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Best Campgrounds near Jal, NM

73 Reviews

The southeastern corner of New Mexico surrounding Jal features several municipal and state-operated camping areas primarily serving RV travelers and road-trippers crossing the Texas-New Mexico border. Jal Lake Park offers six free RV spots with water, electric hookups, and a dump station, making it popular for short stays with a 72-hour limit. Within an hour's drive, campers can access Monahans Sandhills State Park in Texas, known for its unique desert dune landscape, and Eunice Municipal Recreation Area, which provides basic amenities for overnight visitors. Harry McAdams Campground near Hobbs offers full hookup sites with spacious layouts and 50-amp service for larger rigs.

Road access throughout the region is generally good, with most campgrounds situated near highways for convenient travel stops. According to one camper at Jal Lake Park, "There's a lake close by with a beautiful sunset which was a plus, and the best part is, it's FREE!" Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Winter nights can drop to freezing, particularly at Monahans Sandhills, though days typically warm up nicely. Cell service varies by location and carrier, with Verizon showing moderate coverage at Jal Lake Park. Most municipal sites operate on a first-come basis with no reservations required, while state park campgrounds may require advance booking.

The camping experience in this region is characterized by its utility as a travel corridor rather than a destination. Visitors note that Jal Lake Park provides "bike paths galore" and playground facilities, though some mention road noise from nearby highways. Monahans Sandhills receives consistently high ratings for its unique landscape, with one camper describing it as "a beautiful drive through the winding sandy hills." Travelers should be prepared for the region's oil industry presence, with occasional train noise and industrial activity. Sunset views are frequently mentioned as highlights across multiple campgrounds, with clean facilities at state parks earning particular praise. Several sites offer free or donation-based camping, making the area budget-friendly for travelers passing through this remote corner of New Mexico.

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Best Camping Sites Near Jal, New Mexico (20)

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Recent Camping Photos near Jal, NM

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Recent Reviews near Jal, NM

73 Reviews of 20 Jal Campgrounds

  • Zoey T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    Amazing place, reasonable price, secluded

    This was perfect. Stars and meteors epic. Close to the highway but secluded. Of their 20 or so sites only 3 were taken. Electric and water hook ups, trash, friendly staff, clean bathrooms. Epically quiet - cool at night. $15 camp fee plus $4 per person unless you have a Texas park pass.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Out West RV Resort

    Clean, secure location

    Nice fully gated park with full hook ups. No facilities yet. Big grassy area with gazebos.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 26, 2025

    Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    So cool

    Loved this campsite! It was so cool to see all of the sand dunes. Right off the highway exit but far out where you can’t hear any traffic noise. Drinking water, electric, bath house with hot showers, and picnic tables available. Decent price with amenities. You can rent sand discs and sled down the mountains. Definitely recommended to check out for a night or two!

  • Christina H.
    May. 11, 2025

    Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    Hidden gem in west Texas

    In the middle of the oil fields is Willow Draw Campground in Monahan Sandhills State Park. The campground is a beautiful drive through the winding sandy hills. They have a good amount of RV spots, with 50 amp, water, and a dump station on the way out. Limited pull through sites that seem to book quickly, but plenty of open back in sites that are nicely spaced. We booked site 22, a back in site up against a large dune hill. It was not easy to back a 55ft long rig into, probably one of the worst sites for a big rig, but we still managed. We just had to park our tow vehicle weird.

    The dunes are awesome and beautiful. The park is incredibly clean and the rangers do great work patrolling and keeping the campsites safe and clean.

    The price for camping is incredibly cheap, especially for what you're getting! The views from each site are breathtaking. All are within a short walk to the dunes. You can rent snow sleds and go sand boarding. Theres gorgeous wildflowers all over in the spring and summer and the sunsets are always 10/10 here. We heard the distant songs of coyotes and smelled the oil from the fields. A very unique experience and a must for RV camping checklists!

  • A
    Apr. 24, 2025

    Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    Once in a lifetime view

    Monahans was way better than what I’ve heard about it online. I camped out there for Easter weekend and had an amazing time. Hiking up the dunes and watching the sunrise was definitely a once in a lifetime time experience. Even though the weather was pretty bad whenever I went, I would recommend to visit here at least once.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 31, 2025

    Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground

    You think you're at the beach

    I stayed here five nights in site number three, which is a pull through and a great view of the windmill and the day use parking lot.. In January, it gets pretty cold at night around freezing, but warmed up nicely every day. One day was so windy. It was rocking my fifth wheel like it's never rocked before. Yes, I live alone. It was very quiet with little noise from I 20. I did hear a train whistle, but then you can hear a train whistle just about everywhere in the entire state of Texas in the morning. I did see very small prints in the freshly blown sand. Watch out for rodents getting into your RV.

  • D
    Jan. 17, 2025

    Wickett City Campground

    Good city park

    Nice city park right off I-20. Easy to get to and full hook ups for $16.75 a day. It only has 30amp but that’s ok. Really nice folks that were very pleasant. If you need a place to stop give it a try.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2024

    Jal Lake Park

    Shady

    Initially we thought the place was great after dinner we decided to go for ice cream when we came back there was a car parked in our spot a woman got and got into a truck so we parked one spot over after 15 minutes they returned and she got back in her car pretty sure she was a “professional” wink wink lol then two trucks pulled in parked next to each other in opposite directions one passed cash to the other then was handed a small bag. Not a safe vibe if we weren’t with our son we might stay but now looking for a new spot

Guide to Jal

Camping near Jal, New Mexico, offers a unique experience with stunning landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a quick pit stop or a longer stay, there are plenty of options that cater to different camping styles.

What to do:

  • Explore the Dunes: The Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground is famous for its beautiful dunes. One camper mentioned, "Gorgeous dunes and sunrises and sunsets from anywhere at this camp."
  • Visit Nearby National Parks: The area is close to both Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Parks. A reviewer noted, "Great location for both Guadalupe Mountains NP and Carlsbad Caverns."
  • Enjoy Stargazing: The clear skies around Jal make for excellent stargazing opportunities. One camper shared, "Great night sky. Quiet."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at the Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground. A visitor said, "The bathrooms are always super clean and there are even showers!"
  • Unique Scenery: Many enjoy the unique landscape of the dunes. One review stated, "A wonderfully unique campground amongst the dunes."
  • Convenient Location: Campers love the easy access to attractions. A reviewer mentioned, "This is a great free area of land located conveniently between the Guadalupe mtns and The Carlsbad Caverns."

What you should know:

  • Limited Privacy: Campsites can be close together, which might not suit everyone. A camper noted, "No privacy, close each campsite. Great for walking and sunset views."
  • Weather Conditions: Be prepared for windy conditions, especially in the spring. One camper warned, "I was caught in a two-day dust storm with 70mph winds."
  • No Amenities at Some Sites: Some campgrounds, like Chosa Campground, lack amenities like drinking water and electric hookups. A visitor mentioned, "It’s just a huge free dirt lot to camp in."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with clean facilities and activities for kids. The Carlsbad RV Park & Campground has a well-maintained laundry room and clean bathrooms, making it a good choice for families.
  • Plan for Outdoor Activities: Bring along games and outdoor gear. One camper suggested, "Great for walking and sunset views," which can be fun for the whole family.
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. A reviewer mentioned, "The market is not available, so bring your own supplies."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure the campground can accommodate your RV size. A camper noted, "Most have water, electricity, and sewer," which is helpful for larger rigs.
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Dust storms can happen, so keep your RV clean and secure. One RVer shared, "It was hard to be outside, but we survived just fine."
  • Use Good Navigation: Some campgrounds can be tricky to find. A visitor advised, "Even camped right off the highway, the noise didn’t bother us," suggesting that GPS might lead you to unexpected spots.

Camping near Jal, New Mexico, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a memorable adventure. Whether you're in an RV or tent camping, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities does Jal Lake Park offer for campers?

Jal Lake Park offers several amenities for campers including water and electric (20/30/50 amp) hookups at its 6 RV spots. There's a dump station located nearby with clear signage. The park features a lake, bike paths, a playground, and a mini water play area. Vault toilets are available for campers. The park allows free three-day parking and has enough space for big rigs with room to park an additional vehicle on the side. There's some road noise, but most campers find it minimal and not disruptive to their stay.

How far is Jal, NM from Carlsbad and what's the best route for RVers?

Jal, NM is approximately 75-80 miles from Carlsbad, with the drive taking about 1.5 hours. The best route for RVers is US-180 E to NM-18 S, which is well-maintained and suitable for large vehicles. Along this route, RVers can find overnight accommodations at Eunice Municipal Recreation Area as a midway point. For those wanting to explore the region further, Monahans Sandhills State Park Campground in Texas offers water and electric hookups, clean bathrooms with hot showers, and is easily accessible from the highway.

What RV parks are available in Jal, New Mexico?

In Jal, New Mexico, RVers can stay at Jal Lake Park, which offers 6 RV spots with water and electric hookups (20/30/50 amp). The park also features a dump station. For additional options near Jal, consider Harry McAdams Campground, which provides full hookup sites including sewer connections, with two sites offering 50-amp service. The sites are spacious and set away from the main road, providing a more peaceful camping experience.

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