Tent camping near Holloman Air Force Base stretches across New Mexico's varied terrain, spanning from Sacramento Mountains at elevations over 9,000 feet to the stark desert floor at White Sands. The continental climate creates temperature variations that can exceed 40 degrees between day and night in summer months. Winter camping at higher elevations often encounters below-freezing nighttime temperatures, while sites closer to Alamogordo maintain milder conditions year-round.
What to do
Hiking on mountain trails: Lincoln National Forest offers extensive trail networks through pine forests with significant elevation changes. At Lower Karr Canyon Campground, campers enjoy both day hikes and overnight backpacking. One visitor noted, "fairly quiet dirt road with camping spots all along it. Has hiking trails."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings and evenings provide optimal wildlife spotting conditions throughout the region. At Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed, campers regularly encounter native species. A reviewer reported, "we saw wild horses, deer, and massive dropping either of Elk or Bear."
Nighttime stargazing: The clear desert air and minimal light pollution create exceptional stargazing conditions near Holloman AFB. At Monjeau Campground, the 9,500-foot elevation enhances the experience. One camper shared, "I have never seen so many stars. It is a beautiful scene."
What campers like
Solitude in desert settings: White Sands' backcountry sites offer isolation rarely found in national parks. A camper at Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park reported, "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."
Mountain forest environments: The Sacramento Mountains provide cooler temperatures and forest camping within an hour's drive. A visitor to Lower Karr Canyon mentioned, "Very remote and quiet. We didn't go too far in but plenty of sites available and didn't see a single other soul. Easily accessible and had vaulted toilets available."
Panoramic vistas: High elevation sites provide unobstructed views across multiple mountain ranges. At Skyline Campground, a camper described, "It's absolutely stunning to camp at the peak of a mountain. You have 360 views of the region, but beware, the wind can get quite torrential."
What you should know
Water availability constraints: Most dispersed sites require bringing all water supplies. At Backcountry Primitive Sites in White Sands, one camper emphasized, "BRING ALL YOUR WATER! This is primitive backcountry camping. I believe we picked up a free permit at the visitor center."
Road condition challenges: Access to remote sites often requires appropriate vehicles. At Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area, visitors noted, "The drive in is a bit long and the road is rocky and washy in some places."
Seasonal wind considerations: Mountain camping frequently encounters high winds, especially at exposed sites. A Skyline Campground visitor reported, "Terribly windy and open but worth the view. All in all a decent one night or two campground, very close to the road, and very slanted."
Tips for camping with families
Group facilities availability: Some locations provide designated group camping areas with enhanced amenities. Lincoln National Forest Slide Group Campground offers specialized facilities where, "We have rented Slide Campground several times for group RV & tent camping. It features vault toilets, a tent area, a very large covered pavilion for those rainy days, large firepit area, cooking grills & a large parking lot for RVs & kids to play."
Site accessibility considerations: When tent camping Holloman Air Force Base adjacent areas with children, consider hiking distances and terrain. At White Sands, "This isn't a campground but backcountry camping with a hike to the site of under a mile, so it's perfect for backpacking trips for families. BUT walking on sand is a lot more tiring than you think."
Wildlife encounters preparation: Animal encounters require proper preparation. At Lower Karr Canyon, one camper mentioned, "Several camp sites dispersed along the road. The biggest issue is campers not packing out trash and food. The animals are a bit habituated towards getting food."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions awareness: Many camping locations near Holloman Air Force Base have limited access for larger vehicles. At James Canyon Campground, an RVer noted, "This is right off the highway, so easy access. There are only two sides when you can accommodate an RV. Much over 22' would be difficult."
Leveling challenges: Mountain camping presents difficulties for RV stabilization. A reviewer at Monjeau Campground explained, "The drive up is full of narrow switchbacks that you just hope and pray nobody else happens to be coming around at the same time as you are. A class B could get in there as well, but there's no room for anything bigger and good luck getting level."
Dispersed options availability: For self-contained RVs, several dispersed camping areas accommodate vehicles with proper clearance. Sierra Vista's Back Side Dispersed camping area includes spaces where "Coming in off of Dripping Springs Rd, you pass a large flat parking area with small sites you can pull off into, and this area is easy for any rig to access."
