Best Campgrounds near Ruidoso Downs, NM

Searching for the best camping near Ruidoso Downs, NM? Ruidoso Downs is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Ruidoso Downs, NM. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico (117)

    1. Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Ruidoso Downs, NM
    5 miles
    +1 (575) 964-8555

    $45 - $70 / night

    "I think the ease of picking a spot that worked for our situation, the clean park and bathrooms and friendly staff and neighbors made it surprisingly one of the best RV experiences we’ve had."

    "So close to everything, super clean PRIVATE bathrooms and the management is amazing and super attentive!"

    2. Slow Play RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Ruidoso Downs, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 378-4990

    "We received a call about 10 minutes prior to our arrival to ensure we knew where they are located. Upon arrival we were greeted and escorted to our site and advised on hookups."

    "Clean & quiet site with a dog walk trail.

    Highly recommended if you are visiting Lincoln National Forest."

    3. Bonito Hollow RV Park & Campground

    8 Reviews
    Ruidoso, NM
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 336-4325

    $40 - $54 / night

    "I was looking to get away from the heat in Albuquerque and maybe even do a little fishing. I picked a site next to the upper river (Rio Bonito)."

    "Has been our number 1 go to location for almost 10 years now. Started in tents...then pop up...now a travel trailer. The park hosts are always extremely friendly and helpful."

    4. Riverside RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Ruidoso Downs, NM
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 257-3428

    "Pulled in the wrong entrance and immediately was greeted by people offering help. Had a nice deck overlooking the creek."

    5. Eagle Creek RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Ruidoso, NM
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 336-1131

    $40 - $45 / night

    "Awesome hill/mountain side campsites, close to the lakes and creeks. Look out for wild turkeys, deer, elk, bears, and even wild horses!"

    "It’s a little of the beaten path and the spots are no more than open areas.. it gets busy during the holiday times. But it’s just a few minutes to the lakes."

    6. Fort Stanton Cave Campground

    8 Reviews
    Capitan, NM
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 322-0030

    "Lots of access to trails (hiking, biking, and horse access only)."

    "Close to Lincoln, NM. Historical Fort Stanton just down the road."

    7. Grindstone lake

    3 Reviews
    Ruidoso Downs, NM
    6 miles

    "We spent a couple hours at the lake and the weather was perfect. We saw a few people fishing, not much shade for this and no one in the water swimming."

    8. Twin Spruce RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Ruidoso Downs, NM
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 257-4310

    9. Monjeau Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ruidoso, NM
    10 miles
    Website

    "The drive up is full of narrow switchbacks that you just hope and pray nobody else happens to be coming around at the same time as you are. There are some quite steep grades as well."

    "There were also some horses roaming around. Oh and it’s free! Can’t beat it."

    10. Skyline Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ruidoso, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 257-4095

    "Me and two of my buddy's went there and had a great time hiking and just hanging around camp and chilling."

    "Lots of camping spots and great hiking trails to go on! Gets a little windy since you’re at the top, but totally worth it!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 117 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ruidoso Downs, NM

506 Reviews of 117 Ruidoso Downs Campgrounds



Guide to Ruidoso Downs

Camping near Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails around the area. Campers have enjoyed the short paved nature trail through lava beds at Valley Of Fires Recreation Area, which offers stunning views of the sunrise and sunset. One reviewer mentioned, "Nice easy access pull thru sites with amazing views of the sunrise and sunset."

  • Petroglyph Viewing: Visit the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site to see ancient rock carvings. A camper shared, "The hikes were very fun. To see and imagine the people who created the petroglyphs was incredible."

  • Exploring White Sands: The nearby Alamogordo / White Sands KOA is a great base for visiting White Sands National Park. One visitor noted, "This KOA had everything you could need - including excellent customer service."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at Valley Of Fires Recreation Area. One review highlighted, "Overall Rating: 5 for a campground offering space and extraordinary views."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park said, "Super clean restrooms with large private showers."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Boot Hill RV Resort, one guest remarked, "Lovely sights, friendly staff and close to White Sands National Park!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Baca Campground, do not have water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "There are many campsites with burn pits; the only drawback is there are no water or electricity hookups."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. At Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, a visitor mentioned, "First come first serve. Great cell service. Perfect spot!"
  • Wildlife: Be prepared to encounter wildlife. A camper at Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping shared, "Lots of wildlife driving in. We saw 6 big elk and several deer."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or nearby hiking trails. The Alamogordo / White Sands KOA has a playground that kids enjoy. One parent said, "The pool looked like it would be nice when filled."
  • Plan for Weather: Nights can get chilly, so pack extra blankets. A family camping at Bluff Springs Dispersed Camping noted, "It dropped into the 50’s at night but was low 80’s during the day!"
  • Bring Entertainment: With limited cell service in some areas, bring games or books. A camper at Cool Pines RV Park mentioned, "The entire property was very quiet and peaceful."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park said, "I think the ease of picking a spot that worked for our situation made it surprisingly one of the best RV experiences we’ve had."
  • Use Dump Stations: Look for campgrounds with dump stations, like Valley Of Fires Recreation Area. One camper noted, "Dump Station: yes."
  • Stay Connected: If you need to work remotely, check cell service availability. A visitor at Cool Pines RV Park mentioned, "AT&T is non-existent but I have 2 bars of T-mobile."

Camping near Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ruidoso Downs, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ruidoso Downs, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 117 campgrounds and RV parks near Ruidoso Downs, NM and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ruidoso Downs, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ruidoso Downs, NM is Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park with a 4.9-star rating from 14 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ruidoso Downs, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Ruidoso Downs, NM.

What parks are near Ruidoso Downs, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Ruidoso Downs, NM that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.