Best Equestrian Camping near Alamogordo, NM
Upper Karr Canyon Campground near Cloudcroft allows horses on its trails but offers no dedicated equine amenities like corrals. Tent and RV camping is permitted in this free forest service site with picnic tables, basic toilets, and fire rings. The campground functions primarily as a trailhead with access to meadows and logging roads that provide good horse riding terrain. Beautiful pine forests surround the area, with enough space between sites for privacy. Campers can hike into the trees to find their own spots away from the main parking area, making it suitable for those bringing horses who need to set up temporary containment.
Located approximately 20 miles from Alamogordo in the Lincoln National Forest, Upper Karr Canyon serves as a gateway to numerous equestrian-friendly trails. Horse owners must bring their own portable corrals or highlines as no permanent facilities exist. The surrounding meadows connect to various trails suitable for day rides. Water must be packed in for both campers and horses as no drinking water is available on site. The area receives significantly less traffic than other regional campgrounds, allowing equestrians more space to manage their animals. Winter brings snow and below-freezing temperatures, while summer offers relief from the desert heat with considerably cooler mountain conditions. The surrounding forest provides natural shade for horses during warmer months.