Lincoln National Forest surrounds Capitan, New Mexico, offering dispersed camping options at elevations ranging from 5,500 to 9,000 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer highs reaching 85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Camping near Capitan provides access to pine forests, mountain trails, and the historic Smokey Bear District.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Bonito Hollow RV Park & Campground offers proximity to multiple Lincoln National Forest trails. "Started in tents...then pop up...now a travel trailer. The park hosts are always extremely friendly and helpful. When they greet you by name upon stepping out of your vehicle... that tells you a lot," shares one regular visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Eagle Creek RV Resort provides excellent wildlife watching. "During our stay we had regular visits from a group of about 11 male mule deer! Bring your hummingbird feeders you won't be disappointed!" recommends one camper. The resort is open seasonally from April through October.
Local historic sites: Take a short drive to explore the Smokey Bear Historical Park and Lincoln Historic Site. "Close to all the things you want to do but far enough from the village to make you feel like you are out in the woods," notes one visitor about camping locations near Capitan.
What campers like
Natural water features: Along The River RV Park & Campground provides access to a small stream. "Lovely level sites, as I am in a van. Spacious sites, firebox available, tables at the sites, deer, wild horses come to visit," reports one camper about the natural setting.
Quiet mountain settings: Moonflower Meadows RV Resort offers peaceful surroundings. "This park is quiet and peaceful with lots of birds and nightly visits by elk. Shannon has some beautiful flower bushes around the whole park and they were blooming when we were there," mentions a camper who stayed for over a month.
Cleanliness and maintenance: Many campers appreciate well-kept facilities. "The bathrooms and showers were close by and very clean. Water pressure was great and 30amp is what we need. The Wi-Fi was so good I didn't bother to connect my range extender," notes one reviewer about their camping experience.
What you should know
Site spacing varies widely: Some campgrounds offer spacious sites while others are more compact. "All sites are pull through. Our site was wide enough for my 32ft travel trailer, my pickup, my partner's car, and his trailer with his motorcycle on it, and we still had room to move," reports one camper about their stay near Capitan.
Access road challenges: Some RV camping areas near Capitan have difficult approach roads. "Would have given it 5 stars but the road going in to campsites are very rough and in of need some TLC!" notes one visitor about their camping experience.
Cell service limitations: Riverside RV Park and other sites may have spotty connectivity. "No ATT or Verizon cell service at my site, but I did find a weak signal up near the office. The wifi was a struggle," reports one camper about connectivity challenges in the area.
