91 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Camp @ Cloudcroft RV Park accommodates pets in a variety of camping options including tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, glamping areas, and a yurt. Located in Mayhill, this campground maintains a peaceful setting where many campers set up hummingbird feeders that attract numerous birds throughout the season. The campground sits alongside Rio Penasco, a small river that provides a relaxing background sound and offers a walking trail for pet exercise. Campers bring their own pet supplies as the town of Mayhill has limited shopping options beyond a convenience store, cafe, and gas station. Cool Pines RV Park also welcomes pets at its 51 sites nestled in the Lincoln National Forest, though fires are not permitted at this location.
Forest Road 568 offers free dispersed camping where pets are allowed with no reservations required, providing a more primitive experience for campers traveling with dogs. The area features several designated dispersed camping areas accessible via drive-in access points, with James Canyon Campground offering pet-friendly tent sites that include fire rings and picnic tables. The pit toilets at James Canyon are consistently clean, though the campground's proximity to US 82 means occasional road noise during daylight hours. The temperature difference between Mayhill and surrounding areas can be significant—while nearby locations may reach 110°F, campers report evening temperatures dropping to 55°F in the forested camping areas, making it more comfortable for pets. The limited cell service throughout the region means pet owners should research veterinary services in advance, with Alamogordo (23 miles away) offering the closest full services.
"It is just past Mayhill, 3 miles traveling 82W."
"Located just a couple miles outside of Mayhill, NM inside the Lincoln National Forest, this primitive camping spot is directly off of US 82 and has a 5 spots total."
"Located at about 6500 feet elevation on the eastern slope of the Sacramento Mountains this campground is a perfect launching pad for daytrips to many local attractions."
"We took our 8 year old boy and he had such a great time and spotted some deer close to camp."
from $55 - $85 / night
Check Availability"with a large dog park and a new building for activities."
"Just can from Midland Tx where it was around 98, today at Cool Pines RV Park 72° at 3pm in the afternoon. Very friendly staff and are definitely practicing social distancing."
"It was a short drive off the main road to get to the camp. The spot I found felt pretty secluded despite there being a lot of other campers in the area."
"nearby within walking distance. Sugar Pines RV Park is 10 minutes away and offers dump and fill for $10."
"I like heat and live in New Mexico. Northern new Mexico, in the mountains, where no one needs air conditioning. "
"Very beautiful hidden away RV and Raised Primitive State Park full of marked and unmarked foliage and a nice museum reflecting on the surrounding area of New Mexico."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Went 12/28-12/30 and the actual campground area was packed the whole time even with it being 20-30 degrees outside. Extremely windy and most areas only get an hour or two of sun."
"We arrived in Cloudcroft NM around 7pm on Thursday the 6th got some last minute supplies at all sups gas station and headed to the ranger station just down the 130 Cox Canyon Hwy to get a map of the park"
"The owners are helpful and drive around to check on you. There is a wide open space to walk around but no wi fi unless you drive into town."
"The owner of the camp site would drive by 4 or 5 times a day checking if we needed anything. We are definitely going back!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤"
from $55 / night
Check Availability"They had a dog park, laundry room, clean showers and bathroom. The pools was closed but looked perfect! Thanks for such a great experience!"
"In direct contrast to the White Sands backcountry camping which offers absolutely zero thrills and access to luxuries, the White Sand KOA is a great place to stay for those wanting some of the comforts"
"The good: beautiful tree coverage, trails that lead to town, road biking distance to town, daily short rains, wild mustangs walking right through our site, plenty of room."
"Good little spot away from traffic. Had some snow coverage in February that made everything look beautiful. Definitely a good stop!"
"Our experience was without doubt top, including management who welcomed us at the entrance and explained the rules. We for sure will be back."
from $50 - $70 / night
Check Availability
GuideWe were able to get in last minute for a two night stay. We stayed in Site 604. Pull through, level spot. Very close to neighbor RVs. But, nice and quiet. Dogs enjoyed the fenced dog park (although gravel). Full Hookups.
Location great for White Sands National Park, Cloudcroft, NM (Brewery up there at 9000 ft) and Las Cruces, NM.
ScoutThe staff was very friendly and helpful! They had a dog park, laundry room, clean showers and bathroom. The pools was closed but looked perfect! Thanks for such a great experience!
GuideOddly this popped up in my feed as a late 4th of July choice. Good God, no. I like heat and live in New Mexico. Northern new Mexico, in the mountains, where no one needs air conditioning.
Cooler times of the year, like mid-winter, I do recommend the area, particularly Dog Canyon, a great winter or early spring hike.
But for mid-summer? No, unless you're an infernal demon it's a bit warm those months.
GuideIt's a decent pull off from a random dirt road in New Mexico. You have to drop off into a slight ditch to get to the spot, about 3-4 inches I'd say. We were fine in a truck camper but it's something to consider. There was a decent amount of local trees traffic on the road, but we were far enough away from the highway that we couldn't hear much of any road noise. Literally just a patch of somewhat level gravel
ScoutI was looking to get away from the heat in Albuquerque and maybe even do a little fishing. I picked a site next to the upper river (Rio Bonito). The water was clear and moving, but no sign of any fish. The river is more of a creek (expected for New Mexico), but still pretty. It was barely visible from my camp, but just a short hike away. No ATT or Verizon cell service at my site, but I did find a weak signal up near the office. The wifi was a struggle. It was barely adequate the first day, but absolutely miserable the second day. I could easily connect to their router, but constantly got an error of “no internet service” and had to log off and on several times. I had limited shade at my site, but thankfully the AC kept the trailer cool enough, as it was nearly 90 degrees outside. The hosts were very nice and the park is kept pretty clean. No tents allowed, though.
GuideBeautiful drive on Highway 82 west towards Cloudcroft. Stop at the roadside petting zoo!
Apache appeared to be the only campground of the three open in late September. Super nice hosts and well maintained - there were even trash cans and hand sanitizer in the restroom which was a nice touch.
The sites were relatively far apart and backed up into a nice wooded area.
Hardly anyone else there on a weeknight in September.
Strange animal noises at night!
ScoutVery beautiful hidden away RV and Raised Primitive State Park full of marked and unmarked foliage and a nice museum reflecting on the surrounding area of New Mexico. Everything above standards with wonderful staff. Was there with a friend and had an outstanding experience.
RangerWhile some of the sites are a little close together, the campground itself is very spacious (15 acres!) with a large dog park and a new building for activities. The bathhouse is a set of single bathrooms (one women’s, one men’s) with one toilet and one shower each, so I’d recommend using the bathroom in your rv if possible to avoid a line, but the bathrooms are very clean and feel like a bathroom you’d find inside someone’s home. Sites are placed far enough back from the road that there is very very minimal noise. The entire property was very quiet and peaceful, and Gail was a dream to work with.
My only complaint was the WiFi signal was very poor, and virtually unusable during the evenings—cell service is also minimal due to the location, but I was able to work remotely using my T-Mobile hotspot.
RangerStayed at this Rv park in march of 2019. A clean park located in the middle of Capitan New Mexico. The location is very convenient about 20 miles from Reuidoso 25 or so miles from Carrizozo and Fort Stanton in the east the receptionist Sharon is very contentious and helpful.
Mayhill offers dispersed camping spots at elevations between 6,500-8,500 feet in the Lincoln National Forest's Sacramento Mountains. Temperature swings can be dramatic, with campers reporting nighttime drops to 55°F even when surrounding lowland areas reach 110°F. The forest transitions from pinyon-juniper woodlands to tall ponderosa pines and Douglas fir at higher elevations, creating distinct camping environments throughout the region.
Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution around Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping provides exceptional night sky viewing. "The star gazing is fantastic," reports one camper who appreciated the clear mountain air and dark skies.
Wildlife watching: Early mornings and evenings offer chances to spot elk, mule deer, and wild horses. Near Forest Rd 568 Dispersed, campers report seeing "wild mustangs walking right through our site," providing unexpected animal encounters just steps from their camping area.
Hiking Dog Canyon Trail: Located at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground, this trail offers a challenging but rewarding hike. A visitor notes, "Dog Canyon is a great winter or early spring hike," making it ideal for cooler season visits when lowland temperatures are moderate.
Temperature relief: The high elevation provides escape from desert heat. At James Canyon, campers report: "Surrounding area was up to 110 and was 85 when we pulled in here and thankfully down to 55 at night." This consistent cooling pattern makes summer camping more comfortable.
Clean facilities: Saddle Campground receives praise for its well-maintained amenities. "Beautiful area near town. Site is quiet (minus the host's generator) and there is a nice, short trail surrounding the site. Clean toilets, fire wood available for sale by host," notes one reviewer.
Forest ambiance: The tall pines create shaded camping spaces that stay cooler during summer days. At Deerhead Campground — Lincoln National Forest, campers appreciate the "Large shade trees standing tall above the site," providing natural cooling and a pleasant forest environment.
Cell service limitations: Most forest camping areas have weak or inconsistent signals. At Forest Rd 568, one camper reports: "Cell service barely exists, on and off 1 bar AT&T." Other areas have no service at all, requiring advance planning for communication needs.
Road conditions: Many forest roads require careful navigation. "Road isn't bad, but we are in a higher up Toyota Tacoma," notes one camper about Forest Road 568, suggesting higher clearance vehicles have advantages on these routes.
Limited supplies: The small towns near camping areas have minimal shopping. At The Camp @ Cloudcroft RV Park, a reviewer advises: "Bring all your supplies though- not much in town except for cafe, convenience store and hotel." Stock up before arriving as options are limited.
Accessible creek play: Several campgrounds offer safe water features for children. A visitor to James Canyon Campground mentions: "There is a fire pit with metal rack at every site along with picnic tables," providing established areas for family meals and campfires.
Evening temperature planning: Pack extra layers even in summer. At Forest Road 568, temperatures can drop significantly after sunset, with one camper noting: "It was a bit cold at night," emphasizing the need for warm sleeping gear regardless of season.
Educational experiences: Take advantage of nearby attractions for day trips. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park provides access to "historically interesting sites," according to campers who appreciated the educational opportunities within driving distance of their camp.
Site size awareness: Many forest campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Forest Rd 568, a camper warns: "We should have have just stayed in the first location we found though. We went to the end of the road to find out that there was no way to turn our 29 ft trailer. We had to go in reverse about 1/4 mile to find a place to turn around."
Power considerations: For pet friendly camping near Mayhill, New Mexico, temperature management is crucial. Cool Pines RV Park offers electric hookups that help maintain comfortable temperatures for pets. As one camper notes: "We stayed in a pull through site with full hookups at a great price. The hosts were very nice as well."
Leveling challenges: Many dispersed sites require significant leveling. At Forest Road 568, campers report "rocky unlevel sites," requiring extra time and equipment to set up properly, especially for larger RVs with refrigeration systems that need proper leveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mayhill, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mayhill, NM is James Canyon Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mayhill, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 91 dog-friendly camping locations near Mayhill, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
