Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Mills, NM
Lake 13-Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge welcomes campers with pets on leash throughout its primitive camping area. The refuge provides several picnic tables, trash bins, and clean pit toilets in a spacious setting where dogs can enjoy the natural surroundings. Pets must remain leashed to protect the abundant wildlife, including hundreds of waterfowl and sandhill cranes that frequent the lake. Springer Lake also permits pets on leash at its free camping sites, though some visitors report feeling uncomfortable due to the correctional facility located about 2 miles away. Capulin RV Park accepts pets at both its RV sites and cabins, offering full hookups with 50-amp service for comfortable extended stays. The camping area at Maxwell Wildlife Refuge isn't huge but typically has plenty of room even when multiple campers are present.
NRA Whittington Center Campground features pet-friendly accommodations including tent sites, RV spaces with hookups, and cabins where dogs can stay with their owners. Campers should be prepared for potential wildlife encounters, as bears have been reported in the refuge area. The wide-open camping areas provide excellent stargazing opportunities, with minimal light pollution allowing clear views of the Milky Way. No potable water is available at Lake 13 or Springer Lake, so visitors should bring sufficient water for themselves and their pets. The 30-minute drive to Capulin Volcano National Monument offers additional recreational opportunities, though pets must remain leashed on designated trails. The gravel access road to Maxwell Wildlife Refuge can become difficult to navigate after heavy rains, particularly for heavier RVs and big rigs.