Camping near Ramah, New Mexico centers around the high desert terrain at approximately 7,000 feet elevation. The area experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, with summer daytime highs typically reaching 85°F while dropping to 50°F after sunset. Winter brings occasional snow with limited road access to some sites between December and March.
What to do
Explore ancient history at El Morro National Monument: Located minutes from El Morro RV Park and Cabins, this historic site features ancient petroglyphs and inscriptions. "We loved this RV park for many reasons. Friendly people, creative vibe, nice campground, cozy cabins, full hookups for RVs, beautiful spot, free-range chickens, pet friendly, plus a yurt with enchanting wind chimes, spiritual labyrinth, a gong, art and healing artifacts," notes one visitor about the nearby accommodations.
Hike through volcanic landscapes: The El Malpais National Monument showcases ancient lava flows within 30 minutes of Ramah. "It's not scenic by any means but, it is close to Mal Pais National Monument (across the street) and the people that work here are super nice," reports a camper at Lavaland RV Campgrounds.
Spend time on Bluewater Lake: The lake offers fishing, boating and swimming opportunities. "This was the only lake we saw on our trip to the cattle ranch in New Mexico. The park is lovely and we truly enjoyed our time here. There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing," shares a visitor to Bluewater Lake State Park Campground.
What campers like
Convenient overnight stops: Many travelers appreciate the accessibility of RV sites near Ramah, New Mexico for breaking up longer journeys. "We stayed in a full hook up, pull through site and everything went smoothly. I was most excited about the brewery on-site, but sadly I was too tired once we got there," mentions a Lavaland RV Campgrounds reviewer.
Dark night skies for stargazing: The rural location provides excellent star viewing opportunities. "The stars were bomb dot com," reports a camper who stayed at Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping, noting the quality of night sky viewing in this area.
Cultural experiences: The region offers opportunities to experience local culture and cuisine. "The little cafe is fun and tasty. Decent clean shower house. Full camper hookups. It is just minutes from El Morro Nat'l Monument and close to Mal Pais Volcano flows. I recommend the place," notes a visitor about El Morro RV Park.
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect access: Several camping areas have limited winter accessibility. "The gate at the end of the road is closed Dec. 15 to March 31. Parked outside the gate for the night. Looks like a nice area if I could get there. Don't drive the road after a rain," warns a visitor regarding Six Mile Canyon.
Weather patterns demand preparation: The high desert climate brings challenging conditions year-round. "We stayed away from lake because of our dogs. They tend to bark if people go by. The view to the canyon and hills was beautiful," comments a visitor at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, where wind exposure can be significant.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically throughout the region. "I requested a site all the way at the back of the koa, and the staff kindly were able to accommodate me. I had a FHU PT. The park is mostly all gravel," notes a camper at Grants KOA Journey, one of the more connected RV parks in the broader area.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with play areas: Limited dedicated children's facilities exist in the region. "There is no kid amenities at this property. There is a small dog run. No grass," notes a Lavaland RV Campgrounds visitor, highlighting the importance of researching family amenities before arrival.
Consider cabin options for comfort: Several properties offer cabin rentals as alternatives to tent camping. "My parents stayed in the cabin and loved it, we stayed in our camper van. We really enjoyed talking with some of the folks who live there and it's a very welcoming community," shares an El Morro RV Park visitor.
Plan for wildlife encounters: Wild horses and other animals frequently appear at campgrounds. "Wild horses roaming around the lake were also pretty cool. We took a designated campsite overlooking the lake and added this park to the list of places to return to," mentions a visitor at Bluewater Lake State Park.
Tips from RVers
Assess road conditions for access: Several dispersed camping areas require careful navigation. "We just needed a place to spend the night and arrived late in the evening, so unfortunately we weren't able to explore the area. We only drove about 1.5 miles passed the gates, but we saw several camp spots with fire rings. The road is grated and well maintained," reports a camper at Six Mile Canyon.
Book hookup sites well in advance: RV sites with full connections fill quickly during peak seasons. "We were happy to end up at this RV park, when we needed a place to figure out what to do after our tow vehicle broke down. They have the normal KOA set up with long leveled gravel drive throughs with hookups," notes a Grants KOA Journey visitor.
Prepare for close site spacing: Many RV parks in this region feature compact layouts. "The place has a very laid back vibe. The little cafe is fun and tasty. Decent clean shower house. Full camper hookups," observes an El Morro RV Park visitor, indicating the intimate nature of the property.
