San Lorenzo Canyon offers pet-friendly dispersed camping northwest of La Joya on Bureau of Land Management land. Dogs can join campers at these primitive sites where fires are permitted but no amenities like water, toilets, or trash service are available. The canyon features tent and RV camping with drive-in access, though travelers frequently report Google Maps directions are unreliable. Kiva RV Park & Horse Motel in nearby Bernardo provides a more developed alternative with full hookups, picnic tables, and showers while maintaining a pet-friendly environment. Several visitors note the campground is very accommodating to pets with no breed restrictions. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near La Joya, New Mexico.
The access road to San Lorenzo Canyon requires careful navigation, especially for larger vehicles or trailers. The canyon's striking red rock formations and slot canyons provide numerous hiking opportunities with dogs, though owners should watch for hazards like sand, sharp rocks, and potential flash flood dangers during rain. When exploring these areas, carrying extra water for pets is essential as the desert environment offers no natural water sources. Escondida Lake Park & Campground, located near Socorro, offers another pet-friendly option with water access and electric hookups at affordable rates. The park features a small lake where pets can cool off, though the campground has stickers in grassy areas that can be problematic for dog paws. Most local campgrounds enforce standard leash policies to protect wildlife and other campers.
$18 / night
"I didn't stay but I did drive through to check it out for future stops. First impression was very clean!"
"Not much to catch at the lake. 3pm someone rolls up next to us. Definitely in the wrong spot and he would have known that if he was aware of the “back in” policy."
"Follow the coordinates to the exit. Make a left off to go over pass then make a right onto the frontage road."
"Don't attempt unless you have 4 wheel drive and/or sand mode if you plan to pull a heavy trailer. Otherwise, most other vehicles out tent camping didn't seem to have too many problems."
"Little noise from I25 but very pet friendly. Will be back."
"Kiva RV Park is just a 5 minute drive from the NWR, so we stayed there on a Friday night, so we could get up bright and early for our hiking the next day."
"If you have 4 wheel drive and can unhook and leave your trailer or if you have an ATV I would suggest parking here and then driving into the canyon."
"This location is highly recommended for an extended visit. The scenery is truly breathtaking. I resided at the canyon's extremity, where natural rock formations provided a significant windbreak."
"We did fine, and someone in a review said stop at the cottonwood trees because no place else for bigger rigs to turn around."
"I saw very few people it will feel like you are not driving on the right place as the ‘road’ is eventually just a dry river bed, but keep going the course and you will find gorgeous sites to camp at."
"The only things to be aware of are the flies around the bathroom in the main area, and the giant ants up in the second area mentioned — there are quite a few anthills."
"It worked and allowed quick access to the crag in the morning. Does start to get busy with climbers fairly early (8am or so). Would be perfect for somebody with a camper-van or teardrop."
$12 - $20 / night
"It took us almost an hour after taking exit 191 off I-25 to reach the camp. We have a towed car with very low clearence so we were going really slow."
"We stayed at La Vista for one night on our way through New Mexico heading to Utah. The owners are extremely friendly and were very helpful."
"We are surrounded by what looks to me like oak trees, but I have yet to confirm that. It reminds me of my home state of Minnesota!"
"It is right near the Rio Grande (but admittedly not a very spectacular portion). The foliage in late fall is a lovely pale yellow and orange."
$15 - $90 / night
"Next to the office there’s a trail for the outer loop and nature trail. There are several trails within the park and all are pretty easy (kid-friendly) and not too long."
"Great place near ruins and plenty of trails to walk dogs. Most of the sites are very private. Quiet. Clean. The Park Ranger and staff are very friendly and accommodating."
ScoutA well organized park by a helpful staff. The pull-through sites are easily assessable and long enough for an F250 w/30’ travel trailer and not be detached. The park is clean and quaint. *Pet friendly but doesn’t allow “outside pet cages, kennels, or pet fencing” probably because they don’t want the dogs outside alone. Overall, and it being the first time visit I would recommend American RV Resort.@
LegendThis is a basic campground located about a mile from I-25. The campground has the basics but that's it. It's a good place to stop while traveling thru New Mexico. There's a baseball field and a small lake adjacent to the campground. The trains do blow their whistle in this area.
Cell Coverage: Good
RangerA well laid out RV park! Your GPS will take you to the front of the 66 Casino. You will keep driving west on service rood past Casino parking lot. On west end turn left and go straight back to gated entrance to RV park. The park has a pool, club hose group BBQ area, several bathrooms, showers, laundry rooms, several fence in dog parks, most sites are pull through concrete level slabs sites with tables and fire pits at all sites. You get a card key to open gate for after hours and club house. High water pressure so pressure regulator highly recommended and sold in check in office. There is a $25 security fee that is returned to your credit card after checking out.
TravelerHiked near here, didn’t camp. Need to correct location information field. this is in New Mexico, not Oklahoma…
GuideYou don't often find free developed camping at the end of a paved road in New Mexico, but Water Canyon is one of those exceptions. It seems to be one of those spots that people don't take the time to get off the highway to explore -- on a weekday in July there was only one other campsite occupied.
There are about a dozen campsites, vault toilets, trash cans, a group campsite at the bottom of the hill and easy access to some great hiking trails, all about ten minutes outside of Socorro and an hour from Albuquerque.
While the campground is free for now, I did see some notices posted about the Forest Service taking public comment on levying a $10 per night fee per site.
RangerThe whole campground is well spread out with big picnicking tables and fire 🔥 rings in each site. The parking pads are long. Enough so I could park two of my 25 ft RV trailers on the driver through camp sites and still have room for my crewcab long bed truck on the sites. The sites are well spaced out. The sites next to us on both sides are a good 40 feet on both sides. So your not right on your neighbors utilities stations. The Power polls has both 30amp and 50amp and 20amp power outlets. The fresh water spiket is the cold weather antifreeze type. The sewerage dump actually was good enough I was able to screw my 90° elbow into. No rock required on top to make sure there was no blowout when dumping. The landscape is a natural high desert 🏜 look to fit in with out side of park. There are at least three fenced in dog park scattered around the park. The same the bathroom, shower and laundry room with two washers and dryers. There is a large group Pavilion with several gas BBQ there. Pool house and pool, entertainment room. Over all a well laid out campgrounds.
GuideWe spent one night here in early April, 2020. We live in Albuquerque, and it was the middle of the early Coronavirus lockdown, but were looking to just get away from the house and still be away from people. With all the state and national parks closed, we had to go commercial. Rt. 66 RV Resort is just loaded with amenities (none of which we used, thanks to social distancing). It was not crowded at this time, so we requested and received a lot well away from anyone else. Full hook-ups, all in great shape. The park is less than 2 years old, I think, and it shows. Everything is pretty much immaculate. Service was VERY friendly and the guy led us right to the lot in his golf cart. Nice and flat. Picnic table. Fire pit. We had lovely weather so sitting out as the sun set was a nice treat.
In the morning, we walked around the whole place, and they really do have excellent amenities, all still in great shape. The pool area (not open) looks very inviting and attractive. The club house, while simple, looked very inviting. A couple of bathhouses around and a couple of dog parks. A big outdoor pavilion with a batch of grills and sinks and loads of tables in case you want to have a big party. The casino, restaurants and hotel were all closed, of course...but if you were looking for a place to stop and eat at a decent restaurant and do a little gambling...this RV park puts you just a couple hundred yards from the casino doors. Would be fun!
(Since that time, the casino has reopened.)
TravelerThis is a very neat place and new mexico is just neat in general. Great service too.
TravelerReally enjoyed the RV Park itself but felt like a second class citizen since the Casino wasn’t open to non New Mexico residents.
San Lorenzo Canyon sits northwest of La Joya at approximately 4,700 feet elevation with striking red rock formations carved by seasonal water flow. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) maintains this area for dispersed camping where temperatures range from below freezing in winter to over 90°F in summer. Cell service varies dramatically throughout the canyon system.
Slot canyon exploration: Navigate San Lorenzo Canyon's unique geological features with dogs. "The canyon features tent and RV camping with drive-in access, though travelers frequently report Google Maps directions are unreliable," one visitor notes about San Lorenzo Canyon Dispersed. "The canyons were amazing to hike in and bike among. I saw very few people it will feel like you are not driving on the right place as the 'road' is eventually just a dry river bed, but keep going the course and you will find gorgeous sites to camp at," shares Emily S.
Bird watching: Visit Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, 20 miles south of La Joya. The San Antonio Bosque Park provides convenient access. "We are near the Rio Grande Bosque, and are looking forward to our ventures observing the migratory birds of the area," writes Theresa R. about San Antonio Bosque Park. Winter brings thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese.
Rock climbing: The Box Recreation Area offers climbing routes 25 miles south of La Joya. "Drove down the night before in order to go climbing the next day. Found a decent spot in a dry wash to put up the tent for the night. It worked and allowed quick access to the crag in the morning. Does start to get busy with climbers fairly early (8am or so)," reports Jeff K.
Free camping options: BLM land around La Joya offers no-cost camping with minimal restrictions. "Not easy to find but gorgeous spot to hike many canyon trails. Zero cell service. Don't follow goggle to find," warns Renee T. about San Lorenzo Canyon Dispersed, suggesting printed directions are essential.
Affordable hookups: Some campers prefer developed sites with utilities. "This was inexpensive but turns out it will cost us a bit more in the long run," cautions Paula A. about Escondida Lake Park & Campground. "The site. It has all the amenities. The bathroom is tended to but basic. There is one light and it is right over campsite 13. So be aware."
Night sky viewing: The remote location offers excellent stargazing opportunities. "This was a lovely spot to overnight just about 20 minutes off I-25 near Socorro NM. Great views and incredible star gazing," Bradley K. notes about The Box Recreation Area. Minimal light pollution creates ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Road conditions: Access roads often require high-clearance vehicles. "We took a 20 ft Jayco Feather Micro travel trailer. Don't attempt unless you have 4 wheel drive and/or sand mode if you plan to pull a heavy trailer. Otherwise, most other vehicles out tent camping didn't seem to have too many problems," advises Randy T. about San Lorenzo Canyon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near La Joya, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near La Joya, NM is Escondida Lake Park & Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 16 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near La Joya, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 dog-friendly camping locations near La Joya, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
