Cabin accommodations near Jamestown, New Mexico typically range from rustic to semi-modern structures set in the high desert landscape of western New Mexico. Located at elevations between 6,000-7,000 feet, the area experiences dramatic temperature changes between day and night, with summer days reaching 90°F and nights cooling to the 50s. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, making cabin amenities like heating systems particularly valuable during colder months.
What to do
Hike volcano formations: The Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano offers a 1.5-mile trail to the volcano rim plus a shorter trail to the ice cave. "We did the hike up the Volcano and then down to the ice cave which cooled us off after the hike. They charge $12 per person with a discount for children," notes a visitor who appreciated this unique geological feature.
Explore lava fields: Many lodging options in the area incorporate natural lava features into their property. "They have a walking path through a lava flow in the park," mentions a guest at Grants KOA Journey, highlighting how the volcanic landscape is accessible even from established campgrounds.
Visit El Morro National Monument: Located minutes from several cabin properties, this historic site features ancient inscriptions and pueblo ruins. "It is just minutes from El Morro Nat'l Monument and close to Mal Pais Volcano flows," explains a camper who stayed at El Morro RV Park and Cabins, noting the convenient proximity to regional attractions.
What campers like
Dark night skies: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. At El Morro RV Park and Cabins, guests appreciate the isolation: "Feels like home. Morro National monument nearby is spectacular. We'd love to return and stay for a few weeks. Special spot."
Unique bathroom setups: Several properties offer distinctive shower facilities. "They have excellent bathrooms and showers, which are set up in separate rooms," notes a guest at Grants KOA Journey. Another visitor specifically called out "exceptionally clean restrooms" as a highlight of their stay.
Wildlife encounters: Free-roaming animals add to the rustic experience at some properties. "There were horses roaming through the campground," reports a visitor to Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, while another mentions "wild horses roaming around the lake were also pretty cool."
What you should know
Water limitations: The high desert location affects water quality and availability. "The only downside was that the water didn't taste great," mentions a camper at Grants KOA Journey. At Bluewater Lake, another notes: "I only saw one water pump in the park."
Seasonal operations: Many cabin rentals have limited seasonal availability. "Prices go up and online reservations begin May 1," explains a visitor to Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, indicating the importance of advance planning during peak season.
Site spacing varies: Cabins and camping spaces have different privacy levels depending on the property. "The space was nice but the sites were too close for us. I preferred more space for privacy," explains a camper at USA RV Park, highlighting how proximity to neighbors differs between locations.
Tips for camping with families
Consider dinner delivery options: Some properties offer convenient food services. "We were able to get pizza delivered to our RV site which was a big hit with the kids," mentions a family who stayed at USA RV Park, noting this unexpected convenience in a rural area.
Look for playground areas: Several properties provide facilities specifically for children. "Playground for the kiddos, lots of areas to explore with the puppers, and plenty of bathrooms and Ramadas available for day use," notes a visitor to Bluewater Lake State Park Campground.
Check for educational opportunities: Geological features provide learning experiences. "There is a trail to the ice cave (short but there are stairs) and a loop trail leading to the volcano," explains a visitor to Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano, adding that "there are markers with an interpretive pamphlet explaining the history and geology of the area."
Tips from RVers
Level site availability: Finding level spots can be challenging in this mountainous region. "Our site was mostly level so we used our small curved levelers on one side," reports an RVer at USA RV Park, providing practical insight about site conditions.
Connectivity considerations: Cell service varies significantly between properties. "We have a signal booster that let us get enough bars of reception to work our remote jobs, but once the booster went off it was intermittent at best," mentions a guest at Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano, highlighting the telecommunications challenges in rural New Mexico.
Hot weather preparation: Summer temperatures require adequate cooling. "Even as it got hot during the day, it cooled nicely at dusk and in the evenings," notes a visitor to Grants KOA Journey, indicating how the high desert climate affects camping comfort throughout the day.
