Glamping near Las Vegas, New Mexico offers visitors a range of accommodations from yurts to covered camping areas within high-elevation mountain settings. The region sits at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 8,500 feet, creating distinct seasonal temperature variations with summer days reaching the 80s and nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s even in summer months. Winter brings significant snowfall to many of the surrounding campsites, with road access often requiring four-wheel drive vehicles.
What to do
Fishing in mountain streams: Holy Ghost Campground provides direct access to Pecos River fishing opportunities. "Amazing campground right next to the Pecos river! Get there early, Friday or even Thursday, it does get filled fast. Beautiful hiking trail nearby," shares Bethany L. about Holy Ghost Campground.
Hiking mountain trails: The Iron Gate Campground connects to multiple trail systems perfect for day hikers or backpackers. Dean K. notes, "We camp here as often as possible! Often we use it as a base camp to start over night backpacking trips in the Pecos. It's a nice hike down to the river from Iron Gate, too."
Wildlife observation: Morphy Lake State Park offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities right from campsites. "Saw lots of wildlife (deer, eagle, foxes as well chipmunks). Fishing was okay. Caught 1 fish on pink power bait," reports Karen N. about Morphy Lake State Park Campground.
Star gazing: Camps at higher elevations provide exceptional night sky viewing opportunities away from city light pollution. Robert H. mentions at Villanueva State Park, "the night skies are wonderful."
What campers like
Quiet mountain atmosphere: The remote setting of Iron Gate Campground creates a peaceful camping experience. "It's a nice little place tucked away in the woods. The road to get there is a bit rough, hence the title," explains Frank and Olga C. about Iron Gate Campground.
Covered picnic areas: Many sites at Rocky Point Campground feature sheltered eating spaces. "Each site has a covered area with a picnic table and grill. Plenty of room," Kevin K. notes about Rocky Point Campground.
Clean facilities: State parks in the region maintain well-kept bathroom facilities. Neil P. shares, "HOT showers and clean bathrooms. 10 min walk down to lake. Beautiful area with lots of wildlife walking through the campground."
Creekside camping: Several campgrounds feature sites positioned directly alongside mountain streams. Aaron S. from Holy Ghost Campground recommends: "Ended up getting one of the walk in sites. I'd recommend one of these. It's far enough away from the RV area that you can sleep to the sound of the creek."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to several campgrounds requires driving on rough forest roads. Michelle D. warns about Morphy Lake, "Worst road ever! So many holes and large bumps that you will bottom out your vehicle - forget about a RV."
Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer weekends. Abraham mentions about Panchuela Campground: "Campsite is situated at the Cave Creek trailhead, a cool hike to some local caves. It's 5 bucks for the night, 2 dollars day use, all backpacking tent sites. Some shelters. Gorgeous views, camp guide says its booked fill every weekend."
Wildlife concerns: Small animals frequently enter campsites seeking food. Celina M. cautions at Villanueva State Park: "While this campsite is not particularly visited by bears, etc., please be advised to keep your food OUT OF your tent. The squirrels and chipmunks are particularly good at finding food and did cut a hole through our neighbors tent to get to it!"
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally. Jeff K. notes about Holy Ghost: "Nice campground with creekside sites. Sites are a bit close together but could be worse, it certainly helps to get there early to pick the best site."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly features: Villanueva State Park offers playground equipment and gentle trails. Elena C. shares, "This is a great little state park with nice hikes, friendly staff and great fishing. Our kids loved the playground and we enjoyed how quiet and beautiful the area is."
Educational opportunities: Historic sites near camping areas provide learning experiences. Owen M. notes about Villanueva State Park: "There is a pleasant hike that leads to a sort of fortification that was historically garrisoned by some Texan insurgents at some point during the Mexican American war. Check it out!"
Affordable day use: Some parks offer low-cost day use options for families. Jennifer A. points out, "There is a fee for day use ($8) same price each night for camping. Vaulted toilets and bear proof trash cans. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table."
Year-round options: While many campgrounds close in winter, some remain accessible. Hyde Memorial State Park offers yurt camping through winter months when tent camping becomes challenging due to snow and cold temperatures.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: The topography at many campgrounds creates challenges for larger vehicles. Patrick A. recommends at Hyde Memorial State Park: "There are several loops in this park, in Ludington Black Canyon, the Main Park Loop, a couple Yurt loops, and the small loop we stayed on with RV electric hookups. Its on the left side as you go up, just above the main loop."
Water availability: Not all campgrounds offer water hookups at individual sites. Susan L. notes about Hyde Memorial: "The West side campground has 10 sites - #37-46. That's it... there is still no water at this campground as of 7/25."
Maneuvering challenges: Campsites in mountain settings often present difficulties for larger vehicles. Stefanie S. shares about Rancheros de Santa Fe: "It is pretty tight in there, so maneuvering can be challenging if you have a bigger rig. But overall it was a nice place to stay."
Electric hookup limitations: Some campgrounds offer only partial services. Kathi V. advises: "Book in advance online, especially if you want one of the only 7 campsites with electricity."
