Equestrian camping options near Bent, New Mexico are limited within established campgrounds. None of the area campgrounds in the data explicitly list horse corrals among their amenities. Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area offers free primitive camping with toilet facilities and provides access to several trails suitable for horseback riding. While not offering dedicated horse facilities, the dispersed camping area accommodates tent and small RV camping along a creek with sufficient space for horse trailers. Dust from the dirt roads can be significant during dry periods.
The surrounding Lincoln National Forest contains multiple trails accessible to equestrians, including Big Bonito Trail and Argentina Trail. Horse riders frequently use these routes, though visitors should verify trail conditions before arrival as seasonal weather impacts accessibility. During summer months, commercial horse riding camps operate in the vicinity, offering guided trail rides. Equestrians camping with horses should bring their own temporary containment systems, water buckets, and feed storage containers as no permanent equine facilities exist in most public campgrounds. The nearest horse-friendly facilities with more amenities may be found in Ruidoso or Cloudcroft, requiring advance reservations during peak seasons.
"It was also super quiet since it was so far away from the road. The actual camp was in the trees and great views of the surrounding mountains. Each spot has a table, fire pit, and gazebo."
"Good little camp ground..stow your food away from tent had a bear visit while there..also the road getting there is prone to flash floods"
"There are plenty of trails and campsites in the trees. Not a super popular area so they aren't too many people to fight over campsites with. They're are bathrooms there near the parking lot."
"This is a large cul de sac with camping areas around it. There is room for a couple RVs and dozens of tents around. There are nice treed areas that have fire rings."
"Me and two of my buddy's went there and had a great time hiking and just hanging around camp and chilling."
"Lots of camping spots and great hiking trails to go on! Gets a little windy since you’re at the top, but totally worth it!"
"Good base camp for some of the best hiking around Ruidoso (Big Bonito Trail, Argentina Trail, etc.) Be prepared for lots of dust with the dirt road uphill from sites."
"We had 3 kids with us age between 3-10, lots of room to run around and adventure. Amazing views with deer sightings and wild horses. Dirt/rock roads, Fire rings at almost every campsite."
"If you do one thing in New Mexico--and it would be a shame if you only did one thing, but I digress--full moon camping at White Sands National Monument might be it."
"The hike from the parking lot is barely 2 miles, but when you get to the site there is just seas of white surrounding you. And if at all possible try to camp here during a full moon."
"There were a few other campers around but it was nice that we weren’t right on top of each other. Close to Ruidoso which is always fun to explore."
"We live in Roswell and it is only a short drive to this campground. We got there around 5 or so on a Saturday night and it was not busy at all."
"Easy to find and not a rough drive. I saw several dirt pull offs surrounded by trees before parking. This was a very private remote area in the forest."
"The drive in was easy and peaceful. I found a campsite up on the hill, though I passed several others along the way. I only saw one other camper, so it felt very quiet and solitary."
from $40 / night
GuideThis place is absolutely stunning. The view of the mountains is amazing. You do have to take a gravel / dirt road about 6 miles to get to it. Be prepared to take it slow. We did it in a Ford Maverick pulling a light weight trailer. The campground road is actually worse than the main road. Once you here though it is worth it.
TravelerThe road was long but not bad. Since it was still cool there were lots of open campsites with views. Enough space between camps. The hiking was quite nice with the creek running. Tons of elk shit everywhere. Can hike far.
TravelerThe weather was chilly, and there was still some snow on the ground. The campsite is on a mountain. The dirt road up to the mountain is very well kept. Overall very nice campsite I would go again.
GuideThis is a large cul de sac with camping areas around it. There is room for a couple RVs and dozens of tents around. There are nice treed areas that have fire rings. The Karr Trail is a nice scenic trail back to a small private ranch.
TravelerFirst time camping in Ruidoso, NM and soooo happy we randomly chose this spot. We had 3 kids with us age between 3-10, lots of room to run around and adventure. Amazing views with deer sightings and wild horses. Dirt/rock roads, Fire rings at almost every campsite. Make sure to keep your trash out of sight from critters at night. Beautiful sightings everywhere here. 10/10 recommended!! Definitely will be back!
GuideOne of my favorite spots I camped at during my cross-country road trip. The drive in was easy and peaceful. I found a campsite up on the hill, though I passed several others along the way. I only saw one other camper, so it felt very quiet and solitary. Be sure to read the posted signs, as some sections appear to be closed to vehicles.
It gets very cold at night. Temperatures dropped to 15°F.
As a person of color, I felt very safe throughout my stay.
LegendThis campground is nestled right up against the San Francisco Mountains. We decided to leave our 38foot pull camper down at the petroglyph site and drive up to see if it was going to be easy for us to pull our trailer up. It would be easy except after a heavy storm where the road was flooded and there are only 2 sites we saw that would hold our camper. It was clean and looked like it would be a great place to hike and explore. I was surprised at how busy the area was! Lots of tent campers and tow behind campers. Maybe next time we will try as long as it has been dry and no rain!
GuideNot a bad place for a night. The drive in is a bit long and the road is rocky and washy in some places.
Also heard some annoying noises at night. Sounded like someone was splitting wood or hammering something. At 930pm... Dogs barking at night too.
Decent spot but probably won't be back.
TravelerBeautiful and secluded in mid-October. Camp hosts are super friendly and love to chat, definitely recommend stopping by to say hi.
Equestrian camping near Bent, New Mexico offers trail riders diverse terrain spanning the foothills of Sierra Blanca and surrounding Lincoln National Forest areas. The region sits at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 feet, creating diverse ecological zones for horse trail access. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F during daytime hours, while overnight temperatures can drop significantly, requiring proper preparation for both riders and horses.
Mountain trail riding: The Three Rivers Campground provides access to multiple wilderness trails suitable for day rides. "Three Rivers Campground finally reopened 'for good' at the start of 2024 after some stops and starts due to fires around the area... Tons of hiking opportunities with 3 separate trails originating at the campground," notes Jorge G.
Explore archaeological sites: From Bent, riders can access trails leading to ancient petroglyphs and historic sites. "Three Rivers Campground is 4 miles from the Three Rivers Petroglyph National Park and the portal to the White Mountain Wilderness area in the Lincoln National Forrest," shares Angela C.
High elevation rides: For experienced riders seeking mountain views, Skyline Campground offers trail access along mountain ridges. "Honestly this site is now one of my favorites. Lots of camping spots and great hiking trails to go on! Gets a little windy since you're at the top, but totally worth it!" explains Jaidan.
Creek access trails: Horse watering opportunities exist along several trails connecting to area campgrounds. A reviewer notes about Bonito Recreation Area: "Lots of first come first served campsites along the little creek. Not much privacy when it's busier (warmer months). Good base camp for some of the best hiking around Ruidoso (Big Bonito Trail, Argentina Trail, etc.)"
Forest surroundings: The Upper Karr Canyon Campground offers pines and meadows ideal for equestrian camping. "Beautiful area for tent camping. I hiked into the trees a bit so there weren't super close neighbors. Plenty of downed trees for gathering firewood. There's an old logging road that makes for an easy hike. It leads into a meadow with a very small pond," describes Carson P.
Peaceful settings: Dispersed camping areas provide quieter options for equestrians seeking less crowded environments. "Baca dispersed camping is a great camping area that has a lot to offer. Very remote, lots of wildlife, elk, coyotes, roadrunners," writes Jamie P. about the dispersed camping options.
Wildlife viewing: Horse campers often report seeing local wildlife during rides. "I nearly always see lots of wildlife. The campsite s are large and widely spaced," adds another Baca Campground reviewer.
Weather variations: The mountain setting creates distinct camping experiences across seasons. "This area is great for car/RV camping....but also great for backpack camping. My husband and I have done both several times," notes a Three Rivers Campground visitor.
Water availability: Limited water sources require planning for both human and equine needs. About Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area, Kala J. advises, "In the summer there are horse riding camps set up to provide trail rides. Can get snowed in in the Winter months."
Road conditions: Access roads to prime equestrian areas can present challenges. "Went to this area to camp and pan for gold. Creek near by that didn't have much water in it. But over all pretty (Dry) Area," notes Jaedee B. about Upper Bonito.
Services proximity: Essential supplies require driving to nearby towns. "The town of Capitan is only about 15 to 20 miles away there is a grocery a Dollar store, gas station, laundromat and a US Post office," writes Jamie P.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather can change rapidly, affecting trail conditions. "DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE HERE IN WET CONDITIONS!" warns Leah W. about access roads after experiencing unexpected snow.
Kid-friendly water features: Seasonal creek access provides natural play areas at certain campgrounds. "Was very nice hike and it make it for nicer cause the water was running. Been there a few times before but there was no water!! My kids loved it and will be back," shares Amber N. about Three Rivers Campground.
Wildlife education: Baca Campground offers opportunities to teach children about local fauna. "There are many many campsites with burn pits," notes Thomas B., who appreciated the "absolute beauty of the campground."
Safety considerations: Parents should be aware of potential wildlife encounters. "Good little camp ground..stow your food away from tent had a bear visit while there..also the road getting there is prone to flash floods," warns AJCOOK about Three Rivers.
Space for activities: Several campgrounds provide ample room for children and horses. "We had a great night drove through the entire area and off roads to find a nice quiet area we had our son and two big doggos and had plenty of space for them to roam," shares K&S Adventures about their Baca Campground experience.
Hookup availability: West Mesa Trailhead BLM offers dispersed sites with varied accessibility for horse trailers. "It was late November and cold so I stayed where I had electric service. But I rode my bike all over the place and there's dispersed camping everywhere," reports Teresa T.
Site spacing: RVers with horse trailers appreciate campgrounds with adequate spacing. "This was a really nice spot we stumbled upon. It's about 13 miles off the 54 on BLM land. The road was smooth (though gravel most of the way)," shares James G. about Three Rivers.
Seasonal planning: RV travelers with horses should consider seasonal road conditions. "Slow driving in due to the gravel road. Roads into the campground are rough but accessible," advises Elaine C. about accessing campsites.
Local amenities: RVers requiring services can find options in nearby towns. "This is dispersed camping. No water no trash cans so pack it in pack it out," reminds Jamie P. about Baca Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bent, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bent, NM is Three Rivers Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bent, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Bent, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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