Glamping close to Animas, New Mexico offers camping experiences in a transitional desert ecosystem at elevations ranging from 4,000-5,000 feet. The region experiences dramatic temperature shifts, with summer highs regularly exceeding 95°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with AT&T generally providing better coverage than Verizon or T-Mobile in most locations.
What to do
Hiking trails with wildlife opportunities: Rusty's RV Ranch features dedicated hiking paths where campers can observe local animals. According to a visitor, "Loved the hiking trails that went around the entire property and we used those a number of times" with special areas where "guests can interact with goats and birds."
Nighttime stargazing: The dark skies in this region make it ideal for astronomy. At Sycamore Campground, you can enjoy pristine night skies in a quiet environment. One camper reports, "Mid week in September and we were the only people at the campgrounds. Nice clean bathrooms, picnic tables, fire pit, and bear box."
Bird watching excursions: The area around Animas attracts diverse bird species. At Lordsburg KOA, you can establish a basecamp for birding trips. A visitor noted, "We are birders and were happy with the proximity to many mountain canyons. Our space was private with a nice patio."
Wildlife viewing: The natural surroundings host abundant wildlife. As one camper at Sycamore Campground observed, "Saw many deer and turkeys in the area. Plenty of shade available; unfortunately, only stagnant pools of water in the creek this time of year."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many glamping options near Animas, New Mexico provide well-spaced camping spots. A reviewer at Rusty's RV Ranch noted, "Nice sites that are well spaced. All roads and sites are dirt, so it can get a bit dusty, especially when the wind blows."
Clean facilities: Consistent maintenance across campgrounds enhances comfort. At Rusty's RV Ranch, one camper observed, "Rusty runs a tight ship, and the state of the campground reflects that. All services work properly and facilities are neat and clean."
Quiet atmosphere: The remote setting creates peaceful camping experiences. At Gold Gulch Road, a camper mentioned, "We came in after dark, but the roads were clear and it was easy to set up. Quiet."
Scenic surroundings: The desert landscapes offer distinctive views. A visitor to Gold Gulch Road described it as "a place like from some safari movie, beautiful sunset, you can see a herd of cows. plenty of room for everyone and an easy route."
What you should know
Limited supplies and groceries: The region has few shopping options, requiring advance planning. A camper at Rusty's RV Ranch advised, "Bring supplies because the closest place for decent shopping is Douglas, AZ about 55 miles south."
Variable internet connectivity: Cell service and WiFi quality differ significantly between locations. At Rusty's RV Ranch, a reviewer reported, "AT&T was about four bars of 4g and Verizon is one bar of 4g, not very good."
Weather conditions: Wind and dust can impact camping comfort. One Rusty's RV Ranch visitor noted, "The trees, though plentiful, are fairly short and don't provide much shade."
Road conditions: Access to some sites requires driving on unpaved roads. At Sycamore Campground, a camper described it as "Easily accessible down a dirt road. $15 per night, there are dispersed sites available along the road as well."
Tips for camping with families
Bring flashlights for evening activities: Limited lighting makes nighttime navigation challenging. A camper at Lordsburg KOA suggested, "The bathrooms were a little outdated but that didn't take away from how well kept the bathrooms were. Especially when I got there after hours."
Plan for entertainment without reliable internet: Many glamping locations near Animas have limited connectivity. One Lordsburg KOA camper recommended, "The WiFi was excellent, the cable has 40 some channels, the provided paper only listed 20 stations. But our Firestick and their WiFi.... we survived."
Consider visiting in cooler months: The climate is more comfortable during fall and winter. A visitor to Lordsburg KOA shared, "We took a very scenic drive up into mountains to silver city, cute old town, we passed through Gila national forrest, it's about 45 miles, but a very easy nice drive on very good roads."
Check site spacing for family privacy: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. At Lordsburg KOA, a reviewer noted, "This is a very basic KOA clean neat but no frills basic desert camping spaces are well space particularly the large ones great for an overnight stop."
Tips from RVers
Arrive with full tanks: Limited water access requires preparation. At Lordsburg KOA, a camper noted, "Full hookups, all in good condition. Gravel parking sites."
Check size limitations: Some sites accommodate larger rigs better than others. A Lordsburg KOA visitor advised, "We travel with our fifth wheel and a utility trailer aka triple tow. It's hard to find Rv parks that can accommodate 60 plus feet rigs."
Prepare for dust and wind: The desert environment affects equipment. At Rusty's RV Ranch, a reviewer warned, "Bring some tie down, the wind could be very strong."
Consider climate control needs: Power requirements vary seasonally. A visitor to Rusty's RV Ranch reported, "Our site, 28, was a pull-through, as were most, but some were back in. The sites were fairly well spaced, particularly for a private CG."
