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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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!"
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
