on US Hwy 285 N.

Address

2 Manthei Rd
Carlsbad, NM 88220

Coordinates

32.58646463 N
104.41623475 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins
  • Tent Cabin
  • Yurts
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

39 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2024

Nice place to camp

Nice gravel sites. Wide roads to get into sites. Pool, playground. Restrooms OK. Only issue not great Wifi.

SiteD8
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Mary T., July 31, 2024
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Mary T., July 31, 2024
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Mary T., July 31, 2024
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Apr. 6, 2024

A bit noisy, dusty, but nice enclosed tent spot

Overall a good campsite, some minor drawbacks. Site is close to highway, so lots of road noise throughout the day and night. Contained tent hexagon shelter structure was nice, allowed for contained and divided campsites. Marginal shade and pretty dusty.

SiteTV3
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Dec. 18, 2022

Not an exact review

Arrived in the Dark during December and it was one of the darkest ingresses at a KOA I’ve experienced. The office was about to close due to me arriving later than expected. Staff was very kind and got me situated.

Got to the site and seems the neighbor parked in my designated but all good, I’m just wanting my boots up for the night[lucky I didn’t have a larger displacement haha, all good).

Facilities were immaculate and warm during this arctic blast.

A great place to help bridge west to east travels in my opinion.

Site3b
Month of VisitDecember
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2022

Great Communication!

This KOA will start texting you in advance of your arrival, which I found a bit tedious, but it came in handy during our stay.

Check in was simple and informative. The pool is open and was clean. It definitely came in handy during this heat!

The campground is based about an hour away from Carlsbad Caverns, which worked for us so we could drop our rig and make the drive the next morning. Only about 20 minutes from the town of Carlsbad.

On our second night, there was a wicked storm and we started heading loud booms. The park was thoughtful enough to text everyone after hours to reassure us that the pecan fields up the road use air cannons to prevent hail. Not sure about the effectiveness but was so glad to know what was happening.

We would certainly return if we ever need full hook ups in the area.

SiteB15
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Karen B., June 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Karen B., June 21, 2022
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Karen B., June 21, 2022
Reviewed May. 26, 2022

Dyrt Campground

Expensive but you knew that, it's a KOA and you don't mind if it's full of amenities and clean right? Well it was not.

The three bathrooms, that's right three, in the campground need renovating but the one in the clubhouse was clean.

The Campground is a dirt and gravel parking lot with a few small trees. Around the office was well manicured with a koi pond benches and some grass so 1st impression was ok. butt..

The dog park was tiny which is confusing because the property is so large no way was my dog going to run in the dog run.

The camp store had astronomical prices. I'm used to high camp store prices but it had ridiculous markups.

The pool was closed it was record heat May.

No trash barrels except for your poop bags along the dog walk which was a dirt road not on but beside the campground which BTW when someone drove down it everyone near was dust bathed.

 My wife signed us in and latter told me we were charged $10 early fee because we were an hour early...Really? She didn't want to let me know. They wouldn't have charged us if I went in. BTW we left 3 hours before check out so ....?

I'm bumping it up to three stars because there were so many birds and bunnies.

Month of VisitMay
Reviewed Nov. 23, 2021

Very clean and great staff

This KOA was a great property in thy it was very clean and had a lot to offer for families with kids, and even adult only patrons. They had a really big “Rec Room” for kids and adults to play ping pong, or a video game. They also deliver food to your site, and they smoke their own BBQ on site! It’s less than an hour from Carlsbad Caverns, and only 15 minutes from Carlsbad proper, in case you need some supplies or want to go find a place to eat in town. The only downside to this place was the sulfur/propane smell from the gas/oil wells in the area, and the fact that there wasn’t much to block the wind.

SiteB6
Month of VisitNovember
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Chris H., November 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Chris H., November 23, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Nov. 3, 2021

Extremely nice staff

Quiet, clean, great wifi, and excellent staff! The showers were nice and hot although it took awhile to heat up. Great areas to exercise pets too. I highly recommend this place.

SiteCarlsbad KOA
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Sep. 19, 2021

Stop over

Very clean bathrooms and showers. Pool large checkers and chess set and horseshoes.

SiteT4
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2021

Just the basics

The area is scenic, spots are close together. Bathrooms could’ve been cleaner, men’s restroom was closed due to remodel. WiFi did not work. Has a dog run and lots of amenities! It worked for what we needed.

SiteB3
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Amanda A., July 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Amanda A., July 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Amanda A., July 18, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

One night to visit the caves

It’s a nice campground, large and good seize of sites. Very friendly staff, good pool but it’s a good drive to the caves.

SiteD10
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 8, 2021

Solid Pick but Nothing Special

This was our first time staying at a KOA and in general, we liked it. It’s about an hour from the Caverns which is doable, the staff is friendly and the amenities (shower, laundry, flush toilets) are very nice to have. It’s a great site for those who prefer glamping. However, it’s not very scenic and you are very close to your fellow campers (we listened to a couple fight the whole two nights we were there). There is a lake nearby and the dessert surrounding provides its own type of scenery but it was not my favorite campground.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Alison W., June 8, 2021
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Alison W., June 8, 2021
  • Walking around
  • (4) View All
Reviewed May. 22, 2021

Great spot!

All spots are larger than typical koa campgrounds. There are Fire pits! Large playground for the kiddos and pet friendly!

SiteA1
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Ashley B., May 22, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 30, 2021

First KOA for us—won’t be the last

I was a bit nervous about the location of this KOA when I first booked it, but it turned out to be perfect for us. We arrived from OK City, so the slightly north location was welcomed, plus it was a great spot to leave from when e we headed to White Sands. The sites were spacious and the playground was great for the kids. The bathhouse was clean, and warm (!!), and the sunsets and sunrises were amazing! Also, only $10 to extend your check out until 2pm, so though we didn’t need it, it was a nice option to have if we’d stayed at one of our sites longer than expected.

Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Apr. 21, 2021

The Alien Host

Arrived late at night. Easily discovered by the aliens that greeted us. Awoke to a beautiful sunrise, and watched from a swinging bench. I am reborn now.

Siteno idea
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Edward S., April 21, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 18, 2021

Lovely campground

This is one of the nicest KOAs we’ve ever been too. Sites are spacious and level and you don’t feel packed in like sardines. They have all the amenities expected. The only negative to the location is the proximity to the oil fields and the smell that rolls in from the methane burnoffs. Obviously, the owners of the KOA can’t do anything about that, but if you’re sensitive to overwhelming sulphur smell, I’d recommend giving it a pass. It’s doesnt smell all the time, but we woke up both nights to the smell and being from a non-oil state, had no idea what was happening the first night.

  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Wanderfalds L., April 18, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 6, 2021

Better than expected

This was the 1st time I've ever stayed at a KOA. First time using hookups.

I was anticipating being sandwiched between monster RVs and listening to generators all night.

But, it wasn't that bad. We lucked out with a spot at the end of a row, which helped a bunch. Yes, there were monster RVs everywhere, but we actually had a decent amount of space. The bathrooms and showers were clean and very welcome after 6 days on the road.

The BBQ food that they serve was pretty decent as well.

Not my style of camping, but when you need to wash up, its not a bad option. Location near Carlsbad Caverns was excellent as well. There are closer RV parks, but none that I wanted to stay at.

Also note: It was a very windy campsite. Don't count on having a fire.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Mike , April 6, 2021
Reviewed Dec. 27, 2020

Nice place.

Plenty of room drive thru’s room for rvs tents has nice laundry mat and a pool during summer months. They have awesome food and you can call it in and they deliver to your campsite.

Reviewed Dec. 4, 2020

Very good services

Excellent full service RV park. The hook ups are in excellent repair. This particular KOA offers hot food delivered to the sites in Lou of eating inside the facility. Despite the name, it is quite a hike from Carlsbad Caverns if that is your destination. It is very close to Beantly Lake and a very quiet setting. The pads are gravel but level. Excellent staff. Would stay again!

  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Michael C., December 4, 2020
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Michael C., December 4, 2020
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Michael C., December 4, 2020
Reviewed Oct. 23, 2020

Nice campground

Covid closures include the pool and community room. Everything else is open. Park is well kept, employees are friendly. We have kids so they put us next to the playground, which was nice.

  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Scott K., October 23, 2020
Reviewed Aug. 18, 2020

Clean

This place was clean and easy to reach. Large place with plenty of sites for hookup. Only con is that sites were very close to one another. We stopped here to go to Carlsbad caverns. It’s about an hour away from this KOA, so be sure to wake up early and arrive early to reserve first come first serve tickets for the caverns!

Reviewed Feb. 12, 2020

Nice

We stayed one night in their tent site with electric. Facilities were clean, and the site was nice.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by ALEJANDRA G., February 12, 2020
Reviewed Jan. 5, 2020

Great Amenities/ 1Hour From Carlsbad Caverns And 2 1/2 Hours From White Sands

There’s a store in the office with RV supplies, snacks, drinks, toiletries, and other necessities. A restaurant is located in the office that will deliver to the sites. Someone escorted us to our spot when we arrived. They were mostly pull through slots with full hookup. It was a huge space with a lot of amenities: a community room, dog park, playground, etc. There are also cabins for rent and tent spaces. We paid about $53 per night.

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2019

Great Access to Carlsbad Caverns

After learning that Bottomless Lakes State Parks do not allow campfires, and striking out at Lake Van (also no campfires and didn't look to be open in late September), we settled on the Carlsbad KOA to be closer to the Caverns the following morning - and they had campfire rings! 

The owners were very friendly and even showed us to our spot in their golf cart.

Your typical KOA with lots of camping amenities. Enjoyed a long hot shower and clean restrooms. We appeared to be the only folks outside their camper in the evening. 

Was a bit windy, but the landscape allowed for beautiful views all around and a gorgeous sunset.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Lindsey S., October 1, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2019

Nicest Campground in Carlsbad/Artesia NM area

Gravel level lots. Water pressure 38 lbs but 50 amp power good. Water extremely hard. My water softener did not make a difference. The campground has bbq dinners delivered nightly except Monday. Meal very good. 18 miles to nearest town. Campfires allowed. Staff very friendly. WiFi very iffy and ATT only has 4G.

  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by James R., July 9, 2019
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2019

Good stop between Carlsbad and Artesia NM

Gravel level lots.  Water pressure 38 lbs but 50 amp power good.   Water extremely hard.  My water softener did not make a difference.   The campground has bbq dinners delivered nightly except Monday.  Meal very good.  18 miles to nearest town.  Campfires allowed. Staff very friendly.   WiFi very iffy and ATT only has 4G.

SiteB1
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2019

It worked out for us

Arrived here, after 6PM, on a last minute reservation Severe thunderstorms in area Check In was smooth and friendly. Staff advised us game room would remain open all night, In case tenters wanted to have a dry place Ownwer offered us A Deluxe Cabin for $12.00 more We took the offer due to the weather Yea! Cabin was cleanand well stocked, complete with porch swing. One downer Bed needs to be replaced unless rolling to the middle is fun for you . Tent sites are close together with little shade Showers and toilets are great A little less than an hour to Carlsbad Caverns. Bring groceries with you, as the campground store has a limited stock of necessities. $38.00 per night for a tent site with no utilities.

  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Gary M., June 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Gary M., June 6, 2019
  • Review photo of Carlsbad KOA by Gary M., June 6, 2019
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Carlsbad KOA have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Carlsbad KOA has 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Carlsbad KOA?

    Carlsbad KOA allows vehicles up to 75 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Carlsbad KOA?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Carlsbad KOA, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Carlsbad KOA have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Carlsbad KOA does have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Carlsbad KOA?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.