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Slow Play RV Park welcomes pets with well-maintained grounds that include a dog walking trail. Located in Ruidoso Downs, this family-owned establishment provides both tent and RV camping options alongside pet-friendly cabin accommodations. The park maintains clean bathroom and shower facilities with enforced quiet times creating a peaceful environment for pets and their owners. Highly recommended for visitors exploring Lincoln National Forest, the park features gravel pull-through sites that are almost level and well-spaced for privacy. The owners are particularly attentive, making regular rounds to check on guests and their pets.
Trails through the ponderosa pines near Ruidoso Downs campgrounds offer excellent dog-walking opportunities with access to natural water features. Twin Spruce RV Park provides additional pet-friendly options with helpful hosts and convenient propane refill services on site. Most campgrounds in the area enforce leash requirements for dogs throughout the property, with designated pet waste stations to maintain cleanliness. Bathrooms at Midtown Mountain Campground remain exceptionally clean and private, ideal for campers with pets needing convenient facilities. During winter visits, temperatures can drop to 45°F at night, requiring consideration for pets' comfort, while summer camping offers access to swimming areas where dogs can cool off in the mountain streams.
"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!"
from $45 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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)."
"Beautiful surroundings, not far from downtown shopping in Ruidoso, most helpful hosts on site. My husband was not in the best of health when we went."
from $40 - $54 / night
Check Availability"Clean & quiet site with a dog walk trail. Highly recommended if you are visiting Lincoln National Forest."
"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."
"Pulled in the wrong entrance and immediately was greeted by people offering help. Had a nice deck overlooking the creek."
"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."
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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!"
"We enjoyed our time and the site is near enough town that you can leave to enjoy a meal and then return."
"Located right off the 79 in Warner Springs, there are several wineries along the way if you're into doing some wine tasting before settling into camp life."
from $6 / night
Check Availability"Best rv campsite in the area clean and spacious sites , access to the River, firewood for sale and friendly owners. We have camped here the last 3 years and we love this place."
GuideWe were able to get in last minute for a two night stay. We stayed in Site 604. Pull through, level spot. Very close to neighbor RVs. But, nice and quiet. Dogs enjoyed the fenced dog park (although gravel). Full Hookups.
Location great for White Sands National Park, Cloudcroft, NM (Brewery up there at 9000 ft) and Las Cruces, NM.
ScoutThe staff was very friendly and helpful! They had a dog park, laundry room, clean showers and bathroom. The pools was closed but looked perfect! Thanks for such a great experience!
GuideOddly this popped up in my feed as a late 4th of July choice. Good God, no. I like heat and live in New Mexico. Northern new Mexico, in the mountains, where no one needs air conditioning.
Cooler times of the year, like mid-winter, I do recommend the area, particularly Dog Canyon, a great winter or early spring hike.
But for mid-summer? No, unless you're an infernal demon it's a bit warm those months.
GuideIt's a decent pull off from a random dirt road in New Mexico. You have to drop off into a slight ditch to get to the spot, about 3-4 inches I'd say. We were fine in a truck camper but it's something to consider. There was a decent amount of local trees traffic on the road, but we were far enough away from the highway that we couldn't hear much of any road noise. Literally just a patch of somewhat level gravel
ScoutStayed here recently and honestly loved how peaceful and quiet this RV park is. The sites are spacious with beautiful open New Mexico views, and check-in was simple and stress-free. It’s a perfect place if you want a calm, safe stop away from busy highways but still close enough to town for essentials. The atmosphere feels relaxed and welcoming, especially at night when the sky is full of stars. I would definitely stop here again for a comfortable and easy RV stay.
ScoutI 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). The water was clear and moving, but no sign of any fish. The river is more of a creek (expected for New Mexico), but still pretty. It was barely visible from my camp, but just a short hike away. 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. It was barely adequate the first day, but absolutely miserable the second day. I could easily connect to their router, but constantly got an error of “no internet service” and had to log off and on several times. I had limited shade at my site, but thankfully the AC kept the trailer cool enough, as it was nearly 90 degrees outside. The hosts were very nice and the park is kept pretty clean. No tents allowed, though.
GuideThe pictures I saw didn’t do this park justice. That’s a switch. Yeah, the RV spots are gravel. But it’s southern New Mexico. There is an actual spring here. The trees around it have a couple of Great Horned owls who have come out nightly. But it’s the New Mexico sunsets and stars that make this such a nice place. Good price for full hook ups, and John our host is a really nice guy
GuideBeautiful drive on Highway 82 west towards Cloudcroft. Stop at the roadside petting zoo!
Apache appeared to be the only campground of the three open in late September. Super nice hosts and well maintained - there were even trash cans and hand sanitizer in the restroom which was a nice touch.
The sites were relatively far apart and backed up into a nice wooded area.
Hardly anyone else there on a weeknight in September.
Strange animal noises at night!
ScoutVery beautiful hidden away RV and Raised Primitive State Park full of marked and unmarked foliage and a nice museum reflecting on the surrounding area of New Mexico. Everything above standards with wonderful staff. Was there with a friend and had an outstanding experience.
Campgrounds near Ruidoso Downs offer access to Lincoln National Forest's ponderosa pine landscape, where elevations range from 5,500 to 7,000 feet creating distinct microclimates throughout the area. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-80°F during the day while dropping to 45°F at night, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature swings. Water access varies significantly between established RV parks and more primitive forest service camping areas.
Mountain biking at Grindstone Lake: The trail system has expanded significantly in recent years with options for various skill levels. "They've really improved this place. They've got a floating play island and 🛶. Good times for the whole family," notes Matthew K. about Grindstone Lake.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings provide the best chances to spot local wildlife around campgrounds. "During our stay we had regular visits from a group of about 11 male mule deer! Bring your hummingbird feeders you won't be disappointed," reports Belinda D. about their experience at Eagle Creek RV Resort.
High elevation hiking: For those seeking panoramic views, the trails near Skyline Campground offer challenging terrain with significant rewards. "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," explains Michael about the conditions at Skyline.
Natural water features: Several campgrounds offer access to streams for cooling off during warmer months. "Beautiful surroundings, not far from downtown shopping in Ruidoso... Rio Bonito flows along the side of the campground," notes Sue G. about Bonito Hollow RV Park & Campground.
Convenience to town amenities: Many campgrounds balance natural settings with practical access to supplies. "Park is right in the middle of town, so very convenient to a lot of shopping if you are into that kind of thing," explains James C. about Midtown Mountain Campground.
Attentive staff: The family-owned nature of several campgrounds translates to personalized service. "The staff is super friendly and helpful. Close to all the things you want to do but far enough from the village to make you feel like you are out in the woods," writes Boyd W. regarding his experience at Bonito Hollow.
Wind exposure considerations: Particularly at higher elevations, wind can become problematic for tent campers. "Terribly windy and open but worth the view. All in all a decent one night or two campground, very close to the road, and very slanted," warns Lev about Skyline Campground.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds, even those relatively close to town. "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," reports Jan R. about her stay at Bonito Hollow.
Size restrictions at forest service sites: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. "Most parking is for a car or van. The camp host will send you on your way if your rig is over 23 feet. The road in is pretty tough for anything longer," advises Butch K. regarding Oak Grove Campground.
Kid-friendly features: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreational spaces. "Smaller campground with plenty to keep the kids entertained. Playground. Some of the campsites back up to a nice running creek. Beautiful bridge crossing over the creek," shares Charles B. about his experience at Bonito Hollow.
Proximity to swimming areas: During summer months, water access becomes particularly valuable for families. "We spent a couple hours at the lake and the weather was perfect... We took to the trails with our kids and dogs and had a fun short hike along the trail and by the water," explains Katriza L. about their day at Grindstone Lake.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours more strictly than others. "Peaceful evenings, with enforced quite times," notes Matt S. about his stay at Slow Play RV Park, making it suitable for families needing consistent sleep schedules.
Site leveling realities: Many campgrounds feature slightly uneven terrain requiring adjustment. "The site we had was #32 and was a gravel pull-thru and almost level. The bathrooms and showers were close by and very clean," shares Ronald about Slow Play RV Park, noting the nearly level condition that many RVers appreciate.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Ruidoso Downs: Multiple RV parks accommodate pets with designated walking areas. "Clean & quiet site with a dog walk trail. Highly recommended if you are visiting Lincoln National Forest," recommends Penélope F. about Slow Play RV Park, highlighting its pet-friendly features.
Bathroom access policies: Some campgrounds have unexpected restrictions on shower access. "Note that if you have a shower in your rv, you will not get access to showers! The girl that checked us in was nice enough to give me the code as I refuse to shower in our rv bc it's so small," warns Juli Z. about Along The River RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ruidoso Downs, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Ruidoso Downs, NM is Midtown Mountain Campground & RV Park with a 4.9-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ruidoso Downs, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 95 dog-friendly camping locations near Ruidoso Downs, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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