Camping near Gamerco, New Mexico sits at around 6,500 feet elevation in high desert terrain characterized by sandstone mesas, juniper forests, and dramatic red rock formations. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, with summer highs reaching 90°F while winter nights drop well below freezing. Cell service varies dramatically between campgrounds, with stronger connections near Interstate 40 and limited to non-existent coverage in more remote locations.
What to do
Explore El Morro National Monument: Visit this historic landmark featuring ancient inscriptions carved into sandstone. "El Morro is a great place to explore," notes one camper at El Morro National Monument. The monument offers trails open from 9am-5pm daily. "We got up early to hike El Morro since the trails are only open from 9-5. We were the first ones on the trail and stairs. 1000% recommend doing the stairs route if your body can take it."
Enjoy water recreation: Bluewater Lake offers fishing and boating opportunities approximately 40 miles southeast of Gamerco. "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," says a visitor at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground.
Hike scenic trails: Red Rock Park offers hiking trails through colorful sandstone formations. "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," explains a hiker who stayed at Red Rock Park & Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground bathrooms and showers receive consistent praise in the area. "Cleaner than clean restrooms and laundry facility. Great store and great staff," writes one guest about USA RV Park. Another visitor mentioned, "Clean showers, a nice heated pool very friendly staff."
Affordable pricing: Most campgrounds offer reasonable rates with additional discounts. "Full hookups with military and good sam discounts. We've stayed here before and we will again," says a camper about USA RV Park. At Bluewater Lake, a visitor noted, "We wish we weren't just passing through and could stay more than overnight ($20). Pricing differential for NM residents ($15)."
Unique cultural atmosphere: El Morro RV Park provides a distinctive camping environment. "Friendly people, creative vibe, nice campground, cozy cabins, full hookups for RVs, beautiful spot, free-range chickens, pet friendly, plus a yurt with enchanting wind chimes, spiritual labyrinth, a gong, art and healing artifacts," writes a visitor at El Morro RV Park and Cabins.
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect access: Several campgrounds and roads close during winter months. "The gate at the end of the road is closed Dec. 15 to March 31," reports a camper about Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping. Another visitor mentioned, "This site is closed from December 15 to March 31" about Turkey Springs.
Weather considerations: The region experiences challenging conditions that can affect camping. "Don't recommend if it's muddy!" warns a camper about Turkey Springs. "Would be awesome during a dry time!" Another visitor at Six Mile Canyon noted, "The road is dirt and gravel and could easily get rutted out when rainy."
Varying site conditions: Campsite quality and amenities differ significantly between locations. "The sites with power were already taken, but we can boondock and the pull-through sites were great," shares a visitor at Bluewater Lake. At Red Rock Park, one camper observed, "Would not recommend for tents due to sandy and small sites, but great option for sleeping in your car."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer facilities specifically for children. "Playground for the kiddos, lots of areas to explore with the puppers, and plenty of bathrooms and Ramadas available for day use," notes a visitor about Bluewater Lake. At USA RV Park, one camper mentioned, "We were able to get pizza delivered to our RV site which was a big hit with the kids."
Consider food options: Access to food varies by location. "Really well done park and facilities, maybe even the best camp store I have ever visited," says a camper about USA RV Park. Another visitor mentioned, "The little cafe is fun and tasty" at El Morro RV Park and Cabins.
Watch for natural hazards: Desert terrain can present unexpected challenges for children. "Careful of the grass if you have small children. When the prickly pear cactus die and rot away their little hairy spines remain. My toddler fell in a patch of invisible spines and it was a challenge to remove them by lantern light with crummy first aid kit tweezers," cautions a parent who stayed at El Morro National Monument.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility varies by location: RV-friendly campgrounds near Gamerco offer different access conditions. "The road to dispersed sites is quite lopsided so I'd avoid it with a top heavy vehicle like our heavy ass van," advises an RVer at Six Mile Canyon. At Red Rock Park, "One night total was $13.81. Can't beat that."
Consider on-site amenities: RV parks provide varying levels of facilities. "Big dog park for the puppers to do their business. No frills, but we didn't need any," shares a camper at USA RV Park. Another notes, "A dog park, showers, rest rooms and laundry available."
Check site specifications: RV site dimensions and layouts differ between campgrounds. "Our site was somewhat shaded, which was nice in the heat of the summer. Very cool sites overlooking the lake," reports a camper at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground. At McGaffey Campground, an RVer notes, "The forest service website says 22' max trailer but that's not what we found! I'm in a 38' motor home and there were NO tight spots at all! Site 10 is back in but we had 30' to spare."
