Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Dexter, NM
Lake Van in Dexter offers camping with pets for $9 per night at dry camping spots or $15 for full hookup RV sites. The city park campground features approximately 9 full hookup spaces with electrical boxes, water, and sewer connections, though site boundaries aren't clearly marked. Pets are welcome throughout the camping areas surrounding the lake, with multiple level spots available for tent camping. Bottomless Lakes State Park, located about 20 minutes northeast, also permits pets at their campsites with covered picnic tables and concrete patios. The park maintains clean facilities including bathhouses and toilets, though some visitors note occasional trash issues during busy periods.
Camping with dogs at Lake Van provides access to the water for recreation, though visitors should be prepared for occasional strong odors from waterfowl and seasonal winds. The location offers convenient access to nearby stores in Dexter for supplies. For those seeking more natural surroundings, Bottomless Lakes State Park offers walking paths and hiking trails where leashed pets can accompany owners. The Bluff Trail provides an easy hiking option with pets. Dog owners should be aware of wildlife including rabbits, hawks, lizards, and occasional predators like bobcats reported by campers. Summer temperatures can reach extreme highs, so adequate shade and water for pets is essential, with the lake providing a potential cooling option, though the spring-fed water remains very cold even during hot weather.
