Dispersed camping options surround Anthony, New Mexico, positioned at the Texas-New Mexico border with desert terrain and mountain views. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. The area sits at approximately 3,800 feet elevation, offering both established RV parks and primitive BLM camping opportunities.
What to Do
Mountain hiking: Franklin Mountains State Park Campground offers numerous trails through 27,000 acres of desert wilderness. "Took a short drive to La Mesilla and the farmers market in Las Cruces—definitely recommend both. White Sands is also not too far if you're up for a day trip," notes a visitor to Las Cruces KOA.
Stargazing: Sierra Vista dispersed camping provides exceptional night sky viewing. "We passed a few hike-in spots on our way to the Aztec Cave that looked great as well. Our particular site had a gorgeous view down a valley close to the restrooms," writes LaRee S. at Franklin Mountains State Park Campground.
Wine tasting: Pet owners can enjoy regional wines while their dogs relax. "We stayed one night and really enjoyed the stay. They have a large outdoor covered wine tasting area that allows dogs. An excellent wine sampling set helped choose a good wine," reports Arthur K. at Sombra Antigua Winery.
What Campers Like
Secluded sites: Desert camping provides privacy from nearby urban areas. "It is a safe, clean, and lovely place. It even has sites where, if you have four wheel drive you can go and be very isolated. I loved this place!" reports Tiffany Ann G. about Franklin Mountains State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained restrooms and showers enhance camping comfort. "The visitor center has very cool 3d map of area. Gates locked from 1700-0800. They give you the padlock combo for entry/exit but took a couple minutes to figure out how the gate latch worked particularly at night," shares Mark M. about Franklin Mountains.
Dog accommodations: Multiple pet-friendly camping options near Anthony welcome four-legged travelers. "We got a remodeled back in site and they are nice. Very wide and 50' deep. There is a concrete patio, table, grill and fire ring. The store is large and there is free coffee and danish in the mornings," notes Kevin K. about Las Cruces KOA.
What You Should Know
Weather conditions: Prepare for extreme temperature variations and high winds. "Very pretty, but tough camping. Parking for sites is SLANTED, very few flat! 1 bar Verizon. Gorgeous here but tough in a camper van. Also very windy," warns Lucy P. about Franklin Mountains State Park Campground.
Reservation systems: Many campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Great views to Sacramento Mountains to the east (Ruidoso/Cloudcroft area--Sierra Blanca covered in snow early Nov.). White Sands nearby along with White Sands Missile Range Museum). Met some BLM peeps who were very nice, helpful," reports Mark M. at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground.
Size limitations: Some campgrounds restrict vehicle length. "BLM recommends nothing more than 23' long. Water available at host site near gate before driving about 4 or 5 mi to campsites. Road IS narrow and winding and steep in place but pave and ONE way," warns Mark M. about Aguirre Spring.
Tips for Camping with Families
Budget-friendly options: Free or low-cost BLM sites offer economical alternatives to paid campgrounds. "Spots are along a gravel road to a hiking a trail. Easy to find and close to town. Not much shade, no amenities. Good amount of space between campers... Pretty decent spot!" reports Nancy R. about Sierra Vista.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds provide interpretive resources. "The kids enjoyed cornhole, basketball, tetherball, and the playground. The store was well stocked. I only wish more local products were sold," shares Candy P. about Las Cruces KOA.
Safety precautions: Secure campgrounds offer peace of mind for families. "Pay attention when pulling out on the main road near the office. We almost got hit by an oncoming vehicle turning left when departing the RV park. There's a curve, and the locals drive this shortcut road well over the speed limit," warns MickandKarla W. about Hacienda RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose level sites with adequate space for larger rigs. "Stayed here one night the park is very nice. Has lots of hiking trails and scenery. The rv parking is small only has 5 sites and no amenities. Be cautious if you have a big rig the spots are not very long," advises Chelsea P. about Franklin Mountains.
Water management: Limited water access requires planning for boondockers. "Few other people there. They drove on past our spot and almost out of sight. Isolated, quiet, some light pollution from Mesquite and Las Cruses," notes lisa S. about Sierra Vista.
Connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the area. "Verizon coverage is solid 5 bars. They have WiFi however it is limited to the 'family room' only. Due to COVID, thus is closed. Easy access from I-10 to US52," reports Michael C. about Fort Bliss RV Park.
