Camping sites near Ruidoso, New Mexico range from 6,500 to 9,500 feet in elevation across Lincoln National Forest. The area sees significant temperature differences between high and low elevation campgrounds, often 10-15 degrees cooler at higher sites like Monjeau Campground. Winter months limit camping options, with many locations closing from November through April due to snow and freezing temperatures.
What to do
Stargazing at higher elevations: Fort Stanton Cave Campground offers exceptional night skies for astronomy enthusiasts. "I've never seen so many stars," notes one camper at Monjeau Campground, who also mentioned seeing "wild horses, deer, and massive dropping either of Elk or Bear."
Floating and paddling: Grindstone Lake near Ruidoso provides water recreation during summer. "They've got a floating play island and 🛶. Good times for the whole family," says one visitor, while another notes the lake has "a small shack for snacks, bait n tackle shop" though it may be closed seasonally.
Historical exploration: Visit Fort Stanton just a short drive from camping areas. "Historical Fort Stanton just down the road," mentions a camper who stayed at Fort Stanton Cave Campground, which serves as a convenient base for exploring the region's rich history.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds offer opportunities to see local wildlife. At Eagle Creek RV Resort, a reviewer experienced "regular visits from a group of about 11 male mule deer" and recommends: "Bring your hummingbird feeders you won't be disappointed!"
Clean facilities: Campers frequently comment on bathroom and shower facilities. At Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park, a guest noted, "Bathrooms with shower are NEW, CLEAN, AND PRIVATE. Also provided is laundry room, small workout facility, sauna, gathering pavilion."
Dispersed camping options: For those seeking more solitude, dispersed camping exists beyond designated campgrounds. "We ended up dispersed camping just down the road from this campground as all sites in and immediately around the campground were full. We opted to drive over a ridge and suddenly we were out of site of the main road and any other campers. The privacy and views were great!" reported a camper at Fort Stanton.
What you should know
Cell service variability: Coverage differs significantly between campgrounds. At Bonito Hollow RV Park & Campground, one camper stated "No ATT or Verizon cell service at my site, but I did find a weak signal up near the office. The wifi was a struggle."
Weather considerations: Higher elevation campgrounds can be very windy. At Skyline Campground, a camper warned, "It's absolutely stunning to camp at the peak of a mountain. You have 360 views of the region, but beware, the wind can get quite torrential."
Road conditions: Access roads to some sites require high clearance vehicles. "The road is barely able to fit two vehicles so there are times you have to make a close pass due to the ledges," reports a camper about Eagle Creek area, while another noted at Fort Stanton, "High clearance would be needed and for a trailer a creative turn around could be required."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with play areas and activities. Bonito Hollow offers "a playground" and "plenty to keep the kids entertained," according to reviews, while Riverside RV Park was described as "very friendly good place for kids!"
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds provide better security than others. At Slow Play RV Park, a visitor noted, "This seems to be a super secure location as hosts are on duty 24/7. No one comes into the campground without stopping at the office and checking in, anyone failing to do this, will be followed in and information gathered or asked to leave."
Accessibility to town: For families needing regular access to supplies or activities, consider proximity to Ruidoso. "The best part about this place was how close it was to stores, food, and gas. It's really opened my eyes to how we can RV parks as a pass through in our journey," explains a reviewer at Midtown Mountain Campground.
Tips from RVers
Space constraints: Many RV parks have tight sites. "Overall, a pretty mediocre RV park. Typical tight sites and nothing as far as outdoor activities are present at the park," notes a camper at Slow Play RV Park, though they appreciated being "right in the middle of town, so very convenient to a lot of shopping."
Hookup information: Confirm what's available before booking. At Along The River RV Park & Campground, a camper warned of "false advertising" claiming, "Internet indicates SHOWERS. However if your camper has a shower ACCESS TO SHOWERS. DENIED!!!"
Extended stay options: Some parks welcome longer-term stays. One visitor to Midtown Mountain shared, "We initially booked for a week...2 days in we extended our stay to 1 month. Already reserved for 1 month in December."
