Dispersed camping options near Artesia, New Mexico exist primarily around Avalon Lake, approximately 12 miles south of town. This desert region sits at an elevation of around 3,380 feet with typical Chihuahuan Desert terrain characterized by mesquite, creosote bush, and minimal shade. Campers should prepare for extreme temperature variations that can fluctuate by 30°F between day and night, even during moderate seasons.
What to do
Fishing at Lake Van: Located in Dexter about 25 miles north of Artesia, Lake Van offers affordable camping with fishing opportunities. "Lake Van provides a great city campground but well maintained and a well-stocked Lake. You can boondock for a small fee or have a full hookup," notes one camper at Lake Van.
Hiking near Bottomless Lakes: The unique sinkholes at Bottomless Lakes State Park provide interesting geological features to explore approximately 45 miles north of Artesia. A visitor mentioned, "Bottomless Lake State Park is a gem of a campground. There are 7 lakes here for all to discover and enjoy. The camp hosts are awesome, as well as the rangers who drive through a couple times a day."
Wildlife viewing at Red Barn RV Park: Located near Roswell, this campground offers opportunities to view migratory birds. "The best part was seeing all the Canada geese and Sandhills cranes land in the fields right next to the property. There were hundreds and listening to them come and go throughout the day was so peaceful," shares a visitor at Red Barn RV Park.
What campers like
Campsite design at Limestone Campground: The Brantley Lake State Park campground features thoughtful site layouts. According to a camper at Limestone Campground — Brantley Lake State Park, "If you camp there, you are guaranteed a breathtaking view. The sites are so well made that you still get some privacy with a little wall near the picnic table that blocks the view on your neighbors. Also the table is shaded."
Affordable overnight options: For budget-conscious travelers, Avalon Lake dispersed camping area provides basic lakeside camping. A reviewer at Avalon Lake Dispersed noted, "This is the second time here and we love it. Very little traffic, but seems to be a place for weekend parties. More trash and glass in some spots, but many options for us in a small class C."
Cellular connectivity: Campsites near Artesia generally maintain good connectivity. At Brantley Lake, a camper reported, "Great cell service (Verizon) also got like 30 over the air channels." This makes the area suitable for remote workers or those needing to stay connected.
What you should know
Goathead thorns and hazards: Beyond puncture vines mentioned in existing descriptions, Avalon Lake has additional hazards. A camper warned, "We had an okay night. Police rolled through to check an abandoned RV at midnight, nails are no joke, literally everywhere you walk. But it was very quiet and had a great view."
Industrial presence: Oil and gas operations affect some camping areas near Artesia. At Carlsbad KOA, approximately 30 miles south, one reviewer pointed out, "The only negative to the location is the proximity to the oil fields and the smell that rolls in from the methane burnoffs. Obviously, the owners of the KOA can't do anything about that, but if you're sensitive to overwhelming sulphur smell, I'd recommend giving it a pass."
Wind considerations: The regional wind patterns can be challenging for campers. As one visitor at Carlsbad RV Park & Campground observed, "Road noise near front can be a bit annoying, but the front sites seem bigger and nicer, so worth the trade-off."
Tips for camping with families
Indoor recreation options: Several campgrounds offer indoor facilities for when weather becomes unpleasant. At Carlsbad KOA, a family noted, "Great play room (super nice staff- left the playroom open for us an additional hour due to downpour!) Accommodated our family as our reservation was deleted and we had nowhere else to go!"
Swimming alternatives: While natural swimming exists, families should research options. A camper at Brantley Lake observed, "Not that easy to swim in the lake on this campground. There are designated swimming areas though a few minutes drive away from the campground."
Check for extended checkout: Some campgrounds offer flexibility with departure times. A family at Carlsbad KOA mentioned, "Also, only $10 to extend your check out until 2pm, so though we didn't need it, it was a nice option to have if we'd stayed at one of our sites longer than expected."
Tips from RVers
Self-registration procedures: Several camping sites near Artesia have unstaffed check-in systems. At Brantley Lake State Park, a camper explained, "Camp sites were clean and developed. We were able to get a spot away from others easily and paid upon arrival at the self pay station."
RV park security features: For security-conscious RVers, several parks offer controlled access. A visitor at Carlsbad RV Park noted, "Appreciated the carded gate access after hours for added security."
Site selection strategy: When choosing an RV site in the area, consider shade availability. A camper recommended, "I HIGHLY RECOMMEND REQUESTING A SHADED SITE WHEN MAKING A RESERVATIONS—but to each their own."
