Best Campgrounds near Ruidoso, NM

Camping near Ruidoso, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a cozy RV spot or a tent site surrounded by nature, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Many campers enjoy the short paved nature trail through the lava beds at Valley Of Fires Recreation Area. One visitor mentioned, “The hike through the lava rocks was informative and easy. Love this place!”
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. A camper at Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping shared, “We saw 6 big elk and several deer while driving in.”
• Fishing: If you’re into fishing, check out Bonito Hollow RV Park & Campground. One guest noted, “I picked a site next to the upper river (Rio Bonito). The water was clear and moving.”

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park highlighted, “The bathrooms were clean and showers are always a plus.”
• Stunning Views: Many campgrounds offer breathtaking views. A visitor at Valley Of Fires Recreation Area said, “Overall Rating: 5 for a campground offering space and extraordinary views.”
• Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the welcoming atmosphere. One reviewer at Boot Hill RV Resort remarked, “Lovely sights, friendly staff and close to White Sands National Park!”

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping, don’t have drinking water or toilets. A camper advised, “If you don't feel like dropping 20 bucks a night or more for a spot to camp, this is a great alternative.”
• First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A visitor at Three Rivers Petroglyph Site noted, “First come first serve. 2 sites with electric/water, no sewer hookup.”
• Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads. A camper at Edgington RV Park mentioned, “Very noisy at night with lots of ambulances driving by.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. One family at The Camp @ Cloudcroft said, “My 8-year-old boy had such a great time and spotted some deer close to camp.”
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand makes things easier. A camper at Cool Pines RV Park suggested, “Bring all your supplies though— not much in town except for a cafe, convenience store, and hotel.”
• Plan for Quiet Time: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. A visitor at Baca Campground shared, “The sites were easy to find, clean, and ours at least had a fire ring.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park mentioned, “The ease of picking a spot that worked for our situation made it surprisingly one of the best RV experiences we’ve had.”
• Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with full hookups. A camper at Boot Hill RV Resort noted, “Level sites, friendly helpful staff.”
• Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Some areas have poor reception. A visitor at Cool Pines RV Park said, “AT&T is non-existent but I have 2 bars of T-Mobile.”

Camping near Ruidoso, New Mexico, offers a unique experience with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you’re in an RV or pitching a tent, you’ll find a spot that suits your needs.