Horseback riding enthusiasts can find several equestrian-friendly camping locations near Montezuma, New Mexico. The region sits at elevations between 6,500 and 8,900 feet, creating diverse terrain for trail riding. Summer temperatures typically range from 50°F at night to upper 70s during the day, with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Trail riding access: Jacks Creek Horse Camp provides excellent access to the Pecos Wilderness. "Great overnight spot to use as a 'home base' with lots of trail access. Multiple units of corrals and plenty of parking and turnaround space for large trailers," notes Gretchen N. The campground serves as a strategic base for exploring mountain trails.
Hiking with river views: At Villanueva State Park Campground, campers can explore hiking paths along the Pecos River. "There are hiking trails, and the one along the ridge was fun to hike," shares Wendy K. The park offers varied terrain for day hikes suitable for different skill levels.
Fishing opportunities: The Santa Barbara Campground provides access to quality fishing. "There is also fantastic fishing there, which many guests took advantage of all weekend," reports Robin T. The Santa Barbara River runs adjacent to campsites and offers productive trout fishing during the summer months.
What campers like
River proximity: Santa Barbara Campground receives praise for its location next to moving water. "All sites are close enough to the river to hear it from a tent," notes Jacqueline D. The sound of running water adds to the camping experience throughout the night.
Mountain views: Campers appreciate the scenic landscapes at Agua Piedra Campground. "Gorgeous open meadow at base of camp area perfect for group games, sports. Beautiful views of Sangre de Cristos and Carson National Forest," writes Rebecca A. The campground sits at approximately 8,000 feet elevation.
Star gazing: The dark skies at higher elevation campgrounds offer excellent night viewing. "At night, when everyone is settling, with a clear sky, you get an amazing view of the stars," shares Marcela R. about Agua Piedra Campground. Minimal light pollution creates ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
What you should know
Access considerations: Iron Gate Campground has challenging road conditions. "Road isn't terrible going up, saw many 2WD vehicles. Good amount of spots but many have no shade/not level," explains Nathan M. The final approach requires careful driving, especially after rain.
Weather patterns: Mountain campgrounds experience rapid weather changes. "We were hit by a blizzard driving through the I-25 pass from Santa Fe to Denver and had to take refuge in the KOA Las Vegas, NM for 2 nights," reports Allyse. Even summer visitors should bring warm layers for cool nights.
Water availability: Some campgrounds have unreliable water sources. "Water onsite is listed as potable but smells and tastes so strongly of sulphur that it cannot be tolerated for drinking or cooking. Make sure to haul in water," advises Rebecca A. about Agua Piedra Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots: Las Vegas/New Mexico KOA Journey offers family-friendly facilities. "It has 60 RV Spots with hookups, 2 tent areas and some cabins. A playground, pool (closed due to Covid), dog run area and volleyball," notes Sofia A. Families can enjoy recreational amenities between trail rides.
Kid-friendly trails: Villanueva State Park provides accessible hiking for children. "Our kids loved the playground and we enjoyed how quiet and beautiful the area is," shares Elena C. The park balances natural experiences with developed facilities for younger visitors.
Wildlife viewing: Borrego Mesa Campground offers wildlife spotting opportunities. "Campground is on ranch land (keep an eye out for cows) and does have trash around, but nothing too bad," mentions Katherine C. Children can observe ranch animals from a safe distance.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Las Vegas/New Mexico KOA Journey, RV positioning matters. "We were lucky that they were not reserved so we had a little more room. We were glad we were in the trees due to the daytime temps," explains Missy A. When possible, select sites with natural shade to reduce air conditioning needs.
Road conditions: Approach some campgrounds with caution in larger vehicles. "The road to get there is a bit rough, hence the title. By no means, not a road for a large trailer or 5th wheel," warns Frank and Olga C. about Iron Gate Campground. Scout access roads before attempting them with large rigs.
Water pressure concerns: Some campgrounds have utility limitations. "The only bad is water pressure; very low. We slowly filled tank and used our pump," reports James P. RVers should arrive with full water tanks when camping at locations with known pressure issues.
