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Best Campgrounds near Carlsbad, NM

450 Reviews

Carlsbad camping puts you close to some of New Mexico's most impressive natural features. Chosa Campground sits near Carlsbad Caverns, making it a good spot if you want to see the caves without a long drive. The campground has plenty of room for both RVs and tents in its open layout, and you won't have trouble getting your vehicle in. If you're headed to Sunset Reef Campground, bring a vehicle with decent clearance since you'll need to navigate a dirt road to reach it. Most people camp in Carlsbad during spring or fall when the weather cooperates - summer days can get really hot, and winter nights can drop to cold temperatures, particularly at higher spots. You can take day trips to see the Rio Grande or drive into the Sangre de Cristo Mountains for hiking. The white gypsum dunes at White Sands are worth the drive if you have time. Check the forecast before you go so you pack right for the conditions. The campgrounds around Carlsbad balance natural settings with practical amenities, which is why they fill up during peak seasons.

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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. Limestone Campground — Brantley Lake State Park

    40 Reviews
    Carlsbad, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 690-2757

    $30 - $35 / 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."

    "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!)"

    4. Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed

    24 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. Avalon Lake Dispersed

    9 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."

    7. Sunset Reef Campground

    42 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. 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."

    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 Camping Photos near Carlsbad, NM

71 Photos of 35 Carlsbad Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Carlsbad, NM

450 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 are the best campgrounds in Carlsbad, NM for tent camping?

Carlsbad offers several excellent tent camping options. Sunset Reef Campground provides level sites with stunning desert views, located only 20 minutes from Carlsbad Caverns. For those seeking a more primitive experience, Dark Canyon Dispersed offers a peaceful setting away from highway noise with level gravel lots surrounded by desert scrubs. Both locations provide good accessibility to Carlsbad's attractions while offering the solitude many tent campers seek. High clearance vehicles are recommended for Dark Canyon. Bring all necessary supplies including water and waste disposal options, as these sites have minimal to no facilities but make up for it with natural beauty and excellent stargazing opportunities.

How far are campgrounds in Carlsbad, NM from Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

Most campgrounds near Carlsbad provide convenient access to the caverns. Mile 10 - Dispersed Camping is approximately 7 miles (about 20 minutes) from Carlsbad Caverns, offering an excellent free option for those wanting to be close to the national park. Whites City RV Park is even closer at just 7 minutes from the caverns' entrance. Other notable options include Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed camping at only 5 minutes away, Chosa Campground at roughly 10 minutes, and Whites City Road Dispersed Camp about 4 miles from the park entrance. For those willing to stay a bit further out, several campgrounds in Carlsbad town are about 30 minutes from the caverns.

Are there RV parks and campgrounds with full hookups in Carlsbad, New Mexico?

Yes, Carlsbad offers several options for RVs requiring full hookups. Carlsbad KOA provides comprehensive amenities including full hookups, WiFi, and typical KOA facilities. Carlsbad RV Park & Campground offers water, electric, and sewer connections and is designed to accommodate big rigs. While slightly more expensive than primitive camping options, these parks provide the convenience many RVers seek. Most full-hookup sites include 30/50 amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak tourist season (spring through fall) when visitors flock to Carlsbad Caverns. Prices typically range from $35-50 per night depending on the season and specific amenities.

What is the average cost of camping in Carlsbad, New Mexico?

Camping costs in Carlsbad vary significantly based on amenities and location. For budget travelers, Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed and Chosa Campground offer free dispersed camping options with no facilities but beautiful desert views. These sites require self-sufficiency but provide significant savings. For developed campgrounds, prices typically range from $20-35 per night for basic sites with minimal amenities. RV parks with full hookups generally cost $35-50 per night, with some premium locations charging up to $45-90 for multi-night stays depending on the season. State park campgrounds like those at Brantley Lake offer a middle ground, with fees around $10-25 for primitive sites and $25-40 for sites with utilities.

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