Several cabin camping options are located within driving distance of Animas, New Mexico, with accommodations ranging from rustic forest settings to more modern facilities with amenities. The region sits at elevations between 4,500 and 8,000 feet, creating diverse camping environments from desert landscapes to mountain forests. Winter temperatures in the mountains can drop below freezing while summer temperatures often exceed 90°F in lower elevations.
What to do
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location near Rusty's RV Ranch provides exceptional dark sky viewing. "Very nice place, well maintained. Very quiet place too. Perfect for astronomer/stargazing. Concrete pad (could support 2 telescopes) are available with power outlet to run all astronomy gear," notes one visitor who recommends bringing tie-downs due to strong winds.
Mountain hiking: The Chiricahua Mountains offer numerous trails for all skill levels. A camper at Stewart Campground shares that "The Cave Creek Canyon on the western edge of the Chiricahua Mountains is a spectacular area that will completely take you by surprise." The area provides great opportunities for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing throughout the mountain range.
Birdwatching excursions: The region attracts serious birders, especially in spring migration. "We are birders and were happy with the proximity to many mountain canyons," reports a visitor who appreciated the access to diverse habitats within short driving distance.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many cabin locations offer good separation between units. According to a review of Chiricahua Mountains, "Sites on the outside are large and very private. There are a ton of trees in the campground which I'm sure are great for shade in the warmer months."
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, most cabin accommodations maintain good standards. One camper at Lordsburg KOA noted, "The bathrooms were a little outdated but that didn't take away from how well kept the bathrooms were. The water pressure for the shower in the bathroom was decent."
Wildlife viewing: The varied ecosystems support diverse animal populations. "There's a good chance to see wildlife if you hike one of the various trails around the area," mentions a camper about the Chiricahua region, adding that the mountains create "a forest wonderland compared to the surrounding Arizona desert."
What you should know
Limited services nearby: Shopping options are minimal around most cabin locations. "Bring supplies because the closest place for decent shopping is Douglas, AZ about 55 miles south," warns a visitor. Another notes that Stewart Campground has "not much in the area for food and gas, so come prepared."
Seasonal considerations: Weather varies dramatically between seasons. A Portal Bunkhouse area camper mentions, "Snows and Hails during winter months. The river gets lower until the snow melts." Summer months can be extremely hot at lower elevations.
Connectivity challenges: Cell service and internet access varies widely. "We have t-mobile and I will tell you we had no service here. We hooked up to their park wi-fi but could barely check our email," reports one camper about the Rodeo area, while another noted, "AT&T was about four bars of 4g and Verizon is one bar of 4g, not very good."
Tips for camping with families
Bear safety measures: Many campgrounds in the mountains require proper food storage. "Bear boxes at every site," notes a visitor to Chiricahua Mountains campground, making it easier to comply with safety requirements when camping with children.
Look for sites with amenities: Some cabin options provide more family-friendly features. "The gathering hall and laundry room is clean and inviting," mentions a visitor about Rusty's facilities, where they've "built trails and has goats/birds that the campers can interact with."
Consider cabin options at Portal CCC House: This historic cabin provides drinking water and electric hookups in a forest setting. While pets aren't allowed, the cabin offers a more protected sleeping arrangement for families with small children in variable mountain weather.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing limitations: Many forest campgrounds have restrictions for larger rigs. "Small campground best suited for tents or small trailers. Ours is 24 and we just fit," notes a camper at Chiricahua Mountains regarding their RV length.
Level site availability: Road conditions and site preparation vary between locations. One visitor to Lordsburg KOA mentioned "Level gravel sites. FHU worked fine; appears to be maintained," making it suitable for overnight stays when traveling through the area.
Check accessibility: Remote forest roads can be challenging. "The eastern route to Chiricahua National Monument is dicey in areas. Check with rangers before traversing this route," advises a camper, suggesting contacting land managers before attempting access with larger vehicles.
