Best Campgrounds near Hatch, NM

Campgrounds near Hatch, New Mexico include several state parks along the Rio Grande River and Caballo Lake. The region includes Percha Dam State Park Campground in Arrey and Caballo Lake State Park with multiple camping areas such as Riverside, Stallion, Appaloosa, and Palomino campgrounds. Most facilities accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of hookups and amenities. Several sites offer waterfront access to either the lake or river, and a few locations like Las Cruces KOA provide cabin options approximately 40 miles south of Hatch.

The camping landscape features a mix of developed sites with utilities and more primitive areas for dispersed camping. Rough roads may require higher clearance vehicles in some areas, particularly near Caballo Lake's dispersed camping zones. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. "The lake water is murky, goathead thorns are everywhere, and you will hear and see Hwy 25," noted one visitor about dispersed camping at Caballo Lake. Most state park campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, though dump stations are limited with visitors sometimes needing to travel between parks to find facilities. Cell coverage varies significantly throughout the area, with stronger signals near Interstate 25.

Campers report high satisfaction with Caballo Lake State Park's multiple camping areas, which provide different experiences ranging from lakeside views to more sheltered sites. According to one visitor, "Nice walking trails and spots with some privacy and full hook ups" are available at Stallion Campground. The region experiences significant seasonal variation in visitation patterns. Several reviews mention that weekends bring larger crowds of locals to the lake and river areas, while weekdays offer more solitude. Wildlife viewing opportunities include sandhill cranes and various waterfowl, particularly during migration seasons. Many campers note the striking sunset views over Caballo Lake and the surrounding mountains as a highlight. Goathead thorns are frequently mentioned as a concern for those with pets or bicycles in multiple campgrounds throughout the region.

Best Camping Sites Near Hatch, New Mexico (87)

    1. Leasburg Dam State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Radium Springs, NM
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 524-4068

    $15 - $30 / night

    "You can't beat New Mexico State Parks. Water and electric hook-ups for $18. Great views and a concrete picnic shelter to boot."

    "Like many New Mexico State Parks, Leasburg Dam offers beautiful views and nice facilities. We have the facilities here to be among the best. We love the adobe shelters!"

    2. Appaloosa Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    13 Reviews
    Arrey, NM
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 743-3942

    $30 / night

    "The sites are all pull through  with water, electric (20 amp and 30 amp), and shelter; and the dump station. surrounded by a cactus garden, makes the nasty job of dumping a little more palatable ;-).  "

    "Beautiful view of the mountains and Lake. Lovely sunsets.(look for the elephant shadow on the mountain at sunset). Serenaded by mourning doves and flocks or overflying geese."

    3. Percha Dam State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Arrey, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 743-3942

    $30 - $35 / night

    "Can’t canp near the water, but can stay at sites within walking distance. Grills and bathrooms, nice to sit in a tube and float down and has a trail to hike back up after the ride"

    "Tucked in next to the Rio Grande, Perch Dam Campground is quiet, clean, and enjoyable. The bathrooms were spotless and well maintained, as were the pit toilets in the dispersed area. "

    4. Las Cruces KOA

    60 Reviews
    Mesilla, NM
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 526-6555

    "We stopped at this KOA for one night while passing through New Mexico.   We had a great view of the valley below and our site had everything we needed--full hookups."

    "We only stayed one night but this was a convenient location or far off the highway. Bathroom was clean and staff was nice. Large clean dog park. Nice views of the city."

    5. Riverside Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    6 Reviews
    Arrey, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 743-3942

    $30 - $35 / night

    "Being physically limited and having to walk clear across the campground was very difficult. Otherwise everything was great."

    "It was nice to walk along the riverbank with the dogs."

    6. Horner Hacienda

    2 Reviews
    Radium Springs, NM
    14 miles
    +1 (575) 636-7227

    $35 - $60 / night

    "The water was high so we couldn’t camp to close to the river edge. It was so nice to see all the stars at night. It is very sweet as well."

    7. Palomino Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    5 Reviews
    Arrey, NM
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 743-3942

    $35 / night

    "Palomino Loop is small and quiet, facing Caballo Lake. Site 7, full hookups, allowed our bay windows to look out onto the lake."

    "Quiet at night, just some road noise from the highway. The lake is great with easy access for kayaking at the boat ramp. We would stay here again."

    8. Caballo Lake RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Caballo, NM
    19 miles
    +1 (575) 743-0502

    "Close to the water from camping sites....Grills tables and shade area...."

    "My favorite part about caballo lake is floating down from elephant butte to caballo lake in a giant floaty."

    9. Arrey RV Park, LLC

    1 Review
    Arrey, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 267-1049

    10. Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    57 Reviews
    White Sands, NM
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "Southeast New Mexico has mountains believe it or not. The camp is nestled up against one. It’s Memorial Day weekend and not too crowded. Highly recommend for the price (basically free)."

    "I've been on a nationwide roadtrip for a few months that now and I have tent camped alone in many sites from Florida to Arkansas to, now, New Mexico."

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Recent Reviews near Hatch, NM

566 Reviews of 87 Hatch Campgrounds


  • Ashley D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 6, 2026

    Oregan Wilderness Dispersed

    Nice views, easy access to trails

    I stayed 2 nights out here, in my 22’ RV. The roads in are doable, however big rocks and heavily uneven. Just be prepared for that.

    Otherwise, views are awesome and hiking trails are easily accessible!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 5, 2026

    Monticello Road Dispersed Camping

    So peaceful

    Our first time here. We chose the 2nd spot as you go down the nicely graded road in our Motorhome. Large, flat, and easy access. There were more spots further down the road but I wanted to be safe my first time boondocking.

    The traffic noise from the highway was minimal. Will definitely camp here again.

  • Will P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 5, 2026

    BLM Dispersed camping along B059 New Mexico

    Pretty Views

    Paved first couple of miles, then rough washboard. After a bit, it then becomes a rocky, one lane, two track type road. Cell service is great! Att 5G solid five bars. Lots of obvioua pull off places as you approach the trail head. Saw two trailer campers, so you could bring in a trailer. I wouldn't, but others obviously do. You can hear noise from some liquid sewage processing plants (trucks beeping, etc.), but thankfully no smells from those processing plants. It is windy out here, at least today. I would have no problem staying here again.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 4, 2026

    Dispersed Camping off Corralitos Rd on I-10

    BLM Land

    Close to the highway. The highway noise wasn’t too bad. The place is a little trashy but that’s expected when the place is close to a town. We were the only ones there that night.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 4, 2026

    Quail Run Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    Solid State Park

    Very nice campground. Quail Run is great because it has 50 amp hookups. While none of the sites have sewer hookups, the dump site is right on the way out.

    The back-in sites have a nice Sandy's "yard" behind them of 50ft+ that provides nice privacy and is good for dog outings.

    Most spaces are flat, though the EMNRD reservations website and Google Maps Street View has great info about slipes. The back-in sites tended to be flatter than the pull-thrus.

    While not "in nature", its a 3 minute drive to the lakefront and beach area. For a stopover location, its not bad, though a tad bit off I-25 to be considered an "easy layover".

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 2, 2026

    City of Rocks State Park Campground

    Very Fun and Unique

    We were very hesitant to book this campground because we weren't sure what there was to do and its just rocks...we were very pleasantly surprised!

    Given the uniqueness of the campground, research is needed if you have a 25ft or greater trailer. We stayed in Site 6 and it was easily doable with a 30ft fifth wheel. Only thing I wished is that I had another set of leveling blocks. We made it work with one, but two sets would've been super easy.

    Specific to Site 6, if you have a van or 20ft or shorter trailer, you can back it in amongst the rocks. While it looks like you can pull thru on satellite view from thr entrance to sites 4 & 5, you can't.

    Overall though, the campground is really nice. Trash cans are at every site and emptied daily. Spectacular views of the high desert in the day and stars at night. Really nice trail network that kept our dogs very worn out and engaged.

    No dump station and only working water fill when we were there was at the northside vault toilets.

  • lisa H.
    Jan. 2, 2026

    Hacienda RV Resort

    Las Cruces New Mexico

    We stayed for a month and really enjoyed the RV park and all the amenities. Staff was nice and very accommodating to our arrival times.

  • Valentina A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 2, 2026

    Rockhound State Park Campground

    One of the best State Parks!

    Absolutely stunning views and huge RV spots! We stayed 1 night in spot 27. It’s a massive pull through and pretty level. We stayed 2 nights in spot 14 and you can’t beat the view. Bring your e-bike because getting around is pretty steep.

  • Nikki G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 29, 2025

    Palomino Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    Cozy with Great Views and Trails!

    Stayed overnight in our travel trailer and would stay again. Palomino Loop is small and quiet, facing Caballo Lake. Site 7, full hookups, allowed our bay windows to look out onto the lake. There was immediate access to a beautiful walking trail that led down to the lake if you’re up for a tiny adventure. The comfort station was so clean! The sites are far apart enough that it’s comfortable, but we did have our neighbor comment on our dog barking (twice) when she got close to our trailer, if that gives you an idea of the proximity.


Guide to Hatch

Camping spots near Hatch, New Mexico are situated in high desert terrain at elevations ranging from 4,100 to 4,700 feet, creating significant temperature swings between day and night. The Rio Grande corridor provides multiple camping options with varying levels of facilities, from full hookup sites to primitive areas. Roads to some camping areas require careful navigation due to steep grades and narrow passages.

What to do

Hiking at Aguirre Spring: The 4-mile Pine Tree Trail offers a moderate loop with mountain views. "There is a lovely 4 mile hike that loops up in the mountains by the sites," notes one visitor to Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground.

Wildlife viewing: Winter months bring migrating birds to the Rio Grande corridor. "We'd been traveling a lot with lots of short stays and we're looking for 5 nights near Las Cruces to hunker down for a bit," shared a camper at Leasburg Dam State Park Campground, who used it as a base for regional exploration.

River access: The Rio Grande provides opportunities for wading and fishing. "We camped with water and electric for a few days then parked down on the lake and primitive camped for a few more," explains one camper about their experience at Appaloosa Campground.

What campers like

Mountain views: Many campgrounds offer panoramic views of surrounding ranges. "The park is on the lake it's named after. There are views of the lake and the nearby mountains," reports a visitor to Appaloosa Campground — Caballo Lake State Park.

Covered picnic areas: Most developed sites include shade structures over tables. "Spots are large with great covered tables. Views are beautiful. Many trails around Park down to the Rio Grande River," shares a camper at Leasburg Dam State Park.

Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance varies by location but receives positive mentions. According to one visitor at Riverside Campground — Caballo Lake State Park, "This campground is well kept by the camp hosts. They are also really kind people."

What you should know

Site leveling challenges: Many tent sites require careful selection. "Ground is pretty hard and rocky so wouldn't be good for tent camping," warns one visitor to Appaloosa Campground.

Seasonal weather: Summer camping requires heat preparation. "This campground has clean toilets and showers. A bit windy but you get clean covered shelter with picnic tables and a grill (when available)," notes a camper at Leasburg Dam State Park.

Limited cell coverage: Signal strength varies throughout the region. "Verizon service was very good. Unfortunately, NM still has the Park Offices closed along with the showers," reported one visitor during COVID restrictions.

Facility limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full services. "Small campground with no dump site. All the electric/water sites are pull-through and very close to one another," explains a camper at Percha Dam State Park Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds offer ADA sites. "Spots were level. ADA campsite was more than adequate for a wheelchair. It was nice to walk along the riverbank with the dogs," shares a visitor to Riverside Campground.

Recreation options: Several campgrounds have family-friendly activities. "The kids enjoyed cornhole, basketball, tetherball, and the playground. The store was well stocked," explains a visitor to Las Cruces KOA, located about 40 miles from Hatch.

Educational opportunities: State parks sometimes offer interpretive programs. "The Visitor's Center is charming with a book exchange library," notes one camper about Leasburg Dam State Park.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Look for leveled camping pads at developed sites. "The camping spots have a (mostly) level concrete pad to park your rig on, be it trailer, van or tent. We had water, electricity, fire pit and an Adobe structure covering the picnic table," shares a visitor to Leasburg Dam State Park.

Length restrictions: Some campgrounds limit RV size. At Aguirre Spring, "There are 55 total campsites here. First come, first serve. Smaller RVs only as a winding road takes you here and the spots are small," cautions a camper.

Hookup variability: Electric services differ between campgrounds. "Our site was good for our 36' 5th wheel," explains a visitor to Percha Dam State Park, but notes "Only one full hook up site."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots in Hatch, New Mexico?

The best camping spots near Hatch, New Mexico include Percha Dam State Park Campground and Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Elephant Butte offers excellent lakeside camping with hiking trails, a bike path around the lake, and spacious sites. The park provides convenient access when traveling through southern New Mexico, though water levels can vary seasonally. Both parks offer scenic views typical of New Mexico state parks, with reasonable access to Hatch while still providing a peaceful outdoor experience away from town.

Can I rent an RV in Hatch, New Mexico for my camping trip?

While Hatch itself has limited RV rental options, you can find rentals in nearby larger cities like Las Cruces. After securing your rental, Hacienda RV Resort in Las Cruces provides a convenient first stop with level concrete pads and full hookups right off Interstate 10. Another option is Las Cruces KOA, which offers full hookups and valley views. For the best experience, reserve your RV rental well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, and check if delivery to your campsite is available as an option.

What RV parks and campgrounds are available in Hatch, NM?

The Hatch area offers several quality RV parks and campgrounds. Leasburg Dam State Park Campground provides water and electric hookups for just $18, featuring beautiful views and adobe picnic shelters. For those seeking proximity to water recreation, Caballo Lake RV Park and Riverside Campground — Caballo Lake State Park are excellent options. If you're passing through and need a quick overnight stop, Siesta RV Park offers basic amenities with gravel sites and WiFi access. Most parks in the region are big-rig friendly with reservable sites.