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.
$30 / night
"I come out here to mostly kayak, fish & walk my dogs. Kayaking is best when the sunrises because you get a beautiful view of it rising behind the mountains."
"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."
$30 - $35 / night
"Can’t canp near the water, but can stay at sites within walking distance. Grills and bathrooms, nice to sit in a tube and float down and has a trail to hike back up after the ride"
"Tucked in next to the Rio Grande, Perch Dam Campground is quiet, clean, and enjoyable. The bathrooms were spotless and well maintained, as were the pit toilets in the dispersed area. "
$15 - $30 / night
"You can't beat New Mexico State Parks. Water and electric hook-ups for $18. Great views and a concrete picnic shelter to boot."
"Like many New Mexico State Parks, Leasburg Dam offers beautiful views and nice facilities. We have the facilities here to be among the best. We love the adobe shelters!"
$30 - $35 / night
"Being physically limited and having to walk clear across the campground was very difficult. Otherwise everything was great."
"It was nice to walk along the riverbank with the dogs."
"Close to the water from camping sites....Grills tables and shade area...."
"My favorite part about caballo lake is floating down from elephant butte to caballo lake in a giant floaty."
"We stopped at this KOA for one night while passing through New Mexico. We had a great view of the valley below and our site had everything we needed--full hookups."
"We only stayed one night but this was a convenient location or far off the highway. Bathroom was clean and staff was nice. Large clean dog park. Nice views of the city."
$35 / night
"Quiet at night, just some road noise from the highway. The lake is great with easy access for kayaking at the boat ramp. We would stay here again."
"There are numerous trails outlined by rocks, and there's a variety of trails to go down to the Caballo Lake reservoir."
$30 / night
"Nice walking trails and spots with some privacy and full hook ups."
"Dispersed camping is available down by the lake near the boat ramp. Cell coverage is iffy, at best. Comfort Stations are clean, toilets have running water."
$35 - $60 / night
"The water was high so we couldn’t camp to close to the river edge. It was so nice to see all the stars at night. It is very sweet as well."
GuideWe did one night at this KOA. Laundry was easy and used a QR app to pay or traditional coin operation. The place is beautiful and well maintained. Lots of views that everyone can enjoy. A stunning mountain range view that make sunrises and sets a treat.
GuideThis campsite is one of the worst I’ve been at in yeeeaaasrrrrsss. So many people. So many RUDE people. People who literally just want to party and play extremely loud music and keep their generator on all day and night. There’s supposed to be a no noise or generators after 10pm but there’s no enforcement. On top of that, the bathrooms are AWFUL. There are so many flies in the toilet it’s actually impossible to go, so bring your own LNT toilet and a tent for it since everyone will see you otherwise. Oh, and the gnats are INSANE. I only gave this place 2 stars because it’s gorgeous. Too bad it’s a magnet for the worst kinds of campers.
GuideWe've stayed here several times since 2021. It really is a little known campground that is a hidden gem. Biked to the paek on the last stay. Small hikes and a blast for the kids to explore the rock formations. We've stayed at several sites. This last time we stayed at the RV sites with hookups. No dump station on site. There are very clean bathrooms and showers though.
TravelerVery nice hosts and accommodating. Wide pull through and back ins, very reasonable rates! Saw some very recent damage from an overnight bad storm but easy recovery. Stayed here several times and always good. Pretty area and beautiful views, just a little off the beaten path (only about 5 miles) if looking for a quick overnight stop. But if wanting to stay a bit-great spot!
GuideThere are many sites off this road, but it was super crowded when I went in April. Additionally, the sites are quite close to another nearby main road that is primarily parallel to the road you camp off. I didn’t hear much car noise from that road, but I could easily see the cars driving by from my tent. With these things in mind, I wouldn’t necessarily say I felt isolated when camping here in my tent, and it is definitely not “out there” in nature, but the views of the Organ Mountains are wonderful!
The road in is very bumpy/rocky. I’m kind of a risk-taker with my Toyota Corolla and was able to make it the full way from one end of the road to the other (driving VERY slowly and carefully), but had to get out of my car quite a few times to move large rocks out of the way.
In all, I recommend this spot due to the beautiful views and convenient location, but be aware that it might be pretty crowded and the road doesn’t necessarily suit normal cars (shout-out to my fellow non-camper/van/jeep peeps!).
LegendAs noted in other review here: Traffic is fast on curved road, be alert. Overall, clean, showers have a step so water can stay inside shower stall, there is a handicapped shower. All shower closets have sinks and plenty of hooks on wall. The one I used has blow dryer. Only one toilet in men's room (room that is separate from showers). WiFi is available but you must create a sign-in/acct. so we did not use it. Phone reception was great and we were able to hotspot for work (used VPN). Staff is friendly and let us know water pressure is high so use a reducer (we did not need water hookup), and also cautioned us that there have been some bike thefts in area and let us know that if we wanted, we could keep bikes inside their office at no charge (open 9 to 5 so we were not able to do that). It was very hot (>100) and so we kept fan/AC on all night and wrapped our cord around bikes in such a way that if someone was up to no-good, s/he would need to turn it off and thus notify us that something was up (and they might get a shock depending on how that went! ;). No table, but had sewer and water in addition to electric. Site was level. There is a free dogwash! We watched a gray fox during day that was nearby (did not come very close to campground). I-10 is close but we did not notice any noise. A Wal Mart is across the frwy, and several restaurants nearby. We did not use spa but it was clean and there is a large patio area for activities/cookouts that is quite nice. Large area also for horseshoes, corn hole and as noted in other reviews a narrow but very long dog walk for pets to roam.
Might be a bit nicer in cooler weather----just way too hot to do much around grounds (BBQ, cornhole, spa). Would stay here again.
GuideWe stayed on the B loop in spot 86, with a 40 foot motorhome. It was easy to get in and out. We have a water hook up and a thirty amp.Hookup but no sewer. According to their website, the B loop is waterfront, but that just means it has the best water view, we are about three quarters of a mile from the actual lake.
The actual campground is very quiet. There's more fifth wheels in class c.Motorhomes down on the actual beach dispersed camping. It looks like a ton of fun but a little risky driving on the sand. I talked to a guy that had to get towed out of the sand yesterday. People are loading their boats and jet skis right on the beach.
The RV site has a nice concrete pad with a cover over it and a picnic table. There are a few little trees as well.
Great cell service for AT&T and Verizon
GuideTent camping 6/5/25. Almost all of the spots are full, unless you go much farther back onto what seems to be a rough dirt road. I parked and then put my tent a little ways out. Everyone is very quiet, but you can hear cars from the highway. Beautiful clear sky and view of the mountains. Very clean and well maintained.
TravelerCamp was clean and quiet with lots of available spaces midweek. You have to have a reservation prior to arrival. And don’t get confused and fill out the paper registration at the entrance. That is for day picnicking
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.
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 82 campgrounds and RV parks near Salem, NM and 16 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 Appaloosa Campground — Caballo Lake State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Salem, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Salem, NM.
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