Camping in Hanover, NM sits at elevations between 6,000-7,000 feet, creating moderate summer temperatures compared to lower desert areas. The region transitions between desert scrub and pine forest, with monsoon storms common from July through September. Railroad Canyon Campground marks the starting point for several hiking trails into the Black Range wilderness area.
What to Do
Hiking trails access: Railroad Canyon Campground provides direct access to wilderness trails. "Only 4 sites available. Some privacy from the road, which was better than the other campgrounds near by. By a creek, which is nice. Vault toilet. There was a trail along the creek that eventually crossed it, but the water was too high to cross."
Night sky viewing: City of Rocks State Park Campground offers excellent stargazing conditions. "Each site is named after a constellation you can see in the sky at night from the campground. And during the day you can see for miles and miles, it's just so beautiful, call me, and serene!"
Off-road vehicle trails: Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area has networks of ATV-friendly routes. "Lots of easy trails to ride around on with our mini bikes. Plenty of space to set up camp with 2 families and a few smaller tents."
What Campers Like
Spacious, private campsites: Rose Valley RV Ranch offers well-designed sites. "The sites are huge and feel very private, offering a little fenced in, personal yard at most sites. The bathrooms were very clean and also private feeling."
Continental Divide Trail access: Many campgrounds serve as access points for the CDT. "Sapillo Creek lies straddling the original branch of the CDT. This is a free, national forest dispersed site with a couple pit toilets and very few other amenities, no cell signal either."
Unique camping landscapes: Distinctive terrain makes camping near Hanover memorable. "Very unique landscape, great campsites but wow the wind was too much. We had friends go in spring who said it was windy and we went in mid May and it was the same story."
What You Should Know
Seasonal closures: Some Forest Service campgrounds close during winter. "The four campgrounds in this area (Iron Creek, Railroad Canyon, Upper and Lower Gallinas) are all closed in December 2021. Perhaps just for the season. Contact NFS for status."
Cell service limitations: Prepare for communication gaps when camping in Hanover NM. "Zero cell signal with verizon. What we especially enjoyed was being able to furrow way back in our 4x4 to a secluded spot."
Weather challenges: Cherry Creek Campground experiences variable conditions. "During our time here the weather was unpredictable, which is probably expected deep in the mountain. We had a great time!"
Tips for Camping with Families
Rock exploration opportunities: Children enjoy certain natural features. "Our grandsons loved this place. We went without reservations so there was no open place but they allow the overflow to camp in the group sites if they are empty. You can spend hours exploring all the rocks."
Avoid peak seasons for quieter experience: Timing affects camping in the Hanover area. "This spot is popular with large crowds and off-road vehicle enthusiasts. Expect music until 10pm and the sound of engines. It's a great place to boondock with a generator."
Wildlife awareness: McMillan Campground and surrounding areas have active wildlife. "Noteworthy: the stars, the trails, and opportunity for climbing and jumping on rocks. This park is great for kids. Things to be cautious about: We almost stepped on a camouflage rattlesnake."
Tips from RVers
Satellite connectivity: Some campgrounds offer better technology access. "What a great find. This RV Park is still taking reservations during the coronavirus pandemic. We called and got a site for three nights. Sites are long and spacious, level, gravel, wide with shrubbery and some fencing between, adding lots of privacy."
Site selection strategy: Silver City RV Park offers practical in-town options. "This camp ground is conveniently located to Old Town Silver City. The staff is friendly, the site was clean and level. The bathrooms and showers were clean as well. They were very fairly priced."
Power needs consideration: Various options exist for different electricity requirements. "Our site was a pull through but was too tight with other sites to actually pull our 33 ft trailer and truck through. We had to back out. Park navigation a bit tight for big rigs."
