The Animas region sits at approximately 4,500 feet elevation in southwestern New Mexico, where the landscape transitions from desert scrublands to mountainous terrain. Camping options range from primitive dispersed sites to developed facilities with hookups, with most locations offering exceptional stargazing due to the area's remote location and minimal light pollution. Winter temperatures remain moderate compared to northern New Mexico, though summer days frequently exceed 90°F.
What to Do
Astronomy activities: Smugglers' Roost offers exceptional stargazing conditions for amateur astronomers. "The host opens up [a telescope] for guests—astronomy here is a BIG deal and a must see for those who need a look and feel of the earth we are apart of," according to one visitor at Smugglers' Roost. Another camper noted the "low light made the stargazing great."
Day trips to nearby attractions: Multiple camping areas serve as convenient bases for exploring the region. A visitor at Rusty's RV Ranch shared: "We took a ride over to the Coronado National Forest and coming from the wide-open desert we felt like we had stepped into another world. Definitely worth the trip." The same camper mentioned: "We went exploring and visited the Chiricahua Desert Museum & the Apache Museum next door."
Hiking trails: The Cave Creek Canyon area offers numerous well-maintained trails. At Sunny Flat Campground, one camper mentioned: "South Fork Trail #243 is a particularly easy 4.1 mile hike with a few water crossings." This trail offers a gentle hiking experience suitable for most fitness levels.
What Campers Like
Spacious camping areas: Many campgrounds near Animas provide ample space between sites. A reviewer at Granite Gap described it as having "amazing views" and being "dispersed camping at its best." The review continued: "We made it up in a long bed crew cab Chevy 2500. Some camp sites at the bottom. But if you go up to the dead end keep to the left."
Community atmosphere: Several campgrounds foster a welcoming environment. A camper at Smugglers' Roost wrote: "I spent my mornings practicing meditation (at the roost) and enjoyed peaceful 'me time' during mid-mornings while others were awake, up and about. By day, I spent time mingling, helping out (because what is community if you are not involved?) and getting to know my surroundings."
Wildlife viewing: The diverse habitats near Animas support abundant wildlife. One visitor to Sunny Flat Campground mentioned: "We had families of deer nesting down in the bushes around our camper." Bird watching is particularly popular, with one camper noting: "We really enjoyed our stay at Smugglers' Roost! Our host couldn't have been nicer or more helpful to us. He gave us great advice on local places to explore & even showed us the stars through his telescope! The night sky there is incredible!"
What You Should Know
Limited supplies and services: The Animas area is remote with minimal services available. As one camper at Smugglers' Roost explained: "This is a pioneering community and they invest in not only their guests, but the land itself. The quietly nestled roost is located in the middle of nowhere but somehow captures the essence of everything; from nearby mountain hikes, gas stations, stores, small town restaurants, museums and endless miles of nature's beauty."
Road conditions: Access to some of the best places to camp near Animas, New Mexico requires careful driving. A visitor to Granite Gap advised: "A bit sandy of a drive. You have to open and close a gate but it is not locked. Some camp sites at the bottom. But if you go up to the dead end keep to the left. Site is not too level but throw a couple of rocks under the tires and you can level out."
Connectivity limitations: Most camping areas have minimal or no cellular service. At Bonita Canyon Campground, a camper noted: "Your phone will be of little use except taking pictures unless you drive to the top of the mountain where the views are amazing and several trailheads lead into the hoodoos." Satellite internet can be an option at some locations.
Tips for Camping with Families
Look for established campgrounds with amenities: Families typically prefer sites with basic facilities. At Bonita Canyon Campground, a visitor reported: "Bathrooms are modernized and super clean. Food storage boxes and bear boxes are available! Some sites have their own and others share the boxes."
Plan for educational activities: The region offers learning opportunities for children. A camper at Smugglers' Roost shared: "I spent Christmas here and my wish this year was to spend it around a fire with strangers and hot cocoa; well the hosts at Smugglers' Roost made my dream come true and my Christmas was well spent telling stories and teaching children (my passion) around a nice warm fire."
Check for campground-specific restrictions: Different camping areas have varying rules. At FS Road 42 Dispersed, a camper warned about wildlife: "A bear track was discovered on top of our tire track not too far from our tent." Always verify if food storage regulations are in place at your chosen campsite.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: When choosing among the best camping spots near Animas, New Mexico, RVers should carefully assess site dimensions. A visitor to Bonita Canyon Campground cautioned: "Heads up parking spots can be small depending on what campsite you get. Our group of four stayed at campsite 21 and campsite 18. Campsite 21 could only fit one truck while campsite 18 could fit two cars."
Water quality varies: While some campgrounds require bringing all water, others offer good quality water on-site. At Smugglers' Roost, a camper noted: "The Roost has tasty water (no need for bottled water here, you can literally drink from the spout), full electricity and high speed wifi."
Plan for self-sufficiency: The remote location requires bringing adequate supplies. One RVer at Rusty's RV Ranch advised: "Bring supplies because the closest place for decent shopping is Douglas, AZ about 55 miles south." Another visitor mentioned: "If you bring your pet be sure to have some flashlights to walk them at night because it is dark dark."
