Best Campgrounds near Las Vegas, NM

My Service Animal and I travel in our RV full time and we spent the Winter in New Mexico State Parks on an Annual Pass. Most all of the parks we have stayed in have been pleasant and accommodating... With the exception of Coyote Creek SP.

I am one of those criminal type habitual rule breakers that allows his well-behaved and friendly K9's off his restraint to do his "business" or to enjoy meeting other animals. I know, I know ... The parks have rules. My animal has rules, too, and one of them is not defecating on a leash.

The park itself is ok in its own right, here's a summary of my ratings breakdown:

RV Hookups entirely too close together 👎 Shower house is kept clean, but the water pressure is ridiculously high and there's only a single handicapped shower stall 👎 I found the host, who reminded me of Goober Pyle from the Andy Griffith Show, to be intrusive and simple 👎 This park has selective rules enforcement and I will go "there" and say that because of my pale skin and lack of Spanish speaking, I felt like I was a target as soon as I arrived. I saw numerous 'rules violations ' that were walked passed. 👎 My interaction with Sooper Trooper D. Valesquez was the most ridiculous interactions I've had with any park staff, including Rangers and Hosts and Maintenance staff, all which me and my animal have had pleasurable interactions with previously in other parks. 👎

Am I bent because Sooper Trooper D. Valesquez gave me a ticket on day 6 of my stay when I've been walking around with my dog on a leash previously, but allow him strategic times(like 💩) off leash, away from others? Yes a little! I am wondering what the "D" in Valesquez's name actually stands for! From my seat? There is a reason why people develop a distain for law enforcement (or should I say rules enforcement), and I suspect they have interacted with people like a Sooper Trooper!

Anyway, aside from the dog drama, the park is a turd compared to other parks I've been to. They have a new area opening up at some point that will house another host, not the deputized one down below. You may have a more enjoyable experience there.

The ironic thing is that in speaking with staff in other parks, this host and the park itself has a reputation that exists and existed well-before my criminal dog walking habits that will not change.

My recommendation is to skip Coyote Creek SP. Unless you are a part of the clique that is!

Stumbled on this location by chance when another location nearby was closed. Long forest road with approximately 8-10 dispersed campsites along the road. All sites seemed decently big with most having river access. Our site had a fire pit and was away from the road, which is a plus. My boyfriend was able to fish along the river at our site while I stayed in the hammock- super nice. Even though we were right next to the water, there were less bugs than anticipated. Downside was that the forest road was pretty busy during the day and there was some trash left behind from previous campers. Good location and only 20 or so minutes from town.