Looking for the best options for tent camping near Roswell? Finding a place to camp in New Mexico with your tent has never been easier. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Roswell, New Mexico's most popular destinations.
Guide
Bottomless lakes has the best sunset views. It’s only 20 min from Roswell. The sites have enough room between each other. There is a large swimming area as well.
Scout
As we got close I sent a message to the park asking about tent camping. message received was "no tent camping here, try midway.
TravelerFun 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!
GuideThere's not much privacy anywhere at this campground, but the tent sites were so close to each other that we decided to pay to switch to a site with hook-ups that we didn't need. We really liked our new site and would definitely stay here again--just not at the tent sites. The bathrooms were clean and convenient, but the showers were luke warm and push button style with very little pressure. The whole campground seemed very well maintained. Our site had easy access to water and trash cans. The park is nice and it was fun exploring all of the lakes.
Traveler
This was a great spot not too far from the main parts of town and had all the amenities you need. Did not see any tent camping but a great RV spot.
ScoutWe have stayed here in November as well as summer. November was the best, ducks and geese flocks fill the skies in late afternoon. Summer, so hot and most sites only have 30a, only 5 sites have sewer but we carry a rhino tank so if no sewer, we still do not have to move to dump. The lake is nice, really crowded in summer. Most of the rangers are really nice. We have watched a power player but only one time, rude.
We use this place while traveling west to East and 12 miles from Roswell, fun place. The host are always great, very nice and helpful.
TravelerWe decided to take our girls tent camping for the first time here. Had a nice spot (D4) and some shade. Was too hot to stay the whole night so we went home. Saw some cool animals and had a raccoon raid the garbage can. Definitely will camp again..during the week of winter in January or February...
Scout
Great deal for tent camping ($9) but the lack of a map of where to camp was confusing (maybe you can actually camp anywhere?). Ended up here due to an unexpected delay on our way to White Sands. Camped near the RVs mostly due to exhaustion. There was an unpleasant sewage smell. Several bright lights around the picnic tables were annoying. Bathrooms are heated though, big plus. After driving around the lake in the morning there seem to be several level spots down by the lake that would be nice for tenting. Outhouses are scattered around but very few picnic tables. Overall a great deal for a basic city campground.
TravelerIt’s not $5. It’s $14, plus $4 reservation fee…so it’s $18. (can only be reserved/rented online, not in person at site, but can be done same day…I made reservation driving to the site from Roswell).
I took infamous site 24, closest to the lake and the bathrooms. Large pull-through site w plenty of space for a rig much larger than my Prius with a rooftop tent. I’m pretty sure anything you can drive here will fit here.
Bathrooms are a short walk across a small stream feeding off Lea Lake where rabbits and mosquitos roamed free. Men’s room was large but dark until you get about 12 feet inside and motion activate lights. Toilets were…not clean. There was TP. Early am, some crawly bugs (roaches?) came running toward me from different directions and I had to stomp them before they got to my feet/clothes. Gross. There were what looked like shower heads along one wall and floor drains, but I couldn’t tell how to operate them or if that’s what was going on.
Outside bathroom building are shower poles for cleaning off after swimming/beach (beach is also located next to bathrooms), which were operating in mid-September. Felt kind of warm, but prob because it was cold early morning air.
Did I mention mosquitos? They’ve got ‘em. A bunch made it into the tent. Ugh.
Overall? Fine place to stop for a refreshing night or two.
LegendThe state park boasts several lakes, a mountain bike trail, views, playgrounds in the day use area, and many campsites. There is a RV area at Lea Lake, which is half reserved and half first come. There are tent pads in that area also, showers and flushing toilets are there also. If you are tent camping you are missing out if you stay at lea lake, camp in the primitive areas around the smaller lakes. They are isolated, and have abundant wildlife. Vault toilets are nearby, nasty venomous spiders hide in the vaults but like all unpleasant creatures they dont like the light, so take a flashlight. If you come with pops you should consider footwear for them, the goat heads prevent them from going off road otherwise.
GuideOur expectations of this place were low for whatever reason but it turned out to be pretty awesome. The lake at the Lea Lake CG is awesome for swimming or floating around in. Can walk to it right from the campsite which is a bonus. The bathroom has flush toilets and hot showers that don't cost to use (unlimited shower time after boondocking for 5 weeks was heaven!). Small campground overall. Tent sites are $10 (plus $4 reservation fee if booking online)/night. Each site has it's own water access, covered picnic table, and grill (which in May there was a fire ban so use of it was prohibited).
Ranger
What a nice, cozy spot in Roswell! It has all you need for a home base from which to explore southern New Mexico: nice showers, laundry, restrooms, common areas with books and dvd's, even bottle of pop for $2 each. Lovely sunsets, level sites, friendly hosts. Couldn't be better!
GuideWe stayed here 3 nights. Our campsite #28 was very level. Views of the Caverns. There was a picnic table with roof. No trees for shade so it was pretty hot! However, the beautiful lake was within walking distance. We enjoyed our time kayaking. Short drive into the town of Roswell. Campground had a good mix of tents and RVs. Would stay again!
GuideReally an oasis is in Roswell. Sites are very clean nestled next to an alfalfa field. There are stockyards near by but as the saying goes - occasionally smells like money. Leigh is an awesome host and the facilities are excellent. This will be our go to when we are in Roswell.
LegendGreat scenery here, and luckily New Mexico now allows camping again at its state parks, but... 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.
ScoutI bought a year pass during covid for New Mexico State park in 2019. I only used it 2 times and parks shut down. Now due to fires many parks have had to close. I do not recommend buying a year pass . I received no notification of any compensation for not being able to use the parks.
ScoutWe were planning to go to southern Utah but Mother Nature vetoed that plan. My wife had wanted to visit Roswell which was out of the route the storms were taking so I agreed thinking we’d stay a couple of nights if we liked…we are now on our second week. Leigh is a wonderful host…the park is intimate with only a dozen spaces…the rest rooms are spotless and it is just a couple miles east of town. Roswell itself is a perfect sized community with great restaurants and cultural sites.
TravelerWhat a nice surprise to find this delightful campground just outside of Roswell. The pull through spots are all the way at the end of the drive by Lea Lake. They are divided by some bushes which provide a decent amount of separation. We stayed in November so it was very quiet, exactly what we were seeking. Watch out for bugs though! We thought we would be spared the mosquitos that so many other reviews mention but alas they’re still around in Nov. If you have a reason to find yourself in Roswell, NM you can’t miss Bottomless Lakes!
TravelerVery nice, small and quiet park 5 miles outside Roswell, NM. The hosts were very nice and informative on the local area.
Guide
I'd say that it's the best RV park in Roswell. Only suggestion that ai would have is that they enlarge their dog park. Showers, bathrooms, and pool weren't open while we stayed due to Covid.
GuideVery nice small RV park! Everything is well maintained. Nice bathrooms. Laundry. Lee is very helpful and gave us some good recommendations about what to see and do in Roswell. Beautiful sunsets while we were there!
ScoutWe initially were going to do a one night stop over but that led to 3 nights! Lee is awesome an d the campground is cozy, clean and close to Roswell. Great dog walking area! Would stay here again
GuideA very small RV site with very small spots. However a very nice hostess. Strong sporadic Road noise. Not far from downtown Roswell. A couple Pull through spots. Very clean and homey feeling. Only one washer and dryer, one bathroom for men and one for women both with showers
GuideAlthough a bit rough around the edges, if you are traveling in SE New Mexico, this location is great for an overnighter. When we arrived, all of the full hook-up sites were taken (looked like long term locals). I called the number at the un-manned office and the gentleman who answered was very friendly and let us know that we could camp anywhere around the lake for $9. The location is close to a nice residential area, so it’s relatively quiet with the exception of the occasional train passing by. There is a scent of cow manure depending on which way the wind is blowing; but it’s not unbearable. Overall, it was a nice place to stop over for the night as we were heading towards the Carlsbad Caverns the following day.
RangerBottomless Lakes State Park is a clean, quiet, and breathtaking slice of heaven. Sites were level, separated by bushes/trees, with covered picnic tables. Bathhouses are conveniently located. Lake is cool and refreshing. Close to Roswell and your next UFO or alien encounter! Rangers are friendly and helpful. The Bluff Trail is a nice easy hike. Definitely would visit again.
LegendThis was a great experience staying at the campground. Bathrooms are cleaned by custodial company daily. The Wi-Fi works well and we have 4 bars of 5G. Paved roads throughout the campground and sites are 95% level rock. Biggest downfall would be that all sites are buddy sites. You’re just 8 minutes from all the action in Roswell, and we highly recommend hitting up Black Cock Brewery while staying here.
GuideWe wanted to visit Roswell to say we have been there and found this campground! The host was awesome! We got there late and all of the spots were full, he allowed us to stay in the day area for the night as we were dry camping anyway! The lakes were amazing and beautiful! Nothing like we have seen yet! Full hook ups there and a shower house!
Tent camping near Roswell, New Mexico offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Roswell, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Roswell, NM is Alamo Road Camp with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Roswell, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Roswell, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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