Top Tent Camping near Caballo, NM

Looking for the best Caballo tent camping? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Caballo, New Mexico's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Caballo, NM (10)


Recent Tent Reviews In Caballo

190 Reviews of 10 Caballo Campgrounds


  • Jeff P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Smokey Bear Campground
    Oct. 28, 2024

    Smokey Bear Campground

    Smokey Bear Historical Park

    This small camp site is next to Smokey Bear Historical Park and museum is in a small town of Capitan, New Mexico.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Cielo Vista RV Park
    Sep. 25, 2024

    Cielo Vista RV Park

    Adequate

    Ok RV PRk. No showers or rest rooms, Needs a serious upgrade. Owner is nice. Lots of permanent trailers. Goat heads are everywhere, along with lots if weeds.

  • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from City of Rocks State Park
    Sep. 23, 2024

    City of Rocks State Park

    Fun place especially for kids

    Our grandsons loved this place. We went without reservations so there was no open place but they allow the overflow to camp in the group sites if they are empty.

    You can spend hours exploring all the rocks. 

    With reservations you can get a spot with power but they are closer together. We were very happy with the great place we had. Would love to go again.

  • Timothy N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Palomino Campground — Caballo Lake State Park
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Palomino Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    Great NM State Park

    Very clean and well maintained. Staff were very friendly. No shade for the trailer, but the covered picnic table was good. Electric hookup worked. Water was off due to water system maintenance. We were able to fill up at the campground below the dam. Quiet at night, just some road noise from the highway. The lake is great with easy access for kayaking at the boat ramp. We would stay here again.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Monticello Campground - Elephant Butte Lake State Park
    Jun. 5, 2024

    South Monticello Campground - Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    Beautiful, Remote, & Inexpensive

    Situated on the edge of a sprawling reservoir along the Rio Grande river, this park is the perfect place to enjoy the vast landscape of the area. The nearby town of Truth or Consequences, NM is small, but has all the services you might need for food, gas, supplies, or soaking in hot springs. 

    The campground is well spaced out, each spot has a picnic table with shade/rain structure (I’ll let you guess which purpose gets more use) and nearly all have electricity and water. That means NO generators! The bath house is clean and offers flush toilets, running sinks and warm showers. All sites are reservation only, but you can do that when you get there as there is plenty of LTE cell service.  We've never seen this place crowded in the winter months.  For what you get at this campground, it’s a bargain at twice the price. 

    The campground is ideal for solar power, as is the New Mexico weather. We also had no problem connecting with Starlink.  Hiking, mountain biking, boating, fishing and all other sorts of desert recreation is available right from the campground.  Definitely worth the visit!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Percha Dam State Park
    May. 31, 2024

    Percha Dam State Park

    Great area with shaded areas

    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

  • Brian and Janet S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from City of Rocks State Park
    May. 29, 2024

    City of Rocks State Park

    Unique and affordable

    $14 for an RV site with electric and water. Good TMobile service.

    They have reservation as well as first come first serve sites.

    Amazing volunteers, so knowledgeable and fun to talk to. You could just walk around the rocks and campground or take one of the trails out into the desert landscape. We had our bikes and were not disappointed!

    Would absolutely come back.

  • Brian and Janet S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Caballo Lake State Park
    May. 26, 2024

    Caballo Lake State Park

    Beautiful place

    When I called about availability we were told there were a lot of dry spots available. Works for us! 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. The campground had water shutoff on Memorial Day weekend. No bathrooms or showers.

    Management aside, this place is gorgeous. We dry camped by lake right under mountains. Would not pay for campground with no water but for $10 to dry camp by the water, love it.

    Great T-Mobile service. Easy to access.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from City of Rocks State Park
    Apr. 26, 2024

    City of Rocks State Park

    DON'T camp at site 28; park management is terrible

    This is an amazing place with beautiful rock formations that you can spend hours exploring. Overall I really enjoyed staying here and seeing the sights. However, I ran into two issues (one major) while camping at site #28:

    1. There is a large wasp nest in the base of the tree at this site. Depending on the time of day, there can be a LOT of wasps flying around throughout the entire area of site#28, making the entire site unusable. Notably, this nest is in the only shaded area of the site, so you have no usable shade. Once you bring food outside, even more come out and they get aggressive. I got stung twice while trying to eat outside. I contacted the park about this by e-mailing the park manager (Gabriel Medrano) twice. He never responded to the e-mails. I also called the park office during business hours, but they did not answer. I left a voicemail, but they never called back. Clearly this park's management does not care about its guests. I later talked to one of the rangers. They said they are not allowed to disturb the wasp nest by spraying it or doing anything else due to directives from management. In other words, the park manager would rather preserve a dangerous pest instead of ensuring visitor safety and park usability.

    2. There is a windmill near site #28 that makes a very loud and annoying metal grinding noise when it turns slowly. It is shockingly loud and at first I thought that there was some sort of metal fabrication factory or construction site nearby. This happens any time of day or night, depending on the wind, and can be clearly heard from most sites on the west side of the campground. It would be loud enough to wake someone in a tent, but probably not an RV. Again, I e-mailed the park manager (Gabriel Medrano) about this, and didn't even get the courtesy of a reply.

  • Crista G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Iron Creek Campground
    Apr. 21, 2024

    Iron Creek Campground

    Lovely quiet free spot

    Clean, quiet campground not far from Emory pass. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Only a handful of people there on Friday night

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Valley Ranch RV Resort
    Mar. 27, 2024

    Hidden Valley Ranch RV Resort

    Very nice and not expensive, no tent sites

    2-night minimum, at the end of a maintained gravel road. I have a camper van, no hookups, and paid $48 for two nights. Large rec room with full kitchen, satellite tv, pool table, and pop/candy/ice cream for sale. Laundry and hot showers. Very friendly and a majority of sites are long time full timers. Cash or check only, no credit cards. Good wi-fi. Propane available. About 10 miles to town and 30 miles to City of Rocks state park.

  • Ashlee G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs Glamp Camp
    Mar. 14, 2024

    Hot Springs Glamp Camp

    Amazing glamping stay!

    Highly recommend this gem. It’s tucked away and such a cozy and slow place to stay. We stayed in a campsite for 5 nights. Highly recommend more than one day so you can enjoy the springs and the town! It has lovely clean hot spring tubs that are open 24/7. It’s an intimate camp so we rarely had to wait for a tub. Also has clean bathrooms and showers and a grill. 2 blocks away from Main Street and 2 blocks from the Rio grande. Great host and great service too.

  • Jorge G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Celebration Well Dispersed Camping
    Mar. 4, 2024

    Celebration Well Dispersed Camping

    Low-key dispersed sites

    A handful of sites located on the other side of Skates Canyon from Sapillo Campground. Close to great hiking around the CDT and fishing in Lake Roberts. Most of the sites sit on the shades of ponderosa and there's plenty of space for group camping.

    This is as bare as it gets. No services, no cell signal, no trash disposal, not even a pit toilet. Some sites have rock rings for campfires but that's about it. Please recreate responsibly and leave no trace. Pack out whatever you pack in.

    Quiet during the winter, but gets busy during the summer as evidenced by how well worn the dirt paths around the area are.

  • David R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from City of Rocks State Park
    Mar. 3, 2024

    City of Rocks State Park

    Very quiet , big sky!

    The park is far away from everywhere and offers a very quiet and peaceful experience. The rocks are spectacular as is the night sky. The visitor center appears to have limited hours so I had to go online to learn more. There are trails that take you up into the rocks and into the desert.

  • Jorge G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area
    Feb. 21, 2024

    Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area

    Near Great Hiking, no fees

    Sapillo Creek lies straddling the original branch of the CDT. This is a free, national forest dispersed campsite with a couple pit toilets and very few other amenities, no cell signal either. Easily accessible from NM-35 and near a couple of general stores in Lake Roberts (10 minute drive north) and Mimbres (15 minute drive south). 

    Popular with the local crowd during peak camping/ATV season, so be mindful that there might be some related noise during the summer; but generally sees little use during winter and the shoulder seasons.

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain Spirits RV Park
    Jan. 28, 2024

    Mountain Spirits RV Park

    Good stay for two days

    Stay for two days to allow us to visit Gila lift Dwellings. Full hookups (30 amp) with water and sewer. Good cell coverage. Amazing Starlink speeds. Staff was awesome and they filled our propane for us.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from City of Rocks State Park
    Jan. 1, 2024

    City of Rocks State Park

    Unbelievable

    Wonder of the world. Beautiful rock maze in the middle of nowhere. Some water and electric spots but the best are dispersed. Water is available on site.

  • Mario M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Cove RV Park
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Cedar Cove RV Park

    Clean Friendly, good facilities. Wifi doesn't really work

    The site was clean the hookups were in good condition. We enjoyed our stay. There is a huge tower of some kind, maybe cellphone, in the middle of the park.

  • Jorge G.
    Camper-submitted photo from North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping
    Dec. 5, 2023

    North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping

    Secluded, clear beautiful skies

    There are plenty of nice spots to camp along North Star Road, north of Mimbres, NM. You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it. North Star Road is usually well maintained and most vehicles should make it to at least North Star Mesa.

    Nothing in terms of services and amenities, but nice hiking nearby. Very clear skies at night. 

    As always, please follow LNT principles when dispersed camping.

  • Randy C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Leasburg Dam State Park
    Oct. 31, 2023

    Leasburg Dam State Park

    Gate policy is asinine and dangerous

    Well. I would have liked to have stayed here as we had reservations. Due to issues beyond our control we arrived after dark and the park closes and locks the gate at sunset. So there we are with reservations and can’t get in so we have to scramble to find something else. But let’s say we did arrive before they shut the gate. We wouldn’t have been able able to go out to eat or get groceries after dark. And if we had to call 911 the responders would have been slowed down by having to get the gate open. I wouldn’t want to put myself in that type of dangerous or inconvenient situation. Totally ridiculous.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Hot Springs Glamp Camp
    Oct. 18, 2023

    Hot Springs Glamp Camp

    Wonderful little campground

    Clean restrooms, comfy outdoor furniture and terrific vibe ! We really enjoyed staying here this past spring and plan to return this winter!

  • Rick P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ridge Road - Elephant Butte Lake State Park
    Oct. 17, 2023

    Ridge Road - Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    Good State Park campground

    Site is typical for state campground, well maintained, clean with water, electricity, RV dump, and showers (had hot water!). Sites are fairly level on asphalt pads. Childrens' playground on site. The lake is very low during my visit but still had some boating going on. Nice trails adjacent to campgrounds. Great reception for Mint. Internet is available for $8/day. Fair connection, I was able to watch movies and football without too much buffering.

    I stayed at the Desert Cove campground. It was quiet and well maintained. Stayed a couple of nights on long trip to rest up. I would stay here a again. 

    Note: Seems every park is going the way of private booking for reservations and NM is no different. Had to book on line or phone. Used both methods and was fairly easy.

  • Beth G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Railroad Canyon Campground
    Sep. 19, 2023

    Railroad Canyon Campground

    Little Campsite tucked between the road and Iron Creek

    We enjoyed how small this campsite is and we were the only people there during our visit.

    I gave it 3 stars because it’s right next to the road, but also next to the water.

    It has large trees and flat camping spots. It even has a vault toilet.



Guide to Caballo

Camping near Caballo, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just soaking up the sun, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing and Boating: The Elephant Butte Lake State Park is a hotspot for fishing and boating. One reviewer mentioned, "If you like to fish or have a boat, this is the place for you!"
  • Hiking: There are nice trails adjacent to campgrounds. A visitor at the South Monticello Campground noted, "Nice trails adjacent to campgrounds."
  • Hot Springs: Don’t miss the nearby Riverbend Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. One happy camper said, "Access to Hot Springs is Worth Every Penny!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the sites. A review for the Caballo Lake State Park Campground highlighted, "The place was very clean and spacious."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Percha Dam State Park said, "Very helpful staff."
  • Scenic Views: The views are a big hit. A reviewer at the Monticello Road Dispersed Camping shared, "Phenomenal spot. Good Verizon service."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have limited facilities. A visitor at Railroad Canyon Campground mentioned, "It has large trees and flat camping spots. It even has a vault toilet."
  • Crowded Weekends: Popular spots can get crowded on weekends. One camper at Elephant Butte Lake State Park warned, "We were told there were wall-to-wall RVs on the beach on the weekend before our arrival."
  • Reservation Required: Many campgrounds require reservations. A visitor at South Monticello Campground noted, "All sites are reservation only, but you can do that when you get there."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds Available: Some campgrounds have playgrounds for kids. A reviewer at the Desert Cove Campground mentioned, "Children's playground on site."
  • Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with spacious sites. A camper at Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort said, "Nice level Lake view spot. Easy access to site and dump station."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Fishing and hiking are great family activities. One visitor at Caballo Lake State Park Campground noted, "Great place to take the family to create memories."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds are big rig friendly. A reviewer at the Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort mentioned, "Super clean and huge lots."
  • Electric Hookups Available: Look for sites with electric hookups. A camper at South Monticello Campground said, "Each spot has a picnic table with shade/rain structure."
  • Check for Wi-Fi: Some campgrounds offer Wi-Fi. A visitor at Percha Dam State Park noted, "Great Verizon service while there."

Camping near Caballo, New Mexico, has its perks and quirks. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Caballo, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Caballo, NM is Railroad Canyon Campground with a 3.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Caballo, NM?

    TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Caballo, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.