Best Equestrian Camping near Fort Wingate, NM

Red Rock Park & Campground offers camping options for equestrians in Church Rock, near Fort Wingate, New Mexico. While there are no dedicated horse corrals listed among the amenities, the facility accommodates horses with its proximity to riding trails and open space. The campground features 1000 stalls for horses and livestock in its massive arena area, making it suitable for riders traveling with horses. The campground provides water and electric hookups, fires are allowed, and sites are reservable. Many visitors note the campground is positioned among spectacular red cliffs formed over 200 million years ago, creating a distinctive backdrop for horse camping.

The park contains several hiking and horseback riding trails suitable for equestrians. Church Rock Trail and Pyramid Rock Trail both offer approximately 3 to 3.5 miles of round-trip riding from the campground. The trails are generally well-marked and accessible directly from the camping area. The complex includes a convention center, museum, and a rodeo/bull riding arena tucked into the red hills, creating additional equestrian-related attractions. Riders should be aware that the sites themselves are described as level but sandy, which affects horse management at the campsites. The area is popular during rodeo events when the campground fills quickly with horse owners, so advance reservations are recommended if planning to visit during these times.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Fort Wingate, New Mexico (2)

    1. Red Rock Park & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Rehoboth, NM
    6 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."

    2. Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Prewitt, NM
    27 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."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Fort Wingate, NM

3 Photos of 2 Fort Wingate Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Fort Wingate, NM

50 Reviews of 2 Fort Wingate Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • S
    May. 9, 2021

    Red Rock Park & Campground

    OK place for 1-2 nights

    This is a huge complex that contains a convention center, museum, hiking trails, and a rodeo/bull riding arena in addition to two camping areas. The arena is tucked into the red hills so it is a pretty nice spot. There also must be 1000 stalls for horses and livestock, it is really massive. The campground area and arena are cradled by spectacular red cliffs formed over 200 million years ago in the Age of the Dinosaurs. Campsites have water and electric. Many of the sites have shade. Sites are very sandy and some have a picnic table. Access was pretty easy and the sites are very level. Overall though the campground was pretty messy. It does not seem like it is being well maintained at the moment probably due to Covid restrictions. There are restrooms but most of the time they were locked. Verizon cell service was very good and our AT&T hotspot worked well.


Guide to Fort Wingate

Horse camping in New Mexico offers a unique experience for equestrians looking to explore the scenic landscapes while enjoying the company of their horses. With a variety of campgrounds that cater to horse owners, adventurers can find the perfect spot to set up camp.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails

  • Red Rock Park & Campground features nearby hiking trails that are perfect for horseback riding, allowing campers to explore the beautiful surroundings.

Tips for equestrian camping near Fort Wingate, New Mexico

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fort Wingate, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fort Wingate, NM is Red Rock Park & Campground with a 3.1-star rating from 15 reviews.