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Best RV Parks & Resorts near Carlsbad Caverns, NM

313 Reviews

Multiple RV parks cluster within 30 miles of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Sunset Reef Campground offers free camping with 6 RV sites, trash receptacles, and vault toilets but lacks hookups. Carlsbad RV Park & Campground provides full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections on gravel pads. Whites City RV Park sits closest to the caverns entrance, just 7 miles away, with electric, water and sewer hookups for big rigs. Horseshoe Creek RV Park accommodates large RVs with 50-amp electric service and full hookups. "Sites are well marked and each site has a canopy over a cement slab with a grill, trash can and a picnic table."

The Carlsbad area experiences significant seasonal variation in RV site availability. Many parks house oil field workers, creating early morning traffic and potential reservation challenges. While Whites City provides convenient cavern access, several reviewers noted maintenance issues with bathroom facilities. Dump stations are limited across the region, with Carlsbad RV Park, Whites City, and Horseshoe Creek offering sanitary dump options. The gravel road to Sunset Reef Campground requires cautious driving, with one visitor noting: "The road getting in is really rough. I did fine with my 32ft fifth wheel. I came in at 8mph." Most parks permit pets, though Buds Place RV Park restricts dogs over 25 pounds without prior approval.

Map showing campgrounds near Carlsbad Caverns, New MexicoExplore the Map

Best RV Sites Near Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico (27)

    1. Whites City RV Park

    23 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    4 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."

    2. Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

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

    "Nice laundry facilities. Gift store with ice cream, yes. Very convenient to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and to Carlsbad, New Mexico. Nice indoorheated pool and a family-friendly environment."

    "Large RV campground. Some long term spots available. Full hook-ups. Level spots on gravel. Pool, laundry and camp store. Hosts were fantastic."

    3. Buds Place RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Carlsbad, NM
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 200-1865

    $25 - $45 / night

    "Nice bathroom, friendly staff. A few trees, but mostly desert. Need an exception to have a dog over 25 lbs. They also want to know what kind. People are bad at not picking up after their dog."

    4. Horseshoe Creek RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Carlsbad, NM
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 361-0976

    $40 / night

    "Only $185/week w/ full hook ups! Nice big camp spots, Laundry, Ice Machine, Basketball Court, Horseshoe pit."

    5. Whites City RV Campground

    1 Review
    Whites City, NM
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 361-3665

    $25 / night

    "We moved from our free dispersed campsite to fill up, charge up, shower and do laundry. Very friendly staff and clean facilities."

    6. Camp Washington Ranch

    4 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 785-2228

    $50 - $150 / night

    "They have 3 spots next to each other (with some space) in full sun, dirt-road style, no tables at sites. The cool thing is that you’re in an oasis."

    "We stumbled upon Camp Washington Ranch when looking for someplace to stay near Carlsbad Caverns. It is an interesting property."

    7. Sunset Reef Campground

    43 Reviews
    Carlsbad Caverns, NM
    4 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."

    "Great small (free) campground very close to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Surprised at how well-kept it was and the restroom is very clean."

    8. Rattlesnake Canyon - Backcountry Camping — Carlsbad Caverns National Park

    5 Reviews
    Whites City, NM
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 785-2232

    "Rattlesnake canyon- backcountry camping close to Carlsbad caverns- wayyy cooler than the KOA in town or the other camping options I've explored."

    "While Carlsbad Caverns generally serves a one-day visitor, there is much more to see as the sun goes down."

    9. Windmill RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Carlsbad, NM
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 887-1387

    10. Coyote Flats RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Carlsbad, NM
    Website
    +1 (575) 725-4900

    $40 / night

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Recent RV Camping Photos near Carlsbad Caverns, NM

63 Photos of 27 Carlsbad Caverns Campgrounds

RV Park Reviews near Carlsbad Caverns, NM

313 Reviews of 27 Carlsbad Caverns Campgrounds

  • John M.
    Apr. 17, 2022

    Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    Perfect location for Caverns

    A very nice campground with brand new bath houses. Nice laundry facilities. Gift store with ice cream, yes. 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. We managed to get one of these shaded sites for our pop-up trailer.

  • J
    Jun. 11, 2019

    Whites City RV Park

    Good stay close to Carlsbad Caverns NP

    Overall not too bad of a campground. 15 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park and less than 40 minutes from Guadalupe Mountains National Park. A little pricy in my opinion ($90 for 2 nights) but they have no competitors so they can charge whatever they want I guess. Full hookups and a store right next door within walking distance.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2018

    Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    Closest Carlsbad Campground to the Caverns

    Let's start with the fact that there are few actually camping areas close to Carlsbad Caverns or Guadalupe National Park. Assuming travelers are coming to Carlsbad to see these great places, the location becomes a major player. Fine print: there is a small campground (absolutely no amenity campground) in Guadalupe National Park which is first-come, first-serve (aka: full), and there a campground in White's City--although having driven past it, I don't think I want to stay there.

    Carlsbad RV Park is primarily an RV Park. In fact, while we were there, they were bulldozing their only tent sites and I'm not sure if they are upgrading them or replacing them with more RV sites. So the "tent" site status is tentative. As with most RV Parks, the RVs are crammed in, side by side, and really the place is like an RV parking lot with amenities and hook-ups--but they do appear to be mostly pull through and the staff will show the way to go to pull through without hiccups. These are not spacious by any means. We stayed in one of two cabins, which were very reasonably priced, esp. when comparing to Carlsbad KOA. They even came with a cable and a fridge.

    The RV Park (like all of the RV Parks in Carlsbad) has overall become a residence for the oil field workers, so be prepared to try and sleep through the 4 a.m. traffic rush out of camp to oil field. However, the neighbors are pleasant and quiet to have, even if they must drive away before the roosters announce the coming of the sun.

    The park has gated access and we felt very safe during our stay. There is a playground that was being bulldozed with the tent site; I am unsure if it is being upgraded or eliminated. There is a camp store, a pool, a game room, showers (which were ok), laundry, a dishwashing sink, picnic tables at the cabins, and universal fire pit. Please note that I am inherently biased against parking lot style RV parks--so 2 stars from me for an RV Park is quite a compliment.

    Carlsbad RV Park and Carlsbad KOA direct comparison: we have stayed at both the Carlsbad KOA and the Carlsbad RV Park. The KOA is NOT actually in Carlsbad, and is over an hour away from Carlsbad Caverns and 30 minutes from town. On the other hand, the RV Park is at the southern end of town and only 30 minutes to the Caverns. While the KOA lots are more spacious, they offer no more and no fewer amenities than the RV Park…well the KOA sort-of offers meals but the RV Park is right in town, so delivery is an option. The basic, no frill KOA cabins cost double the RV Park charges. Additionally, the KOA staff was not as friendly or as helpful as the RV Park staff, imho.

    While in Carlsbad check out Fiesta Drive-In for one of America's few remaining drive-in movie theaters.

  • Griffin C.
    Feb. 12, 2025

    Limestone Campground — Brantley Lake State Park

    a pleasant camping experience

    Brantley Lake State Park Campground offered a pleasant camping experience. The spacious sites, complete with picnic tables and shade shelters, provided a comfortable base for our explorations. We appreciated the clean and well-maintained facilities, especially the hot showers after a long day of hiking. Our dog enjoyed the pet-friendly environment, and the proximity to the lake was a huge plus, offering a refreshing escape from the New Mexico heat. The sunsets were indeed breathtaking, and we made sure to catch them every evening. While the wind did pick up at times, it wasn't a major deterrent. The campground's location made it easy to access Carlsbad Caverns and other nearby attractions, making it a convenient choice for exploring southeastern New Mexico.

  • CC C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 13, 2022

    Parks Ranch Campground

    Great overnight spot close to caverns

    Stayed here while seeing the Carlsbad caverns. Great free spot close to whites city with laundry and showers as well as the national park. Close enough to highway where you can see headlights in the distance but you can’t hear the noise at all. Level site, and some spots big enough for big rigs. We stayed in early Feb, and the weather was chilly at night but 50’s during the day. Great spot.

  • Penélope F.
    Aug. 23, 2020

    Whites City RV Park

    Basic but adequate.

    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. No light restrictions. Watch out for splinters in the picnic table. Overall convenient and friendly helpful administration.

  • Chris H.
    Nov. 23, 2021

    Carlsbad KOA

    Very clean and great staff

    This KOA was a great property in thy it was very clean and had a lot to offer for families with kids, and even adult only patrons. They had a really big “Rec Room” for kids and adults to play ping pong, or a video game. They also deliver food to your site, and they smoke their own BBQ on site! 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. The only downside to this place was the sulfur/propane smell from the gas/oil wells in the area, and the fact that there wasn’t much to block the wind.

  • Amber J.
    Jun. 4, 2018

    Carlsbad KOA

    Crowded, charming, typical KOA

    Crowded, charming, typical KOA. Located about 30 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Quaint store, great play room (super nice staff- left the playroom open for us an additional hour due to downpour!) Accommodated our family as our reservation was deleted and we had nowhere else to go! :) Great clean restrooms and showers.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 21, 2022

    Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    Carlsbad RV Campground

    Large RV campground. Some long term spots available. Full hook-ups. Level spots on gravel. Pool, laundry and camp store. Hosts were fantastic.

Guide to Carlsbad Caverns

RV camping near Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and convenient amenities, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Explore the Wonders of Carlsbad Caverns National Park

  • The Carlsbad RV Park & Campground serves as a great base for visiting Carlsbad Caverns, located just a short drive away, allowing easy access to stunning underground formations.
  • Whites City RV Park is situated right at the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns, making it perfect for those planning an early morning visit to the park.
  • Horseshoe Creek RV Park is about a 20-minute drive from the caverns, providing a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.

Affordable RV Park Options

  • Prices for RV parks in the area typically range from $45 to $185 per week, depending on amenities and location.
  • Buds Place RV Park offers competitive rates with full hookups, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Windmill RV Park provides a straightforward camping experience with essential amenities at reasonable prices.

Amenities and Features for a Comfortable Stay

  • Most parks, like Carlsbad RV Park & Campground, feature electrical and sewer hookups, ensuring a hassle-free camping experience.
  • Whites City RV Park includes full hookups and laundry facilities, making it convenient for longer stays.
  • Coyote Flats RV Park offers a variety of amenities, including showers and laundry, catering to the needs of RV campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the RV parks near Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

Several RV parks are located near Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Whites City RV Park is one of the closest options, just 7 miles from the caverns. For free camping options, Parks Ranch Campground provides a no-cost alternative near Whites City. Other nearby options include Sunset Reef Campground (about 20 minutes from the caverns), Carlsbad RV Park & Campground in the town of Carlsbad, Buds Place RV Park, and Carlsbad KOA. Many of these parks are strategically located to serve as convenient bases for exploring both Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Are reservations required for RV parks around Carlsbad Caverns?

While not always required, reservations are highly recommended for RV parks near Carlsbad Caverns, especially during peak seasons. Limestone Campground — Brantley Lake State Park can fill up quickly during busy periods, making advance booking advisable. Horseshoe Creek RV Park and several other private RV parks in the area are reservable. Free camping options like Parks Ranch Campground operate on a first-come, first-served basis and have limited spaces (5-6 RV spots). With few camping options close to the national parks in this region, securing your spot ahead of time is the safest approach, particularly if traveling during holidays or summer months.

How far is Carlsbad Caverns from the nearest RV camping options?

The closest RV camping to Carlsbad Caverns is Whites City RV Park, located just 7 miles (about 15 minutes) from the national park entrance. Another nearby option is Sunset Reef Campground, approximately 20 minutes from the caverns, which offers free camping with basic amenities. Most other RV parks are in or near the town of Carlsbad, roughly 30 minutes from the caverns. For those willing to travel a bit further, Brantley Lake State Park is about 40-45 minutes away, and Pine Springs Campground in Guadalupe Mountains National Park is less than 40 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns.

What amenities are available at RV parks in Carlsbad, NM?

Carlsbad RV Park & Campground offers full hookups, level gravel sites, laundry facilities, brand new bath houses, an indoor heated pool, a gift store with ice cream, and multiple dog parks. The park also provides some long-term spots. Carlsbad KOA features a large recreation room with ping pong and video games, on-site food delivery, and their own BBQ smoking operation. Many RV parks in the area provide clean facilities, water hookups, and picnic tables. Some parks like Brantley Lake State Park offer shade shelters and hot showers. Whites City area parks typically include grocery stores, laundromats, and some have on-site post office services.

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