Camping accommodations near Sunland Park, New Mexico provide convenient access to Hueco Tanks State Park's ancient pictographs and unique desert ecosystems. Located at elevations ranging from 3,800 to 4,500 feet in the Chihuahuan Desert, this region experiences dramatic temperature variations with summer days reaching 100°F and winter nights dropping below freezing. Primitive camping options start at $5 per night while RV sites with hookups typically range from $25-55 depending on amenities and season.
What to do
Bouldering opportunities: Access Hueco Tanks State Park's world-renowned climbing routes just 5 miles from Gleatherland, which offers affordable primitive camping. "Only five miles from Hueco Tanks SP. Has all the amenities, tons of primitive campsites, RV sites (electric/gray water & potable water hookups), yurt rentals and camp trailer rentals. Primitive sites are only $5/person nightly," notes reviewer Charlie O.
Historical site tours: Explore ancient pictographs with guided park tours, which are mandatory for certain areas of the park. At Hueco Tanks State Park Campground, visitors must follow strict preservation rules. "Because of so much history (pictographs, etc), access to most areas are tightly restricted. Internet access is spotty near campground restrooms, but non-existent at campsites (unless you have Starlink, etc). Ask about tours (limited hours)," advises David S.
Day trips to White Sands: From Las Cruces KOA, take a day trip to White Sands National Park, approximately 1.5 hours away. "We planned for one night but stayed three—totally worth it! 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," shares a camper.
What campers like
Desert solitude: Campers appreciate the quieter, less crowded experience at glamping sites near Sunland Park compared to standard campgrounds. "Remote desert camping with plenty of amenities. From primitive camping for $5/night to limited RV hook-ups (gray water, fresh water, electric), yurt & trailer rentals, to a beautiful home Airbnb," notes Charlie O. about Gleatherland.
Clean facilities: Las Cruces KOA maintains high-quality amenities including marble-floored restrooms. "Just spent a few nights at the Las Cruces KOA and it was awesome! The sites are super clean and well-spaced, and we loved the views overlooking the city and mountains—especially at night with the lights. Big shoutout to the clean restrooms(yes, marble floors!) and the dog park, which our pup loved," reports a satisfied camper.
Convenient amenities: Many glamping options near Sunland Park feature unexpectedly comfortable facilities. "We had a great time glamping in Yurt 1. Great clean bathroom nearby. The Yurt had pretty much everything except a bathroom. Very comfy. Campground has a cool vibe tucked into the foothills of the Hueco Mountains," notes Jacob W.
What you should know
Limited park access: Hueco Tanks State Park has strict visitor limitations and operating hours. "Cant get in between the hours of 8am & 10am, unless you have a online reservation to even just stay for the day. Closes at 5pm sharp. First come first serve," warns Jamie F. Plan ahead and make reservations online to secure entry.
Weather considerations: Desert temperature fluctuations require preparation with both cooling and heating options. Near Siesta RV Park, winter storms can occur unexpectedly. One camper noted, "Needed a quick place to get out of snow storm in New Mexico - 30 amp no other connections - nice lady - gravel and ok Wi-Fi."
Water conservation: Some facilities request visitors conserve water due to desert conditions. "However, when we were there they asked to conserve as much water as possible & even use our own if possible," reports a visitor to Hueco Tanks State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Las Cruces KOA offers numerous family-friendly activities on-site. "The kids enjoyed cornhole, basketball, tetherball, and the playground. The store was well stocked. I only wish more local products were sold. Many of the items that appeared to be made by Native Americans were actually imported from overseas. We also wish the community room had board games or movies to check out," reports Candy P.
Educational opportunities: Arrange guided tours at Hueco Tanks to learn about indigenous history and rock art. "April 12, 2019 Loved this park. People wait in line in hopes they can get in for day visit. There are areas that require a guide and some where we can hike alone. We enjoyed exploring the park and climbing the mountains. Campers had to get a permit to climb the mountain by 10 a.m. or they would lose their chance to climb," shares Annell N.
Wildlife viewing: Families can spot native wildlife including mountain goats at some campsites. "It is on a Native American Reservation. Has wild mountain goats roaming right next to your tent and has off path trails that lead to incredible views," notes Sara C. about her experience at Hueco Tanks State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup information: Sunny Acres RV Park provides full-hookup sites with 50-amp service. "The sites are mostly back-in and have FHU 50amp sites. All sites are gravel with patios and picnic table. The sites are large and can easily accommodate large rigs," explains Jeff and Steff from their Excellent Adventure.
Site selection: Choose sites away from loading docks at in-town RV parks to minimize noise. "Being in town there is some road noise and also noise from neighboring business near the loading docks. Rates were $55/night. All sites are gravel with full hook ups with some pull thru," notes Laura M. about Sunny Acres RV Park.
Water pressure concerns: Be prepared with a regulator as some parks have high water pressure. "Water pressure was a bit high but with a regulator it was fine. Wifi was decent! Faster than average KOA. Verizon had full bars but was still a little slow for some reason," advises a visitor to Siesta RV Park.
