7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Gila Hot Springs Ranch accommodates horses in the Gila National Forest, with specialized equestrian camping facilities set amid mountain scenery. Horse owners can bring their trailers to designated sites that include hot and cold water hookups. The ranch offers opportunities to arrange pack trips on horseback through the surrounding backcountry areas. Trail rides are available for less experienced riders. The natural setting includes views of sheep and horses that occasionally roam through the campground, with visitors reporting they enjoyed watching ranch staff round up their herd of horses.
Located approximately 4 miles from the cliff dwellings in Gila National Forest, the ranch provides access to riding trails through rugged mountain terrain. Horse trailer parking is available at campsites, with site #08 noted as suitable for a 37-foot gooseneck horse trailer. The ranch terrain involves steep grade drives with switchbacks, requiring careful navigation with larger vehicles and horse trailers. Guests observe wildlife including deer grazing at sunset and sheep with newborn lambs near the hot springs area. The mountainous location offers scenic vistas, with sunrise and sunset casting colorful hues on surrounding rock formations, enhancing the horse camping experience.
"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."
"Nice area to visit with the lake and dam close by."
"Nice level Lake view spot. Easy access to site and dump station. Fire pit and shade over picnic table."
"You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it."
"Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque"
"This is a great spot to launch your boat into the lake. The launch has bathrooms and even a fish washing station!
Be sure to check out the tree covered in lures next to the launch."
"When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road. Great views, desert terrain. I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great."
"This is a campground right next to the dispersed camp. It looked like only tents were in this part of the park."
"There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing."
"Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks. Beautiful scenery with sheep and horses."
from $6 - $29 / night
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ScoutTried to camp here and drove in late. There’s two entrances to this area per Google Maps. Both entrances had gates that both said New Mexico State Park Boundary Line. Ended up having to find a hotel because there’s not many other places to camp in this area other than in the parks. Maybe try to look when it is brighter outside for a different entrance.
TravelerWe pulled right into our campsite with hot and cold water at our site. I believe they pull it from the natural hot springs that run beneath the mountain. What a treat! Even if you're not glam camping with a fancy RV it's perfect! How many times have you had to wash your dishes in cold water st a campground.
I pull a 37ft gooseneck horse trailer that is now used for camping. No amenities but next best thing to camping in a tent.
There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing. Especially after climbing the step to the cave/cliff dwellings which are approximately 4 mi further up the road.
The restrooms are flush toilets, hot water and a heated floor. Super clean! You can pay a small fee to utilize the "hot tub" which is more modern but the best part is that there's no ceiling! That means as you sit in the hot tub you're privy to the unobstructed view of the Milky Way! Bring a pair of binoculars! We saw several shooting stars and we blown away by the majesty of the heavens which were out "ceiling"!
You can get out of the hot tub, go directly into the restroom/shower. There's a code to enter the two shower/hot tub complex. Great because it keeps unexpected/uninvited guests from entering.
We parked at site #08 close to the restrooms. There are hookups for more luxurious RVs.
We ran out of propane and were easily accommodated with a fire ring and wood for a small fee. Well worth it! Mornings were in the 30's. It warms up quickly so layering worked for us.
The camp host were very accommodating and friendly.
I loved watching them round up their herd of horses that roam freely through the campground from time to time.
At sunset we watched deer in the pasture grazing happily. Then watched them hop right over the fence one by one! How fun is that!
Sunrise and sunsets there cast the most beautiful hues on the rock formations surrounding the area.
While walking down to the natural hot springs we were delighted to see sheep who had given birth to a couple sets of black & white faced twins! Too cute for words...
Bring a lunch as there are picnic tables next to the creek. Great after soaking in the three separate soaking areas.
I was told you could arrange pack trips on horses and explore any of the back country areas. This is love to return and take advantage of! As amazing as it is on foot and in the car it Hass to be mine blowing on the back of a horse! I was also told that they do trail rides for those less experienced riders.

GuideQuiet ranch in the mountains of Gila National Forest. Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks. Beautiful scenery with sheep and horses.
GuideVery clean park. Concrete roads and gravel sites. Very nice shower/laundry facility. Sites are a little close upfront and the road noise can be a bit of an issue. Good cell service with Verizon and AT&T. Nice area to visit with the lake and dam close by.
LegendThis is a campground right next to the dispersed camp. It looked like only tents were in this part of the park. When we were here there was some guys with DNR and they were cutting back all of the dead trees from a fire. The wood they cut was all around in stacks for campers to use while camping. The sites are clean and spread out with level spots for your tent. They have fire rings and tables. Pit toilets and garbage is also on site. The night sky is incredible and you can see the Milky Way. There is no cell service here. The road in is graveled but it is nice and no car or suv would have trouble navigating. There is a hiking trail head near the back of the campground. It is peaceful and relaxing here!
LegendNice level Lake view spot. Easy access to site and dump station. Fire pit and shade over picnic table.
GuideStayed here July 12-14,2019. There were quite a few sites available late Friday afternoon. Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque
GuideThere are plenty of nice spots to camp along North Star Road, north of Mimbres, NM. You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it. North Star Road is usually well maintained and most vehicles should make it to at least North Star Mesa.
Nothing in terms of services and amenities, but nice hiking nearby. Very clear skies at night.
As always, please follow LNT principles when dispersed camping.
LegendThis isn’t a campground. It is a boat launch and picnic area. There are lots of no camping signs but if you travel east or west you can find two campgrounds.
This is a great spot to launch your boat into the lake. The launch has bathrooms and even a fish washing station!
Be sure to check out the tree covered in lures next to the launch.
The area to launch your boat is huge plenty of room to navigate down toward the water.
There is also a dock extending out over the water if you don’t have a boat.
The area was clean and had garbage bins.
Can’t camp here but there was plenty of other things to do.
Equestrian accommodations near Hillsboro, New Mexico offer specialized facilities in the rugged terrain of southwestern New Mexico. Situated at elevations ranging from 4,200 to 7,000 feet, this region features dramatic temperature variations between day and night. The mountainous landscape combines desert terrain with forested highlands, creating diverse riding environments where equestrians can navigate backcountry trails while managing the challenging terrain.
Hot springs soaking: Access natural thermal waters at Gila Hot Springs Ranch, where multiple soaking areas provide relaxation after trail rides. "We were delighted to see sheep who had given birth to a couple sets of black & white faced twins! Too cute for words... Bring a lunch as there are picnic tables next to the creek. Great after soaking in the three separate soaking areas," notes Eugenie B.
Fishing excursions: Cast a line at Lake Roberts, a serene lake surrounded by forest land. "This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views," shares Eva G. Many equestrians trailer horses to lake access points for combined riding and fishing trips.
Night sky observation: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. Michael D. from BLM Near City of Rocks notes, "Great views, desert terrain. I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great," making it possible to identify constellations using astronomy apps while camping with horses.
Natural water features: The combination of lakes and rivers provides both scenic value and practical water sources. Christy L. mentions, "Great place to kayak especially when the sun rises you will see it over the mountains. My favorite part about caballo lake is floating down from elephant butte to caballo lake in a giant floaty."
Wildlife viewing: The diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife observation opportunities. "At sunset we watched deer in the pasture grazing happily. Then watched them hop right over the fence one by one! How fun is that!" reports a camper at Gila Hot Springs Ranch.
Secluded camping spots: Jorge G. from North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping appreciates the isolation: "There are plenty of nice spots to camp along North Star Road, north of Mimbres, NM. You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it." These areas accommodate horse trailers with sufficient space for temporary corrals.
Terrain challenges: Mountain roads require careful navigation with trailers. "Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks," warns Ellyn F. about approaches to certain horse campgrounds.
Water availability varies: Not all sites provide water hookups. At Caballo Lake RV Park, Brittany N. notes, "A little rocky but beautiful lake. You can either stay on the north side of the damn where the lake is or stay on the south side where the Rio grande runs." Equestrians should carry water supplies for horses when visiting more remote locations.
Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures frequently exceed 95°F, requiring early morning or evening riding schedules. Winter camping brings overnight temperatures below freezing, necessitating appropriate blankets for horses.
Beginner-friendly riding areas: Several locations offer gentle terrain suitable for novice riders. Jessica M. recommends Lake Roberts: "It's a few minutes from the lake but it's nice and open.. both times we've gone it's had quite a few people but beyond being able to hear them we weren't running into each other."
Educational opportunities: Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort provides access to both water recreation and historical sites. Amber N. simply states: "Always worth going," making it a reliable destination for families with varied interests.
Safety precautions: Families with horses should establish clear boundaries around campsites. Many campgrounds have unfenced areas adjacent to wilderness, requiring vigilant supervision of both children and animals.
Site selection for horse trailers: Choose level sites that accommodate both living quarters and horse compartments. Linda C. advises, "Maneuvering our 24ft sprinter was doable on the property but larger vehicles not advised."
Hookup availability: Robert R. from Elephant Butte notes, "Site was pretty level, very quiet and peaceful. Staff was very easy to get a hold of during business hours. Security patrols the park regularly." This provides reassurance for those traveling with valuable horses and equipment.
Water management: Bring appropriate storage containers for horse water needs. The Dyrt app information sometimes differs from actual amenities, as Brett D. points out: "The Dyrt app says there is WiFi which there isn't and also that there are sewer hookups which they aren't. Not a problem but just fyi."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hillsboro, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hillsboro, NM is Caballo Lake RV Park with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hillsboro, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Hillsboro, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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