Caballo Lake provides year-round camping options in southwestern New Mexico at an elevation of 4,200 feet. Located along the Rio Grande corridor, the area features desert landscapes with cottonwood groves near water sources. Winter temperatures drop below freezing overnight while summer days regularly exceed 100°F with low humidity.
What to do
Hiking trails at Elephant Butte: Located just 10 miles north of Caballo, visitors can access multiple shoreline paths. "Didn't get to do much other fishing. Wildlife: Qual, Dove, Lizards, Rabbits, Deer and more," notes Jonathan M. about Elephant Butte Lake State Park.
Mineral hot springs soaking: In nearby Truth or Consequences, mineral baths provide relaxation year-round. "They have a brand new visitor Center opened yesterday December 11, 2021. There are views of the lake and the nearby mountains," reports Butch K. at Appaloosa Campground.
Rio Grande exploration: The river below Caballo Dam offers fishing and kayaking opportunities. "We camped with water and electric for a few days then parked down on the lake and primitive camped for a few more...fire pits, grills, covered picnic tables," explains Chuck T., who enjoyed both lake and river access.
What campers like
Affordability: State parks in the area offer excellent value for campers with permits. "I used my NM state park pass on this stay and for only $4 a night includes 30Amp and water," reports Joseph W. about his stay at Elephant Butte Lake State Park.
Well-maintained facilities: Campground hosts regularly clean facilities. "After spending 10 days here, it's time to give a review! The bathrooms are spotless! The Rangers drive through daily, as well as, the camp hosts checking the surroundings," notes Dave G. from Percha Dam State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities abound in multiple locations. "When we got there the person at gate had no idea where the campgrounds were and would not let us check out sites without paying for day use. Management aside, this place is gorgeous. We dry camped by lake right under mountains," describes Brian and Janet S.
What you should know
Water levels fluctuate: The Rio Grande watershed experiences significant seasonal changes. "The lake provides excellent fishing opportunities but water levels can drop significantly in late summer. When we got there the water was shutoff on Memorial Day weekend. No bathrooms or showers," reports Brian and Janet S. about their experience at Appaloosa Campground.
Wind conditions: The open lake areas can experience strong winds. "Very clean and well maintained. We were going to dry camp, but there was a windy, rainy storm going on. We pulled in to Elephant Butte RV Park in the dark, called the security number, and he directed us to a spot," explains Cori C.
Limited shade: Most campgrounds have minimal natural cover. "Stayed in the open area not at a site. Area I parked had a big area with shaded trees, very quite at night and had no issues with neighbors," notes Luis R. about Percha Dam State Park, one of the few areas with established shade trees.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly campgrounds near Caballo: Riverside Campground welcomes pets with accessible walking areas. "We stayed in the river campground which is right on the Rio Grande. Lots of families and group camping. It was nice to walk along the riverbank with the dogs," shares Maggie C. about her experience at Riverside Campground.
Timing for swimming: Early morning or evening water activities prevent heat exposure. "The morning is gorgeous looking over the lake…can't find many hikes around it though," notes Francis W. about Appaloosa Campground, highlighting the importance of morning activities.
Ground hazards: The desert environment requires vigilance. "Kinda dumpy. Dry and dusty. A lot of goathead stickers, be prepared for flat tires if you bike there," warns Ted P. about pet-friendly camping at Percha Dam State Park, an important consideration for families with children or pets.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Many campgrounds offer varying hookup options. "Level, stone covered sites. Picnic tables under gazebo covering. Various levels of hookups. FHU to none. Ours has H2O and electric. Walking distance from lake. Garbage containers in each separate campground," advises Kevin about Palomino Campground.
Winter camping advantages: Off-season provides more availability and comfortable temperatures. "Very clean and kept. This is a campsite predominantly for RV and fifth wheels, but can accommodate tent camping. It's quite expensive for an overnight camp outing but also doesn't shut the gate to set up late at night," explains Francis W. about Appaloosa Area.
Propane availability: Stock up in nearby towns before arrival. "Campground is very nice with great views. Grounds are well kept. Bathhouse is clean. The Dyrt app says there is WiFi which there isn't and also that there are sewer hookups which they aren't. Not a problem but just fyi," notes Brett D. about Caballo Lake RV Park.
