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Best Equestrian Camping near Ruidoso, NM

37 Reviews

Horse facilities are limited at campgrounds near Ruidoso, New Mexico, with most sites lacking dedicated horse corrals. Twin Spruce RV Park accommodates horses but does not offer specialized equine amenities. Most campgrounds permit pets but do not specifically mention horse facilities in their features list. Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area allows camping with tents near trails where horse riding camps operate during summer months. The area includes toilets and campsites along a creek with access to multiple hiking trails including Big Bonito Trail and Argentina Trail.

Lincoln National Forest provides dispersed camping opportunities for equestrians in the Ruidoso area, with West Mesa Trailhead BLM and Guebara Tank Camp offering free primitive camping suitable for horse owners. Stone Mountain RV Resort accepts pets and provides full hookups for those camping with horses and trailers. Skyline Campground sits at a mountain peak with 360-degree views and trail access. Horse enthusiasts should note that many campgrounds in this region experience seasonal limitations with some sites inaccessible during winter months due to snow. The Three Rivers Campground area connects to multiple hiking trails and wilderness areas, making it a potential base for riders exploring the White Mountain Wilderness area in Lincoln National Forest.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Ruidoso, New Mexico (12)

    1. Skyline Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ruidoso, NM
    7 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!"

    2. Twin Spruce RV Park

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

    3. Baca Campground

    12 Reviews
    Lincoln, NM
    18 miles

    "There were a few other campers around but it was nice that we weren’t right on top of each other. Close to Ruidoso which is always fun to explore."

    "We live in Roswell and it is only a short drive to this campground. We got there around 5 or so on a Saturday night and it was not busy at all."

    4. Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Nogal, NM
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 257-4095

    "Good base camp for some of the best hiking around Ruidoso (Big Bonito Trail, Argentina Trail, etc.) Be prepared for lots of dust with the dirt road uphill from sites."

    "We had a great night drove through the entire area and off roads to find a nice quiet area we had our son and two big doggos and had plenty of space for them to roam."

    5. Three Rivers Campground

    6 Reviews
    Nogal, NM
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 257-4095

    "It was also super quiet since it was so far away from the road. The actual camp was in the trees and great views of the surrounding mountains. Each spot has a table, fire pit, and gazebo."

    "Good little camp ground..stow your food away from tent had a bear visit while there..also the road getting there is prone to flash floods"

    6. West Mesa Trailhead BLM Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Capitan, NM
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 244-4605

    "Lots of things to see and do close Ruidoso is interesting Lincoln is interesting. Probably not the place to stay in high summer but otherwise really great location."

    "Easy to find and not a rough drive. I saw several dirt pull offs surrounded by trees before parking. This was a very private remote area in the forest."

    7. Stone Mountain RV Resort

    1 Review
    Nogal, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 354-0698

    8. Guebara Tank Camp

    1 Review
    Nogal, NM
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 257-4095

    "Not to many trees that are tall so u get cover but not complete seclusion but enof to where it’s enjoyable and u see the sky at nights so path ways are very down sloap if ur in a car know how to drive"

    9. Upper Karr Canyon Campground

    4 Reviews
    Lincoln National Forest, NM
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-7570

    "There are plenty of trails and campsites in the trees. Not a super popular area so they aren't too many people to fight over campsites with. They're are bathrooms there near the parking lot."

    10. High Country Arena

    1 Review
    Mayhill, NM
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 687-2146

    $40 / night

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Ruidoso, NM

37 Reviews of 12 Ruidoso Campgrounds

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 3, 2023

    Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area

    Secluded spot with bathrooms

    A lot of dispersed camping areas don't have toilets, but this one does.

    Lots of first come first served campsites along the little creek. Not much privacy when it's busier (warmer months).

    Good base camp for some of the best hiking around Ruidoso (Big Bonito Trail, Argentina Trail, etc.)

    Be prepared for lots of dust with the dirt road uphill from sites.

    In the summer there are horse riding camps set up to provide trail rides.

    Can get snowed in in the Winter months.

  • Ryan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 7, 2025

    Baca Campground

    Disperesed

    Cool campground. I got there at about 930 at night so didn’t really get to scope too much since I left the following morning. What I did see was nice. There were a few other campers around but it was nice that we weren’t right on top of each other. Close to Ruidoso which is always fun to explore.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 25, 2023

    West Mesa Trailhead BLM Dispersed

    All kinds of dispersed camping available

    It was late November and cold so I stayed where I had electric service. But I rode my bike all over the place and there's dispersed camping everywhere. Good cell phone service. I plan on staying for a full week and working from here. Lots of things to see and do close Ruidoso is interesting Lincoln is interesting. Probably not the place to stay in high summer but otherwise really great location.

  • K&S Adventures !.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area

    Night at Bonito Dispersed!

    We had a great night drove through the entire area and off roads to find a nice quiet area we had our son and two big doggos and had plenty of space for them to roam. Lots of trails nearby and the lake of course!

  • James G.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2024

    Three Rivers Campground

    Clean, quiet, and beautiful!

    This was a really nice spot we stumbled upon. It's about 13 miles off the 54 on BLM land. The road was smooth (though gravel most of the way). It was also super quiet since it was so far away from the road. The actual camp was in the trees and great views of the surrounding mountains. Each spot has a table, fire pit, and gazebo. There are also a few trailheads at the back of camp. The only downside was that it cost $15.

  • AJCOOK The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 12, 2025

    Three Rivers Campground

    Nice area

    Good little camp ground..stow your food away from tent had a bear visit while there..also the road getting there is prone to flash floods

  • Nikki B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 16, 2022

    West Mesa Trailhead BLM Dispersed

    Remote forrest with great views

    Easy to find and not a rough drive. I saw several dirt pull offs surrounded by trees before parking. This was a very private remote area in the forest. It was a nice change of pace from the desert that surrounds the Forrest! Although I did not see anything, there were signs of wildlife everywhere. I got 1-2 bars of cell service here. Would spend multiple nights in this spot!

  • Jorge G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 28, 2024

    Three Rivers Campground

    Tread Carefully, Fragile Ecosystems

    Three Rivers Campground finally reopened "for good" at the start of 2024 after some stops and starts due to fires around the area.

    This place is unique as it is one of the few places you can camp on the Western edge of Sierra Blanca / the White Mountain Wilderness. Tons of hiking opportunities with 3 separate trails originating at the campground.

    Well maintained dirt roads lead up to the campground. There's a single spot where water flows over the road but it was only an inch or so deep and padded with concrete.

    $6 per vehicle per night. Hosts present and active. Very nice couple watching over the sites.

    Please tread lightly, leave no trace, and be gentle with the wilderness. This place has gone through a lot of fire related hardships.

  • J
    Feb. 13, 2024

    Upper Karr Canyon Campground

    Quiet and spacious, but be cautious of the area...

    First off, this was a luxury free campsite! Paved road, and picnic tables right next to the parking area! It was packed on Easter Sunday; an RV with many loud children was parked across the way, presumably for the long weekend, but, once they left, peace and quiet. The trail (or many meadows that were connected, more like) was very nice and serene, I saw not another person. There is no cell signal to be had here at all (Verizon), I had to go to the overlook point closer to the Village to even get a single bar, but you can get pretty good signal with a transistor radio, and many nearby stations, NOAA weather comes in very clear. Speaking of that, while watching the sunset there, I was attempted to be followed by what seemed like another onlooker once it got dark. I let them know very quickly I knew what they were up to, and they went on their way. I still would stay again, but, if that makes you nervous, I'd avoid.

Guide to Ruidoso

Horse camping in New Mexico offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventure, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Baca Campground, visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature while riding through beautiful mountain scenery.
  • Three Rivers Campground provides access to several hiking trails, making it an ideal spot for those who want to combine horseback riding with scenic walks.
  • The Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area features numerous trails that are perfect for horseback riding, allowing riders to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and space

  • Skyline Campground offers ample space for horse camping, with access to trails that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • At Twin Spruce RV Park, equestrian campers can find facilities that cater to both horses and riders, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Stone Mountain RV Resort is well-reviewed for its friendly atmosphere and amenities that support horse camping, making it a great choice for families.

Tips for equestrian camping near Ruidoso, New Mexico

  • When visiting Baca Campground, be prepared for a lack of water and electricity, so plan accordingly for your horse's needs.
  • At Three Rivers Campground, take advantage of the nearby trails for both riding and hiking, ensuring a full day of outdoor fun.
  • The West Mesa Trailhead BLM Dispersed area is perfect for those seeking a more remote experience, with plenty of space for horses to roam and explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ruidoso, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ruidoso, NM is Skyline Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ruidoso, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Ruidoso, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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