Roswell's camping options span from state parks with developed facilities to dispersed areas on public lands. Located in the high desert region of southeastern New Mexico at approximately 3,600 feet elevation, the area experiences hot summers with temperatures reaching 90°F and mild winters. The surrounding landscape features scrubland vegetation dotted with mesquite and yucca plants, creating distinctive camping environments compared to the mountainous regions elsewhere in the state.
What to do
Hiking desert trails: The area surrounding Lea Lake at Bottomless Lakes State Park offers short walking paths suitable for most skill levels. "Fun place to spend the weekend, we tent camped at D4 and it was quite and peaceful, great bike trail leading to the big lake too!" notes Jared F.
Water activities: Rental paddleboards are available at Bottomless Lakes State Park during summer months. Savannah D. shares, "You can rent paddle boards for cheap, and the water is surprisingly clear and blue. It's a kind of oasis for people surrounded by dirt and cacti."
Wildlife viewing: Visit nearby Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge, approximately 10 miles northeast of Roswell. "The sand cranes were arriving and it was interesting to see them create line formations in the valleys," writes Charyle C. about her winter experience while staying at Bottomless Lakes.
What campers like
Desert sunset views: The open landscapes at Alamo Road Dispersed camping area provide unobstructed sunset vistas. Erin F. notes, "while the sunsets are something to write home about, I clearly stayed in a place where locals use it as target practice."
Quiet camping spots: Many locations offer well-spaced sites that provide privacy. At Baca Campground, Neal K. reports, "The night we stayed it was just us and one small class C camper. Very peaceful, clean, and beautiful spot."
Supply proximity: Despite the rural setting, campers appreciate access to necessities. "Roswell, with many supply chains within 20 minutes including Big R, Tractor Supply, Walmart and various sporting goods stores. Not a bad spot to crash heading to the next one," mentions Derrick A. about staying at Alamo Road.
What you should know
Water availability: Most dispersed camping areas near Roswell require bringing your own water supply. At Baca Campground, Jamie P. advises, "No water on the premises so you must bring your own. No trash faculties, so pack it in, pack it out."
Seasonal considerations: Weather can change rapidly, particularly during winter months. Leah W. warns from experience at Baca Campground, "We got hit with a TON of crazy wind which made our tent bend all the way to the ground. We ended up seeking shelter in our car. We woke up to a bunch of snow and decided to drive out... which was a bad idea."
Facility maintenance: Bathroom facilities at established campgrounds may have maintenance issues. One camper at Bottomless Lakes State Park reports, "Three womens showers, 1 locked, 1 a trickle and 1 barely a trickle. Mens showers: 3. Water was not warm."
Tips for camping with families
Insect preparation: Summer camping requires proper protection from insects. At Bottomless Lakes State Park, one camper cautions, "Oh my, better be prepared for mosquitoes. My husband and I were swarmed by mosquitoes and were bitten no less than 25 times each, we counted!"
Swimming options: Lea Lake provides designated swimming areas for children. Anahi B. notes, "Lea Lake where swimming is allowed has a nice view and the area is kept clean."
Pet considerations: The terrain can present challenges for pets at certain locations. Jeff N. warns, "there are about a trillion sandburs on the grass here. We have 4 dogs and have spent an inordinate amount of time saving their paws from the burs. Love the looks, wouldn't bring pets."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Multiple pull-off areas accommodate larger rigs at dispersed camping locations. A camper at Alamo Road Dispersed shares, "We stayed for 5 nights--there's a spot immediately to the left off of Alamo road. We pulled in during a freak snow, so went exploring in the truck the next day. That immediate spot was easy to pull into with plenty of space--didn't unhook the road."
Road conditions: Access roads to some camping areas may present challenges. Brenda Y. notes about Alamo Road, "The roads weren't suitable for our RV after that (bumpy) and with small ditches on each side to get through to get to sites, we couldn't make those but other campers did & were out camping."
Site amenities: Bottomless Lakes State Park provides RV-friendly infrastructure. James P. reports, "Room between sites. Most sites are gravel with shaded picnic tables. Peaceful nights."
