Cabin accommodations near Grants, New Mexico provide an alternative for travelers who prefer more shelter than traditional camping. These rustic rentals sit at elevations between 6,500-7,500 feet, creating mild summer temperatures with cool nights even during peak season. Winter cabin stays require preparation for freezing temperatures and potential snow, especially at higher elevation properties.
What to do
Hiking ancient landscapes: El Morro RV Park and Cabins places visitors minutes from El Morro National Monument and close to Malpais volcanic flows. A visitor noted, "Morro National monument nearby is spectacular," making this an excellent base camp for exploring indigenous history and geological formations.
Explore volcanic features: Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano offers direct access to natural wonders. The site includes "a trail to the ice cave (short but there are stairs) and a loop trail leading to the volcano (about 1.5 miles but wear sturdy shoes and you should be in reasonable shape)." Guests recommend doing the volcano hike counterclockwise for the best experience.
Lake recreation: At Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, visitors enjoy water activities alongside cabin accommodations. "There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing. The campground is broken up into a couple areas," making it versatile for different preferences.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Grants KOA Journey receives consistent praise for cleanliness. One camper described "excellent bathrooms and showers, which are set up in separate rooms," while another specifically mentioned "amazing FREE showers, very cheap laundry services."
Scenic natural surroundings: Many cabins near Grants offer distinctive geological views. At Bluewater Lake State Park, "wild horses roaming around the lake were also pretty cool," and sites offer "at least a glimpse of the lake." A camper stated, "Beautiful New Mexico sunset," highlighting the region's renowned skies.
Affordability: Cabin options typically cost $15-25 per night for basic accommodations, with premium cabins ranging higher. A recent visitor to Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano mentioned the trading post "has enough food to hold you over for a while if you come without anything," reducing the need for extensive provisions.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most cabins operate seasonally with limited winter access. Bluewater Lake State Park operates "April 1 to October 31," while Grants KOA Journey runs "February 1 to December 1," providing more extended availability.
Amenity variations: Little Vineyard RV Resort cabins offer shower and toilet facilities but limited additional amenities. Most properties require guests to bring their own bedding and cooking equipment.
Cell service considerations: At Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano, campers report, "We have a signal booster that let us get enough bars of reception to work our remote jobs, but once the booster went off it was intermittent at best."
Reservation requirements: Due to limited cabin availability, advance booking is essential during summer months. One visitor to Bluewater Lake noted, "Prices go up and online reservations begin May 1."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Volcanic features provide learning experiences for children. At Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano, the $12 admission fee includes "markers with an interpretive pamphlet explaining the history and geology of the area," making it educational for children.
Budget-friendly meals: Several properties offer complimentary breakfast. At Grants KOA Journey, "kids enjoyed the doughnuts in the morning," while another visitor mentioned "free breakfast with pancakes."
Playground access: Raven Ranch Bunkhouse offers more secluded cabin accommodations, but families should note that Grants KOA Journey provides "dog areas and a small playground" for children to enjoy.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: When staying in cabins or RVs, Bluewater Lake State Park presents certain challenges. A camper noted, "There aren't many electric sites if that's important to you and some say they're not level. Ours was."
Food delivery options: At Grants KOA Journey, RVers appreciate that "you can order dinner to be delivered to your site. Their brisket and ribs were delicious," eliminating cooking needs after a day of exploration.
Extended stay assistance: For those requiring longer accommodation, staff can be valuable resources. One visitor shared, "Kevin, the owner, even drove my husband to get a U-Haul and waited for him at the post office to get a part we needed delivered. He wouldn't take any money for the ride."
