RV campgrounds near Kirtland, New Mexico sit at approximately 5,300 feet elevation in the high desert region of the Four Corners area. Summer temperatures typically range from 85-95°F during daytime with cooler evenings dropping to the 50s. Winter camping remains possible at lower elevations, though nighttime temperatures frequently drop below freezing between November and February.
What to do
Explore Mesa Verde National Park: Located about an hour's drive from Kirtland, this UNESCO World Heritage site features ancient cliff dwellings. "Mesa Verde NP was awesome!" notes a visitor to Sundance RV Park, who appreciated the park's proximity just "12 min drive" from their campsite.
Visit nearby fairgrounds: The San Juan County Fairgrounds offers recreational opportunities along the river. A camper at San Juan McGee Park RV Camping described their experience: "Reasonable price for a stop over. Not many people here. I am camped between a pond and a river. Otherwise it is a gravel parking lot."
Relax at local swimming facilities: Some campgrounds offer pools, while others are near municipal swimming areas. "We enjoyed their nice pool which was cool and refreshing," mentioned a visitor at Moore's RV Park & Campground who stayed for a week. Another traveler noted the "Municipal Pool within walking distance that we used and enjoyed $5 each" near their campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many reviewers specifically mention bathroom and shower quality as deciding factors. At Bluffview RV Park, one camper noted: "The guy who runs the place is really friendly. We made reservations a couple of days in advance with no credit card number needed." The park offers "full hookups for $40 night after senior discount."
Shade availability: In the high desert environment, shade trees are highly valued. A camper at Moore's RV Park & Campground appreciated that "a lot of the sites (ours included) had very nice shade trees. A lot rv parks in the southwest there is zero shade. The trees a definite plus!!!"
Dog-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds provide specific facilities for pets. "There is a fenced in area for dogs to play off leash and actually keep waste bags in stock," wrote a visitor to Homestead RV Park. Another campground was noted for its "nice dog park divided into two areas so your dogs don't have to co-mingle."
What you should know
Varying site conditions: Leveling requirements differ between parks. A camper at The Working Mans RV Park described it as "a very well maintained and clean basic rv park. The only amenities are sewer water and electricity. We had the windows open at night, and being just off the main road, we didn't hear any traffic."
Bathroom maintenance inconsistencies: Quality of facility upkeep varies significantly between parks. One reviewer noted: "Large campground that is part of the San Juan county grounds," while others mentioned specific maintenance issues at certain facilities.
Reservation policies: Some parks require advance booking while others allow more flexibility. "We were there for 3 nights. On the arrival day, two of the women's toilets had no toilet paper and one seat had feces on it," reported one dissatisfied camper, highlighting the importance of reading recent reviews.
Tips for camping with families
Look for recreation options: Some campgrounds offer activities specifically for children. "Our car broke down so we had to stay here. I think it was a great spot to break down. The pool was amazing and refreshing. The bathrooms had a code to get in and were clean. There were lots of families around," wrote a visitor to Moore's RV Park & Campground.
Consider tent camping areas: Several parks offer dedicated tent sites separate from RV areas. "This was our first camping trip but we loved the campsite and the pool!" shared a first-time camper, indicating that some locations are beginner-friendly.
Check bathroom proximity: Family-friendly facilities often feature clean, accessible restrooms. "After two days roughing it in the wilderness with no facilities, Moore's was a great place to pitch a tent, take a shower and relax in a chair in the shade before heading to Durango," noted one traveler with experience at multiple camping styles.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: Some parks offer more separation between sites than others. A camper at Durango Ranch RV Resort observed: "Small well kept park, very spacious lots, great location for all things in the area, easy access to Durango. Really quiet and really a nice place."
Electrical service variations: Parks offer different amperage options. "This is a small park, but a large number of spots so it feels a bit crowded. They did fit us in a spot with room to spare, 60' with truck and rv," mentioned a Bluffview RV Park visitor.
Pull-through availability: For larger rigs, access considerations are important. "The sites are easy to get into, relatively level, and have tables and grill/fire pits," noted one reviewer about available spaces at a nearby campground.
