Equestrian camping options near Raton, New Mexico provide dedicated facilities for horse owners at elevations ranging from 6,700 to 9,000 feet. The region sits at the transition between the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains, creating varied terrain from canyon landscapes to high mountain meadows. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing at night, while summer days reach the 80s with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Fishing at stocked lakes: Lake Maloya in Sugarite Canyon State Park spans 120 acres and offers trout fishing opportunities. "The lake is really nice, specially if you get out on it in a canoe," notes camper Ricky B. The smaller Shuree Ponds are also stocked with trout but have specific regulations. "There's a nice easy/moderate half mile hike down to the Shuree Ponds which were stocked with trout... Both are classified as 'Green Chile' waters so only flies or artificial lures with a single, barbless hook are allowed. 2 fish limit," explains Stephen K.
Hiking on scenic trails: The Little Horse Mesa Trail provides spectacular views from the highest point in the park. "A really beautiful hike is the Little Horse Mesa Trail which takes you to the top of the mesa you can see to the north of Soda Pocket Campground... When you get to the top though it's like another world. It's a pasture like setting with trees, and beautiful views from a trail that follows the cliffs," shares Matt B. from Soda Pocket Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Valle Vidal area offers excellent chances to see elk, deer, and other wildlife. "We watched several herds of Elk down in the valley on one of our hikes. We had deer roam through our campsite, they could care less that we were even there," reports Terry R. who stayed at Cimarron Campground. Early mornings and evenings provide the best viewing times.
What campers like
Panoramic views from higher elevation sites: Sites 20-23 at Soda Pocket Campground offer unmatched vistas. "Sites 20-23 have spectacular views of the canyon, but you trade that for some serious wind and neighbors as there is no natural shade. Sites 1, 3, 14 and 16 have shade and a little more distance," advises Matt B. The tradeoff between views and protection from elements is something to consider.
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and common areas. "Vault toilets were clean, sites nicely spread out with covered picnic tables, fire circles and bear boxes to store your food and supplies," reports Angie S. about her stay at Soda Pocket Campground. Similarly, a camper at Purgatoire Campground noted: "Mark (the camp host) kept everything clean. Beautiful star viewing."
Star-gazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "Very dark at night so great for star viewing," mentions Mary C. from Soda Pocket Campground. Another camper noted the "incredible star viewing" as a highlight of their stay. The high elevation and clear mountain air enhance visibility of constellations and the Milky Way.
What you should know
Road conditions to remote sites: Several campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads that can be challenging. "The 4 mile dirt road was a bit rough bringing my camper," notes Greg K. about Purgatoire Campground. For Cimarron Campground, a camper warns: "The road to get here from Amalia becomes very wash boarded. It is a long road to get here and is wash boarded the whole way."
Limited cell service: Prepare for little to no connectivity at most sites. "No cell service for either of our carriers, and I don't think for any, until about a mile beyond the shower house, prior to the entrance of the park," reports a camper at Lake Alice. At Purgatoire Campground, another visitor simply states: "No cell phone service."
Bear safety precautions: Bears are active in the region, requiring proper food storage. "Bears frequent the area trying to raid the garbage bins during the night. Makes tent camping a bit unnerving," cautions Ken M. who stayed at McCrystal Campground. Many sites provide bear boxes for secure storage.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites away from roads: Some campgrounds have sites located very close to roadways. "Sites 15 and 16 are great. Site 13 and 14 are ON THE ROAD and the accessible site near the bathroom is literally a couple of feet away so beware!" advises Shannon H. about Lake Alice Campground. Sites further from roads provide safer play areas for children.
Take advantage of kid-friendly fishing areas: Certain ponds are designated specifically for young anglers. "The smaller [pond] was reserved for kids's fishing," notes Stephen K. about the Shuree Ponds near Cimarron Campground. These areas typically have less stringent regulations and more abundant fish.
Plan for varied weather conditions: Mountain weather can change rapidly, especially during summer. "It rained only in the afternoons but everyday," reports Jade T. from Cimarron Campground. Another camper at the same location advises: "It will also be cold at night, so be prepared."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges at higher elevations: Soft ground can make stabilizing RVs difficult in some locations. "It made leveling our rig a little tricky as the levelling blocks kept sinking in the soft Dyrt under the weight of our wheels," explains Jeff T. about his experience at Purgatoire Campground. Bringing extra leveling blocks can help.
Check hookup orientations before backing in: Some sites have utility connections positioned inconveniently. At Lake Alice, one RVer discovered "the utility hookups for Site 06 are on the Wrong (i.e. the passenger) side of the rig, given the orientation of the driveway for backing in." This particular camper opted to move to Soda Pocket Campground instead.
Water restrictions and notices: Water systems occasionally require additional precautions. "Upon arriving at Lake Alice we confirmed what another reviewer had said - it's a tightly packed campground, very close to a busy road and not close to the lake itself. On top of that, there was a boil water notice for the water hookups," reports an RVer who changed their plans. Always check current notices when arriving.
