Ruidoso, New Mexico sits at approximately 6,920 feet elevation in the Sierra Blanca mountain range where temperatures can drop below freezing at night even during summer months. The surrounding Lincoln National Forest provides numerous camping options ranging from established RV parks to remote dispersed sites. Winter camping requires preparation for snow conditions while summer brings monsoon rains typically arriving in afternoon patterns.
What to do
Explore petroglyphs: Three Rivers Campground offers access to Three Rivers Petroglyph National Park, approximately 4 miles away. "My family and dog tent-camped at Three Rivers campground on Labor Day weekend 2014. There were shaded spots. The water in the river was running and fresh. There were a couple nice bathing holes," shared Jacob W.
Hike mountain trails: Fort Stanton Cave Campground provides multiple trail access points just off the campground. "There's a good map of the trails located at Fort Stanton if you happen to visit there before heading here definitely take a picture. It gets hot here starting in May and not much shade available," notes Jeanie P.
Watch wildlife: The Alto area campgrounds offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. A camper at Moonflower Meadows RV Resort mentioned, "This park is quiet and peaceful with lots of birds and nightly visits by elk. Shannon has some beautiful flower bushes around the whole park and they were blooming when we were there."
What campers like
Mountain isolation: Oliver Lee Memorial State Park provides scenic views of mountains and valley. "Stunning cliffs rise to the east, with a wide-open valley stretching beyond. The starry night skies are absolutely beautiful," reports Haven D.
Creek access: Multiple sites at Bonito Hollow feature water access points. "Just returned from a 5 day stay. We got escorted to our spot and they helped guide us in. The staff are very helpful and if you need something, they will be more than happy to accommodate you. The grounds are very clean and well maintained. There is a small creek that runs along the grounds and nice spots to sit and chill out," says Bill F.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote nature of several sites provides excellent night sky viewing. Elena C. noted about her dispersed camping experience near Fort Stanton, "We opted to drive over a ridge and suddenly we were out of site of the main road and any other campers. The privacy and views were great! Best stars we have seen in a long while."
What you should know
Limited phone service: Several campgrounds have spotty or nonexistent cell coverage. A visitor to Bonito Hollow RV Park & Campground mentioned, "No phone service Verizon or ATT. Also bathrooms and showers are closed. They said they only had water & electric sites without telling me about the closures."
Winter camping considerations: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme. "We were there in November, and it got cold at night (one night down to 14 degrees F), during the day temps were in the mid 60's...so be prepared for cold nights and comfortable days," advised Dave G. about Fort Stanton.
Flash flood awareness: Some access roads have water crossings. A camper at Three Rivers noted, "Good little camp ground..stow your food away from tent had a bear visit while there..also the road getting there is prone to flash floods."
Tips for camping with families
Enclosed dog areas: Along The River RV Park & Campground offers convenient pet facilities. Sue G. from another local campground shared this regional tip: "The campground is pet friendly, has an enclosed run where you can take them off the leash for a bit, also has several locations with poop bags available."
Activities for kids: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. Charles B. wrote, "Smaller campground with plenty to keep the kids entertained. Playground. Some of the campsites back up to a nice running creek. Beautiful bridge crossing over the creek."
Wildlife education opportunities: Make morning and evening wildlife viewing a learning experience. "This RV resort is hidden away near Ruidoso and adjacent to Lincoln National Forest. Small and quiet away from the traffic but close enough to all the sights and attractions in the area," mentioned Kathy C. about Moonflower Meadows.
Tips from RVers
Winter RV facilities: Twin Spruce RV Park remains open during colder months. "We stayed here in January and the stay was wonderful. We were greeted by friendly and helpful hosts. Nice office and with couches and a book/dvd lending library. There is a pool in the summer and an area for breakfast," reports MinnieWinnie A.
Yurt camping options: For those seeking alternative accommodation between tent and cabin, yurt camping in Ruidoso, New Mexico provides comfortable shelters. While traditional yurts are available, some local campgrounds offer variations on this concept.
Level site selection: RVers appreciate the well-maintained sites at several parks. "All sites are pull through. Our site was wide enough for my 32ft travel trailer, my pickup, my partner's car, and his trailer with his motorcycle on it, and we still had room to move," noted Michele S. about her stay at Moonflower Meadows.
