Cabin camping near Artesia, New Mexico offers access to the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem at elevations ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot summers with daytime temperatures often exceeding 100°F from June through August, while winter nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing. Seasonal winds create occasional dust and sand storms, particularly during spring months.
What to do
Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Located about 90 minutes from most Carlsbad cabin accommodations, this national park offers hiking opportunities in a wilderness setting. "The area is scenic, spots are close together... It worked for what we needed," reports a camper from Carlsbad KOA.
Explore Living Desert State Park: This unique attraction showcases native plants and wildlife of the Chihuahuan Desert. "If you are in this area, visit the Living Desert State Park and Zoo and of course Carlsbad Caverns," suggests a visitor who enjoyed the surrounding natural attractions while staying at Carlsbad RV Park & Campground.
Watch outdoor movies: The Fiesta Drive-In Theater offers a nostalgic entertainment option after a day of outdoor activities. A reviewer notes, "While in Carlsbad check out Fiesta Drive-In for one of America's few remaining drive-in movie theaters."
What campers like
Close proximity to Carlsbad Caverns: Whites City RV Campground provides the closest cabin accommodation to the national park entrance. "We moved from our free dispersed campsite to fill up, charge up, shower and do laundry. Very friendly staff and clean facilities. It appears to be heavily used during peak season at Carlsbad Caverns," shares one reviewer at Whites City RV Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many cabin sites offer opportunities to observe desert wildlife. "Campground was peaceful. The great tailed grackels were courting and whistling, quail wandered through and rabbits romped around our cabin," notes a guest who stayed at Buds Place RV Park.
Security features: Some cabin campgrounds offer controlled access for added security. "The park has gated access and we felt very safe during our stay," mentions a visitor describing their experience at a local campground. Another mentions, "Appreciated the carded gate access after hours for added security."
What you should know
Distance considerations: Despite names suggesting proximity, some campgrounds are significantly farther from attractions than others. "The KOA is NOT actually in Carlsbad, and is over an hour away from Carlsbad Caverns and 30 minutes from town. On the other hand, the RV Park is at the southern end of town and only 30 minutes to the Caverns," explains a reviewer comparing options.
Weather factors: The desert climate brings specific challenges. "We stayed an extra day due to the sand storms. Shower house was clean and the water was hot!!" reports a camper from Buds Place RV Park. Another notes, "The only negative to the location is the proximity to the oil fields and the smell that rolls in from the methane burnoffs."
Limited grocery access: Plan for food supply needs before arrival. "Bring groceries with you, as the campground store has a limited stock of necessities," advises a visitor describing the shopping options at Carlsbad KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Indoor recreation options: Look for campgrounds with indoor recreation spaces for weather challenges. "Great play room (super nice staff- left the playroom open for us an additional hour due to downpour!)" shares a family that stayed at a Carlsbad area campground.
Late checkout availability: Some campgrounds offer extended checkout times for additional flexibility with family schedules. "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," notes a family camper.
Swimming facilities: Pools provide welcome relief from desert heat. "They had just remodeled their bathrooms. Great job... And did I mention clean. They have a heated indoor pool, small camp store, huge laundry facility with a change machine," reports a visitor describing amenities at Carlsbad RV Park & Campground.
Tips from RVers
Request shaded sites: Tree coverage varies significantly between campgrounds and specific sites. "Our site was excellent and had shade. It looks like they've planted lots of trees and that in a few years there will be ample shade everywhere. Having said that—there is a newer part of the park that is all gravel with no trees and no shade... I HIGHLY RECOMMEND REQUESTING A SHADED SITE WHEN MAKING A RESERVATION."
Early morning activity: Industrial activity creates unique camping patterns. "The RV Park (like all of the RV Parks in Carlsbad) has overall become a residence for the oil field workers, so be prepared to try and sleep through the 4 a.m. traffic rush out of camp to oil field."
Check-in timing considerations: Some facilities have limited office hours. "For those camping, arrival check ins are at the local gift shop about a block away, the sleepy town closes by 6 p.m. however so if you arrive past this time you are forwarded to a local hotel for check in."
