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Several good camping spots surround Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, with White Sands National Park being one of the most interesting nearby options thanks to its gypsum dunes and basic camping areas. Campers can also head to the Rio Grande or Sangre de Cristo Mountains for different landscapes and activities. Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake sits close to the base with nice lake views but minimal facilities, though it works well for quick trips because of how near it is to White Sands. The Alamogordo / White Sands KOA has better amenities including showers and electric hookups, which many RV campers prefer, plus it's near the New Mexico Space Museum if you want something educational to do. Many people looking for real quiet choose the backcountry sites at White Sands National Park where you can camp far from others. The whole area has good hiking trails, wildlife watching, and photography spots. Just remember that desert temperatures swing widely between day and night. It's smart to check what rules apply before camping in any specific area. Holloman Air Force Base makes a good starting point for seeing many of New Mexico's natural areas.
"Very beautiful hidden away RV and Raised Primitive State Park full of marked and unmarked foliage and a nice museum reflecting on the surrounding area of New Mexico."
"I like heat and live in New Mexico. Northern new Mexico, in the mountains, where no one needs air conditioning. "
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"In direct contrast to the White Sands backcountry camping which offers absolutely zero thrills and access to luxuries, the White Sand KOA is a great place to stay for those wanting some of the comforts"
"However there is a train close by that blew the horn very loud all throughout the night. Woke me up at 1am, 3am, and 5:30 am."
"If you do one thing in New Mexico--and it would be a shame if you only did one thing, but I digress--full moon camping at White Sands National Monument might be it."
"The hike from the parking lot is barely 2 miles, but when you get to the site there is just seas of white surrounding you. And if at all possible try to camp here during a full moon."
"No problem navigating in our 43ft motorhome --plenty of dispersed sites in a gravel loop off the paved entrance road to Oliver Lee Memorial Park. Sites were about 50 yards or so apart (see video)."
"Mine had a stone border created by previous guests which was pretty cool. Great views in every direction, but many sites will be exposed to wind. Was pretty gusty when I was there."
"It is north of the busiest part of town, so it is fairly quiet, even though you are right next to the highway. It definitely served our needs."
"I paid $35 night electric only then had to pay $5 water in my tank .only was a bit noisy next to the hiway and needs a little lightning around very dark . 2 dog areas was good location"
"I’m not sure if the coordinates aren’t accurate or what, but it would help to have more signs along the highway showing where to turn."
"After my 2nd night there it became apparent that it was to push smaller rigs into the less desirable areas away from the lake."
"The site was right off the highway so easy to get to and the site level. There was a lot of noise from traffic on the highway."
"It’s only a 30‑minute drive to White Sands National Park and Cloudcroft. The host is very responsive and helpful via call or text. They even provide sleds and wax for free to use at White Sands."
"The best qualities of the campground: awesome views -hookups -grill area and games + sleds to borrow -laundry -close to Lincoln National Forest and white sands and pistachioland!"
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability"nearby within walking distance. Sugar Pines RV Park is 10 minutes away and offers dump and fill for $10."
"You can get as far away from main roads as you need. There are infinite spots on this road. It’s quite long and the road conditions aren’t all that bad, so anyone can access it."
"Went 12/28-12/30 and the actual campground area was packed the whole time even with it being 20-30 degrees outside. Extremely windy and most areas only get an hour or two of sun."
"This is a quiet area tucked away in Lincoln National Forest. It's not too far from Cloudcroft, NM so it's easy to resupply on water, snack, etc."
GuideThese spots are all along a stretch of very rocky road. Our small two wheel drive couldn’t make it down very far, but we were still able to get to a spot. We were the only folks there, and besides occasional cars passing by the main road, it felt very private.
Accessibility: very flat. Thin layer of loose gravel in parts. Could be navigated by manual wheelchair with off-roading wheels/freewheel.
TravelerMultiple dispersed sites along Bailey canyon in the Lincoln NF, quiet and relaxing during the week. Popular on weekends so come early.
TravelerIt's late June. Weather is nice and the sites are beautiful, but the insects are really buzzing. Be careful if you are allergic to bees. There's also a fire ban which is a camping bummer.
ScoutReally like this RV spot lots of space, very poor Wi-Fi… And our neighbors were very loud, cussing, and playing music till midnight. But the camp staff was very helpful. Middle to late June temperatures were hot enough. We definitely needed the air conditioner… Father’s Day weekend many of the attractions in Ruidoso and an alto were pretty busy.
TravelerGreat site for a small group. 4 official camp sites with fire ring and picnic benches. Great group fire pit with benches. Fantastic group canopy site with picnic tables. Only one male and female vault toilets for the group and only one bear box. Conveniently close to Cloudcroft stores and restaurants.
GuideGreat location! Rough roads for sure so be incredibly cautious driving through at night. Sites are very nicely spread out and the view is great.
GuideStopped in on the fly, was a great spot.
TravelerThe weather was chilly, and there was still some snow on the ground. The campsite is on a mountain. The dirt road up to the mountain is very well kept. Overall very nice campsite I would go again.
ScoutRoad in was okay with my ford fusion! It wasn’t very busy. There are many pull off options with sites to chose from. Enough connection with att to send texts & call.
The area around Holloman Air Force Base sits at approximately 4,100 feet elevation in the Tularosa Basin, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to over 100°F in summer. The terrain transitions from desert lowlands to alpine forest within a 30-minute drive, creating diverse camping conditions. Wind can be significant in spring months, particularly March, requiring secure tent stakes and wind-resistant setups.
Hiking Dog Canyon Trail: At Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, a challenging but rewarding trail awaits about 25 minutes from the base. "The Dog Canyon hike is excellent. Quiet and friendly!" notes Pam R. of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground.
Stargazing on dunes: The backcountry camping at White Sands offers exceptional night sky viewing. "If you want a peaceful night, do a backcountry trip at White Sands. It is the most quiet night you'll have (from humans!). We did hear a coyote or two," shares Leah W. about the Backcountry Primitive Sites.
Off-road vehicle exploring: Red Sands OHV area provides dedicated trails for dirt bikes and ATVs. "It's great for off road vehicles and it's pretty open. No shade and can get pretty miserable if it's windy," mentions Brittany N. who visited the area.
Mountain proximity: The Sacramento Mountains offer a quick escape from desert heat. "About 20 minutes to white sands, clean bathrooms, well kept. Maintained a lot of space between campsites during pandemic," explains a visitor to Alamogordo / White Sands KOA.
Wildlife viewing: Many sites offer opportunities to spot desert and mountain wildlife. "We saw lots of wildlife in the area. The lake is pretty stinky, as a matter of fact the cop called it 'stinky lakes', but it wasn't terrible," reports Carlee S. from her stay at Holloman AFB FamCamp.
Cool mountain retreats: When summer temperatures soar, heading to higher elevations brings relief. "This campground is quite remote, however it's about 30 minutes from the White Sands National Park, which is super cool to see and also about 30 minutes from the little mountain town called Cloudcroft, which has a lot of charm and many cute shops," notes Andrea about Mountain Meadows RV Park.
Temperature extremes: Prepare for significant day-to-night temperature swings in the desert. "We only used electric site. Used the air conditioner for the hot mid days and heat in the early mornings," explains Jon S. who camped at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park.
Military operations: Nearby installations conduct periodic training exercises. "One evening we could hear what we think to be artillery explosions from the White Sands missile range by the Air Force Base. Nothing alarming if you have heard artillery before. Short lived and did not interrupt our experience," reports a camper.
March wind season: Spring brings challenging wind conditions. "BEWARE: March is 'Windy season'. We got caught on the first day of it I think! Big gusty winds at night for us. The drive there can get dangerous and could possibly expect a bumpy night in a camper there!" warns Nicholas from his stay at Alamogordo / White Sands KOA.
Free sled borrowing: Some campgrounds provide equipment for White Sands activities. "They even provide sleds and wax for free to use at White Sands," mentions Tijana & Andrew C. who stayed at Mountain Meadows RV Park.
Stream play opportunities: Look for sites with natural water features for kids. "There is a small waterfall that we could see and hear from our campsite and a creek for kiddos to play in," says Jeanie P. about Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping.
Educational day trips: Several nearby attractions offer learning experiences. "Local to everything in Alamogordo. Propane available, laundry, cabins, hot as hell showers," notes Christian M. about amenities at the Alamogordo / White Sands KOA, which provides easy access to the Space Museum.
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs dramatically between locations. "Cell great for Verizon and only 1-2 bars for AT&T," reports Todd M. from Boot Hill RV Resort, while another camper at Oliver Lee notes, "Strong cell service with both Verizon and T-Mobile."
Water pressure awareness: Bring regulators for some campgrounds with municipal water. "Water pressure is really high at around 155 psi. So definitely bring a regulator," advises Christian M. from his KOA stay.
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience railroad disturbances. "Train tracks not far away and one night I heard it at least 5 different times. 6:45a trash pickup on Tues mornings FYI. Just be aware if you're a light sleeper," warns Nick H. about his experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to stay at the Holloman AFB RV Park?
The Holloman AFB RV Park typically charges around $20-25 per night for full hookup sites. This rate is significantly more affordable than many private RV parks in the area like Mountain Meadows RV Park. Military ID cardholders (active duty, reserves, national guard, retirees) and DoD civilians are eligible to use the facility. Monthly rates are also available for longer stays. Prices may vary seasonally and are subject to change, so calling ahead to confirm current rates is recommended.
Are there camping options at Holloman Lake near the Air Force Base?
While Holloman Lake itself doesn't offer designated camping facilities, several excellent options exist nearby. Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground is a beautiful alternative located in the Organ Mountains with stunning views and hiking trails. For those seeking water recreation combined with camping, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground provides developed sites with electricity and water hookups about 30 minutes from Holloman AFB. Both offer more natural settings than what's available directly on base.
What facilities are available at Holloman AFB FamCamp?
Holloman AFB FamCamp offers full hookups for RVs including water, electric, and sewer connections. The campground features clean restroom facilities, showers, and is designed to be big-rig friendly with pull-through sites. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, Wi-Fi access, and a dump station. The FamCamp is well-maintained and provides convenient access to base facilities for eligible military personnel, veterans, and DoD civilians with proper ID.
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