Best Campgrounds near Capitan, NM

Camping in the Capitan area of New Mexico spans several distinct environments, from high desert to mountain terrain. Mama Bear RV Park offers full hookups within Capitan's town limits, while Fort Stanton Cave Campground provides more primitive options on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land about 8 miles east. The region supports various camping styles including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and dispersed camping on public lands. Several campgrounds feature cabin accommodations, particularly in the nearby communities of Ruidoso and Alto, which sit at higher elevations in the Sacramento Mountains.

Access to camping areas varies significantly with elevation and season. Many campsites in the Lincoln National Forest and Fort Stanton-Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area remain accessible year-round, though winter brings cold nights even at lower elevations. The BLM dispersed camping areas like West Mesa Trailhead require higher clearance vehicles for access, with several unpaved forest roads becoming difficult after rain or snow. Cell service is generally available at developed campgrounds but can be spotty in more remote locations. "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. Good cell phone service," noted one camper about the West Mesa area.

Several visitors highlight the contrasts between developed and dispersed options in this transitional zone between desert and mountains. Fort Stanton Cave Campground receives consistent praise for its secluded setting while still offering basic amenities. "Secluded camping about 1.5 miles in from US Rt 380! On BLM land, the dirt road in is wash boarded in spots, but hey it's free," one reviewer mentioned. Campers frequently note the dramatic temperature shifts, with days reaching the 60s while nights can drop below freezing in late fall and winter. The mixed-use campgrounds near Ruidoso provide more amenities but less solitude compared to the primitive sites closer to Capitan. Many camping areas throughout the region feature stunning views of Sierra Blanca peak and excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution.

Best Camping Sites Near Capitan, New Mexico (105)

    1. Fort Stanton Cave Campground

    9 Reviews
    Capitan, NM
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 322-0030

    "Lots of access to trails (hiking, biking, and horse access only)."

    "Close to Lincoln, NM. Historical Fort Stanton just down the road."

    2. Valley Of Fires Recreation Area

    37 Reviews
    Carrizozo, NM
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 648-2241

    $15 - $35 / night

    "The lava tubes, the town of Carrizozo White Oak and Capitan."

    "Due to New Mexico Governor’s decision to close state owned campgrounds, we scrambled to find a place to stay prior to visiting White Sands...thank you BLM!!"

    3. Bonito Hollow RV Park & Campground

    8 Reviews
    Ruidoso, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 336-4325

    $40 - $54 / night

    "I was looking to get away from the heat in Albuquerque and maybe even do a little fishing. I picked a site next to the upper river (Rio Bonito)."

    "Has been our number 1 go to location for almost 10 years now. Started in tents...then pop up...now a travel trailer. The park hosts are always extremely friendly and helpful."

    4. Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Ruidoso Downs, NM
    15 miles
    +1 (575) 964-8555

    $45 - $70 / night

    "I think the ease of picking a spot that worked for our situation, the clean park and bathrooms and friendly staff and neighbors made it surprisingly one of the best RV experiences we’ve had."

    "So close to everything, super clean PRIVATE bathrooms and the management is amazing and super attentive!"

    5. Baca Campground

    12 Reviews
    Lincoln, NM
    13 miles

    "Only 15 miles from Capitan to the west and 20 miles to Reuidoso in the north. This is a free campground."

    "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."

    6. Rob Jagger's Campground — Fort Stanton Snowy River Cave National Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    Capitan, NM
    5 miles
    +1 (575) 322-0030

    $25 - $35 / night

    "It's right off of the highway that leads to Fort Stanton and is accessible for any size of RV or trailer."

    "Very little traffic noise and actually very few people around. Extremely quiet. Camp host came by just to make sure we had what we needed."

    7. Along The River RV Park & Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ruidoso, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 336-4444

    "Best rv campsite in the area clean and spacious sites , access to the River, firewood for sale and friendly owners. We have camped here the last 3 years and we love this place."

    8. Mama Bear RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Capitan, NM
    1 mile
    +1 (575) 354-2394

    "A clean park located in the middle of Capitan New Mexico."

    9. West Mesa Trailhead BLM Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Capitan, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 244-4605

    "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."

    "Probably not the place to stay in high summer but otherwise really great location."

    10. Slow Play RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Ruidoso Downs, NM
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 378-4990

    "We received a call about 10 minutes prior to our arrival to ensure we knew where they are located. Upon arrival we were greeted and escorted to our site and advised on hookups."

    "Clean & quiet site with a dog walk trail. Highly recommended if you are visiting Lincoln National Forest."

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Recent Reviews near Capitan, NM

392 Reviews of 105 Capitan Campgrounds


  • Christopher P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Fort Stanton Cave Campground

    BLM Campground

    This is a free BLM campground. Sites are mixed. Some may have one or more of a table, fire pit, or shelter. Some are just a place to park. Trash cans. Bathroom although it was locked during government shutdown. Cave has been closed for years.

  • a
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Valley Of Fires Recreation Area

    Easy to access with showers

    The campground is easy to access, has showers and a dump station.  There are not a lot of trails but there  is a lovely 3/4 mile on the lava field.  It was very sunny when I went, bring a shade device.

  • Kevin K.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Valley Of Fires Recreation Area

    Large pull thru sites

    Booked three nights for $25 per night with water and electric. It is a pull thru paved site #6 with a direct view of the lave field. If you book this site bring extra blocks as it is 3.5” out of level side to side and about 12” front to back on a 21’ trailer.

  • TheFoxphire F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Forest Rd 568 Dispersed

    Lovely

    One of our favorites. Room for big rigs prior to road intersection pretty rough beyond that. Able to get our 31’ class C with no issues other than unevenness. The good: beautiful tree coverage, trails that lead to town, road biking distance to town, daily short rains, wild mustangs walking right through our site, plenty of room. The bad: rocky unlevel sites, local dude that drives in daily maniacally to smoke his cigar then speeds off.

  • r
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Saddle Campground

    Tall pines, quiet, wildlife

    One of many campgrounds in the Cloudcroft area. Tents and RVs mixed. No hook-ups. Dump and showers for a fee at top camp known as Overflow which is a gravel parking area but handles large rigs the best.

  • Zoey T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Red Cloud Campground

    Amazing - cool breeze - shade - complete privacy

    After hours and hours of driving through flat desert 100 degree oil country we were so glad to find this place of refuge. We drove past the ‘official campgrounds (which looked paved and nice) and a little ways down the road to find a perfect primitive camping pull off spot with a few well built fire pits. Lots of shade. Cool at night and we didn’t see not a car nor a soul for 24 hours. The woods are dry and filled with pines and junipers - ie tons of firewood that smelled wonderful. Our dogs loved it. The road seems to go for miles and miles and although dirt is pretty well leveled and was manageable in our Skoolie. We did have a peculiar invasion from a cow family at 8pm. They just quietly walked on in our campsite and then quietly left once the dogs let them know they were not welcome. This was all quite peculiar because we were at least 3 miles from the nearest ranch… but I’ll take cows over mountain lions all day. The road up to the national Forrest is gravel/dirt and grated so it was a slow going for about 3.5 miles but well worth it.

  • R
    Jul. 30, 2025

    El Campo Glamping

    Lovely Place

    The accommodations were great and the views were beautiful. Would definitely come back.

  • Andrea P.
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Gallinas Site

    Spacious and has a toilet!

    This is a nice site with loads of space.  Even in the winter there was a fair amount of people around but we could all really spread out.  Very good New Mexican food in nearby town of Corona too!!

    I had a couple of bars of service (Verizon) in the camping area.


Guide to Capitan

Camping near Capitan, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Explore lava trails: The Valley Of Fires Recreation Area features a short paved nature trail through fascinating lava beds. One visitor mentioned, "The hike through the lava rocks was informative and easy."
  • Visit petroglyphs: At the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, you can see ancient rock carvings. A camper shared, "To see and imagine the people who created the petroglyphs was incredible."
  • Enjoy mountain views: The Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park offers great views of the mountains. One reviewer said, "It had awesome views of the mountains and a nice shade shelter."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at the Valley Of Fires Recreation Area noted, "The bathrooms are very clean, and the showers are push button timer type."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds, like Baca Campground, offer large, private spots. One camper mentioned, "The campsite s are large and widely spaced."
  • Friendly hosts: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. A reviewer at Bonito Hollow RV Park & Campground said, "The hosts were very nice and the park is kept pretty clean."

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, have minimal facilities. A camper pointed out, "There are no hot water showers, but the bathrooms have flush toilets."
  • First-come, first-served: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. One visitor at the Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park mentioned, "We were able to catch a first come first serve site."
  • Wildlife encounters: Expect to see wildlife, especially at places like Eagle Creek RV Resort. A camper shared, "We had regular visits from a group of about 11 male mule deer!"

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like Bonito Hollow RV Park & Campground, which has a game room. One family said, "The campground is pet friendly, has an enclosed run where you can take them off the leash for a bit."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A reviewer at Valley Of Fires Recreation Area mentioned, "Nice short paved nature trail through the lava beds."
  • Pack essentials: Bring enough supplies, especially water and snacks. A camper at Baca Campground noted, "This is dispersed camping. No water no trash cans so pack it in pack it out."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have restrictions on RV sizes. A visitor at Oak Grove Campground warned, "Most parking is for a car or van. The camp host will send you on your way if your rig is over 23 feet."
  • Be prepared for rough roads: Some campgrounds, like Fort Stanton Cave Campground, have rough access roads. A camper mentioned, "The dirt road in is wash boarded in spots, but hey it's free."
  • Stay connected: Check for cell service availability. A reviewer at Eagle Creek RV Resort noted, "No phone service Verizon or ATT."

Camping near Capitan, New Mexico, offers a variety of experiences, from stunning views to unique historical sites. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at campgrounds in Capitan, NM?

Campgrounds around Capitan offer varying amenities based on type and location. Bonito Hollow RV Park & Campground features sites adjacent to Rio Bonito with clear flowing water. Valley Of Fires Recreation Area provides developed sites with covered picnic tables, flat tent pads, restrooms, and possibly showers. Many public campgrounds offer basic facilities like vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. RV parks typically include full hookups with electric, water, and dump stations. Dispersed camping areas generally have minimal or no amenities, requiring campers to bring water and pack out trash. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many forest and remote locations.

Where can I find camping in Capitan, New Mexico?

Capitan offers several camping options within and near town. Mama Bear RV Park is centrally located in Capitan with convenient access to nearby attractions like Ruidoso and Fort Stanton. For those seeking dispersed camping, Baca Campground provides a remote experience with wildlife viewing opportunities about 15 miles from town. The area surrounding Capitan also includes Fort Stanton Cave Campground, with several campgrounds in Lincoln National Forest within a short drive. Most locations are accessible year-round, though forest roads may have seasonal closures due to weather conditions.

What are the best seasons for camping in Capitan, New Mexico?

Late spring through early fall offers ideal camping conditions in Capitan. Deerhead Campground — Lincoln National Forest is particularly beautiful during summer months when the forest is lush. Mountain Springs Ranch showcases spectacular New Mexico sunsets and stargazing opportunities year-round. Summer temperatures are moderate at higher elevations but can get hot in lower areas. Fall brings cooler temperatures and beautiful foliage. Winter camping is possible but prepare for cold nights and potential snow, especially in the mountains. Spring brings wildflowers but can be windy. The area's relatively mild climate makes shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) particularly pleasant for camping.