Camping sites near Portales, New Mexico cluster primarily around state park facilities and private RV parks within a 20-mile radius. The region sits on the Llano Estacado (Staked Plains) at approximately 4,000 feet elevation, characterized by flat grasslands with minimal natural tree cover. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, with significant wind throughout fall and spring months requiring proper shelter consideration.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Oasis State Park Campground features a stocked pond popular with anglers. "Nice little campgrounds and good fishing also has a nice play area for kids," notes one visitor to Oasis State Park Campground.
Archaeological exploration: Visit nearby Blackwater Draw, a significant archaeological site within a mile of Oasis State Park. "Lots of interesting birds, if you're a birder and a mile away from Blackwater Draw, a major archaeological site. I'd definitely stop again if I'm in the area," according to a camper.
Wildlife viewing: The prairie landscape supports diverse wildlife. "We saw a lot of deer," mentions one reviewer at Oasis State Park. The open grasslands around camping areas provide habitat for prairie dogs, deer, and various bird species.
Dog walking: Clovis RV Park offers designated pet-friendly areas. "There's a nice loop that goes around a pond perfect for walking pups, about a 0.5 mi loop total and you can get to it from the back of the park. Watch out for baby bunnies and Prairie dogs if you have a pup!" reports one visitor.
What campers like
Quiet environment: Most campgrounds in the area provide peaceful settings away from traffic noise. At Clovis RV Ranch, one camper noted, "Staying here for work and is very quiet facilities are clean. Not much grass in a lot of the spaces and water pressure is a little weak but besides that excellent place to stay."
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards receive consistent praise. "The bathrooms/showers were private and clean. The campground was nice and quiet during my one-night stay," reports a camper who stayed at Clovis RV Ranch.
Sunrise views: The eastern exposure and open terrain create memorable morning vistas. "All are great. 24-29 offer the deepest views into the prairie. I anticipate these will offer the best sunrises," notes a visitor to Oasis State Park Campground's Indian Grass loop.
Convenient location: The proximity to highways makes these campgrounds practical stopovers. "On the border of NM and TX, there are few camping options. I was traveling from Santa Fe to Austin and wanted a quiet, safe spot for the night," explains one Oasis State Park visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Oasis State Park requires online booking. "You must make reservations online! There is no one at office building for check in or questions," cautions one camper.
Limited tent camping surfaces: The gravel-based sites at many locations present challenges for tent campers. "The site I stayed at was not great for tent camping as the ground was gravel-based," notes one Oasis visitor.
Water quality concerns: Monitor drinking water advisories at campgrounds. "30amp and water hookup (currently a warning for high nitrates in the drinking water)," reported one camper.
Seasonal wind exposure: Spring months bring particularly strong winds across the open plains. "Today is a windy, rainy day, but the campground is almost full," mentioned a recent visitor at Oasis State Park.
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary by campground and season. "NO FIRES were allowed. You were allowed to use portable propane stoves," explains a camper from Oasis State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Travelers World Campground in Clovis provides family-friendly amenities. "Very happy with the facility here. Clean shower/restroom. Not sure about other amenities because of weather, but the little store had Blue Bell ice cream!" mentions one reviewer.
Protection from elements: Bring sunshade structures for summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. "Our site was a pull through with picnic table and pavilion, water, electric and a charcoal grill," notes one Oasis visitor.
Wildlife awareness: Keep children supervised due to wildlife activity. "The park itself, was not impressing. Not much to do nor see. The bathroom and shower facilities seemed newly built and they were clean, the weird thing was they did not provide hand soap which I didn't like. Coyotes were howling at night," reports a camper.
Bring water shoes: Rocky terrain and goat head thorns can be problematic. "They do have those nasty little 'goat heads' this time of year. Shoes are a must," warns a visitor to Clovis RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Oasis State Park, site 29 provides optimal views and privacy. "29 is the absolute best. All are great. 24-29 offer the deepest views into the prairie," advises one experienced RVer.
Hookup availability: Limited full-hookup sites exist at most campgrounds. "We ended up getting the one RV Spot with all three hookups which was nice. Number 17 is the only one with sewer!" shares a camper at Oasis State Park.
Connectivity options: Cell service varies throughout the area. "Good WIFI and cell coverage plus some good places to eat close by," reports a visitor to Clovis RV Ranch.
Similar name confusion: Verify exact campground information before booking. "As their signs say 'the quiet side of town.' Misty at the front desk was great! $39 for full hookup. Also, apparently there is a second park in Clovis with a similar name. Clovis RV ranch or something like it," notes a camper.
