Wind gusts and tumbleweeds mark arrivals at this lakeside city campground in Dexter, where gravel sites with full hookups line up beneath mature trees along a rail fence. The camping area operates on a first-come basis with nine numbered electrical boxes serving as site markers, though the layout lacks clear delineation and campers often need to squeeze between long-term residents who exceed the posted 30-day limit.
Full hookup sites run $15 per night with electric, water, and sewer connections, though some reviewers report difficulty locating water faucets. "The camping area is a gravel lot with the electric hook ups and sewer connections under the edge of the trees against a rail fence," describes David J.. Dry camping around the lake costs $9 nightly, with several level spots near the water that work better for tents than the main RV area.
The lake supports fishing and has a small playground, pavilions, and scattered picnic tables. Heated restrooms provide winter comfort, though campers note occasional sewage odors and bright security lighting near the picnic areas. Bird populations create strong manure scents depending on wind direction, and train noise carries from nearby tracks.
Access roads handle standard RVs without issue, and the location puts campers close to residential areas and stores for supplies. Those heading to camping near Dexter find this spot works well as an affordable overnight stop, particularly for travelers continuing to Carlsbad Caverns. The unmanned office operates by phone contact, and the responsive management accommodates late arrivals.
Lake van suits budget-conscious RVers needing full hookups and tent campers comfortable with basic amenities, though the presence of permanent residents and occasional odors may deter those seeking a more traditional campground experience.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsLake van is located in New Mexico near Dexter
Coordinates
33.19462904 N
104.35759936 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 6/22/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 6/22/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 user
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Market
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 45 min from Lubbock, TX
- 2 hrs 48 min from Odessa, TX
- 2 hrs 52 min from Midland, TX
- 3 hrs 23 min from El Paso, TX

















