Rusty's RV Ranch
Perfect place except for WiFi
We are birders and were happy with the proximity to many mountain canyons. Our space was private with a nice patio. Everyone was easy going and friendly. The dog park was convenient and clean.
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Rusty's RV Ranch features a clean dog park with ample space for pets to exercise off-leash. Multiple full-hookup sites accommodate tents, RVs, and cabins, with wide spacing between sites providing privacy for campers traveling with pets. Dogs must be kept on leash throughout the campground except in designated areas. The property includes hiking trails that encircle the entire grounds, perfect for daily walks with pets. Campers note the campground is exceptionally quiet and peaceful, making it ideal for pets that may be sensitive to noise or easily startled. The ranch maintains duck and swan ponds, bird enclosures, and a koi pond that add visual interest during pet walks, though dogs should be kept away from wildlife areas.
Cave Creek Canyon campgrounds in the Coronado National Forest accept pets with proper supervision. Sunny Flat and Stewart campgrounds provide access to numerous pet-friendly hiking trails with water crossings that dogs particularly enjoy during warmer months. Both locations require pets to be leashed at all times, with wildlife including deer, bears, and mountain lions present in the area. The campgrounds feature vault toilets and picnic tables at each site, with many spots offering shade structures helpful for keeping pets cool during daytime hours. Potable water is available at some locations, but pet owners should carry sufficient water during hikes. The area experiences temperature fluctuations typical of desert mountain environments, requiring preparation for both hot days and cool nights when camping with pets. For supplies, Douglas, Arizona (approximately 55 miles south) offers the closest major shopping and veterinary services.
"There are some campgrounds that just stick out in your mind for their beauty, location, and proximity to other cool stuff. Sunny Flat is one of them."
"I stayed at site 4 and it was perfect , close to the water, and far enough away from other campers for some privacy ."
"We are birders and were happy with the proximity to many mountain canyons. Our space was private with a nice patio. Everyone was easy going and friendly. The dog park was convenient and clean."
"We wanted to get away for a few days during Covid and wanted to stay south where it was warmer so we found Rusty's RV Ranch in Rodeo New Mexico."
from $29 / night
Check Availability"Some of the campgrounds located in the middle island have less privacy but there are still some trees and shrubs to separate them. Sites on the outside are large and very private."
"If you take Turkey Creek Rd to Sycamore campground, you'll sleep with the beautiful sound of a mountain stream behind you."
"Beautiful clear night sky due to being away from the city."
"The quietly nestled roost is located in the middle of nowhere but somehow captures the essence of everything; from nearby mountain hikes, gas stations, stores, small town restaurants, museums and endless"
from $27 - $30 / night
Check Availability"The campground is small, beautiful, shaded and right in the middle of some incredible scenery providing easy access to the fantastic hiking and wildlife viewing that is all around you. "
"The drive getting there is pretty disappointing however when you arrive the land scale completely changes. We have camped here twice."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"A bit sandy of a drive. You have to open and close a gate but it is not locked. Quite, no lights nearby, dispersed camping at its best. Just a few cows. I would camp here again."
"This spot is about a tenth of a mile off the highway. I walked the road because of past reviews."
"From chiricahua entrance head on FSR 42. A mile or two in many many sites along dry creek in the trees. Some Otv and motorcycle activity during day. We stayed only 15 minutes from monument."
"The Cave Creek Canyon on the western edge of the Chiricahua Mountains is a spectacular area that will completely take you by surprise."
"We went further SE on Pinery Canyon Road and found multiple spots under the trees and back away from the road right at the intersection to Fork Road. There was no water in the creek bed in October."
"This is the closest in proximity from what I could tell. Obviously no bathrooms, but Chiricahua visitor center does have a bathroom."
"The campground is situated right next to a mountain stream that is cool to explore. It's a little tough to get to but it's worth it. Not very many sites though so it may fill up on weekends"
"Campgrounds are next to a creek with a trailhead leading to a waterfall, couldn’t ask for more for a free campsite."










We are birders and were happy with the proximity to many mountain canyons. Our space was private with a nice patio. Everyone was easy going and friendly. The dog park was convenient and clean.
We wanted to get away for a few days during Covid and wanted to stay south where it was warmer so we found Rusty's RV Ranch in Rodeo New Mexico. It was quiet and friendly and just what we were looking for. While visiting we went exploring and visited the Chiricahua Desert Museum & the Apache Museum next door. Enjoyed all of the displays and history as Geronimo surrendered nearby.
We took a ride over to the Coronado National Forest and coming from the wide-open desert we felt like we had stepped into another world. Definitely worth the trip. We tried to drive the loop around the area on the first day but the directions weren't very good and we didn't go all the way. We went back the next day and went the other direction and went through the little town of Paradise. It was a long bumpy gravel road this way and really wasn't worth the trip....enjoyed the paved road in the National Forest much more.
We needed some supplies so we drove down to Douglas AZ at the Mexico border. Visited Walmart and got some tacos that were excellent. Not much between Rusty's and Douglas but was a good drive with little to no traffic. Did see a number of Border Control agents on patrol.
Rusty's RV Ranch was very clean and well maintained. You could tell that they have made a concerted effort to make the grounds nice from the Swan & Duck pond to the bird enclosures and Koi pond. Loved the hiking trails that went around the entire property and we used those a number of times.
The space was huge and very private. We didn't have to unhook our toad vehicle until we needed the car which was really nice. The management was very friendly and helpful.
We have t-mobile and I will tell you we had no service here. We hooked up to their park wi-fi but could barely check our email. We don't have satellite either so we were totally disconnected mostly.... but that was good too for a change. Fall and Winter are the busiest times here with people looking for warmer winters and avoiding the hot summers.
There are a couple of restaurants nearby and the closest has a convenience store but that is it... so be sure that you are stocked up on supplies before you go or expect to drive to get them. If you bring your pet be sure to have some flashlights to walk them at night because it is dark dark 😀
We would definitely visit Rusty's again!
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Stopping here didn’t disappoint! Nice spacious level sites. The animal features & dog park were added bonuses. It felt like we were at a KOA being escorted to our sites. The staff there was great!
The bathrooms were a little outdated but that didn’t take away from how well kept the bathrooms were. Especially when I got there after hours. The water pressure for the shower in the bathroom was decent. It was a darker lot, which I’m not mad about because I don’t like sun beaming in the camper anyways. Made a reservation with a man on the phone, he was very nice. Came after hours & had no problem with it. The “dog park” isn’t the best of the KOAs I’ve been to.. but it’s better than nothing. If I was passing through, I’d stay again. & also, the pool wasn’t filled. Not sure why..
This KOA is a convenient pit stop when crossing Southern New Mexico on Rt. 10. The gravél covered acre has been nicely landscaped around the perimeter. Road noise from the highway is heavy. The very clean shower dressing area was barely big enough to turn around in. All amenities are available including propane, which was served up by a grumpy technician.
It’ll be nice when New Mexico opens its’ State Parks to camping again so touring the State becomes possible.
Jake from the Dyrt here! Granite Gap Adventure Park is in a unique part of New Mexico with plenty of awesome natural views to take in. Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!
Stayed here on our way to New Mexico. It was a beautiful spot, very scenic. The dirt was soft as sand, and the area was cleaner than most. The only negative was their was tons of wasps at our site, not sure about the others. They didn’t mess with us but they were annoying like flies.
Alaskan RV Park is conveniently located off of I-10 at Exit 366 near Bowie. The park features affordable RV sites at $20/night. The sites are all spacious pull-throughs. There is a dump station on site($10), and water refill available (based on tank size, but not more than $20). The park is handicap accessible and pet friendly. No breed restrictions. Tenting is also available. There are showers and laundry available. Alaskan RV Park is Bowie's best kept secret as it was the site of the Sideman Jamboree each year and featured music from country stars. The park hopes to bring music back to the stage in the future.
We stayed at the KOA Journey in Lordsburg, New Mexico on New Years Eve. Pulled in around 10:00 PM and rolled out about 10:30 AM, so this was a quick overnight, not a vacation.
I honestly did not know what to expect. In my head I pictured some campers doing a little holiday hangout, maybe a fire, maybe someone brave enough to share a questionable casserole. Nope. This place was as dead as a graveyard. Not a bad thing if you want sleep, but my imagination was doing way too much.
Late check in was easy. Staff left a map in the after hours registration box, and that was a life saver when you pull in late and just want to park and stop thinking.
Campground itself felt clean and basic. Nothing fancy, nothing sketchy. I did not use the restrooms at all, we used our trailer bathroom, so I cannot speak on the bathrooms.
What I did notice, they have a fenced dog run area, looks roughly 30 feet by 15 feet. There is a playground with a teepee and some little kid swings. There is a clubhouse type building with picnic tables out front and a basketball hoop. They also have a few small cabins you can rent, and one labeled “deluxe cabin” that looks a little bigger, plus it has its own private sitting area with walls around it. I am guessing it is for blocking wind and giving a little privacy, and there is a cover for shade.
Our hookups worked fine, no drama, and we had a nice little picnic table at the site. I also saw a propane tank setup, so I am assuming they sell propane if you need it. Also, random detail, there is an old phone booth on the property and it made me laugh, felt like stepping into 1993 for a second.
Overall, it did exactly what we needed, quiet, simple, clean, and easy to check in late. I would stay again for an overnight stop. If you are looking for a campground with a bunch of action, this probably aint it. I am giving it 4 stars for a solid no hassle night.
Pet-friendly campgrounds near Rodeo, New Mexico sit along the Arizona-New Mexico border at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 8,500 feet. The area features a striking transition from desert to pine forest within short distances, creating diverse camping microclimates. Temperature variations can exceed 30 degrees between day and night during spring and fall camping seasons.
Bird watching expeditions: Cave Creek Canyon supports over 375 bird species, drawing dedicated birders especially during spring migration. According to campers at Sunny Flat Campground, "Nice clean campground. Small. Gets very busy during spring" for prime birding opportunities.
Astronomy sessions: The minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. A camper at Rusty's RV Ranch noted it's "Perfect for astronomer / stargazing. Concrete pad (could support 2 telescopes) are available with power outlet to run all astronomy gear. Bring some tie down, the wind could be very strong."
Creek exploration: Several campgrounds offer direct access to seasonal waterways for cooling off. A visitor to Sycamore Campground shared, "The campground is situated right next to a mountain stream that is cool to explore. It's a little tough to get to but it's worth it. Not very many sites though so it may fill up on weekends."
Diverse ecosystems: The transition between desert and mountain terrain creates unique biodiversity. At Bonita Canyon Campground, visitors appreciate that "Bonita Campground is tucked in on a quiet road in Chiricahua National Monument. Lots of tree shade and nicely maintained campsites. Water, bathrooms, trash and gray water dump made this campground convenient."
Night sky quality: The area's dark skies impress even experienced astronomers. Campers report, "Very nice place, well maintained. Very quiet place too. Perfect for astronomer / stargazing. Concrete pad (could support 2 telescopes) are available with power outlet to run all astronomy gear."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse animal species readily visible from campsites. One camper at Sycamore Campground reported, "Nice, small campground with pit toilets, fire rings and bear boxes. Saw many deer and turkeys in the area. Plenty of shade available."
Limited cell service: Connectivity is minimal throughout the region. A Rusty's RV Ranch visitor noted, "We have t-mobile and I will tell you we had no service here. We hooked up to their park wi-fi but could barely check our email."
Supply logistics: Stock up before arrival as shopping options are limited. A camper shared, "There are a couple of restaurants nearby and the closest has a convenience store but that is it... so be sure that you are stocked up on supplies before you go or expect to drive to get them."
Weather variability: Temperature swings can be extreme, requiring preparation. A reviewer at Pinery Canyon Road Dispersed Camping mentioned, "My favorite camp spots. I've visited the monument multiple times and i love this area. Some spots are closer together to allow for bigger groups but most are semi secluded. Never disappoints and have camped here in every weather which the trees protect at least somewhat."
Pack multiple lighting options: The area gets extremely dark at night. One camper advised, "If you bring your pet be sure to have some flashlights to walk them at night because it is dark dark."
Plan for wildlife encounters: Educational opportunities abound but require preparation. A visitor commented, "We saw many deer and turkeys in the area. Plenty of shade available; unfortunately, only stagnant pools of water in the creek this time of year."
Prepare for road conditions: Access roads to some dog-friendly campgrounds can be challenging. A visitor to Granite Gap noted, "Paved road to the gate. Narrow sand and rock road after the gate. If a scratch in your paint concerns you…. proceed with caution."
Site selection considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. A reviewer warned, "Longer vehicles won't make the road. Our Rv got a broken [ladder]."
Power management: Solar dependency requires strategic planning. One RVer at Sunny Flat commented, "The area has some nice sunny spots for those like us who run on solar."
Water availability planning: Bring sufficient water storage as access varies seasonally. A camper noted, "Our site was right next to a very clean flowing stream, which provided not only a nice soundtrack but also a filterable water source."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Rodeo, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Rodeo, NM is Sunny Flat Campground with a 5-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Rodeo, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 42 dog-friendly camping locations near Rodeo, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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