Jacks Creek Horse Camp provides equestrians with direct trail access to the Pecos Wilderness at 8,300 feet elevation in northern New Mexico. The campground features basic facilities with toilets and trash collection but requires visitors to bring water for themselves and their horses. The area accommodates both tent and RV camping with nearby trails connecting to more than 223,000 acres of wilderness terrain.
What to do
Horseback riding on backcountry trails: The Iron Gate Campground serves as an excellent access point to wilderness areas. "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 tucked away, so there are usually few other campers. It's a nice hike down to the river from Iron Gate, too," notes Dean K.
Fishing in mountain streams: Agua Piedra Campground offers fishing opportunities along a trout stream. "There is a trail head with 2 trails, one atv accessible and one hiking/horse that goes up to Indian Lake. Beautiful views and about 1200' elevation change," writes Tammy V. The river is productive for anglers with a visitor noting "the creek is very close and accessible, which is probably the highlight."
Hiking and backpacking: The Santa Barbara Campground provides access to numerous trails. "The hiking was AMAZING. Views AMAZING.... This campground has a huge backpacker parking lot and when we arrived on Friday it was overflowing out onto the main road," explains Robin T. The campground sits at roughly 8,900 feet elevation and connects to the northern portion of the Pecos Wilderness.
What campers like
Direct access to wilderness areas: The Jacks Creek Group Area provides immediate wilderness access. "Beautiful drive out, creeks on both sides. Nestled deep in the Pecos Wilderness. Camping overlooks the mountains. Beatty's trail head is nearby," reports Stephen G.
Quiet weekday camping: While horse campgrounds near Las Vegas, New Mexico can get busy on weekends, Santa Barbara Campground provides a peaceful experience during weekdays. "Quiet weekdays. Busy weekends. Vault toilets pretty decent. Site quality varies but most look pretty level. Most have some shade. Sites are gravel and well spaced," notes Barbara H.
Fall foliage viewing: Agua Piedra Campground offers spectacular autumn scenery. "Tent camped at this location in the middle of September (a week before closing). Very beautiful place to watch the leaves change, trailheads close by and picnic tables at each site," shares Megan E. The campground's elevation provides ideal conditions for aspen viewing in fall.
What you should know
Challenging access roads: Many mountain campgrounds have difficult entry roads. "If there is mud, it could be very difficult getting into the campground without a 4x4," warns Dean K. about Iron Gate Campground. Another visitor noted, "Road isn't terrible going up, saw many 2WD vehicles. Good amount of spots but many have no shade/not level."
Limited amenities: Most equestrian camping areas have basic facilities. "The pit toilets were really clean. My kid mentioned that specifically," notes Carrie S. about Agua Piedra Campground. However, water quality varies: "Potable water available at camp host's location. It has sulfer but the smell cleared after half a day sitting in the sun. We brought our own to drink though."
Unpredictable wildlife: At Borrego Mesa Campground, "Campground is a little off the beaten path, about 30m from the High Drive highway. Dirt roads were nothing to worry about, should be fine for any SUV or sedan. Campground itself is on ranch land (keep an eye out for cows) and does have trash around, but nothing too bad," reports Katherine C.
Tips for camping with families
Look for accessible day hikes: Santa Barbara Campground has family-friendly hiking options. "Such a nice well maintained campground. Stayed here in a single tent site which was large enough for 6 adults and three kids to hang out comfortably. Went exploring in the river next to the campground and then took a short hike up the river to some amazing river canyon views," shares Donaji R.
Consider elevation for temperature planning: Horse camps near Las Vegas, New Mexico are typically at high elevations. "Campsite is at elevation over 8,000ft so it can get chilly at night," warns Jeff K. about Borrego Mesa Campground. The temperature variation between day and night can be significant, requiring appropriate clothing layers.
Bring water from home: Agua Piedra visitor Tammy V. notes, "Potable water available at camp host's location. It has sulfer but the smell cleared after half a day sitting in the sun. We brought our own to drink though." Having your own reliable water supply is particularly important with children.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations at high-elevation campgrounds: Most equestrian campgrounds have limited space for large vehicles. "We had our Tacoma in 4L and I'm honestly not sure how some 2WD vehicles make it," notes a visitor to Iron Gate Campground. "Absolutely do not try to take a camper of any size to this campground unless it's a legit overland type tear or squaredrop, ideally with an articulating hitch."
Consider less remote alternatives: The Las Vegas/New Mexico KOA Journey provides more amenities for RVers. "Nice Big Rig friendly. Some of the sites I went by thought was not level but then you look closer the pad itself was very level," reports Mary T. Another visitor mentions, "The campground is very nice and clean but not too much to do around. They do however have a little store and gift shop and a game room."
Test hookups before setup: Water pressure can vary at campgrounds around Las Vegas. "Easy off/on I25. Campsites are spread out with trees separating sites. The only bad is water pressure; very low. We slowly filled tank and used our pump," advises James P. about the Las Vegas KOA.
