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Top Glamping near Carlsbad Caverns, NM

118 Reviews

The desert city of Carlsbad, NM, is near a national park by the same name and boasts the third largest cave chambers in the United States. It’s also where some of the best camping in New Mexico is located. Whether you pitch a tent or stay in a cabin to enjoy the stunning desert sunset, camping near Carlsbad Caverns National Park is an unforgettable experience. Rattlesnake Canyon is aptly named and a great place for primitive campers ready for a backcountry adventure. Stop by Rattlesnake Springs to see desert reptiles. The wetland also brings in hundreds of birds. RV campsites are also an option for your trip to the caverns.

Map showing campgrounds near Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

Best Glamping Sites Near Carlsbad Caverns, NM (6)

    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground

    1. Sunset Reef Campground

    35 Reviews
    •59 Photos•
    240 Saves

    Sunset Reef Campground is a reclaimed well pad with 11 developed campsites; five RV spaces and six tent sites. Each site has a shaded picnic table, fire pit and grill for your camping convenience with a vault toilet on site. Visitors can dry camp at this campground for a maximum of five nights for free. If on the hunt for a great place to camp while exploring the two national parks in the area, this is the place to stay! Carlsbad Caverns is a 25-minute drive (14 miles) to the north and Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a 35-minute drive (30 miles) to the southwest. __

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    2. Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    34 Reviews
    •69 Photos•
    101 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA

    3. Carlsbad KOA

    39 Reviews
    •64 Photos•
    118 Saves

    From the KOA website: Kick back with family and friends at this beautiful desert oasis built in 2000. This award-winning KOA is big rig friendly: All sites are huge 30/50-amp pull thrus with free Wi-Fi and free cable TV. The staff will spoil you as you enjoy the 2,000-square-foot community room, meals delivered to your site, a beautiful commercial laundry, outstanding restrooms, a fenced dog park and a heated pool. From this KOA in the heart of SE New Mexico, visit Carlsbad Caverns, Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park, Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area, Roswell's International UFO Museum and White Sands National Monument. Check out the Robert H. Goddard rocket collection at the Roswell Museum and Art Center and the "Billy the Kid" history at the campground. A horse hotel also is available. See how this KOA is going green with the help of a wind turbine. Pool: March 15 - October 15. Max pull thru: 75 feet. Your hosts: Scott, Susan and Brian Bacher.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Buds Place RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Buds Place RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Buds Place RV Park

    4. Buds Place RV Park

    3 Reviews
    •3 Photos•
    10 Saves

    With the Best RV park amenities in the area, Bud’s Place RV Park offers green lawns, large pull-through RV spaces, city water/sewer/power hookups, a stocked fishing pond, children’s playscape, 24-hr laundry, bathroom, and shower facilities, and cabins for those without their own motor home. Conveniently located across the street from the renowned Carlsbad Softball Complex, hosting some of the largest softball tournaments every year in the U.S., Bud's place location serves as a strong attraction for families traveling through the area, softball tournament participants, and longer-term visitors who appreciate the park’s central Carlsbad location and lifestyle amenities.

    Bud's Place offers 98 total RV spots, with 30/50 amp, direct city water, and sewer hook-ups, and 28 cabins (2 -ADA compliant cabins) year-round on our spacious park that's pet friendly, with a dog run, fishing pond, and spots with grass and trees in most spaces. It is perfect for families looking for a clean and economical RV site, sports tourney stays, and adventurers looking to explore.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $25 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    5. Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    3 Reviews
    •14 Photos•
    16 Saves

    The extra distance to the Tejas Wilderness Campground is worth the time for those who wish to stay in a more densely forested surrounding. The tall trees provide deep shade in the morning and late afternoon and protection from high winds aloft. Centrally located, the Tejas campground is 5.5 miles from Pine Springs trailhead or 6.2 miles from Dog Canyon.

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk

    6. More Travel Less Talk

    3 Reviews
    •37 Photos•
    15 Saves

    More Travel Less Talk

    Camping at its Best

    We do all of our bookings through our Site at More Travel Less Talk. Look us up and click the reserve button for all sites and availability. Thanks.

    Hello and welcome to More Travel Less Talk. We are a small family owned "campground" that serves the Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Salt Basin Dunes, and Dell City area. We cater to families and individuals looking for a true desert experience. We strive to provide a quiet, secluded, safe, friendly place for people looking for a unique experience in this amazing area.

    We offer the following services:

    Camper top and class B camper drive in primitive sites

    Yurt rentals.

    Primitive tent camping sites.

    Don't settle for a paved parking lot spot at the Guadalupe national park where you will be packed in like sardines for 20 dollars a night. We have 20 acres of land you can explore and plenty of room between you and our other guests.

    We are conveniently located just 6 miles off of HWY 62/180 on FM 1576. 27 miles from Quadalupe National Park. Home of El Capitan and the highest peak in Texas.

    Just a quick 15 minutes from Dell City where you can stock up on supplies. Dell City is a beautiful and quaint farming community that offers two grocery stores, a NAPA, fueling stations, two restaurants, a post office, and a wonderful Hardware store owned and run by the Perry's.

    14 miles to the Salt Basin Dunes.

    70 miles (1 hour) from Carlsbad Caverns National Park

    If the idea of seeing a sky full of stars at night, being surrounded by all sorts of desert wildlife, being minutes away from some of the most amazing mountains and hikes you will ever experience, or just looking for a nice overnight experience while traveling….This is the place for you.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Yurts

    $20 - $75 / night

Recent Glamping Reviews In Carlsbad Caverns

118 Reviews of 6 Carlsbad Caverns Campgrounds

  • Raymond C.
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    September 10, 2024

    More Travel Less Talk

    Amazing Place. Yurts, cabins, peace and quiet. Why would anyone stay at NP

    What an incredible spot. 6 yurts. 4 cabins with power and all amenities. A hot shower. Less than 30 minutes to the park. Soooo peaceful and beautiful. 15 minutes from Dell City for supplies. I'm so glad the park was full and I stumbled onto this place. This place could be a destination on its own.

  • Mary T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    July 31, 2024

    Carlsbad KOA

    Nice place to camp

    Nice gravel sites. Wide roads to get into sites. Pool, playground. Restrooms OK. Only issue not great Wifi.

  • Ari A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
    May 23, 2024

    Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    Good location, dedicated staff

    This place makes a good basecamp for Carlsbad Caverns NO, Guadalupe Mountains NP and more. Even Roswell is less than 90 minutes away and Living Desert Zoo State Park is close, too. Staff does a good job with upkeep and the bathrooms seem new, they are really nice. Laundry room well maintained, as are the sites, which are mostly level gravel. Road noise near front can be a bit annoying, but the front sites seem bigger and nicer, so worth the trade-off.

  • Arthur M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from More Travel Less Talk
    May 1, 2024

    More Travel Less Talk

    Loved It!

    We stayed here two nights and absolutely loved it. Very remote and quiet but close to Guadalupe Mountaind and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks. The site are very well maintained with solar lights to guide you at night. Peaceful, quiet and would stay here again.

  • Arthur M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    May 1, 2024

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Nice free camping

    Great free campsite between Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. Just a mile from the road but perfectly quiet. Not the most private sites but they are new and clean (including the pit toilet)

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    April 30, 2024

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Sunset Reef Campground (BLM)

    Easily accessible to either Carlsbad Caverns NP or Guadalupe MTN NP and FREE and very good 4 bar Verizon service. The .5 mile drive in was a bit bumpy/washboard but level and hard packed so I'd think any vehicle could manage it, as there were many car campers. Very nicely done with 11 sites (5 pull thru RV and 6 car/tent) which we're overfilled by 6 p.m., although several folks parked by the fences without the shelter/table and stayed overnight. Signs notify that there are cameras/s monitoring activity so it was very quiet and felt safe.

  • Angela C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
    April 10, 2024

    Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    Large campground w decent location

    This was a really large campground - there was hundreds of campers. It actually looked like an old KOA. We choose it for proximity to Carlsbad Caverns.

    Level, gravel lots with picnic tables. There was a decent amount of trees. I only saw one dog area but I think there is more. The dumpsters were located all over in enclosures.

    The laundry room was pretty spacious and had some recreational options, but the bathroom, which was fairly new looking, seemed small for the size of the campground. I didn’t see any playground - we did peek into the pool building and it looked kind of sketch.

    I appreciated the ease of the late check-in and how we could use showers and laundry at any time by using a key card. I didn’t love the registration system (form email), but in the end, it worked just fine.

    I don’t get the sense that there are destination campgrounds in Carlsbad so I think this is a pretty good option.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad KOA
    April 6, 2024

    Carlsbad KOA

    A bit noisy, dusty, but nice enclosed tent spot

    Overall a good campsite, some minor drawbacks. Site is close to highway, so lots of road noise throughout the day and night. Contained tent hexagon shelter structure was nice, allowed for contained and divided campsites. Marginal shade and pretty dusty.

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
    April 3, 2024

    Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    Much improved since last visit

    We were here several years ago and thought this place looked run down. Granted it was late December which was not the best time. It is very much improved since that visit. Almost 290 large sites. Most have water, electricity and sewer. 3 dog areas. Shower and bathroom areas were clean. Laundry facilities. Heated indoor pool. There used to be a card operated security gate that closes at night. About 20 mikes to Carlsbad Caverns and 50 miles to z Guadeloupe Mountain NP. Would come back if we are in the area.

  • rThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    February 13, 2024

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Great Camping Spot

    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.

  • Garrett L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
    January 23, 2024

    Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    Easy Access, Great Showers

    Stayed here for a week while seeing GMNP and CCNP and loved the accessibility. Less than 10 minutes from Walmart and less than 45 minutes from both parks. Very friendly staff. Dog parks left much to be desired.

  • Morgan E.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    November 25, 2023

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Great camp

    Sunset reef is small and does fill up quickly as there is limited spots but you can always park on the outskirts of the corral like fencing and there’s still plenty of space. Luckily we had found and open spot and there were one or two others but filled up almost immediately. Covered picnic tables and fire rings as well as a charcoal grill were available at each site. There was one vaulted toilet and trash cans scattered around. I highly recommend this site if you can get a spot

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    November 20, 2023

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Nice and quiet. Plenty of room.

    Stayed here one night. All the covered sites were taken. But there's plenty of parking around the perimeter. Restroom was very clean. Great night sky. Quiet.

  • W
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park
    September 25, 2023

    Pine Top Wilderness Campground — Guadalupe Mountains National Park

    Beautiful camping site

    Once you have your permit, you can embark on your backpacking adventure to Pine Top. The 4.2-mile hike from Pine Springs to the campground will take you through diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, uno online, and possibly even some stunning vistas. As you make your way to Pine Top, keep an eye out for wildlife and take in the natural beauty surrounding you.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    September 4, 2023

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Perfect camp spot to hit both parks

    This site was great. Super clean, free, has tent spots and also spots for vans/buses/rooftop tents, trailers. The sunset was BEAUTIFUL from the site. The stars were amazing as well. It is tucked back a little from the main road which was so nice. Nice and quiet.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
    June 9, 2023

    Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    Lots of good things

    We had a great site with water and electric. The showers are brand new. The laundry is clean and all the machines work. The pool is sketchy and the water was very cold. Our site had nice shade and extra room for our vehicle. The pet areas are nice

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    April 27, 2023

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Small corral

    Very small corral like campground. Fills up quickly even during off seasons. Plenty of people parking along the fence not at actual sites. One pit toilet.

  • Toni S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
    April 20, 2023

    Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    Great stopover for Carlsbad Caverns visit

    Full service campground with many amenities. Indoor pool, laundry facilities, showers and bathrooms. Most sites are full sun with a few partial shade. Level sites. Gravel pads with picnic tables. Helpful staff.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
    April 8, 2023

    Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    Nice campground

    This is a lovely campground. Not much privacy as the sites are close together. It is very similar to a KOA set up. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. The bathhouse is AWESOME and the laundry facilities are ample. Great wifi and cable hookups if you are needing that sort of thing. They have 4 dog parks - one in each corner of the park. They are on the small side but adequate. Only issue I had was the sewer connection for my site was high so the line didn’t drain easily, and also I had to unhook as the site wasn’t long enough to accommodate the trailer and tow vehicle. But other than that this was a great and secure place to stay while visiting Carlsbad Caverns.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    April 3, 2023

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Nice spot for a night

    We stayed there on a Friday night and there were 2-3 open spots with 3-4 campers that chose to stay around the edge. It’s a nice spot very close to Carlsbad caverns.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    March 23, 2023

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Good but not great

    Good spot that’s close to Carlsbad caverns and Guadalupe National park. There’s a pit toilet and a few spots with picnic tables and sun shades. It does get busy on the weekend. The bad part, the campground is just a big dirt corral with no privacy.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    March 1, 2023

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Clean and comfortable

    Sunset Reef is great place to spend a night, or a few days exploring the area around Carlsbad. The 10 designated spots with canopies, picnic tables, grills, and fireplaces are top notched and the dry pit toilet is very clean. Additional parking places are available around the perimeter of the camp site, with room for another 10 or so campers if you don’t get there in time for a site with a canopy. There is almost no road noise from the adjacent highway. Hats off to the BLM Carlsbad Field Office for providing this great facility.

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
    February 19, 2023

    Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    Great Homebase RV Park!

    Decided to stay here while on our way to Tucson. Great location to launch to Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountain National Parks. Indoor heated pool. Very nice staff throughout the park. Definitely recommend

Guide to Carlsbad Caverns

Camping near Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a free spot or a more established site, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Explore Carlsbad Caverns National Park: The main attraction, the caverns, are just a short drive from many campgrounds. Visitors rave about the breathtaking formations and the guided tours. One camper mentioned, “The proximity to both Guadalupe Mountains NP and Carlsbad Caverns NP are unbeatable” at Sunset Reef Campground.
  • Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area. A reviewer at Pine Springs Campground noted, “Great access to trails - we woke up and immediately did Guadalupe trail!”
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping shared, “I awoke to cows near my tent. Unphased by me doing their own thing.”

What campers like:

  • Free Camping Options: Many campers appreciate the free sites available. A review for Chosa Campground stated, “It’s just a huge free dirt lot to camp in. Very close to Carlsbad caverns and Guadalupe National parks.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness of the area. One visitor at Sunset Reef Campground said, “Just a mile from the road but perfectly quiet.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space. A review for Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping noted, “Really nice place to stop. Impeccable cell service, lots of space with any neighbors far away.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds lack basic facilities. A camper at Chosa Campground pointed out, “NO drinking water, NO electric hookups, NO toilets.”
  • Weather Conditions: Be prepared for extreme weather. One reviewer at Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping warned, “I was caught in a two-day dust storm with 70mph winds.”
  • Busy on Weekends: Popular sites can fill up quickly. A visitor at Carlsbad KOA mentioned, “Sites fill up on the weekends.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Established Campgrounds: For families, sites like Carlsbad RV Park & Campground offer more amenities. A reviewer said, “Staff does a good job with upkeep and the bathrooms seem new, they are really nice.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities planned. One camper at Brantley Lake State Park Campground enjoyed biking to the lake for a swim.
  • Bring Entertainment: Since some sites are remote, having games or books can help keep kids entertained. A camper at Whites City RV Park mentioned, “Two laundry rooms, so got some washing done after being dry camping for five days.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Dog Canyon Campground noted, “The ‘RV’ sites are just a gravel parking lot.”
  • Be Ready for Dry Camping: Many campgrounds don’t have hookups. A camper at Pine Springs Campground advised, “No generator use either so be prepared to dry camp.”
  • Book in Advance: If you want a specific site, it’s best to reserve ahead. A visitor at Carlsbad KOA mentioned, “Overall a good campsite, some minor drawbacks.”

Camping near Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, offers a mix of adventure and tranquility, making it a great spot for all types of campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Carlsbad Caverns, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Carlsbad Caverns, NM is Sunset Reef Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 35 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find glamping camping near Carlsbad Caverns, NM?

    TheDyrt.com has all 6 glamping camping locations near Carlsbad Caverns, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.