Campers searching for RV camping near Nogal, New Mexico can find options within the Lincoln National Forest area at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 8,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day while dropping to 45-55°F at night. Most campgrounds in this mountainous region have gravel pads with varying degrees of leveling required.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: At Bonito Hollow RV Park & Campground, the riverside setting attracts local wildlife. "There is a small creek that runs along the grounds and nice spots to sit and chill out," notes a reviewer, making it perfect for nature observation.
Fishing access: Grindstone Lake offers trout fishing just 1.5 miles from Rainbow Lake Cabin & RV Resort. As one camper mentions, "We fished about 1&1/2 miles away at Grindstone Lake. Was just what me and my Family needed."
Hiking trails: Lincoln National Forest trails are accessible directly from some campgrounds. At Rainbow Lake, one guest noted the convenience: "The park is adjacent to Lincoln National park. I literally walked out of my door and up the road."
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Moonflower Meadows RV Resort offers a tranquil setting away from busier areas. "This RV resort is hidden away near Ruidoso and adjacent to Lincoln National Forest. Small and quiet away from the traffic but close enough to all the sights and attractions in the area," writes one reviewer.
Wildlife encounters: Regular wildlife sightings enhance the camping experience. "This park is quiet and peaceful with lots of birds and nightly visits by elk," reports a camper at Moonflower Meadows, while at Eagle Creek RV Resort, visitors mention "regular visits from a group of about 11 male mule deer!"
Mountain views: The scenic mountain setting provides a backdrop for camping experiences. One camper at Pine Ridge RV Campground described it as "Scenic and wooded," though they noted sites were "very tightly packed."
What you should know
Cell service variations: Mobile connectivity varies significantly by carrier and location. At Bonito Hollow, a camper reported "No ATT or Verizon cell service at my site, but I did find a weak signal up near the office."
Limited shower access: Some parks restrict shower access based on your equipment. At Along The River RV Park & Campground, one reviewer noted, "If you have a shower in your rv, you will not get access to showers!"
Road conditions: Access roads to mountain campgrounds can be challenging. A visitor to Eagle Creek RV Resort mentioned, "The road is barely able to fit two vehicles so there are times you have to make a close pass due to the ledges."
Site spacing: Many RV parks have limited space between sites. At Pine Ridge RV Campground, a camper remarked, "Sites very tightly packed, I could literally reach out my window and touch the neighbor's awning."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with play areas: Some parks offer recreational facilities for children. Bonito Hollow provides "horseshoe pits, fenced in area for dogs to do their business, playground for kids," though one reviewer noted it "needs a little more upgrade including a slide, climbing things, etc."
Consider proximity to town: For families needing supplies or activities, Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park offers convenience. "The best part about this place was how close it was to stores, food, and gas," wrote one camper.
Check for entertainment options: Some parks provide recreational amenities. At Slow Play RV Park (formerly Circle B), a visitor mentioned, "There is a laundry room, and a game room with a few arcade games."
Tips from RVers
Interior road quality: Pay attention to campground road conditions when navigating larger rigs. At Circle B (now Slow Play), a reviewer appreciated the "good paved roads throughout."
Site leveling requirements: Mountain campgrounds often require leveling. A visitor to Pine Ridge noted, "Roads are steep and turns are tight, so if you have a big rig, you may need to stay near the front. We have a 30 ft and managed to stay at the top, although we had to use leveling blocks."
Electrical connections: Check that your required amperage is available. One camper at Pine Ridge reported, "30 amp at my site didn't work, used 50 amp w/adapter so not a big deal but annoying."
Site size considerations: For those with multiple vehicles or equipment, verify site dimensions. At Moonflower Meadows, a reviewer found, "Our site was wide enough for my 32ft travel trailer, my pickup, my partner's car, and his trailer with his motorcycle on it, and we still had room to move."
