The small community of Arrey, New Mexico sits along the Rio Grande, surrounded by state parks and recreational areas that provide varied camping experiences. Percha Dam State Park Campground, located directly in Arrey, offers year-round camping with water and electric hookups for both tent and RV campers. Several additional campgrounds cluster around nearby Caballo Lake State Park, including Appaloosa, Riverside, Palomino, and Stallion campgrounds, all within a 15-minute drive. These established campgrounds feature amenities ranging from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots with 30/50 amp service, making the area suitable for various camping styles and equipment needs.
New Mexico state parks in this region maintain well-developed facilities while keeping costs reasonable. Many campsites require reservations, particularly during peak seasons, though some areas offer first-come, first-served options. The region experiences typical desert climate patterns with hot summers, mild winters, and occasional monsoon storms in late summer. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with Verizon users reporting strong coverage. As one camper noted, "Tucked in next to the Rio Grande, Percha Dam Campground is quiet, clean, and enjoyable. The bathrooms were spotless and well maintained, as were the pit toilets in the dispersed area." Most sites can accommodate larger RVs up to 35-40 feet in length.
Water recreation forms the centerpiece of camping experiences near Arrey. Caballo Lake provides opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and boating, while the Rio Grande offers tubing and riverside relaxation. According to visitor reviews, "Kayaking is best when the sunrises because you get a beautiful view of it rising behind the mountains." Another camper highlighted Percha Dam's appeal: "Can't camp near the water, but can stay at sites within walking distance. Grills and bathrooms, nice to sit in a tube and float down and has a trail to hike back up after the ride." The area serves as an excellent base for exploring southern New Mexico, with most campgrounds receiving high ratings for cleanliness, value, and peaceful settings. Winter months typically see lower visitation, making it easier to secure desirable sites.
$30 / night
"I come out here to mostly kayak, fish & walk my dogs. Kayaking is best when the sunrises because you get a beautiful view of it rising behind the mountains."
"This is a pretty normal lake campground. Not a lot of shade or privacy but picnic tables and covered outdoor spaces. There are bathrooms close by and they seem fine."
$30 - $35 / night
"Sheltered from wind - clean bathrooms - pull through electric sites - level - very friendly - small town America Arrey Cafe is excellent - it doesn't get better than this!!!"
"Can’t canp near the water, but can stay at sites within walking distance. Grills and bathrooms, nice to sit in a tube and float down and has a trail to hike back up after the ride"
$35 / night
"Palomino Loop is small and quiet, facing Caballo Lake. Site 7, full hookups, allowed our bay windows to look out onto the lake."
"Quiet at night, just some road noise from the highway. The lake is great with easy access for kayaking at the boat ramp. We would stay here again."
$30 - $35 / night
"Being physically limited and having to walk clear across the campground was very difficult. Otherwise everything was great."
"It was nice to walk along the riverbank with the dogs."
"Close to the water from camping sites....Grills tables and shade area...."
"My favorite part about caballo lake is floating down from elephant butte to caballo lake in a giant floaty."
$30 / night
"Convenient spot when driving south in New Mexico. Nice campground. The water level on the lake was pretty low."
"But camp host made a few calls and as it worked out we were able to remain in location. The helpfulness of each person along the way made this an excellent spot."
$30 / night
"Nice walking trails and spots with some privacy and full hook ups."
"Dispersed camping is available down by the lake near the boat ramp. Cell coverage is iffy, at best. Comfort Stations are clean, toilets have running water."
$8 / night
RangerVarious dry camping dirt sites dispersed amoung the rocks. Most are well spaced. Many will require leveling blocks. Many on west side have both vast desert and rock views. Showers available at visitor's center.
GuideThis is a Very Nice Place to stay. Asphalt Roads, Wide Pads, pads are packed gravel and groomed (looks like hand raked)after each guest checks out, Water, Sewer, Electric 30/50amp is all together. It's a Gated Park. Fuel, Restaurants, Walmart and a Winery are close. Was going to stay 2 nites to see White Sands National Park. Decided to stay an extra nite, with staff being very accommodating about it, even with Park filling up with reserved registrations people. It's all clean and very well taken care of. No picnic tables or fire rings. Gas grills only.
GuideThere were not many options in the Las Cruces area for RV parks, and the one I was interested in didn’t call me back. And while it wasn’t a mistake or horrible decision, I wouldn’t stay again nor would I recommend this one. The grounds were fine and well maintained. The laundry and shower facilities were fine & pretty clean, but it took FOREVER to get hot water in the shower. I almost gave up. The area around the RV park was “concerning”, and we didn’t feel especially safe. We asked to be close to the bathroom facilities & were told we would be, but not so much, even though there were several empty spaces much closer. I recommend finding another park, or just keep driving.
GuideI stayed at a dispersed camping area off Monticello Road and found it to be a really nice, quiet spot. The site itself is wide open with plenty of room to spread out, which makes it easy for vans, RVs, or multiple vehicles to camp comfortably.
The road coming in was a little bumpy but completely manageable if you take it slow. I had no trouble getting in with a van.
One of the highlights of the site is a solid fire pit already set up, which makes it a great place to relax in the evening. The area feels peaceful and uncrowded—there were only a few other campers around during my stay.
Overall it’s a beautiful place to spend a night or two if you’re looking for quiet dispersed camping with lots of space and easy access.
GuideSo very easy to hop off I-25 and camp here. The road in was broken asphalt and dirt/sand. No issues traction wise. Spots are spaced out really well, so no one will be right on you. There are spots all the way along the road in. Spots were level and pretty clean. Had great cell service. Att 5g 3 bars, and 4lte 3-4 bars. Area is very flat, with lots of scrub brush. The flies at my campsite were very aggressive. Views of the mountains are great. Could stay several days. Saw vans, cars, class Bs, and a travel trailer out camping.
ScoutA bit of highway noise but it appears the 2 track road goes further back. Ok overnight spot
GuideLovely resort with any amenity you can imagine. The lobby…yes I said lobby was gorgeous. Spaces are very roomy and it’s easy in and easy out. The office staff was very nice, explained things well and we thought we needed to stay 2 nights but as it turned out we didn’t and I needed to cancel but would have stayed if we couldn’t get our money refunded but she was very kind and refunded it. It’s a lovely place and would highly recommend.
TravelerEasy access thru BLM Gate just north of City of Rocks State Park. Decent road for 25' RV with at least 6 level spots to park or camp. Cell was spotty except at top of hill. Very private no other campers.
TravelerSpent an entire month here. It’s beautiful, the people are super nice
Camping spots near Arrey, New Mexico offer unique riverside and lakeside experiences at elevations between 4,200-4,300 feet. The area sits within the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem where summer temperatures frequently exceed 95°F during June through August, while winters bring milder daytime temperatures in the 50s-60s. Several campgrounds in this region feature distinctive sheltered picnic areas with gazebo coverings that provide essential shade during hot desert conditions.
Kayaking at Caballo Lake: Launch from boat ramps at Caballo Lake State Park for paddling experiences. A visitor noted, "Great place to kayak especially when the sun rises you will see it over the mountains. My favorite part about Caballo Lake is floating down from elephant butte to caballo lake in a giant floaty."
Riverside hiking: Access multiple short trails from Riverside Campground with options suitable for various ability levels. According to one camper, "We stayed in the river campground which is right on the Rio Grande. Lots of families and group camping... It was nice to walk along the riverbank with the dogs."
Birding opportunities: Wildlife viewing is excellent for migratory birds, especially during fall and spring seasons. One extended-stay visitor at Percha Dam State Park Campground reported seeing "1 painted bunting, summer tanagers, Bullocks orioles, sandhill cranes, even a couple of vermillion flycatchers... In the fall there's no hunting in this park, so it's a refuge for many types of ducks, and a small herd of deer sleep in the grassy sites along the river."
Covered picnic areas: Most developed sites include sheltered eating areas. A reviewer at Appaloosa Campground commented, "Level, stone covered sites. Picnic tables under gazebo covering. Various levels of hookups. FHU to none. Ours has H2O and electric. Walking distance from lake."
Affordable camping options: State park fees remain lower than many comparable destinations. One visitor to Elephant Butte noted, "Very affordable RV camping at under $20 a night, which is a steal with both water and electric hookups."
Well-maintained facilities: Campground hosts actively maintain common areas. A camper at Riverside Campground shared, "This campground is well kept by the camp hosts. They are also really kind people. The only downside was the set of bathrooms right by our campsite were out of service."
Seasonal water limitations: Some campgrounds experience water system outages, particularly during maintenance periods. A camper at Palomino Campground reported, "Water was off due to water system maintenance. We were able to fill up at the campground below the dam."
Vegetation hazards: Goathead thorns present problems for pets and bike tires. One visitor warned, "Goathead thorns are everywhere, watch your dog's paws."
Limited shade: Many sites lack natural shade trees. A reviewer noted about Percha Dam, "I stayed here in 2018 and the trees didn't look very good. They must have had to remove a lot of them and the spots are now in the sun. Very hot and dry most of the year."
Highway noise concerns: Interstate 25 creates background noise at some campgrounds. According to one camper at Stallion Campground, "The noise from I-25, depending on the direction of the wind, can be deafening, especially if you are in a tent. Bring ear plugs!"
Beachfront activities: Shoreline camping provides direct water access for children at certain locations. At Stallion Campground, "Dispersed camping is available down by the lake near the boat ramp."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening offer prime animal sighting times. One camper shared, "Waking up with calls from the cranes across the lake made my day happy!"
Rocky terrain preparation: Pack appropriate footwear for walking on stone-covered sites. A visitor mentioned, "Ground is pretty hard and rocky so wouldn't be good for tent camping."
Winter visits consideration: Off-season camping offers a quieter experience with more site availability. "Winter months typically see lower visitation, making it easier to secure desirable sites," according to local rangers.
Site selection strategy: Choose the most suitable campground loop based on specific needs. Regarding Upper Flats Beach Camping, one RVer shared, "I was here in mid April and it was almost full. Had nice pull thru site and very friendly camp host. I have 18 foot trailer and had hookups for dirt cheap. Sites are close together."
Location-specific amenities: Different camping areas offer varying hookup options. A camper noted, "Came down to southern NM to visit my daughter at NMSU and stayed at Cabello State Park campground in Riverside view. Campground has very easy access and large pull through sites. With my NM state Park pass the over night stay is $4 with water/electric 30amp regularly $14. Sites with sewer include are $18 nightly."
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds accommodate mobility needs better than others. At Riverside Campground, "ADA campsite was more than adequate for a wheelchair," according to one visitor with accessibility requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Arrey, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, Arrey, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 82 campgrounds and RV parks near Arrey, NM and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Arrey, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arrey, NM is Appaloosa Campground — Caballo Lake State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arrey, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Arrey, NM.
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