Best Campgrounds near Alamogordo, NM

Alamogordo sits at the convergence of desert landscapes and mountain terrain, creating a diverse camping landscape with options ranging from developed state parks to dispersed sites on public lands. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground, located approximately 15 minutes south of Alamogordo, provides established campsites with water and electric hookups for RVs and tent campers. Dispersed camping options exist at Dog Canyon and Bluff Springs, while the Alamogordo/White Sands KOA offers cabin accommodations and glamping options for those seeking more amenities. Several campgrounds in the area feature proximity to White Sands National Park, making them popular bases for exploring this unique attraction.

Temperatures in this region can fluctuate dramatically with extreme heat in summer months and cooler conditions at higher elevations. Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round, though reservations are strongly recommended during peak seasons, particularly spring and fall when weather conditions are most favorable. Dispersed camping areas like Dog Canyon typically have no drinking water or facilities, requiring self-sufficiency. The area's desert climate demands adequate water supplies and sun protection, especially during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Cell service can be limited or non-existent at many sites, particularly those in canyon areas or at higher elevations. A reviewer noted, "This camp is nestled up against a mountain. It's Memorial Day weekend and not too crowded. Highly recommend for the price."

Campers frequently mention the striking contrast between desert vistas and mountain backdrops as a highlight of the region's camping experience. Sites at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park receive consistently positive reviews for their scenic value, with one camper describing "great views, especially during sunrise and sunset." Proximity to White Sands National Park represents a primary draw for many visitors, with several campgrounds positioned within a 30-minute drive of this iconic destination. The Alamogordo area provides convenient access to both natural attractions and urban amenities, allowing campers to enjoy wilderness experiences while remaining close to services. Several visitors noted the surprisingly moderate temperatures at higher elevation campgrounds compared to the desert floor, making mountain sites particularly appealing during summer months.

Best Camping Sites Near Alamogordo, New Mexico (115)

    1. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Sunspot, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (236) 682-6567

    $15 - $30 / night

    "About 15 minutes from Alamogordo and 30 minutes from White Sands, so convenient, too. It seemed to be full on Friday night but only half-full on Saturday night."

    "Reservation camp ground about 15-20 min from Alamogordo. Great views, although a little windy at night since you're right up against the mountains."

    2. Alamogordo / White Sands KOA

    37 Reviews
    Alamogordo, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-3452

    "In direct contrast to the White Sands backcountry camping which offers absolutely zero thrills and access to luxuries, the White Sand KOA is a great place to stay for those wanting some of the comforts"

    "Local to everything in Alamogordo. Propane available, laundry, cabins, hot as hell showers, water pressure is really high at around 155 psi. So definitely bring a regulator."

    3. Dog Canyon

    17 Reviews
    Sunspot, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "About 20 minutes south of Alamogordo. Main dirt road is fine, even for larger rigs. Side road that runs north/south may give you issues.

    Plenty of obvious campsites, many of which are level."

    "I entered in the first entrance. This was exactly where the directions from The Dyrt took me. Not a lot of spots but no trouble getting a spot."

    4. Boot Hill RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Tularosa, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 439-6224

    "We visited White Sands NP and Three Rivers Petroglyph Area from this spot, and each was about equal distance. Not that far from Alamogordo so we splurged and ate out one night."

    "We stayed here 2 nights while exploring the Alamogordo/ White Sands area. The park is well equipped with your basic needs-- laundry, FHU, gift shop, office, and a nice covered picnic area."

    5. Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Sunspot, NM
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-7570

    "This is a quiet area tucked away in Lincoln National Forest. It's not too far from Cloudcroft, NM so it's easy to resupply on water, snack, etc."

    "Went 12/28-12/30 and the actual campground area was packed the whole time even with it being 20-30 degrees outside. Extremely windy and most areas only get an hour or two of sun."

    6. Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping

    17 Reviews
    Cloudcroft, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-2551

    "You can get as far away from main roads as you need. There are infinite spots on this road. It’s quite long and the road conditions aren’t all that bad, so anyone can access it."

    "Sleeping surrounded by the trees was awesome. It was so calm. Not a lot of cars drive through the road right beside it, so it’s pretty quiet."

    7. Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

    23 Reviews
    Holloman Air Force Base, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 479-6124

    "If you do one thing in New Mexico--and it would be a shame if you only did one thing, but I digress--full moon camping at White Sands National Monument might be it."

    "Once you get your spot do some local stuff, Alamogordo is 20 minutes to the east, not great but you can also head up to Cloudcroft which is nice and has great hiking."

    8. Edgington RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Alamogordo, NM
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 434-2643

    "The site was right off the highway so easy to get to and the site level. There was a lot of noise from traffic on the highway."

    9. Mountain Meadows RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Tularosa, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 585-3678

    $45 - $65 / night

    "A good spot to have as a homebase to visit White Sands National Park and Alamogordo, where the Space museum was."

    "It’s only a 30‑minute drive to White Sands National Park and Cloudcroft. The host is very responsive and helpful via call or text. They even provide sleds and wax for free to use at White Sands."

    10. Lower Karr Canyon Campground

    6 Reviews
    Lincoln National Forest, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-7570

    "Lower Karr Canyon campground is about 6 miles from the main highway at High Rolls, NM. The last 2 miles or so being rather rough dirt."

    "You just have to look around to find the best one. Be aware of others though. We did have a family show up and start shooting guns in the area without any concern for others around them."

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Showing results 1-10 of 115 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Alamogordo, NM

493 Reviews of 115 Alamogordo Campgrounds



Guide to Alamogordo

Camping near Alamogordo, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore White Sands National Park: Just a short drive from many campgrounds, this park features beautiful white gypsum dunes. One visitor mentioned, "The sunsets are always spectacular," making it a perfect spot for evening strolls.
  • Hiking: Trails around Oliver Lee Memorial State Park offer breathtaking views. A camper shared, "Some nice hikes from the park with amazing views," highlighting the area's natural beauty.
  • Visit Local Attractions: The New Mexico Museum of Space History is nearby. One reviewer noted, "Alamogordo is just 15-20 minutes away where you can get anything you might need," making it easy to combine outdoor fun with cultural experiences.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning landscapes. One visitor at Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake said, "A disappearing and reappearing lake, ancient human and mastodon footprint fossils," showcasing the area's rich history and beauty.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds provide a peaceful escape. A reviewer at Dog Canyon mentioned, "Felt very private and had plenty of space," which is perfect for those looking to relax.
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere. At Alamogordo / White Sands KOA, one guest said, "The employees were super friendly and helpful," making for a pleasant stay.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake, lack facilities. A visitor noted, "There’s nothing in the way of services at this place," so be prepared to be self-sufficient.
  • Weather Considerations: The area can get hot, especially in summer. A camper at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park warned, "It is HOT especially if you're tent camping," so plan accordingly.
  • Road Conditions: Some access roads can be rough. A visitor at Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping mentioned, "A little rough getting in, but we made it in a small SUV," so a vehicle with good clearance is recommended.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Many campgrounds are close to fun attractions. One parent at Alamogordo / White Sands KOA said, "The playground was newish," making it a great spot for kids to play.
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A reviewer at Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping noted, "Kids loved playing in it and seeing the waterfall," but supervision is key.
  • Plan for Comfort: Bring extra blankets for chilly nights. A camper at Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping mentioned, "It dropped into the 50’s at night but was low 80’s during the day," so be ready for temperature swings.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Hookups: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A visitor at Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park appreciated the "clean park and bathrooms," highlighting the importance of facilities.
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some RV spots can be tight. A reviewer at Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park noted, "The spaces were tight and it was in a commercial area," so plan your parking accordingly.
  • Explore Local Food Options: Many campgrounds are near towns with dining options. A camper at The Camp @ Cloudcroft mentioned, "Not much in town except for cafe, convenience store and hotel," so stock up before heading out.

Camping around Alamogordo is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors while being close to unique attractions. Whether you're tent camping or RVing, there's something for everyone in this beautiful part of New Mexico.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tent camping available in Alamogordo, New Mexico?

Yes, tent camping is available near Alamogordo. Picacho Road Dispersed Camping offers free primitive camping options on public land with reasonable privacy, though access requires navigating a slight ditch. For those seeking more amenities, Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping near Cloudcroft provides toilet facilities while maintaining a natural setting. Be aware that summer temperatures in the Alamogordo area can be extremely hot, so spring, fall, and winter are generally more comfortable for tent camping. Always check current regulations and fire restrictions before setting up camp.

Where are the best campgrounds near Alamogordo, NM?

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground is a standout option about 15-20 minutes from Alamogordo, featuring level gravel sites with water and electric hookups, clean bathrooms, and stunning mountain views. For RV travelers, Boot Hill RV Resort offers full amenities and convenient access to White Sands National Park and Three Rivers Petroglyph Area. Other notable options include Edgington RV Park (close to White Sands with water, sewer, and electricity) and Mountain Springs Ranch (known for beautiful New Mexico sunsets and stargazing opportunities).

What KOA facilities are available in Alamogordo?

The Alamogordo / White Sands KOA is the primary KOA facility serving the Alamogordo area. This campground offers the standard KOA amenities that typically include full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, cabin rentals, clean restrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, and a camp store. Its strategic location provides convenient access to White Sands National Park, one of the area's main attractions. As with most KOAs, reservations are recommended, especially during peak travel seasons. The campground serves as a comfortable base for exploring Alamogordo and the surrounding natural attractions.