Red Rock Park & Campground offers horseback riding facilities near Jamestown, New Mexico, with trails extending directly from camping areas into scenic red sandstone terrain. The campground sits at approximately 6,500 feet elevation, creating a high desert environment with significant temperature variations between day and night. Seasonal winds can affect camping conditions, particularly during spring months when gusts can create dusty conditions throughout the area.
What to do
Hiking Church Rock Trail: The 3-3.5 mile round trip hike provides views of distinctive sandstone formations. "Church Rock Trial and Pyramid Rock Trail are both about 3 to 3 and a half miles round trip from the campground. Your surrounded by desert on one side and dark red stone on the other, very cool place and trails," notes Fain H. from Red Rock Park & Campground.
Attend cultural events: The arena hosts Native American celebrations throughout the year. "There are events at the open arena, featuring rodeos, Native American celebrations, and an annual balloon festival in early December. It's beautiful to watch the balloons float about the red rocks in the park and there are a lot of places to scramble on the rocks yourself," shares Jean C.
Explore nearby attractions: Several notable landmarks are within driving distance. "The Petrified Forest is another 90 minutes down the road; El Morro National Monument, Acoma Pueblo, and El Malpais National Monument are a few of the interesting places to visit," recommends Jean C.
What campers like
Affordable pricing: The campground offers budget-friendly rates for equestrian camping near Jamestown, New Mexico. "You get what you pay for. $22 for water and electricity is a bargain," explains Edie & Roy T. from Red Rock Campground.
Self-service convenience: The online reservation system makes late arrivals simple. "Booked online and confirmation was immediately sent via email that included the bathroom door code. Arrived after hours without issue. Showered in the morning and left without ever having to talk to any staff," reports Lauren W.
Water activities: Nearby lakes provide recreation options for horse campers. "This was the only lake we saw on our trip to the cattle ranch in New Mexico. The park is lovely and we truly enjoyed our time here. There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing," notes Sara S. about Bluewater Lake State Park Campground.
What you should know
Site variations: Campsite quality and amenities vary significantly. "Level dirt sites. Closer to each other but enough space to enjoy the scenery. Great hikes and good views. During the windy season, the sand will blast you and all equipment (bring good tie downs)," advises Judes W.
Limited office hours: Plan arrivals accordingly to access facilities. "Turns out their policy is that you get a key to the bathroom if you check in, and the office closes at 4:30pm, so if you haven't arrived by then you are going to be looking for a place to squat," warns Chloe H.
Road noise: Highway proximity affects some sites. "This city-operated campground is bordered by highway on one side and red rocks on the other... The campground itself is dusty and relatively open; you will hear road traffic," reports Jean C.
Tips for camping with families
Check playground availability: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, "Playground for the kiddos, lots of areas to explore with the puppers, and plenty of bathrooms and Ramadas available for day use," mentions Sara S.
Consider bathroom accessibility: Facilities vary between campgrounds. "Vault toilets in abundance. One bathroom with sinks and flush toilets. Separate shower house was closed when we were here," notes Jennifer W., important information for families needing reliable restroom access.
Prepare for wildlife encounters: Horse camping facilities may include unexpected animal sightings. "There were horses roaming through the campground," observes Jennifer W., which can provide educational opportunities for children but requires appropriate precautions.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many sites require adjustment. "Nice host greeted us and explained where the best sites were for our very large 5th Wheel. The sites with power were already taken, but we can boondock and the pull-through sites were great," shares Grace D. about RV camping at Bluewater Lake.
Utility connections: Water and electric hookups are available at specific sites. "The site was clean with 50 amp power and water, it also had a small BBQ, picknick table and was fairly level. The site was under $25 for the night," explains John M. about Red Rock Park.
Dump station access: RV waste disposal facilities are conveniently located. "The RV dump was near our site with water to flush the system and top off water before the next adventure," notes John M., a practical consideration for extended equestrian camping trips near Jamestown.
