Looking for a place to go glamping near Ruidoso? Glamping is not only a fun alternative to traditional tent camping, but also allows you to pack more or less gear as you see fit. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a site closer to all the action, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect glamping spot.
Beautiful park on the Rio Bonito. Come spend one night or longer with us at Bonito Hollow Rv park. Located 15 minutes north of Ruidoso. One of the best parks in Ruidoso area with a wooded environment. We accommodate rigs of all size. We have a large park area for your enjoyment, which includes sand volleyball, horseshoe pits and a dog run. Within seconds to the national forrest.
$40 - $54 / night
Set against the dramatic Sacramento Mountains, this park features a historic ranch house, quiet camping in the Chihuahuan Desert, and pools of water under the cottonwood trees of Dog Canyon. Springs flow year-round and ferns cling to the sides of mossy rocks. The water in Dog Canyon has attracted people to the area for millennia.
The park’s namesake, Oliver Milton Lee (1865-1941) was a colorful figure in New Mexico history. In 1893 he settled at the mouth of Dog Canyon and built an extensive house at his ranch headquarters. At its peak, his holdings reached about one million acres. Oliver Lee explored ways of bringing water to the dry Tularosa Basin and was instrumental in establishing the town of Alamogordo. Lee is also credited for using his influence to attract the railroad to the area.
Oliver Lee’s home at Dog Canyon Ranch has been completely rebuilt from ruins. It is authentically furnished providing visitors with a glimpse of Lee’s life at the ranch. The house is closed for renovations. Please monitor the park events page to find out when tours resume.
Want to Visit?
The campground, just southwest of the mouth of Dog Canyon, is dry and rocky with desert grasses, mesquite, ocotillo, creosote, yucca, and various species of cacti. The sites vary widely in elevation offering privacy and incredible views across the Tularosa Basin.
Travel Tips:
Peak season for the park is October through April Park Elevation 4,400 ft We are the closest campground to White Sands National Park (30 min. / 27 miles) The park makes an excellent base for day trips Ruidoso 1.25 hours / 66 miles Three Rivers Petroglyph Site 56 min. / 50 miles Cloudcroft 44 min. / 35 miles There are attractions in Alamogordo less than 30 minutes away Alameda Park Zoo New Mexico Museum of Space History Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine McGinn’s Pistachio Land The nearby Lincoln National Forest offers miles of trails ranging from very easy to very challenging
$10 - $14 / night
From the KOA website: Nestled in the Tularosa Basin, the Alamogordo / White Sands KOA is a perfect location to set up as your base camp while touring the beauty and attractions of Southern New Mexico! With RV sites, tent sites, and cabins we can accommodate most every type of traveling camper. Mild winters make Alamogordo a wonderful place to escape the cold and snow of northern climates so be sure to ask about winter rates. Escape the desert heat by cooling off in our inviting pool. A large rec room and long covered outside patio work great for group events. Enjoy hiking or disk-sledding down the vast gypsum dunes at White Sands National Monument, only a short 15 mile drive from the campground! Learn about New Mexicos role in the US space program through interactive exhibits at the New Mexico Museum of Space History. Explore ancient rock drawings at the Three Rivers Petroglyph site, just 30 miles north of the campground! Or, simply unwind while taking a leisurely stroll through the oldest zoo in the Southwest the Alameda Park Zoo established in 1898. Though were located in the southern New Mexico desert, the tall, cool pines of Cloudcroft (8600 feet) and Ruidoso (7000 feet) are within an hours drive of the campground and make great day trips to escape the heat. Your hosts will gladly share other hidden gems in Alamogordo during your stay. Well see you soon!
Several shelters, tables and fire rings are located here as well as a vault toilet. All sites are dry and on a first come/first served basis. The access road off of US 380 is graveled. There are no fees for camping in this area.
This rustic style campground has 12 sites set at the base of southern New Mexico's tallest mountain. A portion of the site is designed for Group Camping. Three Rivers is a great place to go to get away from the crowds and is located at a much lower elevation than our other campgrounds (around 5000'). From here you can access the Three Rivers trailhead (T44) into the White Mountain Wilderness is located. Access to the site and the roads throughout the site are all well maintained dirt roads. Don't miss the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site on the way in or out. ACTIVITIES Camping Hiking Horseback Riding Picnicking: Smokey Bear Ranger District picnic area.
Owners Barry and Donna Bell of Along the River RV Park are glad to welcome you to Ruidoso, New Mexico! Whether you are a first-time camper with us or have been here before, Along the River has a campsite for you! We offer more than a place to stay, we present a delightful and memorable experience. Our RV Park is for every age group, so give us a call and come see us soon!
Guide
This RV resort is hidden away near Ruidoso and adjacent to Lincoln National Forest. Small and quiet away from the traffic but close enough to all the sights and attractions in the area. This resort makes a perfect home base.
Scout
Very 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.
Scout
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). 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.
Traveler
We love Royce and the Camp @ Cloudcroft. We started out coming here NYE. We stayed in the teardrop camper — so cold outside but the teardrop was warm and cozy. Since then we’ve been back several times! They have new beautifully renovated shower houses. They have a Yurt with all you could ever think of as well as a pop up trailer (amazing king size bed). When you rent these, you basically can come with clothes and food. They think of everything else from utensils, grills, stoves, linens, seasonings ... even a deck of cards! There’s WiFi throughout the campground. They also have RV spaces and tent areas. Super super nice staff (Sissy and her pup Mickey). Can’t recommend this place enough and we can’t wait to get back to our home away from home!!
GuideThis campground has it all. 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. The hosts helped him set up, with them doing the majority of the work, in the rain. The campground is pet friendly, has an enclosed run where you can take them off the leash for a bit, also has several locations with poop bags available. 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. Sites, once vacated are gone over with a fine tooth comb to make sure Nothing is left behind, the fire pits are cleaned, and everything is in order for the next camper. There are horseshoe pits and sand volleyball available for entertainment. Showers and laundry facilities are available and kept super clean. Rio Bonito flows along the side of the campground
Legend
In direct contrast to the White Sands backcountry camping which offers absolutely zero thrills and access to luxuries, the White Sand KOA is a great place to stay for those wanting some of the comforts of home. Located about 10 minutes from White Sands this campground is in a great location for a run to the store, a meal at one of the great local restaurants or a trip to some of the other area attractions.
While visiting here I noticed there were plenty of options for RV campers, something lacking at the White Sands itself. But RV camping is not all created equal, and this one by far surpasses other area options. Sites were latge enough even for the largest of rigs but also offered smaller sites for someone traveling a bit lighter like myself.
Tent row seemed to be a very popular options and while the sites here were a bit closer together there was still plenty of room to move around.
The hosts were extremely friendly and welcoming. The restrooms were private and very well throught creating a feeling of being at home while on the road. There was even a small store located on property with goodies and merchandise to commemorate your trip to the area.
This place really has the family in mind with a pool, playground and game room which will leave a smile on the faces of even the smallest guests.
Tips:
RangerCampground Review:
Oliver Lee is an amazing place to stay in southern New Mexico. This park is located about 20 minutes south of Alamogordo and a half hour drive to White Sands National Monument. We spent two nights here and were blown away with the desert views that surround the site. They have both developed sites with access to electricity and water as well as some undeveloped sites. We went in the middle of June during a heat wave that was hitting the southwest United States, but was really able to enjoy the park and surrounding hiking during the morning and afternoons.
I was actually pretty surprised at the amount of other campers that were there, and available amenities. When I was beginning to look at camping here I thought it would be a pretty primitive site, but was blow away at the available bathrooms, showers, and hook ups. While we were here they were replacing much of the water hook ups in the park, which meant the water was shut off during most of the day, but really increased the availability of the water.
If we are ever back in southern NM we will definitely be sure to swing by and stay for a night.
Click here to see the video review!
Product Review:
As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I occasionally get products to test, and on this trip i was able to test the Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe sleeping pad.
I was excited to be able to test out this pad primarily for its claim of being comfortable for side sleepers.
With other pads that I've tried in the past I always run into the problem of whenever I try to sleep on my side I get spots what are always in contact with the ground and will eventually begin to hurt.
Not with this pad. Except for the times when I was changing my sleeping position, I never felt the ground.
I am truly in love with this pad! So far I've only been able to use pad in warm climates, so I can't attest to its insulative properties, but I can't wait to take it out this winter!
Click here to see an extended video review!
Camping with the GO: DAY 1
During our road trip around the US, I was able to try out the GO camper from SylvanSport. This was the first night we stayed in the GO and were blown away. Our first impression of this camper is SPACIOUS!! There is so much room in this camper, it's almost unfair. Definitely, loved our first night!
Guide
Campground is ok. Not a lot going on, no pool, exercise room or anything like that. There is a decent laundry facility. Roads and sites are gravel. Hook ups are good, water is extremely hard. Some sites are very close together. A lot of mule deer and elk roaming around. AT&T was good with 3 bars of 4g. Verizon was spotty with 1 bar of 4g. Paid &600.0o/month plus electric. Electric is charged at amount used plus a $25 "meter fee". Wasn't very happy about that. Would only return if I had no choice.
Traveler
Awesome tent site, Beautiful ponderosa pines , very clean bathrooms an showers !!!! Awesome Owners they live on camp site!!!
Scout
they have electricity and cover area for
RangerI just talked to the camp host at the Cedar Creek recreation area, a sister side to the Cedar Creek San Tobias campground, Jamie. He said that the recreation area has a locked gate every night and every morning and no one is allowed to stay overnight inside. Sam Tobias has got a group site but unless you've got five or more people it's pretty darn expensive, must be for the locals.
Guide
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. Matt is a great host always helpful and kind. You will love this campground !
TravelerWe camped here because it looked pretty on Google. It's a quaint little campground and we were lucky to get a spot on the river. No cell service but, wifi is strong! It's super quiet. 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.
ScoutThere is NO River, small stream in a ditch. LIE# 2. Internet indicates SHOWERS. However if your camper has a shower ACCESS TO SHOWERS. DENIED!!! Also No fires allowed ! Highway noise drowns out any Peaceful sounds. In truth: NO Amenities… play in the ditch or stay in your camper.
TravelerLovely level sites, as I am in a van. Spacious sites, firebox available, tables at the sites, deer, wild horses come to visit. Firewood available per bundle.
GuideSmaller 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.
TravelerThe 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.
GuideJust returned from a 5 day stay. We got escorted to our spot and they helped guide us in. The staff are very helpful and if you need something, they will be more than happy to accommodate you. The grounds are very clean and well maintained. There is a small creek that runs along the grounds and nice spots to sit and chill out. There are horseshoe pits, fenced in area for dogs to do their business, playground for kids (needs a little more upgrade including a slide, climbing things, etc.). The interaction with your neighbors was more than enjoyable. They were helpful and were a joy to chat with. I could not say enough about our stay there.
ScoutHas 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. When they greet you by name upon stepping out of your vehicle... that tells you a lot. My family and I will continue enjoying our getaways to BHRV till we can't no more! Love it!
TravelerSoooo quiet. Very nice owners. Everything you need!
ScoutNo phone service Verizon or ATT Also bathrooms and showers are closed. They said they only had water & electric sites without telling me about the closures. I can see plenty of full hook up sites that are empty. Nice setting but I can't recommend this place.
Scout
We have stayed here many time, the owners are great and the rv park is great.
GuideWe stayed here in January and the stay was wonderful. We were greeted by friendly and helpful hosts. Nice office and with couches and a book/dvd lending library. There is a pool in the summer and an area for breakfast. Our stay in January was wonderful. You can also refill your propane on site. We would come back here any time !
Ranger
Stayed here back in May 2020. It's on BLM land so no fee, first-come first-serve. Very small little stretch just off the side of the road with a bathroom, tables, and small firepits. Also some concrete slabs to put your tent on if you want, including some sites with covered slabs to keep the sun / rain off you, or to hang a hammock on. Not every site has those though, and in be careful with the firepits, this area is quite dry and the pits are not well-protected (see my photos). Definitely check local status of having campfires if you're headed here.
Nice because it is easy to get to, will 100% work in a pinch, and is quiet, especially if you have it all to yourself. According to the website it is near a cave system, something I didn't realize at the time (I suppose the name was a pretty big clue, but hey, I'm nothing if not dense in moments...).
All in all, nothing particularly amazing, but functional and comfortable. And hey, if those caves are something special, maybe the proximity of this campground pushes it up into 4 or 5 star territory. Alas, I'll have to find out next time I'm in that part of the country.
GuideWe tried to stay at this site on a Tuesday in late May, all 3 spots were filled. So we continued down the road where there are lots of other dispersed options just right off Cave Canyon Road. No facilities just rock fire pits. Lots of access to trails (hiking, biking, and horse access only). There's a good map of the trails located at Fort Stanton if you happen to visit there before heading here definitely take a picture. It gets hot here starting in May and not much shade available. As a side note the caves located just by the CG are closed.
GuideVery quiet little park with just a few spots, has water and electricity and a dump site. Close to Lincoln, NM. Historical Fort Stanton just down the road.
GuideFor motorhomes and big rigs the three main campsites are really the only ones I would recommend camping in.
There are some small boondocking campsites further up cave canyon trail road but the road was pretty rough in spots.
Cell phone service was great in the campground and we got good data speeds.
The vault toilet was clean and there's a few garbage cans spread out the campground.
In October there were other campers there but there was an open site every day.
Some jeeps and OHV's went by during the day but it was still a great place to camp that was quiet at night.
This is the free campground. There's one that costs money with hookups a few miles away on the road that leads to Fort Stanton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Ruidoso, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Ruidoso, NM is Bonito Hollow RV Park & Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Ruidoso, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 glamping camping locations near Ruidoso, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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