Camping sites near Sunland Park, New Mexico range from primitive desert campsites to full-service RV parks. Located at approximately 3,700 feet elevation in the Chihuahuan Desert, the region experiences extreme temperature variations with summer highs reaching 105°F and winter lows occasionally dropping below freezing. Strong winds frequently sweep through camping areas, particularly during spring months when gusts can exceed 40 mph.
What to do
Hiking desert trails: Franklin Mountains State Park offers numerous hiking options with significant elevation changes. "Franklin Mountain state park is a beautiful painted scene in El Paso Tx. some of the camp sites are drive in, but most are hike in (they aren't very far either .2-.5 mi). The summers are extremely hot. during monsoon season the trails can be sketchy with all the water running down. The spring has poppies covering the mountain," notes a visitor to Franklin Mountains State Park Campground.
Mountain biking: The Organ Mountains near Las Cruces provide challenging terrain for mountain bikers. "There is a lovely 4 mile hike that loops up in the mountains by the sites," according to a camper who stayed at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground. The campground maintains several trails of varying difficulty.
Wine tasting: Vineyards in the area welcome campers. "We stayed one night and really enjoyed the stay. They have a large outdoor covered wine tasting area that allows dogs. An excellent wine sampling set helped choose a good wine," reports a visitor to Sombra Antigua Winery, noting the unique combination of camping and wine culture.
What campers like
Desert mountain views: The panoramic vistas from camping areas reveal vast desert landscapes. "Gorgeous views and there was hardly anyone else around - it was great. Stayed at Campsite 25 in my Subaru Outback with my dog. No problems. Composite toilet within walking distance. Walmart 12 mins away," shares a camper at Franklin Mountains State Park Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: The clear desert skies provide excellent night viewing. One visitor at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area reported, "At night I could see so many stars, and in the morning I could see all the way across the Tularosa Basin to Lincoln National Forest, probably 80 miles away! The sunrise was awesome!"
Proximity to urban conveniences: Many campgrounds offer a balance of natural settings with nearby services. A reviewer at El Paso Roadrunner RV Park noted, "Easy on off of interstate 10, service road on both sides of 10 with easy u turns from side to side make it easy to navigate town. All kinds of great restaurants and shopping."
What you should know
Limited water availability: Most primitive sites require bringing your own water supply. At Sombra Antigua Winery, a camper reported, "Was able to fill up her with fresh water. That and the bath/shower got us through two days here."
Gate closure times: Some campgrounds restrict nighttime access. A reviewer at Franklin Mountains State Park Campground observed, "Gates locked from 1700-0800. They give you the padlock combo for entry/exit but took a couple minutes to figure out how the gate latch worked particularly at night (needed flash light)."
Vehicle size restrictions: Many campgrounds cannot accommodate larger RVs. At Aguirre Spring Recreation Area, a camper noted, "Road IS narrow and winding and steep in place but paved and ONE way (don't turn wrong direction). BLM recommends nothing more than 23' long."
Uneven terrain: Many sites require careful setup. "Very scenic BLM campground. $7 a night ($3.50 seniors with pass). Each site shaded table and trash bin. Only vehicles up to 23 ft," explains a visitor about the conditions at Aguirre Spring Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Educational experiences: Several campgrounds offer learning opportunities for children. A visitor to Las Cruces KOA mentioned, "Took a short drive to La Mesilla and the farmers market in Las Cruces—definitely recommend both. White Sands is also not too far if you're up for a day trip."
Recreational facilities: Some campgrounds provide child-friendly activities. "The kids enjoyed cornhole, basketball, tetherball, and the playground. The store was well stocked," reports a family who stayed at Las Cruces KOA.
Desert safety measures: Prepare children for extreme temperature changes. A visitor at Franklin Mountains State Park Campground advised, "Beautiful weather December (76°)," highlighting that winter months offer more comfortable temperatures for family activities than summer.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility challenges: Many campsites have difficult approach roads. "This place was great for an overnight stay. The sites are level dirt, asphalt drives and FHU sites. The price point is excellent (<$50/night for FHU pull-thru)," notes an RV camper at El Paso Roadrunner RV Park.
Hookup availability: Full-service RV parks provide various utility options. At Fort Bliss RV Park, a reviewer observed, "All sites are concrete and level. Most are pull thru as well. No internet or cable at the sites. Close to downtown El Paso."
Site spacing considerations: RV parks have varying space between units. "The facilities are clean and the wine is good. I recommend this. The atmosphere is great also," commented a visitor about Sombra Antigua Winery, adding, "The RV area is just a big parking lot with one electric hookup."
