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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Grants, NM

243 Reviews

Grants KOA Journey features dedicated dog areas where pets can stretch their legs, with full hookup sites that accommodate tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabin stays. Each of the campground's sites includes a picnic table, and the park maintains a walking path through an adjacent lava field with interpretive signs describing the area's volcanic history. Dogs need to be on leash throughout the campground, but the designated pet exercise areas provide space for off-leash play. Bluewater Lake State Park Campground also welcomes pets with level gravel sites that include water and electric hookups. The campground maintains a clean environment with well-maintained facilities and pet waste stations. Guests report that the spacing between sites provides enough privacy that even dogs that tend to bark when people walk by remain quiet during their stay.

Joe Skeen Campground offers free camping with pets in a peaceful setting approximately 15 minutes from Grants. The donation-based BLM campground provides metal pavilions, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site, with ample space between campsites for pets to relax without disturbing neighbors. Vault toilets and bear-safe trash receptacles are available throughout the grounds. Pet owners should watch for cacti in the surrounding desert landscape when walking dogs. The nearby El Malpais National Monument allows dogs on certain trails, though the sharp lava rocks can be hard on paw pads. Sky City RV Casino & RV Park provides a huge field specifically for walking dogs, with full hookup sites at reasonable rates ($18 with coupon). Most campgrounds in the Grants area enforce leash policies, though enforcement varies by location, and quiet hours typically begin at 10 pm.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Grants, New Mexico (23)

    1. Grants KOA Journey

    21 Reviews
    Grants, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 287-4376

    $45 / night

    "General: Conveniently located close to I40, there are 20 pull-through 50-amp sites, 16 pull-through 30-amp sites, five back-in water/electric sites (ok for tents), five tent-only sites (no hookups)"

    "Close to Hwy 40. There is a walking path next to the campground that is in a lava field and there are signs along the path with fun facts of the history of the lava field."

    2. Joe Skeen Campground - El Malpais NCA

    28 Reviews
    San Rafael, NM
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 280-2918

    "Gorgeous drive in from 40 to the campsite. Awesome pull-through site.

    Only saw one person doing tent camping. Looked like a cold stay Oct 30th-31st."

    "BLM dirt road near the entrance you can walk / hike down. Brochures of El Malpais at the entrance to the campground. Got there at 4 pm and only half the sites taken."

    3. Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    37 Reviews
    Prewitt, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 876-2391

    $15 - $90 / night

    "This was the only lake we saw on our trip to the cattle ranch in New Mexico ;) The park is lovely and we truly enjoyed our time here. There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing."

    "Beautiful New Mexico sunset."

    4. Lavaland RV Campgrounds

    7 Reviews
    Grants, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 287-8665

    $40 - $50 / night

    "Grants NM is about a hour west of Albuquerque. Great location if coming from the west, you’re tired and want a place to stay. The sites are pull through and full hookup."

    "It has a couple of dog runs, but they are too small for play. Not much dog walking space without cacti. I was most excited about the brewery on-site, but sadly I was too tired once we got there."

    5. Joe Skeen Campground

    14 Reviews
    San Rafael, NM
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 280-2918

    "It was dead quiet from the time we arrived until we left at 1:30pm the next day even though there were campers close by. The surrounding landscape was beautiful."

    "like five but the last time we were there there was a group in two converted buses that seem to be living there and we noticed them making the rounds at 1:30 in the morning, had it not been for our dogs"

    6. Bar S RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Grants, NM
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 876-6002

    $20 - $22 / night

    "Spots are right next to each other but it’s a super quiet and safe campground. It has trees throughout so you don’t feel like you’re in the dessert."

    "The campground is conveniently located off I40 and is very reasonable priced for full hookups. The campground is clean and the office staff were very nice."

    7. Blue Spruce RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Grants, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 287-2560

    $40 / night

    8. Sky City RV Casino & RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Cubero, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 552-7965

    "Level spots, electric, water and sewage hookups, huge field for you to walk your dog, Casino within walking distance or you give them a call and they come pick you up."

    "18 rate if you mention the billboards on the highway, but $22 otherwise so it's a good deal. Park is close to the casino, pretty level sites, clean, with full hookups (including sewer), no riffraff."

    9. Cibola National Forest Lobo Canyon Campground

    2 Reviews
    Grants, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 287-8833

    "The surrounding area is gorgeous! The camp spot is nestled in the trees and has plenty of shade for the summer months. Currently in April the picnic area was closed."

    10. BLM land near Grants, NM

    2 Reviews
    Bluewater Village, NM
    7 miles
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Showing results 1-10 of 23 campgrounds

Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Grants, NM

11 Photos of 23 Grants Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Grants, NM

243 Reviews of 23 Grants Campgrounds

  • Michael M.
    Aug. 30, 2017

    Coal Mine Campground

    Great for a weary traveler

    Visited the coal mine campground after driving a 500 mile day, so it was a set-up eat and crash situation. I did make a reservation on line, but that cost more than the $5 per site fee and was not necessary even though it was memorial day weekend. The fee is great because it is primitive, no electricity, no water at all, not just hookups, but the bathrooms were nice and clean with no sinks.

    If you are prepared for a primitive camp with your own water and batteries for your electronics it is great. They have fire rings, grills, picnic tables and level places for tents.There are also nice back-in sites for boondocking RVs and the road up to the campground is fine for big rigs.

    I ran into two mountain biker's here from Ireland that were riding the Continental Divide trail from The Mexican border in New Mexico to the Canadian border in Montana. They were staying here since the Trail goes through here. Paddy & Conner were very interesting people and I was fortunate to have run into them here.

    I enjoyed my stay with a peaceful quite nights sleep and a short hike in the morning before breakfast cooked on the campfire. I would recommend this over a hotel stay if your passing through Grant's New Mexico on I40. You can probably get a site for the night anytime your passing through.

  • kristin S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2020

    Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano

    Beautiful, cheap and quiet boondocking

    A fun little campground with space to park an RV or rent a cabin. There are no hookups but you’re in a remote part of New Mexico under pines with a Giant night sky above. Plus you’ve got easy access to two fun little explorations... a 1.5 miles hike to the rim of the Bandera volcano and a 1/4 mile hike to the ice cave. It’s a family run business and they have a nice little gift shop and market with a few supplies. Once the park closes for the night, you have the hikes to yourself to take in sunset with lava rock surrounding. It’s a really beautiful area with a lovely family running the business. They charge $20/night for trailer parking but I’m not sure the price of the cabins. They’re also right by Malpais and El Morro national Monuments. Highly recommend for an overnight along your journey through New Mexico!

  • Sara S.
    Jul. 25, 2016

    Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    oasis in the desert

    This was the only lake we saw on our trip to the cattle ranch in New Mexico ;) The park is lovely and we truly enjoyed our time here. There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing. The campground is broken up into a couple areas. Our site was somewhat shaded, which was nice in the heat of the summer. Very cool sites overlooking the lake. I wouldn’t say the sites are secluded, but it’s still a neat place. I haven’t been to many state parks in New Mexico so it was a unique experience!

  • Tyler G.
    Jun. 23, 2016

    Quaking Aspen Campground

    Wonderful Base to Explore the Hidden Beauty of the Zuni Mountains

    We used this campground as a starting point for a research trip sampling Precambrian rocks of the Zuni Mountains. I hadn't spent much time in this part of New Mexico, and assumed that the trip was going to be hot and sun-bleached, similar to the desert exposed in nearby Gallup, NM. I was surprised to drive into a beautiful forest just a few minutes off I40.

    The campsite includes basic forest service amenities: pit toilets, picnic tables, and metal-rimmed fire pit/grill sites. What set this apart from other non-hosted campsites for me was the condition of the grounds. The tent camping sites had well maintained, leveled tent pads, maintained gravel roads, and clean facilities. The Sites offered a reasonable degree of privacy, although some of the sites near the middle of the loop road place you in close proximity to your neighbor. The area is moderately wooded with pine and aspen, providing shade throughout the day and easy access to the dirt road that transects the Zuni Mountains, letting you out near the Bandera volcano and ice cave, which is a wonderful drive if you have a high clearance/4x4 and time to drive through.

    We saw abundant wildlife while working in the Zunis, including several brown bears, deer, and elk. While we didn't have any run ins with these guy in camp, be aware that large animals are present in the area and be sure to take necessary bear-proofing precautions.

    Camp fees were $5/night, which is quite the bargain given the well-kept grounds and wonderful scenery. If you're looking for a less-traveled escape from Albuquerque, or just want the chance to explore the under-valued Zuni mountains and western New Mexico landscape (and some pretty interesting geologic features such as orbicular granite), this campground is an excellent place to spend some time on the cheap.

    Photos included are from the Zunis south of the campsite, as I didn't think to take any photos while we were at camp.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    Calm and quiet

    It is after Labor Day, the Canyonside Campground is deserted except for myself. I can hear the breeze moving through the pinions. Beautiful New Mexico sunset.

  • B
    Aug. 15, 2021

    Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    Bluewater in the land of enchantment

    The camp sites are well laid out with picnic table. The bath room was primitive and I didn’t check out the showers. The lake and the area is enchanting!! It was my first visit to New Mexico and for sure I will be back! The lake is large and has fishing.

  • GoWhereYouAreDraw N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2018

    El Morro National Monument

    Free Camping!

    El Morro National Monument is located on an ancient east-west trail in western New Mexico. The main feature of this National Monument is a great sandstone promontory with a pool of water at its base.

    We only hiked the Inscription Rock Loop but were impressed with the way the park integrated features like water channels into the land using natural elements. Everything was organized and impressive.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2022

    Sky City RV Casino & RV Park

    Basic Rv’g

    Ok place. Inexpensive at $30 a night. Nothing more than gravel drive thru except electricity, water, sewer and some drive by security. Nice views of surrounding area. They have a nearby casino with excellent prices. Pork ribs full rack w/ salad, vegetable, baked potato for $16.95. Pet friendly. Quiet and gas nearby @ $3.79 per gallon for regular.

  • Tony S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2021

    Coal Mine Campground

    Quiet, relaxing basic campground

    Had a relaxing, quiet three night stay from 8/10 - 8/13/21 with our Jayco Octane Lite SL161 toyhauler. The only facilities are clean vault toilets. Some pull through spots for smaller camping units. I would not recommend this campground for large RVs.

    15 sites available with about 8 that I could comfortably park my camper in. All sites have table, barbecue, and fire pit/ring. All sites are reservable online at Recreation.gov. When arriving without a reservation and staying for more than one or two nights be aware that empty sites without a reservation posting may have a reservation that has not been posted. You could wake up and find a reservation posted at your site and have to relocate to another available site. 

    There is a nice hiking trail available from the campground. La Mosca lookout is a nice drive from the campground with beautiful views. Head up to the Gooseberry Trailhead to hike to the top of Mt Taylor the highest mountain in NW New Mexico. 

    Camping fees for this campground are increasing to $10 per night next season.

Guide to Grants

Dispersed camping opportunities near Grants, New Mexico range from free Bureau of Land Management sites to established RV parks with full amenities. The area sits at approximately 6,500 feet elevation with juniper and pinyon pine vegetation dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F, while winter nights often drop below freezing, making seasonal preparation essential for campers.

What to do

Explore volcanic landscapes: Joe Skeen Campground puts you within easy access of El Malpais National Monument's lava fields. One visitor noted, "The wash to get into the campground is steep on both sides. We drug a bit on the way in and a lot on the way out" when arriving with their 37-foot fifth wheel, so smaller vehicles are recommended.

Hike interpretive trails: At Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano, visitors can access unique geological features. "There is a trail to the ice cave (short but there are stairs) and a loop trail leading to the volcano (about 1.5 miles but wear sturdy shoes and you should be in reasonable shape)," according to one camper who recommends hiking the volcano trail counterclockwise.

Stargaze under dark skies: The remote location offers excellent night viewing opportunities. At Joe Skeen Campground, campers report "Amazing dark sky view of the stars" with minimal light pollution. Bring warm layers as temperatures drop significantly after sunset, even in summer months.

What campers like

Free camping with quality facilities: Joe Skeen Campground - El Malpais NCA offers no-cost camping with surprising amenities. A visitor described, "Every site has a metal pavilion! Dusty but quiet! Easy to find! Los of room!" Another camper appreciated that "Each site has a covered patio with picnic table and a fire pit. We stopped through here for one night on our way to AZ and it worked out really well."

Clean bathroom facilities: Despite being remote locations, most campgrounds maintain decent facilities. At Grants KOA Journey, a camper noted they have "amazing FREE showers, very cheap laundry services, amazing views, FREE breakfast. Awesome KOA!!" These amenities make it suitable for longer stays when boondocking fatigue sets in.

Budget-friendly options: Sky City RV Casino & RV Park offers reasonable rates with good amenities. One visitor advised, "Make sure you mention the $18 billboard to get that rate" and appreciated the "Level spots, electric, water and sewage hookups, huge field for you to walk your dog, Casino within walking distance."

What you should know

Limited water access: Many dispersed camping areas lack water. At Joe Skeen Campground, campers note "No water, electricity or dump." Plan to fill tanks beforehand or know where to get water. One visitor mentioned, "You can get water at the ranger station Friday-Sunday 8am-4:30pm. We were showing up after Sunday so we paid 10$ and got water at Sky City RV park, 30 mins from Joe Skeen."

Campground popularity: Free sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground observed "There aren't many electric sites if that's important to you and some say they're no level. Ours was." Arrive early or have backup options ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Grants, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Grants, NM is Grants KOA Journey with a 4.4-star rating from 21 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Grants, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 23 dog-friendly camping locations near Grants, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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