Best Campgrounds near Portales, NM

The eastern plains of New Mexico near Portales provide several camping options primarily focused on RV accommodations and state park facilities. Oasis State Park Campground, located about 6 miles southwest of Portales, serves as the primary developed camping area in the immediate vicinity. This state park features both electric and non-electric sites with pull-through access suitable for RVs and tent camping. Additional options extend to nearby Clovis, approximately 20 miles northeast, where several private RV parks including Travelers World Campground, Clovis RV Ranch, and Clovis RV Park offer full hookup sites for travelers passing through this high plains region.

Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the area, particularly at Oasis State Park where online booking is required. The region experiences extreme temperature variations with hot summers and cold winters, while spring brings high winds across the open plains. Most campsites feature gravel pads with minimal natural shade, making summer camping particularly exposed. As one camper noted, "Great dark sky for stargazing and photography! Watch your pets, a pack of coyotes came through camp the night I stayed there." Cell service is generally available but varies by carrier, with AT&T showing around 2 bars at Oasis State Park. Water quality concerns occasionally arise, with some visitors reporting high nitrate warnings at certain times.

Many campers describe the Portales area campgrounds as convenient overnight stops rather than destination camping. Fishing opportunities at Oasis State Park's pond attract visitors, with facilities receiving positive reviews for cleanliness and layout. "Sites are spaced well, nice place to watch the sunset, quiet area. Facilities look fairly new and well maintained," reported one visitor to Oasis State Park. The campgrounds typically feature modern restrooms and shower facilities, though limited recreational activities beyond fishing and short hiking trails. Wildlife sightings commonly include coyotes, deer, prairie dogs, and various bird species. Summer visitors should prepare for limited shade, while the region's dark skies offer excellent stargazing opportunities year-round.

Best Camping Sites Near Portales, New Mexico (10)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 10 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Camping Photos near Portales, NM

2 Photos of 10 Portales Campgrounds


Recent Reviews near Portales, NM

27 Reviews of 10 Portales Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 21, 2025

    Clovis RV Ranch

    Clean, Well-Kept, and Friendly

    Jackie, the manager on site, was very friendly and showed me the breakfast/living room, and the available showers. I emailed a couple nights before and she responded during daylight hours. 

    Because I was sleeping in my RAV4, she gave me discount off the normal rate. Unexpected, I was grateful.

    The park is small and quiet. Jackie and I had a wonderful discussion about geocaching the next morning. 

    I highly recommend this stay.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2024

    Oasis State Park Campground

    Quiet and clean

    Easy place to get to and most of the campsites were pull through with electric and water. Not too far from Potales that has groceries and such. Also has a lake where you can fish and a couple of little hiking trails. Paid $18 for one night.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Oasis State Park Campground

    In the middle of nowhere

    Today is a windy, rainy day, but the campground is almost full. Couldn’t book an electric site. However, it is very peaceful. An oasis in the middle of nowhere where.

  • R
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Clovis RV Ranch

    Convenient, Friendly Camping

    The campground changed names to Clovis RV Ranch. Definitely check the address for this location. I stopped here overnight camping in my car. The host was friendly and had reserved me a spot with some shade. They only have RV sites with electricity so I paid full price. The bathrooms/showers were private and clean. The campground was nice and quiet during my one-night stay. Very convenient off the main highway.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 27, 2024

    Oasis State Park Campground

    Well Laid Out Campground -Indian Grass

    Indian Grass CG on Oasis SP in New Mexico: (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 5 for the excellent campground layout Price 2024: $14 for electric, $10 for non-electric Security: No gates. Usage during visit: 40%. I heard this was recently packed due to a nearby fishing tournament. Site Privacy: No vegetation offering privacy. However, the excellent layout gives each site the best privacy that can be offered in a open grassland setting Site Spacing: Great Pad surface: Gravel Reservations: There are ff sites and reservation only sites. Reservation only sites are well marked. Reservations can be made at the campground for the reservation sites if they are open by getting on line. To avoid the $4 reservation fee for just one night and seeing ahead of time there were plenty of reservation only sites available we took an ff site upon arrival. Campground Noise: Quiet. Outside Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: Yes. I think the I dian Grass loop is all electric. Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: At site Bathroom: Flush toilets. Newer Showers: Timer does only allows for short duration water flow. Inconvenient and being cold weather with only moderately warm water the shower experience was ‘dampened’. Pull Throughs: Many Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: Prairie view Recent Weather: unseasonably (I am told) cold. Insects: None Host: On-site. Rig Size: Large rigs can be accommodated. Sites: 29 is the absolute best. All are great. 24-29 offer the deepest views into the prairie.I anticipate these will offer the best sunrises.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 20, 2023

    Oasis State Park Campground

    Very nice and well maintained park

    Looks like there has been some significant investments in the park. New bathrooms and showers, the path around the lake is in great shape and even on this cool and windy day, there were a lot of people fishing. The electric spots are off from the main park a bit but we'll laid out with space between them. Would. Be very exposed in the summer without nearly enough shade but for now, works great. Not much to do except fish as the trails are pretty short and very sandy.

  • James N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2023

    Oasis State Park Campground

    It’s a real oasis!

    Wonderful, small campground in one of New Mexico’s State Parks. You can fish in the Oasis Pond, kids can play at the playground at this secluded spot. Nice campsites, will fit the larger RVs, water and electric at most sites. Great price, I’d stay here again. Great dark sky for stargazing and photography! Watch your pets, a pack of coyotes came through camp the night I stayed there.

  • Gregg T.
    Jul. 24, 2023

    Oasis State Park Campground

    Hot, but nice

    Drove all day to get here. Found reservations were easily made, so we spent the night...well we're preparing. Covered table and nice parking pads. Bathroom is right across the street. It is hot, but it is July. Overall, not the best place I've ever stayed, but I can see myself staying here again.

  • Lindy R.
    Dec. 20, 2022

    Travelers World Campground

    Great place!

    This place was great, clean camp grounds and level spots! The couple running it were super friendly. They have propane if you need it. We stayed one night.


Guide to Portales

Camping near Portales, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and friendly campgrounds. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this area.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy casting a line at Oasis State Park. One visitor mentioned, "You can fish in the Oasis Pond, kids can play at the playground at this secluded spot."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Bosque Redondo Park. A reviewer noted, "The area had been recently mowed but found a used syringe in the grass just outside our camper door," highlighting the need to stay alert while enjoying nature.
  • Stargazing: The dark skies around Oasis State Park are perfect for stargazing. One camper said, "Great dark sky for stargazing and photography!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers at Travelers World Campground. A visitor shared, "Very happy with the facility here. Clean shower/restroom."
  • Friendly Hosts: Many reviews mention the welcoming atmosphere. One camper at Travelers World Campground said, "The couple running it were super friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Oasis State Park. A reviewer noted, "Large sites, level, well spaced."

What you should know:

  • Limited Shade: If you're camping in the summer, be prepared for exposure. A visitor at Oasis State Park mentioned, "Would be very exposed in the summer without nearly enough shade."
  • Reservation Tips: Reservations can be made online, but some sites are first-come, first-served. One camper advised, "To avoid the $4 reservation fee for just one night... we took an ff site upon arrival."
  • Wildlife Caution: Keep an eye on your pets. A camper at Oasis State Park warned, "Watch your pets, a pack of coyotes came through camp the night I stayed there."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playground Access: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. Oasis State Park has a playground that kids can enjoy while parents relax.
  • Fishing Opportunities: Kids love fishing, and Oasis State Park offers a pond for that. One parent shared, "There were a lot of people fishing."
  • Spacious Areas: Choose campgrounds with plenty of space for kids to run around. A camper at Travelers World Campground noted, "Clean camp grounds and level spots!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Electric Hookups: Make sure to check for electric hookups. Travelers World Campground offers these, which is a plus for RVers.
  • Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations for convenience. Oasis State Park has a dump station available.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many RVers appreciate a peaceful environment. A visitor at Oasis State Park mentioned, "Campground Noise: Quiet."

Camping near Portales, New Mexico, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping options are available near Portales?

Camping near Portales includes both RV and tent options. Clovis RV Park offers full hookups and a nice half-mile walking loop around a pond, perfect for visitors with pets. The facilities are clean and it's considered one of the nicer parks in the region. For those looking for a more natural setting, Wagon Wheel RV Park provides another option in the area. Tent campers should note that the high plains terrain is often gravel-based, which can be challenging for tent stakes, so come prepared with suitable equipment.

Where can I find RV parks in Portales, NM?

The primary RV park option in the immediate Portales area is Oasis State Park Campground, which offers spacious pull-through sites with water and electric hookups at reasonable rates ($14-18 per night). The park accommodates larger RVs and features a fishing pond, hiking trails, and playground. For additional options, nearby Clovis (about 20 minutes away) offers Clovis RV Ranch, which has full hookup sites, clean facilities, and is conveniently located. This park recently changed ownership and name from KC Campground.

Which is the most popular campground near Portales, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Portales, NM is Oasis State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 16 reviews.