Camping spots near Playas, New Mexico range from primitive desert sites to developed campgrounds across elevations between 4,000-8,000 feet. The region sits within the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem with scattered volcanic mountains breaking up the landscape. Night temperatures can drop more than 30 degrees below daytime highs throughout the year, requiring campers to pack for significant temperature variations.
What to do
Dark sky stargazing: Smugglers' Roost offers exceptional astronomy opportunities with minimal light pollution. "Our host couldn't have been nicer or more helpful to us. He gave us great advice on local places to explore & even showed us the stars through his telescope! The night sky there is incredible!" reports one camper.
Mountain hiking: Access miles of trail systems from Bonita Canyon Campground in the Chiricahua National Monument. "The campground is beautiful and the national monument feels very spiritual," notes a visitor who explored the unique rock formations.
Birdwatching: The spring migration brings exceptional birding opportunities to the region. A visitor at Sunny Flat noted, "We depend on solar so we really liked having enough sunshine even though we are surrounded by gorgeous peaks. Lots of wildlife and birds, we had families of deer nesting down in the bushes around our camper."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise. At Sunny Flat Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Each site offers a picnic table, sun shelter, and fire ring. The pit toilets were clean and well-maintained, and the potable water on-site was delicious."
Community atmosphere: Several campgrounds host social gatherings. A Smugglers' Roost visitor shared, "I spent Christmas here and my wish this year was to spend it around a fire with strangers and hot cocoa; well the hosts made my dream come true and my Christmas was well spent telling stories and teaching children around a nice warm fire."
Value for money: Budget-conscious campers appreciate affordable options. One RVer at Bowlin's Butterfield Station noted, "This is the third time I've stayed here on my way to Quartzsite, AZ. This year I managed to get a spot in the first loop. It isn't much but it's full hookups for $12/night."
What you should know
Limited services: Most camping areas require self-sufficiency. At Rusty's RV Ranch, campers report: "Nice sites that are well spaced. All roads and sites are dirt, so it can get a bit dusty, especially when the wind blows. Bring supplies because the closest place for decent shopping is Douglas, AZ about 55 miles south."
Reservation challenges: The more popular sites fill quickly. A camper trying to stay at Sunny Flat warned: "Beautiful location, but odds of finding an available campsite are almost nil. FCFS policy. Have tried several times, never successful."
Communications limitations: Cell coverage varies significantly by provider. One visitor noted, "The area is a birder's paradise and at certain times of year can get very busy. Great opportunities for hiking, biking and wildlife viewing throughout the entire mountain range."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Granite Gap provides accessible nature experiences. "Perfect for a day or two. This spot is about a tenth of a mile off the highway. I walked the road because of past reviews. Otherwise it's super easy to get to. There's probably space for five or six rigs here. Great views," shares one camper.
Pack for temperature swings: Desert conditions mean dramatic day-to-night changes. "Campground tucked into a wide-open clearing set in a spectacular valley ringed by stunning granite cliffs. Each site has the standard picnic table, bear locker, fire ring, and lots of shade."
Bring adequate water: Many sites have limited or no water access. A visitor advises: "The area has some nice sunny spots for those like us who run on solar. There are also two small bunkhouses available for rent near the forest visitor's center."
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Vehicle size limits affect campground selection. At Lordsburg KOA, a visitor notes: "We travel with our fifth wheel and a utility trailer aka triple tow. It's hard to find Rv parks that can accommodate 60 plus feet rigs. The staff is very friendly and there's plenty of space to navigate to the site."
Hookup availability: Full service sites are limited in the region. "Convenient. Sites are close together," reports one RVer, while another mentioned, "Follow the washboard dirt road down and you'll find 18 sites with some pull thru for large rigs."
Site positioning: Solar-dependent RVers should choose locations carefully. "This is a very basic KOA clean neat but no frills basic desert camping spaces are well space particularly the large ones great for an overnight stop."
