Campground

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3.5

out of 5

10 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 17, 2024

Can’t Beat The Price

Although a bit rough around the edges, if you are traveling in SE New Mexico, this location is great for an overnighter. When we arrived, all of the full hook-up sites were taken (looked like long term locals). I called the number at the un-manned office and the gentleman who answered was very friendly and let us know that we could camp anywhere around the lake for $9. The location is close to a nice residential area, so it’s relatively quiet with the exception of the occasional train passing by. There is a scent of cow manure depending on which way the wind is blowing; but it’s not unbearable. Overall, it was a nice place to stop over for the night as we were heading towards the Carlsbad Caverns the following day.

SiteLot adjacent to the lake
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Lake van by Gil W., November 17, 2024
  • Review photo of Lake van by Gil W., November 17, 2024
Reviewed Feb. 7, 2024

Sketchy neighbors

The intake person was respectful which is my reason for 2 stars and not 1 star. I left my belongings to run to the store. I came back to everything gone. Even my daughter's bible! I am surprised by this. I had just dropped the payment in the payment box for the stay so I lost the $27 too. I didn't stick around for the police because I immediately felt unsafe. I'm disappointed. We had planned to enjoy the views and relax.

Sitea shelter site near the fishing dock
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Lake van by Love in M., February 7, 2024
Reviewed Mar. 4, 2023

Should be free, but okay in general

For just a spot for the night it costs $9 which is basically nothing, but it really should be free. The place smells SO strong of all the poop from the birds and wow it’s windy. I’m from Idaho and have dealt with that kind of thing a lot on the little lakes up there but omg it’s awful here. On the bright side it is very quiet and pretty with easy access to stores around. I would not pay to stay here unless you’re desperate and don’t mind not going outside

Month of VisitFebruary
Reviewed Jan. 6, 2022

Not bad in a pinch

Great deal for tent camping ($9) but the lack of a map of where to camp was confusing (maybe you can actually camp anywhere?). Ended up here due to an unexpected delay on our way to White Sands. Camped near the RVs mostly due to exhaustion. There was an unpleasant sewage smell. Several bright lights around the picnic tables were annoying. Bathrooms are heated though, big plus. After driving around the lake in the morning there seem to be several level spots down by the lake that would be nice for tenting. Outhouses are scattered around but very few picnic tables. Overall a great deal for a basic city campground.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Lake van by Gina L., January 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Lake van by Gina L., January 6, 2022
Reviewed Nov. 17, 2021

Laid back city campground

Stayed for 2 nights in mid November 2021. Area has full hookups or tent/dispersed camping. Located in Dexter, NM.

Site2
Month of VisitNovember
Reviewed Oct. 29, 2021

City Park RV Park With Full-Hookups & Dry Camping Options

There are about 9 full hookup RV sites at this little park. They aren't drawn out very well and depending on how other RVers park it can be hard to figure out where to go. 

We ended up in spot number 3 which had the sewer connection in the back so we had to stretch our sewer hose pretty far. 

There's supposed to be a 30 day camping limit with a 7 day in between period but there were campers there that we're obviously just living there. 

When you get there just look at the numbered electrical boxes and fit in between the "residents" as well as you can. 

It's $15 a night for full hookups, $95 a week, or $350 a month. 

There are some small parking areas around the lake you can dry camp in. Only a few of these spots were level. It's $9 a night for dry camping or $50 a week.

Site3
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Lake van by TheCampingNerd .., October 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Lake van by TheCampingNerd .., October 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Lake van by TheCampingNerd .., October 29, 2021
  • Review photo of Lake van by TheCampingNerd .., October 29, 2021
Reviewed May. 22, 2021

A gem

A great stop over. Cheap full hookups or boondocking. During the week you pretty much have the whole park to yourself.

Site03
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Lake van by L A., May 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Lake van by L A., May 22, 2021
Reviewed May. 5, 2021

This is a gem.

It's a City Park campground but well maintained and a well-stocked Lake. You can boondock for a small fee or have a full hookup.

Site1
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Lake van by L A., May 5, 2021
  • Review photo of Lake van by L A., May 5, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2019

Empty?

We were travelling through in late September and the camping appeared to be shut down for the season. No one around and just a few back in sites for RV's. Picnic tables were in a grouping and not site specific. Didn't appear to be campfire rings.

Month of VisitSeptember