Cloudcroft, New Mexico sits at nearly 9,000 feet elevation in the Lincoln National Forest, where summer temperatures typically range 20-30 degrees cooler than nearby desert areas. Winter camping in this mountain region can see temperatures dropping into the 30s, with several campgrounds remaining open year-round despite the alpine conditions. The area features a mix of pine and fir forests with small rivers and streams running through many camping areas.
What to do
Hike Dog Canyon: Oliver Lee Memorial State Park offers this challenging trail that climbs over 3,000 feet in elevation. "Fun mountain hike," reports one camper at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park. "Large sites, Good wifi with booster (Verizon and AT&T). Pets allowed. Fun things to do nearby. Quiet and peaceful. Wonderful view of the night sky."
Fish for trout: The Rio Penasco River runs through several campgrounds, offering fishing opportunities. At The Camp @ Cloudcroft RV Park, one visitor notes, "The Rio Penasco River runs right through the park and offers the opportunity to catch a trout or 2. Local Mule deer and turkeys are no strangers here and visit frequently."
Explore sensory trails: Near Cloudcroft, special trails accommodate diverse needs. A camper at Sleepy Grass Campground mentions, "This campground also has a special trail that was created for blind and deaf children, so it has signs with sensory additions. It was a really sweet spot."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to see local animals. "We saw plenty of deer and even an elk," shares a visitor at Sleepy Grass Campground. Another notes, "We took our 8 year old boy and he had such a great time and spotted some deer close to camp."
Stargazing opportunities: The clear mountain skies provide excellent night viewing. "The star gazing is fantastic," notes a camper at The Camp @ Cloudcroft RV Park. Another visitor at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park mentions the "Wonderful view of the night sky" as a highlight of their stay.
Moderate temperatures: The mountain elevation provides relief from desert heat. "We stayed in Site 13 which was great. Very close to great hiking in nearby Cloudcroft and also close enough to do a day trip to White Sands NP down the mountain," reports a visitor at Sleepy Grass Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely throughout the area. "The WiFi is good but cell signal is hard to come by," notes a camper at The Camp @ Cloudcroft RV Park, while others report better connections at different campgrounds.
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds close during winter months. Boot Hill RV Resort remains open year-round, with one visitor noting its location makes it "great for White Sands National Park, Cloudcroft, NM (Brewery up there at 9000 ft) and Las Cruces, NM."
Weather changes: Mountain conditions can shift quickly. "BEWARE: March is 'Windy season'. We got caught on the first day of it I think! Big gusty winds at night for us. The drive there can get dangerous," warns a visitor at Alamogordo/White Sands KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific features for children. At Alamogordo/White Sands KOA, "Our kids enjoyed the playground," shares one family, adding that it was "clean, quiet, and extremely convenient to White Sands National Park."
Consider noise factors: Train tracks near some campgrounds may disturb light sleepers. "However there is a train close by that blew the horn very loud all throughout the night. Woke me up at 1am, 3am, and 5:30 am," reports one KOA visitor.
Bring appropriate clothing: Temperature swings require planning. "It was chilly and breezy at night with temps dropping into the high 30's in mid-May (campground elevation is about 9,000ft)," notes a family at Sleepy Grass Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site specifics: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles. Boot Hill RV Resort offers "some long pull through sites, some covered sites, nice dog run," according to one RVer who adds it's "clean, quiet, big rig friendly."
Consider water pressure: Some parks have unusual utility configurations. At Alamogordo/White Sands KOA, an RVer cautions that "water pressure is really high at around 155 psi. So definitely bring a regulator."
Yurt camping options: For those interested in yurt camping near Cloudcroft, New Mexico, El Campo Glamping provides a comfortable alternative to traditional camping. "The accommodations were great and the views were beautiful. Would definitely come back," shares a recent visitor who enjoyed the property's glamping facilities, which include three sites with fire pits, picnic tables, and shower facilities.
