Join the fun near Reserve. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Reserve, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"There are about 6 spots when you drive in and around the bathrooms. If you go farther in there are many more sites away from the crowd. It was quiet and peaceful camping spot."
"About 10 designated sites around a loop. The sites are set up as to where you pull/back your vehicle/camper into the site. There is a picnic table. The site itself is compacted gravel."
"I hiked a trail nearby and relavl Ed arpund the fire at nighst and in the mornings. Nights were average if 55 and mornin' were around 30-40. Very quite and tranquil."
"I hiked a trail nearby as well. 11 miles into the town of Reserve there is a butcher, geocery store, cafes and automated ice/water machine"
"Easy to locate right off the high way. Just needed easy access to campground and was amazed at this place. Clean areas easy to see even at 1030pm. Canon areas well spaced out for nice privacy."
"Lovely place and pretty quiet at night even though it's close to the hwy."
"Shaded, near road but little traffic."
"Every year my wife and I attend the Luna New Mexico Rodeo. This is one of our favorite places to visit, it always rains when we are there but this could not dampen our fun!"
"Minute walk to blue river. Lots of fun to play and climb/ hike"
"Dispersed sites around campground. Dark sky. 5g cell. We camped dispersed one night."
$20 - $125 / night
"The spaces are large and nestled in a pine forest near the lake. Clean restrooms and water available. You can walk to the lake. A nice place to kayak, bird watch and the sunsets are amazing. "
"Site 40 next to bathroom and dumpster"
TravelerWe stayed here one night in our camper van. There was only one other camper. We enjoyed the beautiful meadow, with its wildflowers and wildlife. The pit toilets were maintained. No trash cans, so take out what you bring in.
GuideI’ve stayed here a handful of times. It’s never crowded unless you count elk, hummingbirds and squirrels. Summer temps in in 70s and 80s.
GuideWe were warned. The trip to the campground was 50ish miles of very rough dirt roads. Took over two hours to make the drive. We arrived at the campground mid-day and were pretty surprised. As mentioned in another review, there are two loops. There is a sunny loop and a shady loop. We opted for the sunny loop for the view of Snow Lake. We tow a 19' travel trailer and there were very few sites that would accommodate it. I have to say that the sites were very overgrown and far from level. In the sunny loop, you can see every other camper there.
The shady loop seemed pretty nice although again, the sites were smallish and not at all level.
The bathrooms were clean and well cared for and there were well maintained water spigots for drinking water.
Dripping Vat is on the Continental Divide Trail (hiking) and we had a steady stream of through hikers.
Snow Lake is a small 90-acre lake with a nice boat ramp. The scenery was spectacular and overall, we enjoyed our stay. Its Just not a place we will return to.
TravelerSite 40 next to bathroom and dumpster
ScoutWe absolutely loved our stay at Buckhorn RV Park! This place is family-owned and run, and you can really feel the care and pride Polly and David put into it. Everything is clean, spacious, and peaceful with gorgeous views all around. They truly go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and at home.
One of the best parts was the sense of community—fellow campers were incredibly friendly and helpful, making it feel like more than just a stopover. Plus, we discovered the local Gila Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings just a short drive away. It was filled with amazing people, fresh produce, and handmade goods—definitely worth checking out!
Whether you're passing through or planning a longer stay, Buckhorn RV Park is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. Can’t wait to come back!
ScoutNice campground, lots of space for RVs, Tents, Vehicle, And even Glamping. Easily Accessible from the Road. Bathroom is cute and placed in the middle.
GuideNational Forest campground. Free. Sites spread out. Light usage. Recent tree maintenance has resulted in several large piles of cut down trees. Pit toilet.
TravelerNo one else was there when I went. Nice stalls for horses, though I had none. Right next to a nice little trail that crosses the creek. Quiet and peaceful
LegendWell-spaced sites with a clean vault toilet. No trash, so pack out what you take in. Quite full on a Wednesday though--looked like several campers who like to max out the 14-day stay limits.
Camping near Reserve, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and peaceful retreats. Whether you're looking to stargaze or hike, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Reserve, New Mexico, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With stunning views and a variety of activities, it’s a great spot for families and RVers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a reservation for camping at a national park?
For most national parks, make reservations through Recreation.gov, where you can search for specific campgrounds, view availability calendars, and book your stay. At Rainbow (AZ), reservations are processed through Recreation.gov, where campground hosts will expect you upon arrival. Some campgrounds, like Luna Rodeo Grounds Dispersed Camping, operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations. For popular parks, have alternative dates ready as prime weekends fill quickly. National park reservation windows typically open 6 months in advance, though some high-demand parks may have different timeframes.
When should I book a campsite to ensure availability?
For popular destinations like Big Lake Campground, book 4-6 months in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays. This remote, scenic location fills quickly during peak seasons. For more secluded options like KP Cienega Campground, where wildlife viewing is excellent, reservations 2-3 months ahead are typically sufficient. Holiday weekends require booking as soon as the reservation window opens (usually 6 months in advance for federal sites). For fall and spring camping, 1-2 months notice is often adequate. Winter camping generally needs less advance planning, except for warm-weather destinations. If you're flexible with your site selection or camping midweek, you might find availability with shorter notice.
What fees are typically associated with campsite reservations?
Campsite reservation fees vary widely based on location, amenities, and booking platform. At Benny Creek Campground, sites cost $12 per night with basic amenities and reservoir access. Many national forest campgrounds charge $15-25 per night, while national parks typically range from $20-50. Beyond the nightly fee, expect a non-refundable reservation fee of $8-10 when booking through Recreation.gov. Some locations like Apache Creek Campground offer free camping, providing excellent value. Additional fees may include extra vehicle charges ($5-10), dump station use ($5-10), firewood purchases, and premium site locations. Many campgrounds offer discounts for seniors and access pass holders.
Can I modify or cancel my camping reservation?
Yes, you can modify or cancel most camping reservations through the same platform you used to book (typically Recreation.gov for national parks). At Brook Char Campground, reservation changes are possible but subject to availability. Cancellation policies vary by location, with many sites offering partial refunds if canceled within a specific timeframe, usually 48-72 hours before arrival. For last-minute changes, contact the campground directly. Some remote locations like Dipping Vat Campground may have limited communication options, so plan changes well in advance. Remember that modification fees may apply, and some special event weekends might have stricter cancellation policies.
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