Tent camping near Corona, New Mexico presents challenges due to the limited options in this high desert region. Located in Lincoln County at approximately 6,600 feet elevation, the area experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night even during summer months. Most campgrounds in this region require campers to bring their own water supplies and be prepared for primitive conditions.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: At New Canyon Campground, visitors can access numerous trails suitable for day hikes. "Great hikes, rock climbing & tons of great trails. Drive the additional 5 miles to the top & visit that campground & enjoy all of the wildlife," notes camper Mike R.
Wildlife observation: Morning and evening hours offer the best opportunities for spotting local fauna. According to Joshuah F., "We were approached by a guy letting us know there was a boar and a bear coming down the canyon. He said they were about 700 yards away."
Rock climbing: The rocky terrain at New Canyon Campground provides natural climbing opportunities. Mike T. observes the area is "very rocky good for climbing."
What campers like
Solitude: Some campgrounds in the Corona region remain relatively uncrowded. Jill R. reports, "it seemed like it was not too busy when we went."
Stargazing: Clear night skies away from urban light pollution create optimal viewing conditions. Rachel C. from Aquirre Springs Campground mentions "Great view of the stars. Amazing sunset and sunrise."
Desert landscapes: The unique terrain offers a different camping experience than forested areas. "This place offers a beauty of its own kind it is not like timber forest that I am used to camping in (I'm from the north west with huge trees)," notes Jill R., adding there were "beautiful sunsets every night."
What you should know
Gate restrictions: Seasonal access limitations affect some campgrounds. According to Cal K., "Note: winter hours gate is closed 6pm-8am. Wouldn't want to navigate the entrance road after dark anyways."
Vehicle limitations: Many roads to tent sites have restrictions. Cal K. notes there is a "limit on vehicle length" at Aquirre Springs Campground due to the "windy" mountain road.
Terrain challenges: Finding level tent sites can be difficult. "My parking pad was not level would definitely be more careful to choose a site that was more level bc I slept in car but many are not because of the hilly terrain," reports Cal K.
Holiday crowds: Weekends and holidays can transform otherwise peaceful campgrounds. Butch K. shares that during Easter weekend, "the kids were screaming and crying, the dogs were yapping, the Latin music was being played loud enough for all your neighbors to hear."
Tips for camping with families
Campsite accessibility: Some campsites require short hikes from parking areas. Joshuah F. notes at Nogal Lake Campground, "Some of the campsites had concrete picnic tables and bear containers. They were up a walkway and some stairs though."
Available facilities: Determine which basic amenities exist before arriving. Melanie G. states New Canyon has "10 great campsites. Vaulted toilets available."
Water planning: No reliable water sources exist at most campgrounds near Corona. Cal K. reports, "No water except at camp host when you drive in - several miles before campground."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Many campgrounds near Corona are best suited for tent camping or small vehicles. Rachel C. cautions, "I would definitely not take a long vehicle on the road."
Space constraints: During busy periods, parking becomes challenging even for smaller vehicles. One camper observed, "cars were parked in every available parking spot that wasn't reserved with many cars partially even up to half the length of the vehicle in the roadway proper."
Primitive conditions: No hookups or RV amenities exist at most campgrounds in the region. Mike R. describes New Canyon as a "Great small campground hardly used" that's "nestled well in the valley."
