Sugarite Canyon State Park offers equestrian-friendly camping options approximately 10 miles from Capulin, New Mexico at 6,600-9,000 feet elevation. The park sits at the transition zone between the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains, creating diverse terrain for trail riding throughout the year. Winter temperatures often drop into the 40s, with summer days reaching the 80s.
What to do
Trail riding on diverse terrain: Lake Alice Campground at Sugarite Canyon State Park provides access to multiple trail systems. "Trails vary from worn singletrack to wide service roads. Be aware of your surroundings for the wildlife that inhabits this area. Gobblers cackled on and off 24 hours, and the beautiful Towhee mountain bluebird flitted around our campsite providing a photo op," notes Dave V.
Fishing from horseback: Fish the stocked lakes in the park while camping with horses. "The lake itself is gorgeous, there are plenty of hiking trails. We brought kayaks and had a great time," shares Shannon H. The streams and lakes contain rainbow and brown trout, accessible via equestrian trails.
Dinosaur tracks exploration: Take a short trailer drive from your horse campground to Capulin Volcano National Monument. "Nearby National Park System Capulin Volcano is a must visit. Like a lone sentinal it towers alone in the high plains," writes Dave V. After visiting the volcano, continue to Clayton Lake State Park where you can view preserved dinosaur tracks: "The main attraction is the dinosaur tracks, uncovered when topsoil was removed to build the dam."
What campers like
Elevated tent platforms at horse camps: Equestrian campers appreciate the raised platforms for tent camping near horse corrals. "The tent sites had raised platforms to put your tent on and the ground underneath was softer, so it wasn't that uncomfortable to sleep on. 10/10 would go back," writes Madeline B.
Bear safety features: Horse campers value the secure food storage options. "Bear boxes are provided at each site for secure food storage while camping with horses. They have bear boxes to keep all your food and odorants in over night," Madeline B. continues. This allows equestrians to focus on their horses rather than wildlife concerns.
Clean shower facilities: After a day of trail riding at Soda Pocket Campground, riders appreciate the shower access. "Restroom/shower house across from state park visitor center is very good," notes Fred S. Another camper adds, "Nice, clean bathrooms and SHOWERS! Gazebo over the picnic table to help you out if you visit during monsoon season like us."
What you should know
Water access varies seasonally: Water availability at horse campgrounds near Capulin fluctuates throughout the year. "Soda Pocket has no water, so bring plenty for a stay!" warns Lords C. During winter camping trips, water pressure may be reduced at some horse-friendly sites.
Road conditions to equestrian sites: The roads to Horse Corrals Group Area may concern some horse trailer drivers initially, but most find them manageable. "The campground host at Lake Alice warned us that the road up to Soda Pocket was treacherous and without guardrails, but we disregarded this warning and took our chances... The so-called 'treacherous' road up to the campground is gravelly and a bit steep in a few places, but very passable," Jeff T. explains.
Wind exposure at higher elevations: Some equestrian sites with better views experience more wind. "Sites 20-23 have spectacular views of the canyon, but you trade that for some serious wind and neighbors as there is no natural shade," notes Matt B. when describing Soda Pocket Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Junior ranger programs: Children can participate in ranger-led educational activities while camping near Capulin. "The ranger came by one night and showed a group of kids a mountain lion pelt and a bear pelt," Matt B. recalls from his stay at Soda Pocket Campground.
Rock exploration for kids: Clayton Lake State Park Campground offers natural play areas for children. "We had primitive site C4 which provided Mr 8 with boundless adventures scrambling in the rocks. The dinosaur tracks were also a bit hit," shares AJ M.
Astronomy opportunities: The dark skies near Capulin provide excellent stargazing for families. "We also chatted to a fellow camper who had a large telescope with him. We got to see Jupiter and it's 4 largest moons at dusk. This whole area of New Mexico has really dark skies at night with so many stars visible," AJ M. continues.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection: Choose RV sites at Sugarite Canyon State Park carefully if traveling with horses. "Lake Alice is a tightly packed campground, very close to a busy road and not close to the lake itself. On top of that, there was a boil water notice for the water hookups, and to top it off, the utility hookups for Site 06 are on the Wrong (i.e. the passenger) side of the rig," Jeff T. explains.
Offline preparation: Horse camping areas lack connectivity. "T-mobile service did not work at all, zero bars," reports Callie C. Another camper confirms: "The campground has no cell service, allowing for an off-grid equestrian experience." Download maps and trail information before arrival.
Gate access information: Clayton RV Park offers more accessible options for horse trailers when weather affects mountain roads. "The park office closed at 4. The sites are reservation only and there is no cell service. The sign at the gate states that you need to drive down the road to get cell service and make a reservation. Also the gate closes at dusk, so make sure you get there before then on your first night," Bill advises.
