Joe Skeen Campground near San Fidel offers free camping with pet-friendly sites featuring covered picnic tables and fire rings. Dogs must remain on leash throughout this Bureau of Land Management facility, where campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere and well-maintained vault toilets. The campground provides drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access with both tent and RV accommodation options. Visitors note the campground is fairly exposed to wind but provides beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. Grants KOA Journey, approximately 20 minutes from San Fidel, welcomes pets with designated dog areas and full hookup sites. The metal artwork around High Desert RV Park creates an interesting environment for pet walks, with three fenced dog lots available for off-leash play.
Surrounding trails through El Malpais National Conservation Area allow dogs but require careful monitoring due to sharp lava rocks that can injure paws. Several campgrounds in the region feature spacious sites where pets can comfortably rest after exploring nearby attractions. Route 66 RV Resort provides multiple fenced dog parks scattered throughout their property, allowing convenient exercise options regardless of where campers are situated. Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, about 30 minutes from San Fidel, offers pet-friendly camping with opportunities to see wild horses grazing nearby. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard pet policies requiring leashes, proper waste disposal, and considerate noise management to prevent excessive barking during quiet hours, typically from 10pm to 6am.
"Level spots, electric, water and sewage hookups, huge field for you to walk your dog, Casino within walking distance or you give them a call and they come pick you up."
"18 rate if you mention the billboards on the highway, but $22 otherwise so it's a good deal. Park is close to the casino, pretty level sites, clean, with full hookups (including sewer), no riffraff."
"Gorgeous drive in from 40 to the campsite. Awesome pull-through site.
Only saw one person doing tent camping. Looked like a cold stay Oct 30th-31st."
"BLM dirt road near the entrance you can walk / hike down. Brochures of El Malpais at the entrance to the campground. Got there at 4 pm and only half the sites taken."
$45 / night
"General: Conveniently located close to I40, there are 20 pull-through 50-amp sites, 16 pull-through 30-amp sites, five back-in water/electric sites (ok for tents), five tent-only sites (no hookups)"
"Close to Hwy 40. There is a walking path next to the campground that is in a lava field and there are signs along the path with fun facts of the history of the lava field."
"It was dead quiet from the time we arrived until we left at 1:30pm the next day even though there were campers close by. The surrounding landscape was beautiful."
"like five but the last time we were there there was a group in two converted buses that seem to be living there and we noticed them making the rounds at 1:30 in the morning, had it not been for our dogs"
$40 - $50 / night
"It has a couple of dog runs, but they are too small for play. Not much dog walking space without cacti. I was most excited about the brewery on-site, but sadly I was too tired once we got there."
"Sites are very close to each other and there are no tables. The dog run is very small. Road noise from I40. There is a small brewery on site, hence upgraded to 4 stars."
$18 / night
"There’s a casino nearby if that’s your flavor. There’s also a gas station, grocery store, DQ, and all kinds of things as close as across the street!"
"The surrounding area is gorgeous! The camp spot is nestled in the trees and has plenty of shade for the summer months. Currently in April the picnic area was closed."
$15 - $90 / night
"This was the only lake we saw on our trip to the cattle ranch in New Mexico ;) The park is lovely and we truly enjoyed our time here. There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing."
"Beautiful New Mexico sunset."
$20 - $22 / night
"Spots are right next to each other but it’s a super quiet and safe campground. It has trees throughout so you don’t feel like you’re in the dessert."
"The campground is conveniently located off I40 and is very reasonable priced for full hookups. The campground is clean and the office staff were very nice."
ScoutA well organized park by a helpful staff. The pull-through sites are easily assessable and long enough for an F250 w/30’ travel trailer and not be detached. The park is clean and quaint. *Pet friendly but doesn’t allow “outside pet cages, kennels, or pet fencing” probably because they don’t want the dogs outside alone. Overall, and it being the first time visit I would recommend American RV Resort.@
RangerVisited the coal mine campground after driving a 500 mile day, so it was a set-up eat and crash situation. I did make a reservation on line, but that cost more than the $5 per site fee and was not necessary even though it was memorial day weekend. The fee is great because it is primitive, no electricity, no water at all, not just hookups, but the bathrooms were nice and clean with no sinks.
If you are prepared for a primitive camp with your own water and batteries for your electronics it is great. They have fire rings, grills, picnic tables and level places for tents.There are also nice back-in sites for boondocking RVs and the road up to the campground is fine for big rigs.
I ran into two mountain biker's here from Ireland that were riding the Continental Divide trail from The Mexican border in New Mexico to the Canadian border in Montana. They were staying here since the Trail goes through here. Paddy & Conner were very interesting people and I was fortunate to have run into them here.
I enjoyed my stay with a peaceful quite nights sleep and a short hike in the morning before breakfast cooked on the campfire. I would recommend this over a hotel stay if your passing through Grant's New Mexico on I40. You can probably get a site for the night anytime your passing through.
RangerA well laid out RV park! Your GPS will take you to the front of the 66 Casino. You will keep driving west on service rood past Casino parking lot. On west end turn left and go straight back to gated entrance to RV park. The park has a pool, club hose group BBQ area, several bathrooms, showers, laundry rooms, several fence in dog parks, most sites are pull through concrete level slabs sites with tables and fire pits at all sites. You get a card key to open gate for after hours and club house. High water pressure so pressure regulator highly recommended and sold in check in office. There is a $25 security fee that is returned to your credit card after checking out.
LegendA fun little campground with space to park an RV or rent a cabin. There are no hookups but you’re in a remote part of New Mexico under pines with a Giant night sky above. Plus you’ve got easy access to two fun little explorations... a 1.5 miles hike to the rim of the Bandera volcano and a 1/4 mile hike to the ice cave. It’s a family run business and they have a nice little gift shop and market with a few supplies. Once the park closes for the night, you have the hikes to yourself to take in sunset with lava rock surrounding. It’s a really beautiful area with a lovely family running the business. They charge $20/night for trailer parking but I’m not sure the price of the cabins. They’re also right by Malpais and El Morro national Monuments. Highly recommend for an overnight along your journey through New Mexico!
RangerThe whole campground is well spread out with big picnicking tables and fire 🔥 rings in each site. The parking pads are long. Enough so I could park two of my 25 ft RV trailers on the driver through camp sites and still have room for my crewcab long bed truck on the sites. The sites are well spaced out. The sites next to us on both sides are a good 40 feet on both sides. So your not right on your neighbors utilities stations. The Power polls has both 30amp and 50amp and 20amp power outlets. The fresh water spiket is the cold weather antifreeze type. The sewerage dump actually was good enough I was able to screw my 90° elbow into. No rock required on top to make sure there was no blowout when dumping. The landscape is a natural high desert 🏜 look to fit in with out side of park. There are at least three fenced in dog park scattered around the park. The same the bathroom, shower and laundry room with two washers and dryers. There is a large group Pavilion with several gas BBQ there. Pool house and pool, entertainment room. Over all a well laid out campgrounds.
GuideWe spent one night here in early April, 2020. We live in Albuquerque, and it was the middle of the early Coronavirus lockdown, but were looking to just get away from the house and still be away from people. With all the state and national parks closed, we had to go commercial. Rt. 66 RV Resort is just loaded with amenities (none of which we used, thanks to social distancing). It was not crowded at this time, so we requested and received a lot well away from anyone else. Full hook-ups, all in great shape. The park is less than 2 years old, I think, and it shows. Everything is pretty much immaculate. Service was VERY friendly and the guy led us right to the lot in his golf cart. Nice and flat. Picnic table. Fire pit. We had lovely weather so sitting out as the sun set was a nice treat.
In the morning, we walked around the whole place, and they really do have excellent amenities, all still in great shape. The pool area (not open) looks very inviting and attractive. The club house, while simple, looked very inviting. A couple of bathhouses around and a couple of dog parks. A big outdoor pavilion with a batch of grills and sinks and loads of tables in case you want to have a big party. The casino, restaurants and hotel were all closed, of course...but if you were looking for a place to stop and eat at a decent restaurant and do a little gambling...this RV park puts you just a couple hundred yards from the casino doors. Would be fun!
(Since that time, the casino has reopened.)
LegendThis was the only lake we saw on our trip to the cattle ranch in New Mexico ;) The park is lovely and we truly enjoyed our time here. There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing. The campground is broken up into a couple areas. Our site was somewhat shaded, which was nice in the heat of the summer. Very cool sites overlooking the lake. I wouldn’t say the sites are secluded, but it’s still a neat place. I haven’t been to many state parks in New Mexico so it was a unique experience!
TravelerReally enjoyed the RV Park itself but felt like a second class citizen since the Casino wasn’t open to non New Mexico residents.
TravelerIt is after Labor Day, the Canyonside Campground is deserted except for myself. I can hear the breeze moving through the pinions. Beautiful New Mexico sunset.
Camping options near San Fidel, New Mexico range from basic dispersed sites to full-service RV parks across the high desert landscape at approximately 6,500 feet elevation. The region experiences dramatic temperature swings with hot summer days cooling significantly at night and cold winter temperatures, particularly from November through March. The volcanic terrain creates a distinctive camping environment with juniper trees providing limited shade at most locations.
Lava field exploration: Visit El Malpais National Conservation Area for hiking on volcanic terrain. The conservation area features extensive lava fields with unique geology. "Beautiful drive in from 40 to the campsite. We saw chipmunks scurrying about in the morning. We were hoping to see more wildlife but can't complain for pulling in around 3:30 and choosing from about 4 empty sites and leaving by 9 am," notes camper Kelley G.
Casino entertainment: Spend an evening at Sky City RV Casino & RV Park for gaming and dining options. Located about 15 minutes from San Fidel, the casino offers food and entertainment. "Security will drive you back and forth to the casino if you request, but it's only a 5 minute walk. Ended up staying an extra night to get prime rib on Saturday," mentions Josh F. The casino restaurant receives mixed reviews with buffet options rated lower than regular menu items.
Dark sky stargazing: Take advantage of minimal light pollution at most area campgrounds. The region offers exceptional night sky viewing, especially at more remote locations. "Amazing dark sky view of the stars," reports Jennifer P. about Joe Skeen Campground. Most campgrounds enforce quiet hours from 10pm-6am, creating ideal conditions for nighttime astronomy.
Low cost camping: Many campgrounds offer affordable rates compared to other regions. Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the value at several locations. At Sky City RV Park, "It's $18 rate if you mention the billboards on the highway, but $22 otherwise so it's a good deal," according to Josh F. Another camper notes, "Make sure you tell them about the $18 billboard or you pay full price."
Unique landscapes: The volcanic terrain creates distinctive camping settings. The area's geology provides interesting surroundings not found in many camping destinations. "The metal artwork around High Desert RV Park creates an interesting environment for pet walks," while at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, "There are wild horses roaming through the campground," reports Jennifer W.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms despite remote locations. Visitors frequently mention facility cleanliness as a highlight. "Very clean and warm showers. Vault toilets are very clean as well," writes Dan about Bluewater Lake State Park. At Joe Skeen Campground, campers appreciate that "The compost commode was very clean, a campfire ring was available, and there was a covered picnic table area."
Limited water access: Many sites have no water hookups or sources. Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds. "No water, electricity or dump. Because this area can fill up fast, it's best to have an alternate plan, especially near the weekends," advises George K. about Joe Skeen Campground. Some locations offer water only at specific locations like ranger stations.
Campsite competition: Free and low-cost sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. Popular campgrounds can reach capacity early in the day. "We were showing up after Sunday so we paid 10$ and got water at Sky City RV park, 30 mins from Joe Skeen. Only 10 spots and they stayed full the whole time we were here. Once someone would leave it felt like someone immediately pulled in," reports Kelsey S.
Weather preparation: Prepare for wind exposure and temperature fluctuations. The high desert environment creates challenging weather conditions. "The campground is fairly exposed to wind but provides beautiful views of the surrounding landscape." Temperature differences between day and night can exceed 30°F, requiring appropriate clothing and camping gear.
Wildlife viewing: Look for wild horses at Bluewater Lake State Park. Children often enjoy spotting animals in their natural habitat. "There were horses roaming through the campground," notes one reviewer. The park also features "A playground for the kiddos, lots of areas to explore with the puppers, and plenty of bathrooms and Ramadas available for day use," according to Sara S.
Dog safety: Pack protective footwear for pets on lava terrain. The sharp volcanic rocks can injure paws when exploring trails. "Watch your dogs stepping in cactus. Dogs need to be on leash, but not enforced. Our dog loved this spot but he did sniff cactus too close ouch," warns Kelley G. Dog friendly campgrounds near San Fidel generally require leashes and proper waste disposal.
Educational opportunities: Visit El Malpais visitor center for junior ranger programs. Children can learn about the volcanic landscape and local ecology. Rangers provide educational materials and activities specifically designed for younger visitors. Many dog-friendly campgrounds near San Fidel are located close to educational points of interest.
Access challenges: Large rigs may face difficulties at some campgrounds. Vehicle size limits vary significantly between locations. At Joe Skeen Campground, Jennifer P. cautions, "The wash to get into the campground is steep on both sides. We drug a bit on the way in and a lot on the way out. We have a silverback 37bh that specs say is 39'11". Would not try it again."
Hookup availability: Verify which utilities are functioning before arrival. Water and electric service can be inconsistent at some locations. At Grants KOA Journey, "They have the normal KOA set up with long leveled gravel drive throughs with hookups, cabins, tent sites, and some sites have small trees," explains Edith L. Full hookup availability varies seasonally at many locations.
Overnight transit options: Several sites cater specifically to travelers passing through. For those just needing a place to sleep while traveling along I-40, there are convenient options. "Great overnight stop while traveling. Price is extremely reasonable," notes Les W. about Sky City Casino & RV Park. Most pet-friendly camping near San Fidel offers overnight options with varying levels of amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near San Fidel, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near San Fidel, NM is Sky City RV Casino & RV Park with a 4.1-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near San Fidel, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 25 dog-friendly camping locations near San Fidel, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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