Equestrian camping near Belen, New Mexico offers options for travelers with horses beyond traditional RV parks. Located in central New Mexico at approximately 4,800 feet elevation, the region experiences warm days and cool nights with average summer temperatures reaching 90°F. The area features a mix of desert landscape and mountain terrain, with camping facilities ranging from developed sites with horse accommodations to dispersed locations near trail systems.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Red Canyon Campground provides direct access to kid-friendly trails adjacent to the campground. "Nice kid-friendly trails adjacent to the campground. We had a nice shady site, some others seemed more exposed," notes Gavin J.
Wildlife viewing: At Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site, wild horses frequently visit camping areas. "Woke up in the morning to a heard of wild horses moving through the area," reports Taz G., while another camper mentions, "Wild horses roamed around our site after sunset. Pretty epic."
Mountain biking: Forest roads near Water Canyon Campground offer excellent biking opportunities on old mining routes. One reviewer notes, "Beautiful area in the valley, and old copper mines all around," making it ideal for exploration on two wheels.
What campers like
Star gazing: Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site offers exceptional night sky viewing away from city lights. "This is my second time camping here and it is a perfect hidden gem for campervanning... you can clearly see the Milky Way. No light pollution except the beautiful view of the city far away," writes Lauren I.
Mature tree cover: Trees provide natural shade at Red Canyon Campground during hot summer months. "This campground is nice with sites for RV and tent camping," mentions Jennifer A., who appreciated the wooded setting during a scout troop stay.
Quiet, secluded sites: Water Canyon Campground often remains uncrowded even during peak seasons. Patrick B. notes, "It seems to be one of those spots that people don't take the time to get off the highway to explore—on a weekday in July there was only one other campsite occupied."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires careful driving on unpaved roads. At Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site, "The gravel roads are really tight for my 27" trailer, manageable but did rub on a couple of trees and shrubs on the drive in," reports Josh F.
Seasonal timing: Red Canyon Campground conditions vary throughout the season. "I've been here a couple times. The site itself is in a really nice area with lots of pine trees and direct trail access. The only issue is it seems a lot of people who come here don't know camp etiquette and leave the sites completely trashed," advises Carson P.
Limited facilities: Water Canyon Campground offers basic amenities but no water sources. One camper explains, "Campsites are well-developed and maintained. The facilities were clean and stocked with tp," but another points out there are "Bathrooms but no showers. No water."
Tips for camping with families
Bring entertainment: With limited structured activities, pack games and activities. At Water Canyon Campground, one family shares, "Every year, we drive from Texas to Apache National Forest. Cibola is halfway. Every year, we make sure to stay the night at Water Canyon... it is a beautiful stay that includes campfires, lizards and the occasional equestrian that lets our kids treat their horses."
Consider cabin options: For families wanting more comfort, Turquoise Trail Campground offers cabin accommodations. "Cabin has power, wi-fi and a fridge! Highly Recommend," notes Beverly M.
Pack extra supplies: Stores are limited near most campgrounds. A Turquoise Trail camper mentions, "There is a store really close by also! They have charcoal grills at the tent sites and one communal fire pit."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Manzano Mountains Camp, dispersed sites vary greatly in size and accessibility. "This area is very wooded. Could get muddy when it rains. Lots of sites. Big rig friendly," advises Greg R.
Level sites: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain, requiring leveling blocks. At Turquoise Trail Campground, one RVer noted, "Site had full hookups and a picnic table but was not level. Was not a bad experience, but with other campgrounds in the area, I would not camp here again."
Connectivity considerations: Cell service and internet availability vary widely. At Red Canyon Campground, Bob C. reports, "Connectivity was spotty. I did get a phone call while using the bathroom in the lower campground."
Guide
