Best Campgrounds near Carlsbad, NM

Carlsbad, New Mexico draws campers with its mix of natural areas and cave systems. Chosa Campground sits near Carlsbad Caverns and works well for RVs, though it's basic with just a dumpster for facilities. Sunset Reef Campground requires driving down a dirt road but rewards with quiet camping spots, also not far from the caverns. Both camping areas put you within easy reach of the underground formations that make this area famous. The Rio Grande and Sangre de Cristo Mountains are also within driving distance for additional outdoor activities. Hiking trails and fishing spots can be found throughout the area, with good views in many directions. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable camping weather to Carlsbad. Summers get hot in this part of New Mexico, and winter nights can get cold, especially at higher spots. Always check the forecast before heading out. White Sands is another interesting place to visit nearby, where you can walk among bright white sand dunes that stand out against the desert background. The town of Carlsbad has grocery stores and other supplies you might need during your stay. You'll find options for both RV and tent camping throughout the area. Take care to pack out all your trash and follow good camping practices while visiting. Carlsbad combines interesting natural features with practical amenities for a solid camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Carlsbad, New Mexico (35)

    1. Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    35 Reviews
    Carlsbad, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 885-6333

    "Very convenient to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and to Carlsbad, New Mexico. Nice indoorheated pool and a family-friendly environment. Treats for your dog and several dog parks fort off leash fun."

    "It’s a little rough around the edges but they are remodeling the bathrooms, and the laundry room is great. The employees are as nice as can be!"

    2. Brantley Lake State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Carlsbad, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 457-2384

    $8 - $18 / night

    "About an hour from Carlsbad Caverns, which was awesome! Dump station, if you care, was closed while we were there."

    "Nice campground, pretty quiet unless you're next to the playground. Facilities are clean, showers were hot, so there is nothing to complain about there."

    3. Carlsbad KOA

    39 Reviews
    Carlsbad, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-9109

    "It’s less than an hour from Carlsbad Caverns, and only 15 minutes from Carlsbad proper, in case you need some supplies or want to go find a place to eat in town."

    "Despite the name, it is quite a hike from Carlsbad Caverns if that is your destination. It is very close to Beantly Lake and a very quiet setting. The pads are gravel but level. Excellent staff."

    4. Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed

    23 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 234-5972

    "Only 5 minutes from Carlsbad caverns, this dispersed OHV trail is accessible to anyone with a vehicle that can make it over potholes and speed bumps."

    "I stayed here because it was 15 minutes from Carlsbad cavern, and it did not disappoint. It was a really rough road past the first three spots, but my 2wd van made it."

    5. Chosa Campground

    55 Reviews
    Carlsbad Caverns, NM
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 234-5972

    "Close to Carlsbad Caverns, Rattlesnake Springs and Cottonwood Day Use Area with had a spring fed pool .

    Saw several Rio Grand Turkey near the two springs.

    Saw Pronghorn Antelope."

    "Only 10 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns NP and about 25 minutes from Guadeloupe Mountains NP!

    The area is a large fenced in gravel lot. Plenty of spots for trailers/RVs/and any other campers."

    6. Dark Canyon Dispersed

    10 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    10 miles
    Website

    "Only 30 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns NP and about 20 minutes from Carlsbad NM! This is a great spot off the highway with basically no noise from cars."

    "Great location when checking out Carlsbad Caverns. Close to the road."

    7. Sunset Reef Campground

    41 Reviews
    Carlsbad Caverns, NM
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 234-5972

    "Only 20 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns NP and about 30 minutes from Carlsbad NM! Slaughter canyon trail is 20 minutes down the same road the campsite is on. This is a great spot off the highway."

    "Nice camping spot only about 5 miles from Carlsbad Caverns. The sites are nice and the vault toilet was very clean. I camped here in February and there was plenty of room. I got here around 5:30 PM."

    8. Avalon Lake Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Carlsbad, NM
    7 miles

    "Just needed a place to pop up the RTT with others in the convoy it worked but it’s definitely rocky and has nails at certain locations drive with caution ⚠️."

    "Other than that, some night you might get some loud locals riding OHV on the other side of the lake."

    9. Whites City RV Park

    23 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 361-3665

    $20 - $45 / night

    "Overall not too bad of a campground. 15 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park and less than 40 minutes from Guadalupe Mountains National Park."

    "Nothing special other than is 7 miles from Carlsbad Caverns. Clean facilities, including Grocery Store, laundromat, post office. It’s a dry area so remember to bring your alcohol."

    10. Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping

    33 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    24 miles
    Website

    "GPS takes you straight there. 6 or 7 miles from Carlsbad Caverns. Not far from Carlsbad, NM. Very few people came through."

    "About 7 miles away from Carlsbad Caverns. A half dozen spots right at the entrance. It was empty so we stayed near the front with a small rock fire pit."

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Showing results 1-10 of 35 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Carlsbad, NM

444 Reviews of 35 Carlsbad Campgrounds



Guide to Carlsbad

Camping near Carlsbad, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a free spot or a more established campground, there's something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Explore Carlsbad Caverns National Park: Just a short drive from many campgrounds, this park is famous for its stunning underground formations. One camper noted, "Great location for both Guadalupe Mountains NP and Carlsbad Caverns" while staying at Chosa Campground.
  • Visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park: Another nearby gem, perfect for hiking and enjoying nature. A reviewer mentioned, "This is a great free area of land located conveniently between the Guadalupe mtns and The Carlsbad Caverns" at Sunset Reef Campground.
  • Enjoy the Dark Canyon: For those seeking solitude, the Dark Canyon Dispersed area offers quiet camping with beautiful views. One camper said, "Very quiet and far off from traffic noise."

What campers like:

  • Free camping options: Many campers appreciate the availability of free sites like Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping. A review highlighted, "Spacious with fire rings, and a thousand times better than Sunset Reef."
  • Clean facilities: Campgrounds like Carlsbad KOA have received praise for their cleanliness. One visitor remarked, "Good shower. WiFi not very Stanley," indicating that while the WiFi could improve, the showers were a hit.
  • Convenient locations: Campgrounds are often close to attractions. A camper at Carlsbad RV Park & Campground mentioned, "This place makes a good basecamp for Carlsbad Caverns."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities at some sites: Campers at Chosa Campground noted, "It’s just a huge free dirt lot to camp in," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Weather considerations: The desert climate can be extreme. One reviewer at Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping warned, "I was caught in a two-day dust storm with 70mph winds."
  • Road noise: Some campgrounds, like Carlsbad KOA, are near highways, which can lead to noise. A camper mentioned, "Site is close to highway, so lots of road noise throughout the day and night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places like Carlsbad RV Park & Campground that offer amenities like playgrounds. A reviewer said, "Staff does a good job with upkeep and the bathrooms seem new."
  • Plan for hot days: If camping in summer, arrive closer to sunset to avoid the heat. One camper at Sunset Reef Campground advised, "I highly recommend if you camp in Summer months to get there closer to sunset."
  • Bring entertainment: With some campgrounds being more remote, having games or activities can keep kids entertained. A visitor at Brantley Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The sunsets are incredible."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for big rig access: Not all campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Carlsbad KOA noted, "Nice gravel sites. Wide roads to get into sites."
  • Be prepared for limited hookups: Some sites, like Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping, don’t offer electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "NO electric hookups," so plan accordingly.
  • Stay connected: Many areas have good cell service, which is helpful for RVers. A visitor at Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed said, "Impeccable cell service, lots of space with any neighbors far away."

Camping around Carlsbad, NM, offers a variety of experiences, from free dispersed sites to established campgrounds with amenities. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure, there's a spot for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Carlsbad, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Carlsbad, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 35 campgrounds and RV parks near Carlsbad, NM and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Carlsbad, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carlsbad, NM is Carlsbad RV Park & Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 35 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Carlsbad, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Carlsbad, NM.

What parks are near Carlsbad, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 parks near Carlsbad, NM that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.