Best Campgrounds near Caballo, NM

Caballo, New Mexico supports multiple campground options around Caballo Lake and the Rio Grande, with Caballo Lake State Park offering the primary developed camping in the region. The area includes several distinct camping areas, including Appaloosa, Palomino, Riverside, and Stallion campgrounds, all located within the state park boundaries. Most sites feature water and electric hookups suitable for both tent and RV camping, with some locations providing full hookups including sewer connections. Private options include Caballo Lake RV Park and Lakeview RV Park, which cater primarily to RV travelers. The broader region also encompasses Elephant Butte Lake State Park approximately 15 miles to the north and Percha Dam State Park just south of Caballo.

Road access throughout the region remains consistently good with paved roads leading to most established campgrounds. Water availability varies seasonally, with occasional system maintenance affecting some campgrounds. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most campgrounds within Caballo Lake State Park require reservations, though some primitive camping is available near the lake. Cell service is generally reliable across the area. Elevation around Caballo Lake sits at approximately 4,200 feet, offering views of the surrounding mountains. A visitor noted, "We stayed in the Palamino Loop which has a nice view of the lake with full RV hookups, but the spots did feel cramped."

The shoreline camping areas provide scenic views of both Caballo Lake and the nearby mountains, making them particularly popular among visitors. Covered picnic shelters are common at established sites, providing shade in an otherwise exposed desert landscape. Wildlife viewing opportunities include mourning doves and migratory birds, with some campers reporting sightings of cranes across the lake. Hiking trails wind through the park, though they tend to be relatively short desert paths rather than extensive trail systems. Several reviewers noted the cleanliness of facilities, with one mentioning, "The park is very well taken care of. There are numerous trails outlined by rocks, and there's a variety of trails to go down to the Caballo Lake reservoir." Proximity to Truth or Consequences (approximately 15 miles north) allows campers to access additional amenities, including the town's famous hot springs.

Best Camping Sites Near Caballo, New Mexico (64)

    1. Appaloosa Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    13 Reviews
    Arrey, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 743-3942

    $30 / night

    "I come out here to mostly kayak, fish & walk my dogs. Kayaking is best when the sunrises because you get a beautiful view of it rising behind the mountains."

    "This is a pretty normal lake campground. Not a lot of shade or privacy but picnic tables and covered outdoor spaces. There are bathrooms close by and they seem fine."

    2. Lower Ridge Road Camping Area — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    29 Reviews
    Elephant Butte, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 744-5923

    $30 / night

    "Convenient spot when driving south in New Mexico. Nice campground. The water level on the lake was pretty low."

    "But camp host made a few calls and as it worked out we were able to remain in location. The helpfulness of each person along the way made this an excellent spot."

    3. Percha Dam State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Arrey, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 743-3942

    $30 - $35 / night

    "Tucked in next to the Rio Grande, Perch Dam Campground is quiet, clean, and enjoyable. The bathrooms were spotless and well maintained, as were the pit toilets in the dispersed area. "

    "Can’t canp near the water, but can stay at sites within walking distance. Grills and bathrooms, nice to sit in a tube and float down and has a trail to hike back up after the ride"

    4. Riverside Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    6 Reviews
    Arrey, NM
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 743-3942

    $30 - $35 / night

    "Caballo is kind of hidden between Percha and Elephant Butte but has lots of places to camp and is well maintained."

    "Being physically limited and having to walk clear across the campground was very difficult. Otherwise everything was great."

    5. Riverbend Hot Springs

    7 Reviews
    Elephant Butte, NM
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 894-7625

    "While the campground itself isn’t much to write home about (just a parking lot across the street), quick access to the pools, the environment, and the scenery are simply amazing."

    "The hook ups are all There and it’s easily accessible to the hot springs , but don’t expect any privacy or space. You’re paying for a parking space to have access to the hot springs ."

    6. Palomino Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    4 Reviews
    Arrey, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 743-3942

    $35 / night

    "There are 3 different campgrounds at this Caballo Lake State Park. The Palomino campground is 7 full hookup sites with a host and a bathroom with showers. Very clean and well spaced."

    "There are numerous trails outlined by rocks, and there's a variety of trails to go down to the Caballo Lake reservoir."

    7. Caballo Lake RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Caballo, NM
    4 miles
    +1 (575) 743-0502

    "My favorite part about caballo lake is floating down from elephant butte to caballo lake in a giant floaty."

    "Close to the water from camping sites....Grills tables and shade area...."

    8. Hot Springs Glamp Camp

    6 Reviews
    Elephant Butte, NM
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 740-6775

    $50 - $75 / night

    "It’s tucked away and such a cozy and slow place to stay. We stayed in a campsite for 5 nights. Highly recommend more than one day so you can enjoy the springs and the town!"

    "It is only a short walk to Main Street but it is very quiet at night. Highlight: It includes access to incredible mineral water baths built out of kitschy farm troughs!"

    9. Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Elephant Butte, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 744-5996

    "Nice area to visit with the lake and dam close by."

    "Nice level Lake view spot. Easy access to site and dump station. Fire pit and shade over picnic table."

    10. Lakeview RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Caballo, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 743-2242

    $18 / night

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Recent Reviews near Caballo, NM

263 Reviews of 64 Caballo Campgrounds


  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Truth or Consequences Camp on Rio Grande

    Good for a night

    Very limited spots, right off the road so road noise can be a factor. You will get some cows across the river that wander through. It's good for a night but I wouldn't seek it out as a destination

  • Sherry M.
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Mesa Campground

    Lots of space

    Fairly large spaces, walk to lake, fall is beautiful and cool.

  • Kevin K.
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Palomino Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    Smallest campground ever

    There are 3 different campgrounds at this Caballo Lake State Park. The Palomino campground is 7 full hookup sites with a host and a bathroom with showers. Very clean and well spaced. There are nice lake views.

  • B
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Desert Cove Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    It's okay

    We stayed the days at site 8. Very easy access for our 28 ft bumper pull. Electricity and water worked great, and the public bathroom/shower was new, clean, and easily accessible. We did notice mice in the campsite and this probably contributed to us finding a rattlesnake in front of the door to the bathroom one night. The lake level is super low and the fishing was slow.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Elephant Butte Beach Front Sites

    Elephant butte: lions beach front

    Lions beach has first come first serve beach front dispersed camping available, how ever to enter the park you must pay an entree fee of $15 for non- NM residents per night.

  • Manuel P.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area

    Quiet getaway

    Went here without knowing where to stay. During the day there were a lot of UTV's and ATV's, however, it got pretty quiet during the night. People were very respectful and bathrooms were clean. We left our kayaks to go venture around and they were still there when we returned. Also found plenty of firewood around.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    City of Rocks State Park Campground

    Little known Gem! One of our favorites

    We've stayed here several times since 2021. It really is a little known campground that is a hidden gem. Biked to the paek on the last stay. Small hikes and a blast for the kids to explore the rock formations. We've stayed at several sites. This last time we stayed at the RV sites with hookups. No dump station on site. There are very clean bathrooms and showers though.

  • Tj R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2025

    Lions Beach Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    Pretty view, far from water

    We stayed on the B loop in spot 86, with a 40 foot motorhome. It was easy to get in and out. We have a water hook up and a thirty amp.Hookup but no sewer. According to their website, the B loop is waterfront, but that just means it has the best water view, we are about three quarters of a mile from the actual lake.

    The actual campground is very quiet. There's more fifth wheels in class c.Motorhomes down on the actual beach dispersed camping. It looks like a ton of fun but a little risky driving on the sand. I talked to a guy that had to get towed out of the sand yesterday. People are loading their boats and jet skis right on the beach.

    The RV site has a nice concrete pad with a cover over it and a picnic table. There are a few little trees as well.

    Great cell service for AT&T and Verizon

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2025

    City of Rocks State Park Campground

    Rocks on rocks to climb on

    This place has so much spots to choose from, cool names the camp grounds have, I stayed at two different spots when I went there with my travel trailer and it was a good experience.


Guide to Caballo

Caballo, New Mexico sits at 4,200 feet elevation, positioning it between the Caballo Mountains to the east and the Rio Grande to the west. The region generally receives less than 10 inches of rainfall annually, creating a desert camping environment where nighttime temperatures can drop 30-40 degrees from daytime highs. Primitive camping areas around Caballo Lake tend to have minimal shade, with native desert vegetation including mesquite and creosote bushes dominating the landscape.

What to do

Birdwatching trails: Explore the wildlife viewing opportunities near Elephant Butte Lake State Park, which attracts migratory birds throughout the year. "Wildlife: Qual, Dove, Lizards, Rabbits, Deer and more. The lake front was crowded with campers and people. Water was clear and cool with lots of carp," notes Jonathan M.

Shoreline fishing: Fish for carp and other species along the lake edges. The water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting access points. "When we got there the person at gate had no idea where the campgrounds were and would not let us check out sites without paying for day use. The campground had water shutoff on Memorial Day weekend. No bathrooms or showers," reports Brian and Janet S.

Mineral hot springs: Visit Riverbend Hot Springs in nearby Truth or Consequences for thermal soaking. "The springs at night are amazing. We got there at 9pm and there were three other people there which were hard to spot as the place is fairly large. There are multiple pools with differing temperatures. Everything was quiet and beautifully lit," describes Laura M.

What campers like

Desert hiking paths: Percha Dam State Park Campground offers riverside trails with wildlife viewing. "Tucked in next to the Rio Grande, Perch Dam Campground is quiet, clean, and enjoyable. The bathrooms were spotless and well maintained, as were the pit toilets in the dispersed area," reports Dave G.

Covered picnic structures: Most developed campsites near Caballo have protected eating areas. "Level, stone covered sites. Picnic tables under gazebo covering. Various levels of hookups. FHU to none. Ours has H2O and electric. Walking distance from lake. Garbage containers in each separate campground," notes Kevin at Appaloosa Campground.

Affordability: New Mexico state parks offer economical camping options with yearly passes providing significant discounts. "With my NM state Park pass the over night stay is $4 with water/electric 30amp regularly $14. Sites with sewer include are $18 nightly. Nice level sites and super quite at night," shares Joseph W. about Riverside Campground.

What you should know

Water system interruptions: Water availability can be unpredictable throughout Caballo campgrounds. "Very clean and well maintained. No shade for the trailer, but the covered picnic table was good. Electric hookup worked. Water was off due to water system maintenance. We were able to fill up at the campground below the dam," reports Timothy N. at Palomino Campground.

Limited shade coverage: The desert environment offers minimal natural shade outside of developed sites. "This is a pretty normal lake campground. Not a lot of shade or privacy but picnic tables and covered outdoor spaces. There are bathrooms close by and they seem fine. Quiet during the off season and nice hiking trails," explains Teresa T.

Rocky terrain considerations: Most tent sites feature rocky, hard ground surfaces. "Stayed at the Appaloosa Campground. Was surprised when we should up that we had water. Electric works great. Ground is pretty hard and rocky so wouldn't be good for tent camping," mentions Brody from Appaloosa Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming locations: The Rio Grande below Caballo Dam provides alternative water recreation to the lake. "Caballo Lake State Park has several campgrounds that aren't represented on the Dyrt app map. We tent camped at the Riverside campground below the dam over Easter 2014. It was ok. Kind of crowded and the Rio Grande flowed shallow and muddy," notes Jacob W.

Year-round activities: Plan family visits during spring or fall for moderate temperatures. "We stayed in the river campground which is right on the Rio Grande. Lots of families and group camping. Bathrooms were old and dated (didn't use but peeked inside). Spots were level. ADA campsite was more than adequate for a wheelchair," shares Maggie C.

Educational opportunities: The dam structure and visitor center provide learning experiences about water management. "The park is very well taken care of. There are numerous trails outlined by rocks, and there's a variety of trails to go down to the Caballo Lake reservoir," states Jeffrey T.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategies: For RV camping at Caballo Lake RV Park, choose sites away from the main road to reduce noise. "Campground is very nice with great views. Grounds are well kept. Bathhouse is clean. Water in the showers are annoying because it auto cuts off after about 10-15 seconds and you have to keep it going for at least a minute or two to get hot water," advises Brett D.

Hookup variations: Different campground sections offer varying levels of RV services. "After spending 10 days here, it's time to give a review! We stayed at site 12, in the Appaloosa campground. The sites are all pull through with water, electric (20 amp and 30 amp), and shelter; and the dump station surrounded by a cactus garden, makes the nasty job of dumping a little more palatable," explains Dave G.

Weather preparation: Protect RVs from extreme temperature fluctuations with additional insulation during winter months. "Very helpful staff. The place was very clean and spacious. There are plenty of places to hike and fish. Great place to take the family to create memories," recommends Eric L.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Caballo, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Caballo, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 64 campgrounds and RV parks near Caballo, NM and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Caballo, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Caballo, NM is Appaloosa Campground — Caballo Lake State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Caballo, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Caballo, NM.