Best Equestrian Camping near Arenas Valley, NM

Gila Hot Springs Ranch offers primitive and full-hookup campsites for horse owners within Gila National Forest. The campground has options for tent camping, RVs with hookups, and cabin rentals. Horse trailer parking is available at individual campsites, with electric and water hookups for rigs. The ranch features open pastures where horses are sometimes observed grazing freely. Campers have reported watching the ranch's horse herd being rounded up during their stay, adding to the equestrian atmosphere. The ranch is designed to accommodate guests traveling with horses, though specific corral information is limited. The facilities include flush toilets, hot water showers, picnic tables, and trash collection. Many sites have fire rings, and campfires are permitted within designated areas.

Located near the Gila National Monument, the ranch provides access to numerous riding trails through the surrounding forest. The terrain features steep grades and switchbacks, requiring adequate horse conditioning and appropriate trailer equipment. Riders can arrange guided pack trips on horses to explore the backcountry areas, with options available for both experienced riders and beginners. Natural hot springs run beneath the mountain, with soaking pools available a short walk from the campground along the river. The campground sits at higher elevation, resulting in cooler temperatures, especially at night. Morning temperatures can drop into the 30°F range before warming quickly during the day. Nearby wildlife includes deer that can be observed grazing in pastures at sunset, and sheep with occasional newborn lambs near the creek area.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Arenas Valley, New Mexico (7)

    1. Lake Roberts

    4 Reviews
    Hanover, NM
    18 miles
    Website

    "Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque"

    "This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views."

    2. BLM Near City of Rocks

    1 Review
    Faywood, NM
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 954-2222

    "When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road. Great views, desert terrain. I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great."

    3. North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Mimbres, NM
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 536-2250

    "You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it."

    4. Safari Campsite

    1 Review
    Silver City, NM
    23 miles

    5. Sapillo Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Hanover, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 536-2250

    6. Gila Hot Springs Ranch

    3 Reviews
    Gila National Forest, NM
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 536-9314

    $6 - $29 / night

    "There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing."

    "Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks. Beautiful scenery with sheep and horses."

    7. Snow Lake

    1 Review
    Gila National Forest, NM
    48 miles

    "We camped upstream of the lake in a shallow valley with a dirt road leading to the site/area. We could walk to the lake and across the dam to explore the creek behind it."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Arenas Valley, NM

11 Reviews of 7 Arenas Valley Campgrounds


  • E
    Dec. 10, 2021

    Gila Hot Springs Ranch

    Close to Gila National Monument

    We pulled right into our campsite with hot and cold water at our site. I believe they pull it from the natural hot springs that run beneath the mountain. What a treat! Even if you're not glam camping with a fancy RV it's perfect! How many times have you had to wash your dishes in cold water st a campground. I pull a 37ft gooseneck horse trailer that is now used for camping. No amenities but next best thing to camping in a tent. There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing. Especially after climbing the step to the cave/cliff dwellings which are approximately 4 mi further up the road. The restrooms are flush toilets, hot water and a heated floor. Super clean! You can pay a small fee to utilize the "hot tub" which is more modern but the best part is that there's no ceiling! That means as you sit in the hot tub you're privy to the unobstructed view of the Milky Way! Bring a pair of binoculars! We saw several shooting stars and we blown away by the majesty of the heavens which were out "ceiling"!
    You can get out of the hot tub, go directly into the restroom/shower. There's a code to enter the two shower/hot tub complex. Great because it keeps unexpected/uninvited guests from entering. We parked at site #08 close to the restrooms. There are hookups for more luxurious RVs. We ran out of propane and were easily accommodated with a fire ring and wood for a small fee. Well worth it! Mornings were in the 30's. It warms up quickly so layering worked for us. The camp host were very accommodating and friendly. I loved watching them round up their herd of horses that roam freely through the campground from time to time. At sunset we watched deer in the pasture grazing happily. Then watched them hop right over the fence one by one! How fun is that! Sunrise and sunsets there cast the most beautiful hues on the rock formations surrounding the area. While walking down to the natural hot springs we were delighted to see sheep who had given birth to a couple sets of black & white faced twins! Too cute for words... Bring a lunch as there are picnic tables next to the creek. Great after soaking in the three separate soaking areas. I was told you could arrange pack trips on horses and explore any of the back country areas. This is love to return and take advantage of! As amazing as it is on foot and in the car it Hass to be mine blowing on the back of a horse! I was also told that they do trail rides for those less experienced riders. 

  • Ellyn F.
    Mar. 3, 2023

    Gila Hot Springs Ranch

    Horse ranch

    Quiet ranch in the mountains of Gila National Forest. Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks. Beautiful scenery with sheep and horses.

  • Jonathan E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Safari Campsite

    Sufficient, but small and mediocre

    This site is just a relatively short turn-off road with a loop for turning around and a small, non-dedicated area for pitching a tent as far as I could tell. If you have a camper/RV/van, then it should work fine, but it’s not the best for tent camping. I made it work, but wasn’t super excited about it. Also, there was a bit of trash left behind when I was there, but it wasn’t necessarily a dump.

    Getting to this spot was convenient since it is right off a paved road. There was a bit of car noise here and there, but it wasn’t bad. I heard coyotes singing nearby (from multiple directions) in the evening, but didn’t actually see any wildlife.

    In all, it was alright. Not horrible, not great, just sufficient.

  • Dennis P.
    Dec. 25, 2020

    Snow Lake

    Beautiful boondocking.

    No facilities (it's boondocking) but beautiful! We camped upstream of the lake in a shallow valley with a dirt road leading to the site/area. We could walk to the lake and across the dam to explore the creek behind it. I slipped in the creek and dislocated my little finger on our second day, so that ended the trip for me. Had to drive to Reserve for medical help.

    The area is open grassland with ponderosa pines scattered around in clumps. As you hike into the Wilderness Area (the first one designated as such) the forest gets thicker. Snow Lake is well-known for trout fishing, and people know this. We were there on Memorial Day and it was a bit crowded with fishermen.

    There is an established campground there also (Dipping Vat) if you want a picnic table and grill, but we were all equipped for boondocking. High altitude means cold nights, so come prepared with all amenities self-contained, and all contingencies anticipated. (Like my dislocation!)

  • Karen  N.
    Apr. 5, 2020

    Lake Roberts

    Really nice

    Stayed here July 12-14,2019. There were quite a few sites available late Friday afternoon. Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque

  • Jorge G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 5, 2023

    North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping

    Secluded, clear beautiful skies

    There are plenty of nice spots to camp along North Star Road, north of Mimbres, NM. You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it. North Star Road is usually well maintained and most vehicles should make it to at least North Star Mesa.

    Nothing in terms of services and amenities, but nice hiking nearby. Very clear skies at night. 

    As always, please follow LNT principles when dispersed camping.

  • Michael D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 7, 2025

    BLM Near City of Rocks

    Open BLM land

    This is open BLM land. When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road. Great views, desert terrain. I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great.

  • E
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Lake Roberts

    Adorable fishing lake

    This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views.

  • Irving C.
    Jun. 11, 2019

    Lake Roberts

    Love it

    This was my first experience in a boat, and the lake was a perfect place to learn. Had such an amazing experience with my family.


Guide to Arenas Valley

Gila Hot Springs Ranch offers primitive and hookup camping options in the Gila National Forest. The location provides direct access to natural hot springs along the river for soaking in therapeutic waters. Equestrian-friendly facilities accommodate travelers with horses, with trailer parking spaces at many campsites. The area sits at approximately 6,000 feet elevation, with temperatures varying significantly between day and night. Weather patterns typically include warm days and cool nights, making layered clothing essential for comfort throughout a stay.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Lake Roberts provides anglers with a productive fishing environment for trout. "This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views," according to Eva G., who visited Lake Roberts. The lake's size makes it ideal for beginners and experienced fishermen alike.

Stargazing sessions: The clear, dark skies offer exceptional stargazing conditions away from light pollution. North Star Mesa provides optimal viewing locations. "Very clear skies at night," notes Jorge G. about North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping, adding "There are plenty of nice spots to camp along North Star Road, north of Mimbres, NM."

Backcountry exploration: The Gila Wilderness offers extensive hiking opportunities with varying difficulty levels. Snow Lake serves as a gateway to wilderness trails. Dennis P. describes the area around Snow Lake: "As you hike into the Wilderness Area (the first one designated as such) the forest gets thicker. Snow Lake is well-known for trout fishing."

What campers like

Natural hot springs access: The therapeutic mineral waters provide relaxation after hiking or horseback riding. "Enjoyed relaxing in the hot springs which are very nice and easily accessible," reports Linda C. about her stay at Gila Hot Springs Ranch.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings and evenings offer prime wildlife observation times. Safari Campsite visitor Jonathan E. shares: "I heard coyotes singing nearby (from multiple directions) in the evening, but didn't actually see any wildlife." The open terrain around many horse campgrounds near Arenas Valley, New Mexico provides clear sightlines for animal spotting.

Mountain scenery: The surrounding mountain ranges create a dramatic backdrop for camping. "Beautiful scenery with sheep and horses," notes Ellyn F. after visiting Gila Hot Springs Ranch, highlighting the pastoral landscape that complements the natural terrain.

What you should know

Road conditions: Access roads to several equestrian camping areas require careful navigation. Ellyn F. cautions about Gila Hot Springs Ranch: "Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks." Similar road conditions exist throughout the region.

Weather preparation: High elevation means significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. "High altitude means cold nights, so come prepared with all amenities self-contained," advises Dennis P. regarding camping at Snow Lake.

Water availability: Many dispersed camping areas lack reliable water sources. Michael D. notes about BLM Near City of Rocks: "This is open BLM land. When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road." Campers should bring sufficient water supplies for themselves and horses.

Tips for camping with families

Beginner water activities: Lake environments provide safe spaces for children to experience water recreation. Irving C. shares about Lake Roberts: "This was my first experience in a boat, and the lake was a perfect place to learn. Had such an amazing experience with my family."

Easily accessible sites: Choose campgrounds with minimal hiking required for gear transport. Karen N. mentions about Lake Roberts: "There were quite a few sites available late Friday afternoon. Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish."

Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience generator noise from neighboring campers. Jessica M. noted about Lake Roberts: "Only drawback was one time people were running generators which were pretty loud... but we'd still go back!" Consider midweek visits for quieter experiences.

Tips from RVers

Site selection for larger rigs: Not all equestrian campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. Linda C. advises about Gila Hot Springs: "Maneuvering our 24ft sprinter was doable on the property but larger vehicles not advised."

Hookup availability: Different sites offer varying levels of services. Eugenie B. shares her experience: "We pulled right into our campsite with hot and cold water at our site. I believe they pull it from the natural hot springs that run beneath the mountain."

Seasonal accessibility: Winter conditions can limit access to higher elevation sites. Horse campgrounds in the Arenas Valley region generally maintain year-round accessibility, though facilities may be reduced during winter months. Follow Leave No Trace principles as Jorge G. reminds: "As always, please follow LNT principles when dispersed camping."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Arenas Valley, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Arenas Valley, NM is Lake Roberts with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Arenas Valley, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Arenas Valley, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.