Best Tent Camping near Caballo, NM

The Caballo area in southern New Mexico provides several tent camping options within the surrounding Gila National Forest region. Kingston Campground and Railroad Canyon Campground offer established tent sites within reasonable driving distance, both featuring basic amenities suitable for primitive camping experiences. These Forest Service-managed campgrounds provide strategic access points to wilderness areas while maintaining a rustic, undeveloped atmosphere.

Tent campsites throughout this region typically feature minimal improvements beyond flat spots for pitching tents, rustic picnic tables, and occasionally vault toilets. Most locations lack potable water, with Kingston Campground featuring creek access depending on seasonal flow conditions. Railroad Canyon Campground includes only 3-4 sites with toilets and trash service but no drinking water. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with several areas prohibiting open flames during dry periods. Campers should bring sufficient water supplies, as natural sources may be unreliable or require treatment.

The tent camping experience near Caballo offers notable solitude compared to more developed areas. Sites positioned along creek beds provide pleasant natural soundscapes and shade from mature trees. Black Canyon Campground offers especially secluded tent sites with stream access, though its remote location requires determined travel. During shoulder seasons (spring and fall), tent campers experience comfortable temperature variations with cool nights and moderate daytime temperatures. A visitor commented that "the campground is right off the highway, but not too much traffic. The small creek bed has nice water depending on the time of year." Wildlife sightings, including deer and various bird species, enhance the primitive camping experience throughout the region.

Best Tent Sites Near Caballo, New Mexico (8)

    1. Kingston Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hillsboro, NM
    23 miles
    Website

    "This campground is right off the highway, but not too much traffic. The small creek bed has nice water depending on the time of year. Too hot in the summer. Gets cold I."

    "I walked through Kingstown and which is a friendly, adorable town. It is just up the road from their provided campground."

    2. Railroad Canyon Campground

    7 Reviews
    Mimbres, NM
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 388-8201

    "This campground is a “little” more hidden from the road than other nearby campgrounds."

    "This campground is a “little” more hidden from the road than other nearby campgrounds."

    3. Black Canyon Campground - Lower

    4 Reviews
    Mimbres, NM
    44 miles
    Website

    "It is cool at night, even in August, due to the elevation. We were so cozy in our wool socks and sleeping bags in a tent. It even hailed on us hard one day."

    "Beautiful campground in Santa Fe New Mexico. We came to stay one night to go to Meow Wolf and ended up staying 3 nights I liked it so much."

    4. Lake Roberts

    4 Reviews
    Hanover, NM
    49 miles
    Website

    "It’s a few minutes from the lake but it’s nice and open.. both times we’ve gone it’s had quite a few people but beyond being able to hear them we weren’t running into each other."

    "Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque"

    5. Rocky Canyon Campground

    2 Reviews
    Mimbres, NM
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 536-2250

    "Definitely tents only Recommend that you have 4wheel drive, motorcycle or atv. Right on the continental divide trail. Very quiet"

    "Was going to camp here on 4/15/2021, but there was what appeared to be from signage, a controlled burn going on at the entrance to Forest Road 150."

    6. Springtime Campground

    1 Review
    Winston, NM
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 854-2281

    "The road in may require 4x4 depending on any precip or how one drives. Once there, you're rewarded with Adirondack shelters and shaded sites."

    7. Gallinas - Lower

    Be the first to review!
    Mimbres, NM
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 388-8201
Show More
Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Tent Camping Photos near Caballo, NM

8 Photos of 8 Caballo Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Caballo, NM

244 Reviews of 8 Caballo Campgrounds


  • Mark O.
    Apr. 17, 2021

    Railroad Canyon Campground

    Clean Quick Stop

    This is a solid little campground with 3 (maybe 4?) campsites and few amenities. This campground is a “little” more hidden from the road than other nearby campgrounds. Railroad Canyon Campground has many trails to access the wilderness from, and a small creek running behind each of the three campsites.

    The campground does have a toilet, fire pits, picnic tables, and trash service. Please clean up after yourself, and leave no trace.

  • Jorge G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 4, 2024

    Comfort 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.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2024

    South Monticello Campground — Elephant Butte Lake

    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!

  • Mark O.
    Apr. 17, 2021

    Railroad Canyon Campground

    Clean Quick Stop

    This is a solid little campground with 3 (maybe 4?) campsites and few amenities. This campground is a “little” more hidden from the road than other nearby campgrounds. Railroad Canyon Campground has many trails to access the wilderness from, and a small creek running behind each of the three campsites.

    The campground does have a toilet and trash service. Please clean up after yourself, and leave no trace.

  • M
    Oct. 5, 2020

    Faywood Hot Springs

    Best. Place. Ever.

    I was worried that this place wasn’t open due to the fact there were only two reviews and it had been a while since a review. I can happily share that they are open and thriving. I was driving from Gila Cliff Dwellings towards White Sands NP and needed a place to camp. I passed some dispersed camping along the way, but most of the cultivated sites were closed, I’m guessing due to COVID as New Mexico has really cracked down on their camping and I ran into lots of sites that were either closed or only open to residents. Anyway, this place was a STEAL. For only $21 (the typical price of most regular vault toilet and picnic table camp sites), you get heaven on earth. You wouldn’t expect it driving in from either direction, but the sites themselves are extremely shaded and surrounded by trees and as private as possible given the close proximity to neighbors. I stayed at site #47 and even though I was right next to the pools and bathhouse, I couldn’t be seen at all from those places. There’s a potable water tap at EACH campsite, free showers, unlimited 24/7 access to hot springs (clothing required & clothing optional pools), a clubhouse to wash dishes or cook or simply hang out inside in a comfortable chair to read or play games at a table), several bathrooms, phone service (and I didn’t have any driving in or out), peacocks and other wildlife to admire, friendly staff, firewood for sale, labyrinth maze, short scenic trails to watch the sunset and rise, inside facilities, amazing cabins (cheapest one is only $60 and comes with an hour long soak in a private pool which is otherwise $28 for one hour), etc. I could go on and on about this place. The best $21 I have ever spent to spend the night anywhere in my entire life and I am always camping and traveling. A literal oasis. I soaked from 7pm-11pm and had the pools to myself several times on a Sunday evening. Everyone was respectful and there was no sense of party / loud groups as so common is seen at hot springs. Alcohol allowed.

  • RoadTripEddie V.
    Aug. 9, 2021

    Iron Creek Campground

    One of my favorites in the Gila Forest

    About 10 sites, most of them shaded with picnic tables and fire rings. Has garbage collection, and a vault toilet. Usually peaceful and quiet. Nice hiking trails throughout. No cell signal. Most spots are fairly flat with slight adjustment.

  • Angela G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 24, 2021

    Mesa Campground

    Good National Forest Camping

    Stayed here with a couple of friends in late December of 2019. Great proximity to Gila National Forest, which is the primary reason we chose this campground. Obviously was very cold during December, but we were comfortable with an all-season tent & sleeping bags.

    Camp hosts were super nice and gave us a lighter when we couldn’t find ours, which was a saving grace when it came to be dinner time. Picnic tables were great, especially when you’ve become used to primitive camping without such luxuries. Pit toilets were clean and accessible. Overall, nothing special but a great campground for the location and the helpfulness of the hosts.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2023

    Lower Ridge Road Camping Area — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    HUGE state park with many camping options

    General: There are many different camping options at this state park from dispersed (especially on the beach) to those with electric/water hookups. We stayed in the Lions Beach campground with the w/e hookups. 

    Site Quality: Lions Beach is laid out much like an RV park with little to no separation between sites. Each site has a fire ring, and covered picnic table in addition to the hookups. The driveway was paved and level. 

    Bath/Shower: Only vault toilets close to the Lions Beach campground. They are ADA accessible complete with a ramp but although clean, there was no hand sanitizer in any of them. The only restrooms with running water, flush toilets, and showers are located about a mile from Lions Beach and IMO, not adequate for the crowds this park attracts, especially on the weekends. The showers looked sketchy, and I decided not to use them. 

    Activities: If you like to fish or have a boat, this is the place for you! There is a marina. Some hiking trails. We enjoyed Riverbed Hot Springs a few miles down the road in Truth or Consequences. We don’t have a boat or fish so although we stayed for two nights, we chose this campground because it was on our route. 

    Because dispersed camping on the beach is allowed, it is very popular, especially on the weekends but be warned the sand is soft and deep – I’m not sure how vehicles without 4-wheel drive can navigate it without getting stuck. We were told there were wall-to-wall RVs on the beach on the weekend before our arrival (third weekend in April) so thankfully we were not there on a weekend! If we were to return, we would select the sites overlooking the lake on Ridge Road with no hookups but generally, not our preferred camping vibe but for others, it might be different.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 12, 2022

    City of Rocks State Park Campground

    Perfectly private sites!

    General: This state park is aptly named; as you approach it, it looks like a pile of rocks was dumped in a field! There is a mix of electric and non-electric sites; however, the electric sites are lined up like a typical RV park with no privacy. The non-electric ones are the gems in this state park. 

    Site Quality: Again, the non-electric sites are nestled among the rocks and spaced so far apart that for many of them, you don’t even see your neighbors. Each one is unique due to the rocks, and most are very generous in size. A fire ring, concrete benches, and a metal picnic table complete each of these sites. 

    Bathhouse: Vault toilets are spread throughout the campground and are clean. There is a comfort station near the visitor center with flush toilets and showers. 

    Activities: There are several short hiking trails throughout the park. We had enough cell (Verizon) to be able to see where they were. The visitor center is open 9-4 and unfortunately, we arrived at 4:30 pm and departed at 8 am the next morning. 

    I love the uniqueness of this campground and the privacy between the non-electric sites.


Guide to Caballo

Tent camping options near Caballo, New Mexico extend beyond established campgrounds into the surrounding Gila National Forest wilderness. This region sits at elevations between 5,000-8,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the camping areas. Winter closures affect several campgrounds from November through April, with early spring bringing significant temperature fluctuations between day and night.

What to do

Hiking on Continental Divide Trail: Rocky Canyon Campground provides direct access to the Continental Divide Trail for day hikes or backpacking segments. "This camp site is off a forest service road that gets pretty rough. Right on the continental divide trail. Very quiet," notes Peter M., who recommends having 4-wheel drive to access the area.

Paddleboarding on Lake Roberts: Lake Roberts offers calm waters ideal for beginning paddlers. "This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views," shares Eva G. The lake features a boat ramp and shoreline access points suitable for non-motorized watercraft.

Trout fishing in Black Canyon: The streams running through Black Canyon Campground - Lower contain native Gila trout. According to Jacob B., this is the "Only place where you can camp next to a Gila trout stream. Great spot, water is great." Anglers need a New Mexico fishing license with trout stamp.

What campers like

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kingston Campground attracts diverse wildlife that enhances the camping experience. "Me and my gf fell in love with this camping spot... cute wild or domesticated animals walk the space not aggressive just cute and helpful with the leafs and cycle of vegetation foods/leafs in the area," writes Amziah Z.

Proximity to mountain trails: Railroad Canyon Campground serves as a gateway to wilderness hiking. Teresa T. notes, "Of the handful of formal places to camp, this is very small but very nice. Trees, a decent hike on a maintained trail." The trailhead begins directly from the campground and connects to longer routes.

Cool mountain microclimates: The higher elevation campgrounds maintain cooler temperatures even during summer months. At Black Canyon, Tracy C. reports, "It is cool at night, even in August, due to the elevation. We were so cozy in our wool socks and sleeping bags in a tent. It even hailed on us hard one day."

What you should know

Water availability varies: Most campgrounds lack reliable drinking water sources. Mark O. notes about Railroad Canyon Campground, "This is a solid little campground with 3 (maybe 4?) campsites and few amenities. The campground does have a toilet and trash service." Campers should bring all necessary drinking water.

Seasonal closures affect planning: Several campgrounds close during winter months. "The four campgrounds in this area (Iron Creek, Railroad Canyon, Upper and Lower Gallinas) are all closed in December 2021. Perhaps just for the season. Contact NFS for status," advises Todd J.

Fire restrictions common: Wildfire danger frequently leads to fire bans. Mark O. observes at Black Canyon: "No campfires are currently permitted except for in designated metal fire pits maintained by the forest service. Just a guess, but this is probably the norm throughout the summer in the Gila."

Tips for camping with families

Choose creek-side sites: Sites alongside water features provide natural entertainment for children. At Springtime Campground, Dennis P. found "Adirondack shelters and shaded sites. We even had split firewood at our site courtesy of a fire crew, I think. A trail starts from the last campsite that climbs in altitude to some awesome views."

Visit during shoulder seasons: The best tent camping near Caballo, New Mexico occurs during spring and fall when temperatures moderate. Beth G. mentions about Railroad Canyon: "We enjoyed how small this campsite is and we were the only people there during our visit. It has large trees and flat camping spots. It even has a vault toilet."

Plan for wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds feature regular wildlife visitors. Court M. recounts at Black Canyon: "The birds are abundant here. I wore a red winter hat and had at least 10 hummingbirds buzz my head in one day. I could hear their wings and feel the breeze from them they came so close."

Tips from RVers

Road conditions limit RV access: Most forest roads leading to primitive campgrounds aren't suitable for larger rigs. At Rocky Canyon, Peter M. advises: "This camp site is off a forest service road that gets pretty rough. Definitely tents only. Recommend that you have 4wheel drive, motorcycle or atv."

Small trailers work at select sites: A few campgrounds can accommodate smaller trailers. Regarding Kingston Campground, Lara S. explains: "Only a couple of camp spots. We tent camp, but I think you'd be able to park a small camper or trailer."

Low clearance challenges: Forest roads may require high-clearance vehicles. Mark O. cautions about Rocky Canyon: "Area is quiet, and road can get rough for low clearance, non 4WD vehicles. Very quiet, and a nice little mountain stream running through it."

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 Kingston Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Caballo, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.