Camping in Salem, NM

Salem is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Salem, NM (81)

    Camper-submitted photo from Las Cruces KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Las Cruces KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Las Cruces KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Las Cruces KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Las Cruces KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Las Cruces KOA

    1. Las Cruces KOA

    47 Reviews
    125 Photos
    88 Saves
    Mesilla, New Mexico

    This KOA is conveniently located one mile from I-10, overlooking the amazing views of Las Cruces, Mesilla Valley, and nearby mountains. Many upgrades have taken place over the last year, including Wi-fi with which you can stream and zoom, paved streets and a new playground. Choose from breathtaking view sites, big-rig friendly pull-thru sites, KOA Patio Sites with fire pits, Tent Sites or one-room Camping Cabins with refrigerator/freezer and fire pits. An RV wash area (Care Camps donation encouraged), 24-hr laundry and heated pool (seasonal) will complete your visit. Many come for one night and end up staying longer. Visit La Mesilla, known for its rich history and great cuisine. Shop for local specialties, chilies, and pecans at the popular farmers' market in downtown Las Cruces. Other area attractions include White Sands National Park & Missile Museum, Spaceport America Visitors Center, and the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. Pool: Mid May – Sept 31st. Max pull thru 85 ft.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Leasburg Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leasburg Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leasburg Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leasburg Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leasburg Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Leasburg Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Ridge Road — Elephant Butte Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Ridge Road — Elephant Butte Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Ridge Road — Elephant Butte Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Ridge Road — Elephant Butte Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Ridge Road — Elephant Butte Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lower Ridge Road — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    3. Lower Ridge Road — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    29 Reviews
    98 Photos
    173 Saves
    Elephant Butte, New Mexico

    This state park has 173 developed campsites, beach camping and boat-in camping. If you like camping, fishing, boating, or just being outdoors, Elephant Butte is for you. There is plenty of water and plenty of beach room and this is New Mexico's largest State Park. Besides sandy beaches, the State Park offers restrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and developed sites with electric and water hook-ups for RV's. Park Elevation 4,527 ft

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    4. Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    50 Reviews
    164 Photos
    523 Saves
    White Sands, New Mexico

    The high wall, needle-like spires of the Organ Mountains curve dramatically around a semicircle of Chihuahuan Desert habitat at the Aguirre Spring Campground. The campground, nestled at the base of spectacular cliffs, overlooks the Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Park. Alligator juniper, gray oak, mountain mahogany and sotol are a few of the abundant plant species here. Seasonal springs and streams occur in the canyon bottoms, with a few perennial springs that support riparian habitats. Entrance Gate Hours (change with Daylight Savings Time) Winter Hours (Nov - March): 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Summer Hours (March - Nov): 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. The campground has a total of 55 sites that are available at a first come, first served basis, and two group sites that can be reserved by calling 575-525-4300. Water is only available at the entrance of the recreation site by the Camp Host Site. RVs can camp in the campground but should be aware that the road up to the campground becomes narrow and winding. Due to safety precautions for vehicles, the recommended max length for RVs is 23 feet. All sites have a shade shelter, picnic table, grill and tent pad.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Percha Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Percha Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Percha Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Percha Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Percha Dam State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Percha Dam State Park Campground

    5. Percha Dam State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    22 Photos
    19 Saves
    Arrey, New Mexico

    Campground Facilities: 29 Developed Campsites 23 Electric Sites Water in Campground RV Dump Station Group Campsites Restrooms: Restrooms with water Showers Vault Toilets Gardens Gift Shop

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 - $14 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Caballo Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Caballo Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Caballo Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Caballo Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Caballo Lake State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Caballo Lake State Park Campground

    6. Caballo Lake State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    30 Photos
    142 Saves
    Arrey, New Mexico
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Appaloosa Area — Caballo Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Appaloosa Area — Caballo Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Appaloosa Area — Caballo Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Appaloosa Area — Caballo Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Appaloosa Area — Caballo Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Appaloosa Area — Caballo Lake State Park

    7. Appaloosa Area — Caballo Lake State Park

    5 Reviews
    19 Photos
    3 Saves
    Arrey, New Mexico

    Apaloosa campground has 23 sites that are tent and RV friendly with 30 am hookups, water, toilets and is pet friendly. No showers at this location. But it is located within walking distance to Caballo Lake and has pull through sites with electric and water to accomodate motorhomes, travel trailers, 5th wheels or tent camping

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sierra Vista
    Camper-submitted photo from Sierra Vista
    Camper-submitted photo from Sierra Vista
    Camper-submitted photo from Sierra Vista
    Camper-submitted photo from Sierra Vista
    Camper-submitted photo from Sierra Vista
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Campground — Caballo Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Campground — Caballo Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Campground — Caballo Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Campground — Caballo Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Campground — Caballo Lake State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    9. Riverside Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    5 Reviews
    16 Photos
    3 Saves
    Arrey, New Mexico

    Located within short walking distance of Rio Grande River, Riverside Campground has pull through sites with electric and water to accommodate motorhomes, travel trailers, 5th wheels or tent camping.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $14 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from City of Rocks State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from City of Rocks State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from City of Rocks State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from City of Rocks State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from City of Rocks State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from City of Rocks State Park Campground
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Showing results 1-10 of 81 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Salem

Recent Reviews in Salem

479 Reviews of 81 Salem Campgrounds


  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Desert Cove — Elephant Butte Lake State Park
    Dec. 5, 2024

    Desert Cove — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    Desert Cove is actually a campground and also dispersed camping area

    This is a very nicely spaced campground. Can't really see the water from here but the sites have water and electric. The bathroom was being worked on so not open during the visit and the water level is at like 5 % capacity but there are lots of places to walk and bike and camping here in the winter provides very livable temperatures.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Appaloosa Area — Caballo Lake State Park
    Dec. 2, 2024

    Appaloosa Area — Caballo Lake State Park

    Flat spots with hook ups

    This is a pretty normal lake campground. Not a lot of shade or privacy but picnic tables and covered outdoor spaces. There are bathrooms close by and they seem fine. Quiet during the off season and nice hiking trails.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stallion Campground — Caballo Lake State Park
    Dec. 2, 2024

    Stallion Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    These spots are great

    If it were to stay here again, I'd stay in this campground as the layout is a lot nicer and more private. This campground is full and none of the others are right now. Nice walking trails and spots with some privacy and full hook ups.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Campground — Caballo Lake State Park
    Dec. 2, 2024

    Riverside Campground — Caballo Lake State Park

    Very nice

    Caballo is kind of hidden between Percha and Elephant Butte but has lots of places to camp and is well maintained. This has a nice paved road leading to it, tons of spots where you can have privacy and trees. During the spring, it would keep you out of the wind.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Percha Dam State Park Campground
    Nov. 30, 2024

    Percha Dam State Park Campground

    Not as nice as in the past.

    I stayed here in 2018 and the trees didn't look very good. They must have had to remove a lot of them and the spots are now in the sun. Very hot and dry most of the year and the river doesn't run most of the year either. Stickers everywhere and the trails are not well maintained.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregan Wilderness Dispersed
    Nov. 30, 2024

    Oregan Wilderness Dispersed

    Lots of dispersed sites Mountain View’s

    Lots of dispersed sites but looks like a very popular area we passed over 20 campers before finding a spot. Spots are pretty well spaced out with lots of vegetation inbetween. Road is a little rough 4x4 definitely recommended.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Upper Gallinas Campground
    Nov. 29, 2024

    Upper Gallinas Campground

    Strip along the road

    This is the most exposed of the campgrounds to the road. Nice and close to get to a picnic table but I'd stay at one of the others before staying here.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Railroad Canyon Campground
    Nov. 29, 2024

    Railroad Canyon Campground

    Nice campground

    Of the handful of formal places to camp, this is very small but very nice. Trees, a decent hike on a maintained trail. Only a few spots to take but cute if you get one.

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wrights Cabin
    Nov. 29, 2024

    Wrights Cabin

    Not maintained

    This is a picnic ground and you park on the road and walk up to. It is not maintained and I don't think the pit toilet is open

  • Teresa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Kingston Campground
    Nov. 29, 2024

    Kingston Campground

    Free place in a cute town

    I walked through Kingstown and which is a friendly, adorable town. It is just up the road from their provided campground.

    The campground is really just a couple of spots with a picnic table and not a destination but worthy of stopping if the mountains are cold.

  • UThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    Hidden gem

    Stayed in #43. Most sites are uneven and short. BLM recommends nothing more than 23' long. Water available at host site near gate before driving about 4 or 5 mi to campsites. Road IS narrow and winding and steep in place but pave and ONE way (don't turn wrong direction). Toilets were clean and mens toilets all had soft-close lids. I am told womens do not. Campground was clean, great 4 mile loop hike, and other much more strenuous/technical options for mountain climbers. Mountain crags remind me of a mix of Tetons, Patagonia and Sawtooth in Idaho. Great views to Sacramento Mountains to the east (Ruidoso/Cloudcroft area--Sierra Blanca covered in snow early Nov.). White Sands nearby along with White Sands Missile Range Museum).  Met some BLM peeps who were very nice, helpful and provided great information re: geology of the area and other points of interest. We brought our own 5 gal of water and were fine for 3 nights.

    ALSO: shout out to New Mexico Volunteers for the Outdoors who were doing trail rehab./maintenance work while we were in area, yay!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Arrey RV Park, LLC
    Nov. 16, 2024

    Arrey RV Park, LLC

    Awesome RV park!

    Rv park is great. Mostly everyone is a resident. There are a few nightly spots. The residents and owner have lots of community pot lucks. Common room, laundry and showers are all available at the main building. Plus plenty of space to store your RV, Boat or whatever youbwant to store. You bring they store it! There are many different types of camping. Full hookups down dry dry camping. The owners are super cool. It's a really nice place to live.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Quail Run — Elephant Butte Lake State Park
    Nov. 16, 2024

    Quail Run — Elephant Butte Lake State Park

    EB St Pk is great, More sheltered area

    I love the Elephant Butte State Park and have stayed around 4 times. February 2024 I spent a week there in my small travel trailer. It can be quite windy in Feb/Mar so before booking I called the park office ans asked which campground might be more wind sheltered. They suggested Quail Run so that is what I booked. It was more out of the wind and a very nice, less exposed area. /bear in mind, the excellent prices are ending for 2025 and will be considerably more. I plan to spend a few days there in Dec before the prices go up.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Vineyard RV Park
    Nov. 14, 2024

    Little Vineyard RV Park

    Some amenities but dated

    We stopped here for an unplanned overnight. It is ok. Friendly staff. Clean but dated bathrooms. Took 5 minutes to get hot water in the women’s shower and the water stream was very small. No space between rigs. Lots of people driving out late and early. Think some folks must live here and be heading off to work. Big clubhouse area with a library. Also indoor pool. Didn’t use these facilities. There is a laundry but we did not check it out. Reasonable price but we wouldn’t choose to stay here again.

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
    Nov. 8, 2024

    Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    Views and hikes

    Great sites with close and clean toilets. We found a few level spots that would work for rooftop tents, but most spots seemed a little rocky and uneven for tents. There is a lovely 4 mile hike that loops up in the mountains by the sites.

  • Roy G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Baylor Canyon Rd Dispersed Site
    Nov. 3, 2024

    Baylor Canyon Rd Dispersed Site

    Convenient

    Not bad at all. Not far off the main road. Paved road to it. Gravelled grounds. Pretty level. Quiet. This isn't a huge campground but we had no trouble finding a spot.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Las Cruces KOA
    Nov. 1, 2024

    Las Cruces KOA

    5-star city light view!

    We usually opt more for National Forests and Parks, but this was a great stop after a fabulous but more rustic experience camping at Chiricahua National Monument. This place has been updated and has more amenities than I’ve ever seen at an RV park including a dog bath! The bathrooms are updated and clean. Our view site was great and more spacious than the pull through ones. No one was to our right, so our site felt extra spacious. Staff were kind and helpful. Very clean and quiet park. I’d stay here again.

  • jam
    Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
    Oct. 29, 2024

    Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    insights on the Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    It’s great to hear about the spacious sites and beautiful surroundings that enhance the outdoor experience. Your mention of nearby hiking trails is particularly helpful for those looking to explore. Sprunki

  • Lisa M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rockhound State Park Campground
    Oct. 28, 2024

    Rockhound State Park Campground

    Great State Park

    This is the second time we have spent a night here. The park is just a little out of town but upon a hill with amazing views. The campsites are mostly level and have water and electric and the showers and bathrooms were quite clean. Nice hiking in the area. Don’t forget to visit the gift shop where there’s some interesting information about the history of the area. All the camp hosts we’ve come in contact have been super friendly. you do have to make reservations online through reserve America. Very popular place in the fall and winter.

  • Jeff P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Smokey Bear Campground
    Oct. 28, 2024

    Smokey Bear Campground

    Smokey Bear Historical Park

    This small camp site is next to Smokey Bear Historical Park and museum is in a small town of Capitan, New Mexico.



Guide to Salem

Camping near Salem, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do

  • Explore Elephant Butte Lake State Park: This park is perfect for fishing and boating. One visitor mentioned, "If you like to fish or have a boat, this is the place for you!" The park also has hiking trails for those who prefer to stay on land.
  • Visit Riverbend Hot Springs: Soaking in the hot springs is a must. A camper shared, "The nighttime serenity and views were stunning," highlighting the relaxing atmosphere after a day of exploring.
  • Hike nearby trails: Trails around the area offer beautiful views. One reviewer noted, "There are plenty of places to hike and fish," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort said, "The staff was very easy to get a hold of during business hours," emphasizing the helpfulness of the staff.
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer large, private spaces. One camper at Leasburg Dam State Park Campground remarked, "Sites are gravel with a concrete pad; they are generous in size and spaced far enough apart to provide more than sufficient privacy."
  • Family-friendly activities: Campgrounds often have playgrounds and recreational areas. A reviewer at Las Cruces KOA mentioned, "Really nice pool, basketball court, corn hole, playground," making it a great spot for families.

What you should know

  • Reservations are recommended: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A camper at New Mexico Leasburg Dam State Park noted, "All sites need to be reserved."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. One visitor at Elephant Butte Lake State Park mentioned, "Only vault toilets close to the Lions Beach campground," indicating that some areas may lack running water and showers.
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Percha Dam State Park shared, "The raccoons are amusing if they're not getting into your stuff," so keep an eye on your food!

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with amenities like playgrounds and pools. A parent at Las Cruces KOA said, "Tent spots, covered tent spots, RV spots with 120/30A/50A and water," which makes it easy for families to set up.
  • Plan activities: Bring games and outdoor toys. One camper at Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort mentioned, "Fire pit and shade over picnic table," perfect for family gatherings.
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of food. A visitor at Riverbend Hot Springs suggested, "Free coffee and tea in the morning," which is a nice touch for early risers.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Caballo Lake State Park Campground noted, "The park is on the lake it's named after," indicating spacious areas for larger rigs.
  • Use online reservations: Many campgrounds are moving to online booking. A visitor at Elephant Butte Lake State Park mentioned, "Had to book online or phone," making it easier to secure a spot.
  • Be prepared for weather changes: The weather can shift quickly, so pack accordingly. A camper at New Mexico Leasburg Dam State Park advised, "The skies at night were clear," suggesting that nights can be chilly.

Camping in Salem, NM, and the surrounding areas offers a variety of experiences for everyone. With beautiful parks and friendly campgrounds, it’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Salem, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Salem, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 81 campgrounds and RV parks near Salem, NM and 17 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Salem, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Salem, NM is Las Cruces KOA with a 4.7-star rating from 47 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Salem, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 free dispersed camping spots near Salem, NM.

  • What parks are near Salem, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 parks near Salem, NM that allow camping, notably Gila National Forest and Lincoln National Forest.