Equestrian Camping near Gallup, NM

Red Rock Park offers equestrian camping in Church Rock, New Mexico with sites suitable for riders exploring the distinctive sandstone formations. The campground connects to multiple hiking and horseback riding trails through red rock canyons with options for both day rides and overnight stays. Dirt sites accommodate vehicles of various sizes with water and electric hookups available for $22 per night. During winter months, temperatures can drop significantly in this high desert environment.

What to do

Explore hiking trails: Red Rock Park features several hiking options including Church Rock Trail and Pyramid Rock Trail, both approximately 3 to 3.5 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," notes one visitor to Red Rock Park & Campground.

Watch for wildlife: At Bluewater Lake State Park, wild horses freely roam the campground and surrounding areas. "There were horses roaming through the campground. Mostly empty this April midweek. Good trails for hiking," reports a camper who discovered these unexpected equine encounters during their stay at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground.

Attend seasonal events: The Red Rock Park arena hosts regular rodeos and other equestrian competitions throughout the year. "There are events at the open arena, featuring rodeos, Native American celebrations, and an annual balloon festival in early December. It's beautiful to watch the balloons float about the red rocks in the park and there are a lot of places to scramble on the rocks yourself."

What campers like

Scenic camping locations: The parks offer sites with dramatic views of red rock formations and lake scenery. One visitor remarked about Bluewater Lake, "We took a designated campsite overlooking the lake and added this park to the list of places to return to."

Budget-friendly options: Many sites offer affordable rates while still providing basic amenities. "Easy access and great price... Make sure to select dry camping if you aren't using water or electricity at the site for a discount. One night total was $13.81. Can't beat that," says a camper about their stay at Red Rock.

Well-maintained facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of park facilities at Bluewater Lake State Park. "Very clean and warm showers. Vault toilets are very clean as well. A lot of very scenic campsites. Some well shaded with juniper and pinion trees."

What you should know

Seasonal availability: Campgrounds have different operational seasons and capacity limitations. "Nice host greeted us and explained where the best sites were for our very large 5th Wheel. The sites with power were already taken, but we can boondock and the pull-through sites were great... Pricing differential for NM residents ($15). Prices go up and online reservations begin May 1."

Weather considerations: The region experiences significant wind during certain seasons. "During the windy season, the sand will blast you and all equipment (bring good tie downs)," warns a visitor to Red Rock Park.

Booking requirements: Some parks require advance reservations while others offer first-come options. "Found this campsite heading west on I-40 on a memorial day weekend road trip last minute. Had 40 designated campsites with about 1/2 reservable online and 1/2 first come first serve. They also allow dispersed camping along the lake and there were probably 50+ groups of people in RVs and trailers comfortably spaced."

Tips for camping with families

Pack for variable temperatures: The high desert climate means days can be hot while nights get surprisingly cold. "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," notes a camper describing the quiet autumn atmosphere at Bluewater Lake.

Check facility access hours: Bathroom facilities may have restricted hours or require codes for access. "Drove in here late in the day (about 9:30pm) to find the bathrooms locked... Turns out their policy is that you get a key to the bathroom if you check in, and the office closes at 4:30pm."

Look for water recreation: Some parks offer water activities for children. "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."

Tips from RVers

Consider site leveling needs: Some camping areas have uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. "The online booking was super easy. Almost immediately got conformation with site number and bathroom codes. We were in our RV so the codes were not needed. There is no camp host or office. Just go to your site and hookup. The site was clean with 50 amp power and water, it also had a small BBQ, picknick table and was fairly level."

Note hookup locations: Electric and water connections may not be optimally placed at all sites. "Great state run campground with options from primitive to full hook ups at great prices. The primitive camping is all along the lake so you can park and walk right in with your canoe or SUP."

Prepare for various dumping options: Dump station availability varies by season. "The RV dump was near our site with water to flush the system and top off water before the next adventure."