Situated in southeastern New Mexico's Chihuahuan Desert, Artesia sits at approximately 3,380 feet elevation with summer temperatures often exceeding 100°F. The region experiences distinct seasons with occasional high winds during spring months and cooler desert nights year-round. The surrounding landscape features desert terrain punctuated by water features like Lake Van and the Pecos River, creating unique microclimates for campers.
What to do
Desert wildlife viewing: Lake Van in Dexter offers excellent wildlife spotting opportunities about 30 minutes from Artesia. "We watched from a swinging bench as the sun rose over the desert—a beautiful sunrise and I felt reborn," noted one visitor at Lake Van. The area supports diverse desert species including rabbits and various bird species.
National park exploration: Plan at least one full day to explore Carlsbad Caverns National Park, located approximately 60 minutes from glamping sites near Artesia. "Carlsbad Caverns is amazing! Going during bat season is even more incredible, unbelievable almost," shared a visitor at Carlsbad KOA. The park requires reservations for certain tours.
Scenic drives: The roads between Artesia and regional parks offer remarkable desert vistas. "If the only plans are to see the national parks (Carlsbad and Guadalupe), I'd recommend considering Carlsbad RV Park—which is right on the southern edge of Carlsbad," noted a camper, highlighting the strategic location for day trips to multiple destinations.
What campers like
Reasonable proximity: Carlsbad RV Park provides a convenient base for exploring regional attractions. "We've stayed here twice now in the past year, and both times the service and the sites were great. There aren't a whole lot of other options close to the Caverns," explained a visitor at Carlsbad RV Park & Campground. The location cuts travel time significantly compared to other options.
Diverse water features: The bottomless lakes near Roswell create unusual swimming and paddling opportunities within an hour of Artesia. "Fun place to spend the weekend, we tent camped at D4 and it was quiet and peaceful, great bike trail leading to the big lake too!" shared a visitor at Lea Lake Campground — Bottomless Lakes State Park. The park offers rental paddleboards for $5-10 per hour.
Budget-friendly options: Lake Van provides economical glamping close to Artesia, New Mexico. "It's a City Park campground but well maintained and a well-stocked Lake. You can boondock for a small fee or have a full hookup," noted a visitor. Sites start at just $9 for tent camping and $15 for full hookups.
What you should know
Climate considerations: Desert conditions create temperature extremes and occasional wind events. "We ended up staying 3 additional days. And, so happy I did! The sand cranes were arriving and it was interesting to see them create line formations in the valleys. The bottomless lakes were mesmerizing and the sunsets beyond compare!" shared a visitor at Bottomless Lakes State Park. Pack layers for temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night.
Industrial presence: The area's oil industry creates some environmental impacts. "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," warned a camper at Carlsbad KOA.
Limited amenities: Some campgrounds offer basic services only. "This is a City Park campground... the lack of a map of where to camp was confusing. Ended up here due to an unexpected delay on our way to White Sands. There was an unpleasant sewage smell. Several bright lights around the picnic tables were annoying," noted a Lake Van visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Beyond natural attractions, find family activities in surrounding towns. "While in Carlsbad check out Fiesta Drive-In for one of America's few remaining drive-in movie theaters," recommended a visitor at Whites City RV Park. The theater typically shows first-run movies at lower prices than indoor theaters.
Indoor escape options: Hot desert days may require cooling breaks. "Located about 30 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Quaint store, 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!" shared a Carlsbad KOA visitor.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing provides learning moments for children. "If you haven't yet discovered the beauty of the chihuahuan desert, the Carlsbad KOA is a great place to hang your hat while you explore. The great tailed grackels were courting and whistling, quail wandered through and rabbits romped around our cabin," explained a visitor describing the nature experience available at glamping accommodations near Artesia.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites strategically based on shade and utilities. "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 RESERVATIONS," advised a visitor at Carlsbad RV Park & Campground.
Hookup considerations: Full-service sites may require advanced planning. "When we arrived, all of the full hook-up sites were taken (looked like long term locals). I called the number at the un-manned office and the gentleman who answered was very friendly and let us know that we could camp anywhere around the lake for $9," shared a Lake Van visitor, highlighting the flexibility but limited availability of premium sites.
Space considerations: Site dimensions vary significantly between glamping options near Artesia. "The RV sites are spacious for being an RV Park, but by no means 'spacious'. They had excellent and easy pull through options and many cabins," explained a visitor at Carlsbad KOA, providing context for vehicle sizing.
