Near Carrizozo, New Mexico, Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area offers camping opportunities for equestrians along a small creek with varying water levels depending on the season. In summer months, horse riding camps operate in the area providing trail rides for visitors. The dirt road leading to the camping area can become dusty during dry periods and potentially difficult during winter when snow accumulation may block access. Vault toilets are available at this dispersed camping area, an uncommon amenity for primitive sites. Most campsites are situated along the creek with limited privacy during busier seasons when more campers are present.
Surrounding the Carrizozo area, multiple trail networks connect to camping areas providing access to the White Mountain Wilderness and Sierra Blanca region. Three Rivers Campground serves as a gateway to three separate hiking trails that originate directly from the campground area. These trails can accommodate horses but require riders to be aware of potential wildlife encounters including bears, which have been reported visiting campsites. The roads accessing horse-friendly camping areas frequently cross small waterways and can become impassable during wet weather conditions. Seasonal considerations affect accessibility, with some areas experiencing unexpected snow even during traditionally warmer months. Visitors bringing horses should check current trail conditions and prepare for changing weather patterns that can impact both camping comfort and trail safety.
"Good base camp for some of the best hiking around Ruidoso (Big Bonito Trail, Argentina Trail, etc.) Be prepared for lots of dust with the dirt road uphill from sites."
"We had 3 kids with us age between 3-10, lots of room to run around and adventure. Amazing views with deer sightings and wild horses. Dirt/rock roads, Fire rings at almost every campsite."
"It was also super quiet since it was so far away from the road. The actual camp was in the trees and great views of the surrounding mountains. Each spot has a table, fire pit, and gazebo."
"Good little camp ground..stow your food away from tent had a bear visit while there..also the road getting there is prone to flash floods"
"Me and two of my buddy's went there and had a great time hiking and just hanging around camp and chilling."
"Lots of camping spots and great hiking trails to go on! Gets a little windy since you’re at the top, but totally worth it!"
"Not to many trees that are tall so u get cover but not complete seclusion but enof to where it’s enjoyable and u see the sky at nights so path ways are very down sloap if ur in a car know how to drive"
"Easy to find and not a rough drive. I saw several dirt pull offs surrounded by trees before parking. This was a very private remote area in the forest."
"The drive in was easy and peaceful. I found a campsite up on the hill, though I passed several others along the way. I only saw one other camper, so it felt very quiet and solitary."
"There were a few other campers around but it was nice that we weren’t right on top of each other. Close to Ruidoso which is always fun to explore."
"We live in Roswell and it is only a short drive to this campground. We got there around 5 or so on a Saturday night and it was not busy at all."
GuideThis place is absolutely stunning. The view of the mountains is amazing. You do have to take a gravel / dirt road about 6 miles to get to it. Be prepared to take it slow. We did it in a Ford Maverick pulling a light weight trailer. The campground road is actually worse than the main road. Once you here though it is worth it.
TravelerThe road was long but not bad. Since it was still cool there were lots of open campsites with views. Enough space between camps. The hiking was quite nice with the creek running. Tons of elk shit everywhere. Can hike far.
TravelerThe weather was chilly, and there was still some snow on the ground. The campsite is on a mountain. The dirt road up to the mountain is very well kept. Overall very nice campsite I would go again.
TravelerFirst time camping in Ruidoso, NM and soooo happy we randomly chose this spot. We had 3 kids with us age between 3-10, lots of room to run around and adventure. Amazing views with deer sightings and wild horses. Dirt/rock roads, Fire rings at almost every campsite. Make sure to keep your trash out of sight from critters at night. Beautiful sightings everywhere here. 10/10 recommended!! Definitely will be back!
GuideOne of my favorite spots I camped at during my cross-country road trip. The drive in was easy and peaceful. I found a campsite up on the hill, though I passed several others along the way. I only saw one other camper, so it felt very quiet and solitary. Be sure to read the posted signs, as some sections appear to be closed to vehicles.
It gets very cold at night. Temperatures dropped to 15°F.
As a person of color, I felt very safe throughout my stay.
LegendThis campground is nestled right up against the San Francisco Mountains. We decided to leave our 38foot pull camper down at the petroglyph site and drive up to see if it was going to be easy for us to pull our trailer up. It would be easy except after a heavy storm where the road was flooded and there are only 2 sites we saw that would hold our camper. It was clean and looked like it would be a great place to hike and explore. I was surprised at how busy the area was! Lots of tent campers and tow behind campers. Maybe next time we will try as long as it has been dry and no rain!
GuideNot a bad place for a night. The drive in is a bit long and the road is rocky and washy in some places.
Also heard some annoying noises at night. Sounded like someone was splitting wood or hammering something. At 930pm... Dogs barking at night too.
Decent spot but probably won't be back.
TravelerBeautiful and secluded in mid-October. Camp hosts are super friendly and love to chat, definitely recommend stopping by to say hi.
GuideCool campground. I got there at about 930 at night so didn’t really get to scope too much since I left the following morning. What I did see was nice. There were a few other campers around but it was nice that we weren’t right on top of each other. Close to Ruidoso which is always fun to explore.
Dispersed camping near Carrizozo, New Mexico offers sites at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 feet, creating significant temperature variations between locations. The area lies within the transition zone between desert landscapes and mountain forests, with many sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Horse-friendly camping opportunities exist throughout the region with specific trail networks designed for equestrians.
Hiking from campgrounds: Three Rivers Campground serves as a gateway to the western edge of Sierra Blanca with three separate hiking trails starting directly from the site. "Tons of hiking opportunities with 3 separate trails originating at the campground," notes Jorge G. about Three Rivers Campground.
Mountain photography: Skyline Campground sits at a mountain peak offering 360-degree panoramic views. Michael explains it's "absolutely stunning to camp at the peak of a mountain. You have 360 views of the region, but beware, the wind can get quite torrential and there is not a ton of shade but there is some!" at Skyline Campground.
Wildlife watching: The forested areas around dispersed sites provide opportunities to spot elk, coyotes, and roadrunners. Jamie P. reports at Baca Campground: "I always have an enjoyable stay. I nearly always see lots of wildlife. The campsite s are large and widely spaced."
Creek access: Some dispersed sites feature seasonal waterways with swimming spots during wetter periods. Jacob W. notes at Three Rivers Campground, "The water in the river was running and fresh. There were a couple nice bathing holes."
Clean facilities: Many visitors appreciate the maintained vault toilets at some dispersed sites. Alex G. comments about Upper Bonito, "It's a nice area to spend with another person and even with kids, restrooms are clean, there's some privacy if you find s good spot."
Dog-friendly terrain: West Mesa offers open spaces for pets to explore safely. Teresa T. shares about West Mesa Trailhead BLM: "It was late November and cold so I stayed where I had electric service. But I rode my bike all over the place and there's dispersed camping everywhere."
Road conditions: Access roads to equestrian camping near Carrizozo often cross waterways and can become impassable. Ryan G. explains about Baca Campground: "I got there at about 930 at night so didn't really get to scope too much since I left the following morning. What I did see was nice."
Weather fluctuations: Mountain locations experience unpredictable conditions even in warmer months. Leah W. cautions about Baca: "We got hit with a TON of crazy wind which made our tent bend all the way to the ground. We ended up seeking shelter in our car... DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE HERE IN WET CONDITIONS!"
Limited privacy: Some campgrounds become crowded during peak seasons. K&S Adventures notes about Upper Bonito: "We had a great night drove through the entire area and off roads to find a nice quiet area we had our son and two big doggos and had plenty of space for them to roam."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Carrizozo, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Carrizozo, NM is Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Carrizozo, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Carrizozo, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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