Fort Sumner sits at approximately 4,000 feet elevation in eastern New Mexico's Pecos River Valley. The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations with hot summers reaching triple digits and cold winters that can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds in the region have minimal tree cover, exposing sites to both intense sun and strong winds common to this high desert environment.
What to do
Fishing at the reservoir: Sumner Lake State Park offers fishing opportunities with catfish, bass, and walleye. "The camp host kindly gave me a gas cylinder when mine didn't work. -$14 excellent value - in California similar is $45 a night!" notes a visitor at Mesquite Campground.
Historical exploration: Visit the Billy the Kid Museum near camping areas. "The museum (where the office is) was a nice surprise and well worth the $5 entrance fee," reports a camper from Valley View Mobile Home and RV Park.
Scenic hiking: Several trails wind through the desert landscapes around Sumner Lake. "Gorgeous hiking trails that meander through rocky terrain filled with a diversity of desert plants. Several were in bloom when I was there in October," shares a visitor at Rocky Point Campground.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. "We were treated to a viewing of a flock of turkeys wandering through the CG," mentions a camper at Pecos Campground.
What campers like
Lake views: Many campsites provide views of Sumner Lake. "Beautiful view of the lake and desert. Awesome sunrises," writes a reviewer at Pecos Campground.
Stargazing conditions: The remote location creates exceptional dark sky conditions. "If you like looking at starry skies, this park is super dark at night and awesome for stargazing," notes one camper.
Cost-effective camping: The area offers affordable camping compared to more touristy locations. "For only $8 I couldn't really complain especially since I was able to take advantage of the lake a bit the evening before," writes a visitor at East Side Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses. "HOT showers and clean bathrooms. 10 min walk down to lake. Beautiful area with lots of wildlife walking through the campground," reports a Rocky Point visitor.
What you should know
Limited cell coverage: Signal strength varies widely across rv parks Fort Sumner, New Mexico. "I have 3-4 bars of Verizon service in spot 6," notes a camper at Pecos Campground.
Wind conditions: Strong winds are common in this high desert region. "Very windy while I've been here but beautiful enough," reports a Pecos visitor.
Insect awareness: Mosquitoes and other insects can be problematic, especially near water. "One con was the sheer amount of mosquitoes. As an advisor camper I don't mind being bombarded but the blood sucking demons, by heck! I think there was a town meeting or something because they came in swarms," warns a Mesquite Campground camper.
Wildlife precautions: The area hosts potentially dangerous wildlife. "Be careful of rattlesnakes, scorpions and tarantulas. This area is also cougar County so don't let the little ones wander off outta sight," cautions a visitor at Pecos Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There is a nice big playground for kids," notes a camper at Pecos Campground.
Safety considerations: The area requires vigilance with children. "Never leave your shoes outside and keep your tents zippered. Always check the handles and underside of things before you grab them," advises a Pecos visitor.
Free camping options: Bosque Redondo Park provides no-cost camping near town. "Private, peaceful, and relaxing. It's clean, and you have your own area with a picnic table and trash can. It seems safe here. This is BLM land and there are no hook ups, be prepared. There's lots to see. Big area to walk. Play ground for the kids," writes a visitor.
Weather preparation: Temperature swings require appropriate gear. "Cool nights for August," notes a Rocky Point camper, suggesting the need for warm sleeping gear even in summer months.
Tips from RVers
Hookup logistics: Pay attention to the placement of utilities at rv parks near Fort Sumner. "The water and electric hookups were on the wrong side. I would have had to pull in nose first if I didn't have a super long power cord and water hose," explains a camper at Pecos Campground.
Leveling requirements: Many sites are naturally level, reducing setup time. "Site 9 was very level so we only put our stabilizer jacks down and didn't need any blocking," reports a Pecos visitor.
Water pressure considerations: Check pressure at Fort Sumner rv camping areas. "Very convenient Location, but we noticed the water pressure was very low would not even turn on our on the demand heater. So cold showers here at loves!!" warns a visitor at Love's RV Hookup.
Site selection strategy: Request specific sites when making reservations. "FYI, when calling for reservation, request to be in back or at least away from 1-night stay people, if that's what you desire," suggests a camper at Santa Rosa Campground & RV Park.
