Best Campgrounds near Capulin, NM

The Capulin area in New Mexico connects campers to both the Rio Grande and Sangre de Cristo Mountains with several good camping spots. Lake Alice Campground in Sugarite Canyon State Park has decent fishing and clean bathrooms that work well for most campers. Capulin RV Park sits close to Capulin Volcano National Monument for those who want to check out the crater. The other main spot in Sugarite Canyon is Soda Pocket Campground, where you'll find hiking trails nearby and basic pit toilets that are kept clean. Weather runs from mild in summer to pretty cold in winter, with most people camping during spring and fall. You can drive regular cars to most campgrounds, though a few spots might need higher clearance after rain. Most places have water available, but bringing your own is smart just in case. If you need a shower, you'll find them at some but not all campgrounds in the area. Many campers come for the wildlife watching and really dark skies for stargazing. Winter brings snow that can block access to some campgrounds, so check the forecast before heading out. The Capulin area works for both tent campers and RVs with different sites available.

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Best Camping Sites Near Capulin, New Mexico (27)

    1. Capulin RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Capulin, NM
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 278-2921

    "We stayed here on route between Texas and Colorado - close to the volcano national park so popped in there too. This is a crushed rock lot with pull through sites - nothing scenic here."

    2. Lake Alice Campground — Sugarite Canyon State Park

    18 Reviews
    Raton, NM
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 445-5607

    $10 - $35 / night

    "After a long drive from south Texas, this was my first visit to Sugarite Canyon and it definitely exceeded my expectations! The staff was friendly and helpful and the amenities were accommodating."

    "**

    Campground Review:

    Located in NW Raton, New Mexico..."

    3. Soda Pocket Campground — Sugarite Canyon State Park

    9 Reviews
    Raton, NM
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 445-5607

    $15 / night

    "Traveling from Denver to Southern New Mexico, this is a nice stopping point. Very easy to get to off I-25.

    Pit toilets are very clean."

    "This State Park is beautiful, with hiking/fishing/historic walks galore. We arrived late on Friday, June 23 after a 10 hour drive from Arkansas. We were in Site #23 in the Soda Pocket Campground. "

    4. Lake 13-Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge

    22 Reviews
    Cimarron, NM
    35 miles
    Website

    "I felt bad rolling in to the lot because there were other people set up and tucked in. A few were blasting music and chatting loudly, but everyone was quiet from 10pm to 8am."

    "Easy access and camping adjacent to a dam overlooking a lake."

    5. Raton Pass Camp & Cafe

    14 Reviews
    Raton, NM
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 445-8500

    "This is a small RV Park at Raton Pass almost to the Colorado border. Situated at the top of a hill, the views here are outstanding."

    "The view you get right outside your rv is really amazing. The location is convenient with everything you need within 15 miles of the campground. All the other guests were quiet and had clean sites."

    6. NRA Whittington Center Campground

    4 Reviews
    Raton, NM
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 445-3615

    "Plenty of wildlife to see around the area and a very quiet place to set up camp."

    "There are lots of trees around and natural grass growing. There aren’t any shooting competitions going on at the time, so we don’t hear much shooting."

    7. Summerlan RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Raton, NM
    26 miles
    +1 (575) 445-9536

    $30 / night

    "It’s within range of the Capulin Monument, NRA Whittington Center and Sugarite Canyon State Park. Try Bruno’s Pizza in town. La Cosina has the best authentic New Mexican food."

    8. Raton KOA

    5 Reviews
    Raton, NM
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 445-3488

    9. Clayton Lake State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Clayton, NM
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 374-8808

    $15 - $45 / night

    "New mexico state parks nearly all online reservations now. Funny I had no printed copy and nobody checked me. Pretty area in the middle of open prairie."

    "Clayton Lake State Park, Clayton, NM…5200 ft elev.

    Beautiful oasis nestled away in the windswept high plains of NE New Mexico."

    10. Carpios Ridge Campground — Trinidad Lake State Park

    24 Reviews
    Trinidad, CO
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (719) 846-6951

    $36 - $41 / night

    "This site had great views of the mountain and lake. Enjoyed the short hike on Levsa - a one mile loop with up high views of Lake Trinidad. The Carpios trail was steep and rocky."

    "This place has something for everyone: camping, hiking, fishing, boating on the lake, playground for kids, and close to Trinidad for supplies and dining."

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Recent Reviews near Capulin, NM

168 Reviews of 27 Capulin Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Lake 13-Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge

    Quiet, peacefull.

    Just a small open area, three picnic tables, a couple of pit toilets, trash cans. Lots of birds, a couple of deer, lots of coyotes off in the distance. Fishing is allowed but I didn't see any.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Carpios Ridge Campground — Trinidad Lake State Park

    Beautiful view

    Some spots shady, some not. Fresh water available, but not at each site. I am here on Labor Day weekend and although the campground is full, it is pretty peaceful. Make sure you stop and pay for an entrance permit even if you paid for your campsite.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Carpios Ridge Campground — Trinidad Lake State Park

    Glad to have found this place.

    To keep it succinct, this place was so nice I decided to book another day before I fully unpacked my gear. Perhaps it was the perfect weather conditions, but with a view of the lake, not too far away, if just only a short walk, I knew that this would be a place for prime relaxing. What’s more, if you have a pull-behind vehicle or a small rig like me, you can go into town.

  • j
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Maverick Motel Campground

    Hanging out at the Mav

    A private campground with free water and wifi. Great views at the south end of town. Quiet place.

    It's 10 dollars per night for rigs less than 35 feet and 20 for rigs over. This is a big field with no marked sites, set up whoever you like. The wifi is fast. There is also a fire pit you can cook on if you like, or just bonfire.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Capulin RV Park

    A small roadside campground with incredible bathrooms!

    First and foremost, the lady that helped us with the site was incredibly kind and helpful. Also it should be noted as in the other reviews the campsites are very close together. Finally, I must stay unequivocally this campground has the nicest bathrooms I've seen in a very long time. Very clean very modern and very well maintained!

  • Greebly M.
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Lake Alice Campground — Sugarite Canyon State Park

    Meh...

    We stayed in the first entrance sent to the left as you enter the smallish tent area, I'd guess site #1. The tent pad is standard size but we sleep in 2 single tents and we're tight. The campground is right off the road, and while there wasn't a lot of traffic, we heard everything go by. The vault toilet is nearby, I am unsure if there is potable water at the site. We stayed one night in June, temps were in the upper 40s and there had been a pretty big rain just prior to our arrival. Nonetheless, the campsite itself is decent, I took points for it's proximity to the road, lack of privacy, and small sites. Surrounding scenery is non-existent from the site, but a short drive and there are some beautiful sights to behold.


Guide to Capulin

Camping near Capulin, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning views, unique wildlife, and a variety of campgrounds to suit different needs. Whether you're looking for a quick overnight stop or a longer stay, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Enjoy the beautiful trails in the area. Campers have noted that the hiking trails around Soda Pocket Campground are great for exploring. One reviewer mentioned, "There are numerous nature hikes, and I did the short Vista Grande Nature Trail which has a beautiful bench for a sunrise view."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Lake Alice Campground — Sugarite Canyon State Park, offer fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "The lake is pretty with what seems to be good fishing judging by how many locals were there casting lines in the water."
  • Wildlife Watching: The area is known for its diverse wildlife. Campers at Lake 13-Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge have enjoyed spotting various waterfowl, with one camper stating, "Nothing fancy but great views of the lake and always some amazing waterfowl."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views. One visitor at Raton Pass Camp & Cafe said, "The views are the best part about this campground!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Lake Alice Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. A reviewer mentioned, "Showers were very nice for a campground. They were actual showers, not just concrete or dirty tile."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere. At Capulin RV Park, one guest noted, "The couple running the park are very nice. Bathrooms are clean."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake 13-Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge, have minimal facilities. A camper pointed out, "No shade, no potable water, no electric, no sewer. True boondocking site."
  • Reservation Requirements: Many sites are reservation-only, especially at Soda Pocket Campground. One visitor advised, "The sites are reservation only and there is no cell service."
  • Proximity to Highways: Some campgrounds are near busy roads, which can lead to noise. A reviewer at Raton Pass Camp & Cafe mentioned, "Although we had a view of the mountains, we also had a view of Highway 25 (and could hear highway noise)."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds that offer family-friendly activities. Lake Alice Campground has hiking trails and fishing opportunities, making it a great spot for families.
  • Pack for Comfort: Since some campgrounds lack amenities, be prepared. A camper at Capulin RV Park noted, "The water is off for the winter season but they do have water to fill your tanks if you wish."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Choose quieter times to visit popular spots. One family at Raton KOA mentioned, "The campground was clean, older but well maintained. It is very much residential though."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. A reviewer at Summerlan RV Park said, "The pull-through sites are very very close together but it was organized and orderly."
  • Be Ready for Limited Services: Campers at Soda Pocket Campground noted, "There is no cell service. The sign at the gate states that you need to drive down the road to get cell service."
  • Utilize Dump Stations: Make sure to use dump stations when available. A visitor at Raton Pass Camp & Cafe appreciated the clean facilities, stating, "The bath/shower house was very clean and there was laundry available for a very reasonable price."

Camping near Capulin, New Mexico, offers a unique experience with plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the camping regulations and fees at Capulin Volcano National Monument?

Capulin Volcano National Monument does not permit camping within the monument boundaries. Visitors looking for nearby camping experiences should consider Sugarite Canyon State Park, which offers both Lake Alice and Soda Pocket campgrounds with clean facilities. New Mexico state parks generally require online reservations, with fees varying by campsite type. For those traveling along I-25, Raton Pass Camp & Cafe provides a convenient stopping point with drive-in access, reservable sites, water, and toilets. Always check current reservation requirements and fee structures before planning your trip.

Where can I camp near Capulin Volcano National Monument?

While Capulin Volcano National Monument doesn't offer camping within its boundaries, several excellent options are available nearby. Clayton Lake State Park Campground is a popular choice about 50 miles east, offering basic sites with some electrical and water hookups, plus the bonus of dinosaur tracks and fishing opportunities. For those seeking a serene experience, Lake 13-Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge provides peaceful camping with open spaces and good cell service. Both locations make great base camps for exploring Capulin Volcano, with driving distances manageable for day trips to the monument.

Are there RV parks or campgrounds with hookups at Capulin?

RV travelers near Capulin have several options with hookups. Capulin RV Park offers the closest dedicated RV accommodations to the monument, though specifics about amenities should be verified before arrival. For those willing to drive a bit further, Tower 64 Motel & RV Park provides overnight spots for RVs, though reviews suggest checking conditions before booking. For a higher-quality experience, the NRA Whittington Center Campground near Raton offers big-rig-friendly sites with hookups. Most RV parks in this region are open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months.