Looking for the best Dexter tent camping? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Dexter, including sites, reviews, and tips. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Ranger
I stayed here for the second week of November. It rained a day or two before I got here and the mosquitoes were still a little bad but the weather was great up until my moving Day when I was leaving today November 18th. As long as it doesn't rain hard the ground should be good but if it rains really hard it gets really muddy. The cell phone signal is amazing for T-Mobile it's very quiet at night your neighbors are a couple football fields away if you have any at all. There is a target shooting range on DOD land about 2 mi away so during the day you do hear gunshots from time to time. Everyone shooting there is shooting North so stay south of the zig zag road sign.
Guide
Although a bit rough around the edges, if you are traveling in SE New Mexico, this location is great for an overnighter. When we arrived, all of the full hook-up sites were taken (looked like long term locals). I called the number at the un-manned office and the gentleman who answered was very friendly and let us know that we could camp anywhere around the lake for $9. The location is close to a nice residential area, so it’s relatively quiet with the exception of the occasional train passing by. There is a scent of cow manure depending on which way the wind is blowing; but it’s not unbearable. Overall, it was a nice place to stop over for the night as we were heading towards the Carlsbad Caverns the following day.
Traveler
Several level Gravel sites with covered picnic table. Pit toilets. OHV access point so it can be noisy. This time not too bad just a small group of rvs group together. Last time it was empty. 14 day limit
Traveler
Large open area with washed out hills. Access was easy but the road back does have issues because of gully wash. It was lightly raining when I arrived and I did a bit of a walkabout before it got dark. Many flat spots to choose from. Ground is a white flaky soil. But saw no problems with sinking into it. Might be a different story if there is a hard rain.
Guide
Way off the beaten path. It happened to be extra windy the day I was there. Nice desert/lake view. Quiet. No working dump station right now. Ranger was very friendly and helpful.
RangerWe stayed here before going to Carlsbad Caverns. Pros: only $14 for electric and water site. Sites well spaced and private. Easy to make online reservations. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets and showers. Friendly staff. Cons: ran out of hot water when no one else was showering. Not much to do here if you are not using the lake (which seems low). Pretty far from anything. I’d stay again if needing a spot while passing through, but wouldn’t make a point of coming here just for the campground.
Ranger
Reservations only, but we were able to reserve online while surveying campground to see what was open: https://newmexicostateparks.reserveamerica.com/ (on way north so stopped for a night, getting there late afternoon).
Pretty basic. Most sites have no shade except for over picnic table. Lots of flying things: flies, mosquitos. Many stickers (so walk dog carefully).
--->At 02:30 in morning a drone very noisily buzzed us and sounded like it circled us for what seemed like 5 min. Not sure what that was about.... Racoon walked up to door screen and pawed at it while we were making dinner.
RangerWell appointed. Easy to make the reservation online. Clearly marked sites with convenient stone-marked pathways to the restrooms/shower. Hot showers, clean bathrooms.
All states should be this good
Campsites all have covered eating area although early and late sun can get under it.
Scout
I travel from Durango to San Antonio frequently. This is such a nice sleep-over in my van. Weekends can be tough with drunken, blaring radio, 200,000 lumen, ATVs running all night. I had one light-up my old trailer by the bathrooms - note to self - don’t park here again!!!!
When its kicking, sleep by the dumpsters, they will never go there 😉
But seriously, this is an OHV park and there are few places for folks to have this kind of fun. I wouldn’t mind a rip through these dunes on an ATV myself 😜
This was an offseason midweek visit with nobody else around and quiet all night.
Guide
Nice gravel sites. Wide roads to get into sites. Pool, playground. Restrooms OK. Only issue not great Wifi.
GuideReservations are needed and can be made online through the NM State Park website. The drive into the camp area was a little bumpy. Watch the curves! At the time we arrived the water was a beautiful aqua color with a clear sunny sky. The rest of our time there was overcast which gave us a nice break from the heat. The beach area was not crowded at all during our time here. Bring your kayak/canoe/SUP. They rent pedal boats. The mosquitos were out around dusk, so be sure to have bug spray! We would definitely stay again.
Guide
Cool spot, but beware of NAILS! Other than that, some night you might get some loud locals riding OHV on the other side of the lake.
GuideArrived towards the end of July on a Sunday evening. Campground was largely empty. Some sites are marked "Reservation Only" however there were plenty of walk up sites to choose from. Sites were spaced out very well. Each site has the usual grill, and picnic table. Tables were shielded from the elements by a shade shelter roof. Fire rings were absent.
We especially liked the QR code on the campsite number post that allows you to link directly to the website and pay for your site. No need for exact cash or a visit to the park office.
All facilities were well maintained. Trails were easy to follow.
As with most desert like environments, all the plants want to kill you. Be careful going off trail and don't let your pets wander.
RV dump station was convenient on our way out.
Traveler
This was a great spot not too far from the main parts of town and had all the amenities you need. Did not see any tent camping but a great RV spot.
GuideWe stopped here for 2 nights to escape the heat after dry camping outside of Carlsbad. I booked this easily online, and the other campers that weekend were very friendly. Overall this place is accommodating and quiet at nights. The sunsets are incredible. We biked to the lake for a swim and cool down. Would stay here again!
Great T-Mobile service. Bathrooms clean. Showers okay. $18 a night, booked last minute
They have an entire first come first serve section that had a lot of availability.
Dump station under construction- can dump for free at Eagle Draw Park in Artesia.
GuideYou can reserve a few van/RV spots but most are first come first serve. Don't worry about the check in time - all hookups and bathrooms/shower are unlocked. If you get a reserved spot you can pay online, otherwise self pay AT the campground, not at the gate (just in case they're full). Showers are good. Ok playground for little kids (4-5 age). Every site has a covered picnic table with stationary grill.
Convenient to Carlsbad, 30- 40ish minutes? north of the caverns, little over an hour south of Roswell.
ScoutJust got here, nice level spot! Hot but good breeze so in my Casita or any type of shade is ok! Road off main road is gravel and washboarded so go slow! High clearance is not needed,
Guide
This is a lovely park. Clean, shaded, with a comfortable common area. Lee is a wonderful host who allowed us to charge our EV from the 50 amp outlet at our site.
Traveler
I spent 2 nights here and while the sunsets are something to write home about, I clearly stayed in a place where locals use it as target practice. Shelf casings and garbage abound. I don't carry big trash bags with me but I picked up what I could. I would not discourage people from staying here. If I ever come back to the area, I will probably stay here again....I will just bring a bunch of trash bags with me.
TravelerOverall a good campsite, some minor drawbacks. Site is close to highway, so lots of road noise throughout the day and night. Contained tent hexagon shelter structure was nice, allowed for contained and divided campsites. Marginal shade and pretty dusty.
GuideDump station OOC until summer '24, but surprisingly pleasant campground otherwise.
GuideLong ways from the caverns. Wifi is weak/slow/intermittent.
LegendRoom between sites. Most sites are gravel with shaded picnic tables. Peaceful nights.
GuideNice campground for an overnight. Probably wouldn't stay more than a day or so. Not much to do and see.
Pros - Clean bathrooms and showers, hot showers, wheelchair accessible showers and bathrooms, electrical and water at each site, each site has a nice pavilion with wind block, picnic table and grill. Nice playground for the kids, Dumpsters available. There are some pull through sites. Sites are asphalt. Both reserveable and first come sites 2 primitive camp areas. Nice lake.
Cons - Very windy, not much to do at the campground. Gave me time to read a good book.
ScoutThe intake person was respectful which is my reason for 2 stars and not 1 star. I left my belongings to run to the store. I came back to everything gone. Even my daughter's bible! I am surprised by this. I had just dropped the payment in the payment box for the stay so I lost the $27 too. I didn't stick around for the police because I immediately felt unsafe. I'm disappointed. We had planned to enjoy the views and relax.
ScoutWe were planning to go to southern Utah but Mother Nature vetoed that plan. My wife had wanted to visit Roswell which was out of the route the storms were taking so I agreed thinking we’d stay a couple of nights if we liked…we are now on our second week. Leigh is a wonderful host…the park is intimate with only a dozen spaces…the rest rooms are spotless and it is just a couple miles east of town. Roswell itself is a perfect sized community with great restaurants and cultural sites.
LegendNice desert shaped park. When there is water I am sure it's wonderful. Without it's a good stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dexter, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dexter, NM is Alamo Road Camp with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Dexter, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
