Caballo Lake sits at 4,190 feet elevation, just 14 miles from Arrey, New Mexico, creating a desert camping hub in southern New Mexico. The Rio Grande flows through this region, forming reservoirs that attract campers seeking water recreation in an otherwise arid landscape. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-60°F, while summer months often exceed 100°F.
What to do
Kayaking at sunrise: Caballo Lake offers calm morning waters ideal for paddling with mountain views. At Caballo Lake RV Park, camper Christy L. notes, "Great place to kayak especially when the sun rises you will see it over the mountains."
Float trips: The connected waterways between reservoirs create unique floating opportunities. "My favorite part about caballo lake is floating down from elephant butte to caballo lake in a giant floaty," shares Christy L.
Mountain biking: Explore the trail system at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. One visitor explains, "There is a great hiking and mountain biking trail right out of the campground which winds between all the other park roads, picnic areas and amenities on the western side of the lake."
Hiking Iron Creek: The Gila National Forest offers forested trails contrasting with the desert basin. A camper at Railroad Canyon Campground mentions, "Railroad Canyon Campground has many trails to access the wilderness from, and a small creek running behind each of the three campsites."
What campers like
Mineral water soaks: The South Monticello Campground area provides access to natural hot springs. A visitor explains, "The town of Elephant Butte is nearby which offers a few restaurants, a general store, and gas. But just 15 miles south is the larger town of Truth or Consequences... and hot springs!"
Affordable camping: New Mexico state parks offer excellent value. One camper at South Monticello notes, "For what you get at this campground, it's a bargain at twice the price."
Wildlife viewing: The desert-mountain transition zone supports diverse animals. Jonathan M. describes seeing "Qual, Dove, Lizards, Rabbits, Deer and more" at Elephant Butte.
Winter camping climate: The mild winters attract snowbirds. Joseph W. states, "I used my NM state park pass on this stay and for only $4 a night includes 30Amp and water."
What you should know
Water levels fluctuate: Drought conditions affect reservoir sizes seasonally. Ken M. simply notes "Low water levels" in his review of Elephant Butte Lake State Park.
Limited shade: Most campgrounds have minimal tree cover. At Iron Creek Campground, a camper shares, "About 10 sites, most of them shaded with picnic tables and fire rings."
Seasonal closures: Forest Service campgrounds may close in winter. Todd J. warns, "The four campgrounds in this area (Iron Creek, Railroad Canyon, Upper and Lower Gallinas) are all closed in December 2021. Perhaps just for the season. Contact NFS for status."
Cell service varies: Coverage depends on location and provider. At Railroad Canyon, a reviewer notes "No cell signal," while at South Monticello, campers report "plenty of LTE cell service" and "5G cell service with TMobile."
Tips for camping with families
Beach camping options: Certain shoreline areas allow direct water access. At Elephant Butte Lake State Park, Desire B. remembers, "Sandy beaches in most places we camped, great for privacy and space away from others. Inner-tubbeing and boat space."
Crowding on weekends: Plan for busier conditions during peak times. Brittany N. cautions, "Pretty lake but too busy. Went on a what we thought was a slow weekend and campers/tents were side by side at the shore line all the way around the lake."
Sand hazards for vehicles: Be prepared for soft terrain near water. One camper warns, "It's also surrounded by soft sand which a poop ton of people get stuck in if you don't have the right vehicle."
Glamping alternatives: For families seeking luxury camping near Arrey, New Mexico, Las Cruces KOA offers upgraded accommodations. A visitor shares, "We stayed in a patio site. The site was spacious and level. A fire pit with chairs, a propane grill, and table with 4 chairs was provided. The kids enjoyed cornhole, basketball, tetherball, and the playground."
Tips from RVers
Extended stays discount: Monthly rates provide significant savings for longer visits. At Sunny Acres RV Park, a camper notes, "Rates are about $464 / month."
Water pressure concerns: Bring regulators for high-pressure connections. At Siesta RV Park, one RVer shares, "Water pressure was a bit high but with a regulator it was fine."
Shower facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between parks. Jessica C. advises, "The showers are the push button type where you only get 60 seconds of water at a time, which is ok, but the facilities are very run down and clearly not cleaned too often."
Solar advantages: The sunny climate favors boondocking with solar panels. At South Monticello Campground, an experienced camper notes, "The campground is ideal for solar power, as is the New Mexico weather. We also had no problem connecting with Starlink."
