Camping options around Artesia, New Mexico center primarily on established facilities within a 30-60 minute drive. This high desert region at approximately 3,380 feet elevation experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F and mild winters. The surrounding landscape features flat to gently rolling terrain dominated by scrubland and mesquite, with limited natural shade throughout most camping areas.
What to do
Swimming at Lea Lake: The main attraction at Lea Lake Campground — Bottomless Lakes State Park offers a unique swimming experience in a desert setting. "You can rent paddle boards for cheap, and the water is surprisingly clear and blue. It's a kind of oasis for people surrounded by dirt and cacti. Also have covered picnic tables to eat and outdoor shower heads to rinse of the salt water," reports Savannah D.
Hiking trails: Several trails around Bottomless Lakes provide opportunities to explore the unique sinkholes and desert ecosystem. One camper noted, "Nice walking trail. Some nice long sites. Other than showers park is nice," and another mentioned, "It is really beautiful out here. We love the views around our campsite."
Wildlife viewing: The region provides opportunities to observe desert wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. "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!" shares Charyle C.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campsites at Carlsbad RV Park & Campground provide more room than expected. "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," notes Amy & Stu B.
Clean facilities: Recently updated bathrooms are frequently mentioned in reviews. "They had just remodeled their bathrooms. Great job. 2 new toilets and 4 new showers (1 handicap) in mens and ladies restrooms. Clean and new. Hot water for days," Wayne F. reports.
Family amenities: The Carlsbad KOA offers features specifically for families with children. "The playground was great for the kids. The bathhouse was clean, and warm, and the sunsets and sunrises were amazing!" shares Tim F. Another camper mentioned the "great play room (super nice staff- left the playroom open for us an additional hour due to downpour!)"
What you should know
Limited tree cover: Most campgrounds in the region have minimal natural shade. "Sites are gravel but level," at Carlsbad RV Park according to Ari A., while at KOA, "The sites were spacious and level and you don't feel packed in like sardines."
Industrial presence: The oil industry is active in the region, which can affect the camping experience. "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," warns Wanderfalds L.
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F with limited shade. Spring brings wind and dust concerns. "We woke up both nights to the smell and being from a non-oil state, had no idea what was happening the first night," one KOA camper noted about industrial odors.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin options: For families seeking more comfort, Alamo Road Dispersed camping offers a free alternative, though without amenities. "We stayed for 5 nights--there's a spot immediately to the left off of Alamo road. We pulled in during a freak snow, so went exploring in the truck the next day," shares Brenda Y.
Indoor recreation: During extreme heat or inclement weather, some campgrounds provide indoor options. The Carlsbad KOA features "a game room and food on site," according to Jennie R., who adds, "I often stay in camping cabins at KOA's while on road trips with my children. We like having a bed to spread our sleeping bags out on sometimes, access to AC after a hot day of exploration."
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds feature desert wildlife viewing opportunities. "The great tailed grackels were courting and whistling, quail wandered through and rabbits romped around our cabin," at Carlsbad KOA according to Jennie R.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request a shaded site when making reservations at Carlsbad RV Park & Campground. "I HIGHLY RECOMMEND REQUESTING A SHADED SITE WHEN MAKING A RESERVATIONS—but to each their own," advises Amy & Stu B.
Location considerations: Consider driving time to attractions when selecting a campground. "We stayed here to check out Carlsbad Caverns National Park and it was about 30 minutes away and by FAR the nicest option in the surrounding area," notes Amy & Stu B.
Hookup options: Most established campgrounds offer various hookup configurations. "Each site has a picnic table but you choose what types of hookups you want or need when you reserve. You have the option for full but we chose water and electric. There is also a dump station on site," reports Amy & Stu B.
