Best Campgrounds near Hillsboro, NM

Campgrounds near Hillsboro, New Mexico range from rustic forest sites to full-service RV parks, with most locations situated within a 30-mile radius of town. Visitors can choose between established campgrounds like Kingston Campground for tent camping or Hillsboro RV Park for vehicles requiring hookups. Several locations in the Gila National Forest offer free primitive camping while state parks like Percha Dam and Caballo Lake provide developed facilities with electrical and water hookups. The surrounding landscape includes desert terrain, mountain forests, and lake shorelines, creating diverse camping environments for both tent and RV users.

Road conditions vary considerably between developed and primitive campgrounds, with forest roads often requiring high-clearance vehicles. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with Iron Creek, Railroad Canyon, and Luna Park Campgrounds typically open from April through November. Summer temperatures can reach extreme highs, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Most forest service campgrounds feature vault toilets and basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, while state parks offer more comprehensive facilities including showers and dump stations. A visitor described Kingston Campground as "really just a couple of spots with a picnic table and not a destination but worthy of stopping if the mountains are cold."

The most highly-rated camping areas include Luna Park Campground, which receives praise for its rock climbing opportunities, stargazing conditions, and relative seclusion. Campers frequently mention the peaceful settings and natural features like flowing creeks at Upper Gallinas and Railroad Canyon campgrounds. Several visitors noted the small size and quiet atmosphere of forest campgrounds as particular advantages. One camper described Railroad Canyon as "a solid little campground with 3 (maybe 4?) campsites and few amenities" with "many trails to access the wilderness from, and a small creek running behind each of the three campsites." Campgrounds closest to water sources consistently receive positive reviews, with locations near streams being especially popular among tent campers seeking natural settings.

Best Camping Sites Near Hillsboro, New Mexico (97)

    1. Appaloosa Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    13 Reviews
    Arrey, NM
    16 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 ;-).  "

    "I come out here to mostly kayak, fish & walk my dogs. Kayaking is best when the sunrises because you get a beautiful view of it rising behind the mountains."

    2. Kingston Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hillsboro, NM
    7 miles
    Website

    "Me and my gf fell in love with this camping spot, the weather was nice when we were there, cute wild or domesticated animals walk the space not aggressive just cute and helpful with the leafs and cycle"

    "I walked through Kingstown and which is a friendly, adorable town. It is just up the road from their provided campground."

    3. Cibola National Forest Luna Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Hillsboro, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 854-2381

    "Driving into this campground was incredible. The scenery all around was well worth the trip. Be prepared to endure whatever nature has in store for you."

    "Access is possible from the south via FR139 and Luna Park Road, but Google Maps won't show you that because it requires a high clearance vehicle or very careful driving."

    4. Railroad Canyon Campground

    7 Reviews
    Mimbres, NM
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 388-8201

    "This campground is a “little” more hidden from the road than other nearby campgrounds."

    "This campground is a “little” more hidden from the road than other nearby campgrounds."

    5. Hillsboro RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Hillsboro, NM
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 895-3381

    "Research where you need to exit you might miss it then have to go into Silver City to turn around."

    "great rural campground. lake valley ghost town is worth the ride"

    6. 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. "

    7. Upper Gallinas Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mimbres, NM
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 388-8313

    "I really enjoyed the scenery here, there are restrooms and a long stream that you could sit next to and see all the creatures that are in the stream. The ground is solid for RV’s"

    "Nice and close to get to a picnic table but I'd stay at one of the others before staying here."

    8. 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."

    9. Iron Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Mimbres, NM
    13 miles
    Website

    "Nice hiking trails throughout. No cell signal. Most spots are fairly flat with slight adjustment."

    10. Caballo Lake RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Caballo, NM
    15 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."

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Recent Reviews near Hillsboro, NM

388 Reviews of 97 Hillsboro Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Silver City KOA

    Peaceful KOA Gem Near Historic Silver City

    The Silver City KOA is a wonderful place to stay! The staff are friendly and go above and beyond to make you feel welcome. Sites are well-maintained with plenty of space, and the amenities — from spotless restrooms to a cozy camp store — make it easy to relax. It’s also a perfect base for exploring Gila Cliff Dwellings and downtown Silver City. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a peaceful, comfortable stay in southwest New Mexico!

  • Noah B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Mesa Campground

    Nice, but busy.

    Very nice spot, but it is not directly lake access. If you’re boondocking I recommend camping more into the forest itself.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2025

    Leasburg Dam State Park Campground

    Best it could be.

    Park made the most of what they had. Spots are large with great covered tables. Views are beautiful. Many trails around Park down to the Rio Grande River. Can't beat the park for the area.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Truth or Consequences Camp on Rio Grande

    Good for a night

    Very limited spots, right off the road so road noise can be a factor. You will get some cows across the river that wander through. It's good for a night but I wouldn't seek it out as a destination

  • Sherry M.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Mesa Campground

    Lots of space

    Fairly large spaces, walk to lake, fall is beautiful and cool.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Little Vineyard RV Park

    Convenient Location

    Convenient location to local stores and restaurants. Just stopped for a quick overnight. Seemed to have a lot of full timers. Clean bath houses, indoor pool

  • Kevin K.
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Palomino Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    Smallest campground ever

    There are 3 different campgrounds at this Caballo Lake State Park. The Palomino campground is 7 full hookup sites with a host and a bathroom with showers. Very clean and well spaced. There are nice lake views.

  • B
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    It's okay

    We stayed the days at site 8. Very easy access for our 28 ft bumper pull. Electricity and water worked great, and the public bathroom/shower was new, clean, and easily accessible. We did notice mice in the campsite and this probably contributed to us finding a rattlesnake in front of the door to the bathroom one night. The lake level is super low and the fishing was slow.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Elephant Butte Beach Front Sites

    Elephant butte: lions beach front

    Lions beach has first come first serve beach front dispersed camping available, how ever to enter the park you must pay an entree fee of $15 for non- NM residents per night.


Guide to Hillsboro

Camping near Hillsboro, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: The trails around City of Rocks State Park Campground are perfect for both hiking and biking. One visitor mentioned, "You could just walk around the rocks and campground or take one of the trails out into the desert landscape. We had our bikes and were not disappointed!"
  • Fishing and Boating: If you enjoy water activities, Elephant Butte Lake State Park is a great spot. A reviewer noted, "If you like to fish or have a boat, this is the place for you!"
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Percha Dam State Park Campground have spotted various wildlife. One camper shared, "Waking up with calls from the cranes across the lake made my day happy!"

What campers like:

  • Unique Campsites: Many campers appreciate the distinct layouts of sites. A visitor at City of Rocks State Park Campground said, "One of the best campgrounds, in regards to campsite layout, we have stayed in during 4 1/2 years of full timing."
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort are noted for their cleanliness. A reviewer mentioned, "Very clean and well maintained roads."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Silver City KOA said, "The staff are top notch! Young, energetic, and as helpful as can be."

What you should know:

  • Remote Locations: Some campgrounds, like Caballo Lake State Park Campground, can be quite remote. A visitor noted, "While I was ready to get back to civilization, I genuinely had a relaxing time."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Maryicelli Road Dispersed Camping lack amenities. One camper mentioned, "Not much in the immediate area, but a nice place to stop for the night."
  • Cell Service: Depending on where you camp, cell service can vary. A camper at Percha Dam State Park Campground said, "Great Verizon cell service while there."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Elephant Butte Lake State Park, which has a children's playground. A visitor noted, "Childrens' playground on site."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a mix of activities. One family enjoyed the "great views of the stairs" while hiking at Riverbend Hot Springs.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep everyone happy with snacks on hand. A camper at Silver City KOA mentioned, "Clean all heating worked," which is great for warming up food.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the sites can accommodate your RV. A reviewer at Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort said, "Easy to hook up, to pull in, easy to pull out with our 36’ 5th wheel."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Caballo Lake State Park Campground offer full hookups, which many RVers prefer. One camper noted, "There is a dump and water fill station as well as sites with electric and water."
  • Be Prepared for Weather: The weather can change quickly, so be ready. A visitor at City of Rocks State Park Campground mentioned, "Very little protection from the wind, but there is some."

Camping near Hillsboro, New Mexico, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some unforgettable memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hillsboro, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hillsboro, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 97 campgrounds and RV parks near Hillsboro, NM and 15 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hillsboro, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hillsboro, NM is Appaloosa Campground — Caballo Lake State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hillsboro, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 free dispersed camping spots near Hillsboro, NM.