Searching for the best camping near Arenas Valley, NM? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Arenas Valley, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
"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."
"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."
"You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it."
$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."
"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."
TravelerWe 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.

GuideQuiet 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.
GuideThis 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.
GuideNo 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!)
GuideStayed 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
GuideThere 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.
TravelerThis 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.
TravelerThis lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views.
TravelerThis was my first experience in a boat, and the lake was a perfect place to learn. Had such an amazing experience with my family.
Horse camping in New Mexico offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventure, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.
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.
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TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Arenas Valley, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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