Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Capulin, NM

Capulin RV Park accommodates pets across its tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin rentals, situated directly across from Capulin Volcano National Monument entrance. Dogs must remain leashed in all common areas with a dedicated pet walking zone along the perimeter. The campground features clean restrooms and showers that receive consistent praise from visitors with pets. Sites are closely spaced on crushed limestone pads with full hookups available for RV campers. Most tent campers describe the designated tent area as a basic field across from the main RV section, providing minimal amenities specifically for tent campers with dogs. Bear boxes are provided at each site for secure food storage, keeping wildlife away from both campers and pets.

Dog owners visiting Capulin Volcano National Monument should note that while pets are allowed in the parking areas and paved sections, they are prohibited on most hiking trails to protect wildlife. The nearby Sierra Grande Rest Area provides an alternative quick stop with picnic areas where leashed pets can stretch their legs. Lake Alice Campground at Sugarite Canyon State Park, approximately 35 miles away, offers more extensive pet-friendly hiking options with dedicated pet waste stations. The park's hiking trails through old coal mining camps provide excellent exercise opportunities for dogs. Temperatures in summer months can exceed 90°F, requiring careful monitoring of pets for heat stress and ensuring adequate water supplies. Visitors frequently mention that tent platforms at Lake Alice make sleeping with pets more comfortable than directly on the ground.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Capulin, New Mexico (23)

    1. Capulin RV Park

    7 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."

    "Pit toilets and recycling at  the entrance. The lake was completely dry but has fishing and trolling motor boats only allowed when there is water. Very quiet place to stay the night."

    5. Raton Pass Camp & Cafe

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

    "Large dog walking area, excellent service and there hasn’t been a theft here in 22 plus years!"

    "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."

    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

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

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

    "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."

    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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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Capulin, NM

169 Reviews of 23 Capulin Campgrounds


  • Sheridan L.
    Apr. 6, 2021

    Lake 13-Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge

    Last minute solution, full bars

    It’s places like this that make me realize this how possible Van Life is!

    I rolled in at 9pm when I had reservation issues else where, after finding this online at 830pm. There are full bars and open spaces. 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. I car camp, but the people staying were full timer van life or family’s camping out for the weekend. With spring coming in, the birds were a great natural alarm. Sure the lake was empty, but it’s free, easy to find, and free. The pit toilets were clean, and there were a few picnic tables at a few spots and lots of trash cans to keep it clean. Plus, the Milky Way was to die for.

    I pulled into a tall grassy area so I felt kind of guilty in the morning when I saw they cut the grass in recommended dispersed spots. It wasn’t an issue though, set up anywhere as long as you’re not being a jerk.

    It’s very accessible, good views, 30 mins from capulin volcano and sugarite state park.

  • Jason F.
    May. 22, 2021

    Raton KOA

    A friendly place to stop and recharge

    The Raton KOA is conveniently located off I-25 in Raton, NM. The campground offers of a mixture of back-in and pull through sites that are a mix of mostly live gravel and dirt. Most sites have 20/30 amp service, water, and septic hookups, although less expensive sites with fewer amenities are also available.

    The campground offers a fenced in dog park where the pups can run off leash. There is also a nice grassy walking path around the perimeter of the property with trash cans and dog waste stations positioned every 100 yards.

    The campground owner, Grant, is great to work with. He helped us get setup with the park WiFi and was super responsive to any questions we had. Don’t forget to ask him for the WiFi access code when you check in!

  • Dave M.
    Dec. 20, 2021

    Tower 64 Motel & RV Park

    You'll not pay more for less.

    Trashy trailer park with spots for rv travelers. We needed a spot for the night after spending a good part of the day dealing with new Mexico roads. Dog poo everywhere so if you step out if your rv, I suggest removing your shoes before reentry. Paid $45, worth about $10.

  • Dave V.
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Clayton Lake State Park Campground

    Historical significance!

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

    Beautiful oasis nestled away in the windswept high plains of NE New Mexico. Not only for today's travelers but for yesterday's pioneers we take the Cimmaron Cutoff from the Santa Fe trail. We pitched tent at Chicano Beach site #2 (there are only two on that ridge), far away from any crowds upon a knoll overlooking a western "dog-leg" of the 170 acre reservoir. Even though the man-made Clayton lake was down from 32' to 19' depth…it was tranquil and bustling with wildlife. Coyotes barked in the distance, strutting turkey's gobbled, jackrabbit's darted, fish jumped and mule deer grazed the shoreline grasses and taking in late night and early morning drinks. Bring your binoculars to glass the shore and ridge lines. Fascinating park, the sandstone formations were varied and interesting…worn away by generations of rain. The rock garden is worth a scramble…very cool columns…(R4 campsite is nestled deep within them and the most highly coveted tent site). Highlight: The dinosaur tracks (uncovered at the spillway around 1982 after a flood) at the spillway are of particular interest. Informational signage lines the spillway and the small pavilion atop the levy. The 471 acre state park was quiet and peaceful. Mark, the park ranger, is full of great information of the area…and incredibly helpful, having spent his entire life in these parts…truly as nice a man you could meet (and the first ranger to ever return my phone message when calling for last minute availabilty). The visitor center and every other aspect of this park is spotlessly clean and meticulously maintained. The visitor center, though small, utilized every inch to bring you desired information of the park's history. New signage and informational displays were going in as we left. A heated restroom/ shower house was a wonderful creature comfort. Plenty of very new and clean pit latrines and water spigots dotted throughout the campground. If you don't want crowds avoid the fishing tournament the second weekend of June when about 900 campers descend to camp and fish…and most summer holidays. Other than that there is room….and no bad spots. I'd recommend using the online reservation portal. Tent sites are cheap($10 developed/$8 primitive)…actual too cheap, in my opinion…the state parks are nearly bankrupt, if not already so. Skeleton staffs are underpaid, yet they worked tirelessly to keep the parks to the highest standard. http://www.emnrd.state.nm.us/SPD/claytonlakestatepark.html

    •A nearby highlight is the Capulin Volcano National Monument an hour away up Rt 87. The walk around the rim of the dormant volcano offers epic views of the surrounding high plains, Sante Fe trail and the jagged snow capped mountains to the West.

  • Keith H.
    May. 16, 2021

    Clayton Lake State Park Campground

    Make reservations

    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. Well spaced non electric sites but it can be a long walk to toilets.

  • George C.
    Jun. 10, 2019

    Lake Alice Campground — Sugarite Canyon State Park

    First visit and wow!

    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. The area is absolutely beautiful. This little park has something for everyone. Highland trails, lakes and streams, primitive and car-camping sites. Plenty of wildlife to see, birds and other critters everywhere. And of course the vistas. I will definitely be back there soon. Thanks, New Mexico!

  • gail A.
    Jul. 20, 2021

    Clayton Lake State Park Campground

    Dinosaur Tracks

    We stayed here when state of New Mexico scheduled my vaccination nearby here rather than nearby my home. Otherwise, who knows when we would have discovered this place.

    The sites are easily accessible, and probably best before it gets too hot.

    The amazing part is the hike to the dinosaur tracks. The story of their preservation is worth the visit all by itself.

  • Terry P.
    Sep. 8, 2022

    Clayton Lake State Park Campground

    Night Sky Viewing and Dinasaur Tracks

    Clayton Lake State Park near Clayton, New Mexico turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It is a small state park with several small camogrounds spread around the reservoir which is popular for fishing. Our campground had about a half dozen sites overlooking the lake. The opportunity to see dinasaur tracks and attend star parties make this park unique. The campground host is an amateur astronomer who regularly hosts very well-attendedstar parties. Water and electric were available at our campsite, but the park does not have a dump station.

  • Judy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2025

    Clayton Lake State Park Campground

    Unusual and interesting campground

    Clayton Lake State Park lies in the NE corner of New Mexico. It is about 12-15 miles North of the small town of Clayton. Most camping sites are basic and seven are electrical with water hookups. There is a horseshoe pit and a volleyball area along with a pavilion for group gatherings. There is a visitor center and a bathroom with two flush toilets and two shower stalls (which could use some updating). 

    The main attraction is the dinosaur tracks, uncovered when topsoil was removed to build the dam. That caused a lake to form and some trees that were along the banks are now visible standing in the lake. There is a boat launch area and it is for trolling motors, canoe or kayak use. It can get very windy. The lake is surrounded by a rocky cliff-like shoreline. Swallows make their nests in the clift face.

    The electrical sites are terraced near the boat launch area near the dam end of the campground. The basic sites are scattered around several loops and nest in rock outcrops at the other end of the campground. The visitor center and bathroom are near the entrance.


Guide to Capulin

Camping options near Capulin, New Mexico are located in a high desert region at elevations between 6,500-7,000 feet, where summer high temperatures typically range from 75-90°F with cool evenings dropping into the 50s. This northeastern corner of New Mexico experiences dramatic weather shifts, with afternoon thunderstorms common from July through September. Most campgrounds in the area feature crushed limestone or gravel sites to manage the region's seasonal rainfall.

What to do

Hike volcano formations: Capulin Volcano National Monument offers several hiking trails ranging from 0.2 miles to 2 miles, with the Crater Rim Trail providing a one-mile loop with panoramic views. At Raton Pass Camp & Cafe, camper Chad notes, "Nice little hike starting from the campground and really nice views to the South."

Visit historic coal mining sites: The abandoned Sugarite Canyon coal mining town provides a glimpse into early 1900s New Mexico history. At Sugarite Canyon State Park, Matt B. explains, "The visitor center is small but with a lot of good exhibits, and adjacent to the hiking trails of the abandoned coal camp and mine. The coal camp trails have lots of informative stands explaining what everything was, how the people lived, etc."

Explore dinosaur tracks: Clayton Lake State Park preserves hundreds of dinosaur footprints uncovered during dam construction. Valentina A. mentions, "Pretty neat to see the dinosaur tracks!" while AJ M. adds that the tracks were "also a big hit" with their 8-year-old during their stay.

What campers like

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region hosts diverse wildlife including deer, turkey, and various bird species. At Lake 13-Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge, Abby M. shares, "Not much of a lake left but plenty of birds & beautiful sunsets to watch."

Dark night skies: The rural location provides excellent stargazing conditions. Laura M. states of Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, "The Milky Way was to die for," while at Clayton Lake, a camper mentioned meeting "a fellow camper who had a large telescope with him. We got to see Jupiter and its 4 largest moons at dusk."

Clean bathroom facilities: Multiple campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept restroom facilities. At Soda Pocket Campground, Fred S. reports, "Two vault toilets; very clean with toilet paper," while Lords C. confirms, "Clean vault Johns."

What you should know

Weather extremes: The high elevation means rapid weather changes are common. At Carpios Ridge Campground, Thomas B. warns, "Nice place to stay, but gets VERY HOT. And can also have some unpredictable weather roll through with high winds. Remember this site is on a hilltop."

Cell service varies significantly: Connectivity depends entirely on location. At Sugarite Canyon State Park, a camper reports, "No cell service for either of our carriers, and I don't think for any, until about a mile beyond the shower house," while another camper at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge notes, "Also had great AT&T service."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Capulin, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Capulin, NM is Capulin RV Park with a 3.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Capulin, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 23 dog-friendly camping locations near Capulin, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.