Best Equestrian Camping near Continental Divide, NM

Bluewater Lake State Park Campground near Continental Divide accommodates horses and offers shoreline camping for $8 per night. The park features dispersed camping along the lake with approximately 50 comfortable spaces for RVs and trailers. Wild horses roam freely throughout the campground, creating a unique equestrian atmosphere. Non-reserved sites cost $10, while reserved sites with electrical hookups are available for a higher fee. The campground has large, level sites that can accommodate horse trailers, though none feature dedicated corrals. Vault toilets and shower facilities with warm water are located throughout the park.

Riders can access multiple hiking and riding trails around the lake and surrounding mesas. Bluewater Lake is suitable for fishing, with Tiger Muskie catch-and-release opportunities that appeal to camping anglers. The area experiences strong, gusty winds at certain sites, particularly in the exposed areas of the campground, so securing horse equipment is essential. The campground is patrolled regularly by rangers, creating a secure environment for overnight equestrian visitors. During off-season (November-March), facilities may be limited with some bathrooms closed and gates closing early at 5pm. Campers should note the park's season runs April 1 to October 31, though winter camping is possible with temperatures dropping to 15°F overnight.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Continental Divide, New Mexico (2)

    1. Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Prewitt, NM
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 876-2391

    $15 - $90 / night

    "This was the only lake we saw on our trip to the cattle ranch in New Mexico ;) The park is lovely and we truly enjoyed our time here. There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing."

    "Beautiful New Mexico sunset."

    2. Red Rock Park & Campground

    17 Reviews
    Rehoboth, NM
    18 miles
    Website

    "I have stayed at this campground several time it was a New Mexico Stae Park, it has since been turned over to the city of Gallup as a city park."

    "My first visit to New Mexico and the southwest. Red Rock Park is in Gallup, NM right on the Arizona state line in between Albuquerque and Flagstaff."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Continental Divide, NM

3 Photos of 2 Continental Divide Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Continental Divide, NM

54 Reviews of 2 Continental Divide Campgrounds


  • Sara S.
    Jul. 25, 2016

    Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    oasis in the desert

    This was the only lake we saw on our trip to the cattle ranch in New Mexico ;) The park is lovely and we truly enjoyed our time here. There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing. The campground is broken up into a couple areas. Our site was somewhat shaded, which was nice in the heat of the summer. Very cool sites overlooking the lake. I wouldn’t say the sites are secluded, but it’s still a neat place. I haven’t been to many state parks in New Mexico so it was a unique experience!

  • Robert A.
    Sep. 3, 2018

    Red Rock Park & Campground

    Freeway campground

    I have stayed at this campground several time it was a New Mexico Stae Park, it has since been turned over to the city of Gallup as a city park. There are several hiking and horseback riding trails around this campground. One of the best is to castle rock a really good hike. Make sure you call to check for availability, there is a rodeo arena near by and will fill up if there is a rodeo.

  • Fain H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2016

    Red Rock Park & Campground

    Camping in the southwest

    My first visit to New Mexico and the southwest. Red Rock Park is in Gallup, NM right on the Arizona state line in between Albuquerque and Flagstaff. Church Rock Trial and Pyramid Rock Trail are both about 3 to 3 and a half miles round trip from the campground. Your surrounded by desert on one side and dark red stone on the other, very cool place and trails.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    Calm and quiet

    It is after Labor Day, the Canyonside Campground is deserted except for myself. I can hear the breeze moving through the pinions. Beautiful New Mexico sunset.

  • B
    Aug. 15, 2021

    Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    Bluewater in the land of enchantment

    The camp sites are well laid out with picnic table. The bath room was primitive and I didn’t check out the showers. The lake and the area is enchanting!! It was my first visit to New Mexico and for sure I will be back! The lake is large and has fishing.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 15, 2022

    Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    Great campground in January!

    So we were very lucky that we decided to check out this campground, it is absolutely gorgeous! There was not a single other camper here so we got a nice level spot with power. It was a bit cold, got down to 15, there was some leftover snow in some spots but nothing that was a problem. Last night something was bugging the dogs so I looked outside to see a herd of wild horses grazing next to our camper! There are lots of good hiking trails. The water is still on here and the dump stations are open if needed.

  • Randall Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2023

    Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    Pretty scenic and Wild Horses

    Lake was muddy brown, not blue. First come, first served and we arrived before noon, but no electric sites were available. Views of lake and surrounding juniper covered mesas was good. Early in morning horses grazed right through our campsite.

  • Elizabeth A.
    May. 1, 2018

    Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    Very cool area

    Bluewater Lake SP is a unique campground in regards to the layout. You can pull up to all of the sites, and you can overlook the lake, be on the lake, be a little further away, private, have neighbors, really what ever you want. Checking in was very easy and the folks were quite nice. Also there were random horses and donkey’s walking around??? So that was a fun surprise.


Guide to Continental Divide

Bluewater Lake State Park offers both developed and dispersed camping options around the 1,200-acre reservoir situated at 7,400 feet elevation. Visitors can access shoreline spots along the lake for primitive camping or choose from designated sites in Canyonside Campground. The park's location near Continental Divide makes it a convenient stopover for travelers on I-40, with multiple camping zones accommodating different preferences and equipment needs.

What to do

Hiking and photography trails: Church Rock Trail at Red Rock Park & Campground provides a 3-mile round trip hike with distinctive southwestern landscapes. "Church Rock Trial and Pyramid Rock Trail are both about 3 to 3 and a half miles round trip from the campground. Your surrounded by desert on one side and dark red stone on the other," reports Fain H.

Water recreation: Bluewater Lake offers more than just fishing with opportunities for paddleboarding and canoeing. "Primitive camping is all along the lake so you can park and walk right in with your canoe or SUP. Boat ramp for those so inclined and good fishing for any anglers out there," notes Sara S. in her review of Bluewater Lake.

Stargazing: The high elevation and minimal light pollution create excellent conditions for night sky viewing. "Lovely view of the lake with a gorgeous sunset," mentions Grace D. about the evening atmosphere at Bluewater Lake State Park.

What campers like

Natural tranquility: The peaceful atmosphere, especially during off-peak times, appeals to many visitors. "It is after Labor Day, the Canyonside Campground is deserted except for myself. I can hear the breeze moving through the pinions. Beautiful New Mexico sunset," shares Robert N. about his stay at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground.

Wildlife viewing: Beyond the horses mentioned in the existing description, the area supports diverse wildlife. "We stayed away from lake because of our dogs. They tend to bark if people go by. The view to the canyon and hills was beautiful," notes Christina H. about her experience at Bluewater Lake.

Diverse camping options: The flexibility to choose between different site types suits various camping styles. "Great state run campground with options from primitive to full hook ups at great prices," states Sara S. in her review of Bluewater Lake, highlighting the range of accommodations available.

What you should know

Seasonal facility changes: Beyond just limited bathrooms, entire sections may close during winter. "There is one bathroom with sinks and flush toilets. Separate shower house was closed when we were here. I only saw one water pump in the park. There is an EV charging station," reports Jennifer W. about her April visit to Bluewater Lake.

Bathroom access policies: At Red Rock Campground, bathroom access requires specific timing. "Turns out their policy is that you get a key to the bathroom if you check in, and the office closes at 4:30pm," explains Chloe H., noting a challenge for late arrivals.

Weather considerations: The region experiences significant seasonal variations with both strong winds and temperature fluctuations. "During the windy season, the sand will blast you and all equipment (bring good tie downs)," advises Judes W. about camping at Red Rock Park.

Tips for camping with families

Child-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for younger visitors. "Playground for the kiddos, lots of areas to explore with the puppers, and plenty of bathrooms and Ramadas available for day use," notes Sara S. about Bluewater Lake State Park.

Educational opportunities: The geological formations provide natural learning environments. "Staying in this red rock canyon and walking the church rock and pyramid rock is a once in a lifetime experience," shares Edie & Roy T. about the educational value of visiting Red Rock Campground.

Spacing considerations: Site privacy varies significantly between campgrounds. "Most cramped campsite I've ever seen, absolutely no privacy between sites," warns Anne F. about Red Rock Park, contrasting with the more spacious options at Bluewater Lake.

Tips from RVers

Leveling requirements: Most sites require minimal adjustments for RVs. "The sites with power were already taken, but we can boondock and the pull-through sites were great," explains Grace D. about Bluewater Lake, while at Red Rock Park, john M. notes, "The site was clean with 50 amp power and water, it also had a small BBQ, picknick table and was fairly level."

Reservation systems: Online booking processes vary by location. "Online booking was super easy. Almost immediately got conformation with site number and bathroom codes," shares John M. about his experience at Red Rock Park, though he adds, "There is no camp host or office. Just go to your site and hookup."

Hookup availability: Water and electricity connections exist at multiple campgrounds, though sewer options are limited. "The site was under $25 for the night. The RV dump was near our site with water to flush the system and top off water before the next adventure," notes John M. about the facilities at Red Rock Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Continental Divide, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Continental Divide, NM is Bluewater Lake State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 37 reviews.