RV campgrounds near Columbus, New Mexico offer year-round access despite temperatures that can reach 100°F in summer months. Located in the southwestern corner of New Mexico near the Mexican border, Columbus sits at approximately 4,000 feet elevation in the Chihuahuan Desert. Winter attracts the highest number of visitors with snowbirds filling many campgrounds from October through March.
What to do
Visit local breweries: Little Vineyard RV Park offers convenient access to nearby attractions. One visitor noted, "Convenient location to local stores and restaurants. Just stopped for a quick overnight. Seemed to have a lot of full timers."
Use nearby hotel amenities: At Dream Catcher RV Park, campers can access additional facilities. "The La Quinta next door allows campers to use their pool and work out room so that was a nice bonus; there was an entrance in the side of the fence so you don't have to walk on the busy road," explains one reviewer.
Walk through desert gardens: Several parks feature landscaped areas with native desert plants. "I enjoyed staying here walking thru the gardens and checking out the unique lawn art," notes a visitor to Low Hi RV Ranch. Another camper at Hidden Valley Ranch mentioned its recreational opportunities: "Large rec room with full kitchen, satellite tv, pool table, and pop/candy/ice cream for sale."
What campers like
Affordable rates: Bowlin's Butterfield Station RV Park offers budget-friendly options. "For $12 a night with hook ups it is hard to beat. Good place to pull off for the night," shares one reviewer. Another noted, "This is the third time I've stayed here on my way to Quartzsite, AZ. This year I managed to get a spot in the first loop. It isn't much but it's full hookups for $12/night."
Indoor facilities: Hidden Valley Ranch RV Resort provides climate-controlled amenities. "Very friendly and a majority of sites are long time full timers. Cash or check only, no credit cards. Good wi-fi. Propane available," reports a camper who stayed in a van without hookups.
Big rig accommodation: Most Columbus area RV parks can handle larger vehicles with proper hookups. "We had no problem fitting our rig that is 70ft overall length in. Will be stopping here again," writes a visitor to Little Vineyard RV Park. Another camper at Dream Catcher noted, "Nice clean, even huge spaces for our big tiffin."
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near many Columbus RV facilities. "It felt like the trains (I think there were 4 that night) were passing right through the park itself. So in the end, my wife and I got a terrible nights sleep," reports one camper at Little Vineyard.
Highway proximity: Sunrise RV Park and other parks sit near major roadways. "This park is off of a 4 lane main road so road noise is an issue. Trains and highway noise can also be heard throughout the night," notes one visitor.
Limited shade: Most Columbus area RV parks feature open, graveled lots. "It's basically an unshaded gravel lot without much going on," explains a visitor to Roadrunner RV Park. Similarly, at Sunrise RV Park, a camper observed it was a "large flat gravel lot typical of RV parks."
Tips for camping with families
Check age restrictions: Some Columbus RV parks have age limitations. "This is a 55+ park," notes one visitor to Sunrise RV Park, while others welcome families with children.
Ask about playground access: Only select RV facilities offer play areas. "Playground for kids" was listed as an amenity by a visitor to Roadrunner RV Park. Little Vineyard was described as having "a playground" among its amenities.
Consider noise sensitivity: Children may be disturbed by transportation noise. "Lots of people driving out late and early. Think some folks must live here and be heading off to work," observed a camper at Little Vineyard RV Park, indicating potential disruption for light sleepers.
Tips from RVers
Plan for wind protection: Strong winds affect the area regularly. A visitor to Dream Catcher RV Park noted, "The lot is full gravel, so bring your camp shoes, and the wind will keep your awning rolled up."
Confirm shower access: Bathroom facilities vary widely between parks. "Clean but dated bathrooms. Took 5 minutes to get hot water in the women's shower and the water stream was very small," reported a visitor to Little Vineyard RV Park. Another camper at Dream Catcher mentioned, "make sure you get the Shower Code!" after finding facilities locked.
Prepare for weather extremes: RVers should be ready for both cold and hot conditions. "The temperature was near 100F on the day that I arrived but by the time the sun started to go down the breeze made for a nice evening," shared a Dream Catcher visitor, highlighting the dramatic temperature shifts common in this desert climate.
