Camping options near Salem, New Mexico center around the 11,500-acre Caballo Lake reservoir and Rio Grande corridor. The area sits at approximately 4,200 feet elevation with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Winter nights drop to near freezing, with limited rainfall concentrated in July and August monsoon season.
What to do
Birding opportunities: Percha Dam State Park attracts diverse bird species throughout the year. "The positive is weekday birding... Just this summer I've seen 1 painted bunting, summer tanagers, Bullocks orioles, sandhill cranes- even a couple of vermillion flycatchers," reports a visitor at Percha Dam State Park Campground.
Kayak on Caballo Lake: The reservoir offers calm waters ideal for paddling. "Great place to kayak especially when the sun rises you will see it over the mountains. My favorite part about caballo lake is floating down from elephant butte to caballo lake in a giant floaty," notes a reviewer at Caballo Lake RV Park.
Stargazing programs: Leasburg Dam State Park hosts regular astronomy events. "Well maintained park, clean facilities, and delightful monthly activities with the local astronomical society including live music, refreshments, and stargazing," mentions a camper at Leasburg Dam State Park Campground.
What campers like
Level sites with shelters: Many campgrounds feature covered picnic areas for shade. "Level, stone covered sites. Picnic tables under gazebo covering. Various levels of hookups. FHU to none. Ours has H2O and electric. Walking distance from lake," writes one camper at Appaloosa Campground.
Clean facilities: Campground hosts maintain bathrooms regularly. "The bathrooms were spotless and well maintained, as were the pit toilets in the dispersed area. Most sites easily can fit a 35 - 40 foot rig," notes a visitor at Percha Dam State Park Campground.
Proximity to towns: Convenient access to nearby services. "It's not on the busiest road like others are. So it was somewhat quiet. It had a nice view. The open air kitchen it offered was top notch and a nice break from cooking on our propane camping stove," reports a camper at Las Cruces KOA.
What you should know
Water access issues: Water availability varies throughout the year. "When we called about availability we were told there were a lot of dry spots available. Works for us! When we got there the person at gate had no idea where the campgrounds were and would not let us check out sites without paying for day use. The campground had water shutoff on Memorial Day weekend," warns a camper at Appaloosa Campground.
Wind exposure: Sites offer limited protection from strong desert winds. "The only issue was we had two full days of high winds and blowing dust that kept us inside. We used the time to get caught up on a few things," explains a visitor at Leasburg Dam State Park Campground.
Goathead thorns: These puncture-causing plants are prevalent throughout the region. "Kinda dumpy. Dry and dusty. A lot of goathead stickers, be prepared for flat tires if you bike there," cautions a reviewer about Percha Dam State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Covered sites for shade: Select campgrounds with shelter structures for daytime heat relief. "This campground is very nice with great views. Grounds are well kept. Bathhouse is clean. Sites are close but separated by some bushes," notes a camper at Caballo Lake RV Park.
Visit in spring or fall: Avoid extreme summer temperatures exceeding 90°F. "Tucked in next to the Rio Grande, Perch Dam Campground is quiet, clean, and enjoyable," suggests a visitor.
Recreation options: Some campgrounds offer games and activities. "The kids enjoyed cornhole, basketball, tetherball, and the playground. The store was well stocked," shares a family at Las Cruces KOA.
Tips from RVers
Dog friendly campgrounds near Salem: Most area campgrounds welcome pets with leash restrictions. "We stayed in the river campground which is right on the Rio Grande. Lots of families and group camping. ADA campsite was more than adequate for a wheelchair. It was nice to walk along the riverbank with the dogs," notes a visitor at Riverside Campground.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups. "Only one full hook up site. Not too busy. Showers and restrooms ok but not cleaned every day. Campground was built for smaller campers but a few can handle big rigs. Our site was good for our 36' 5th wheel," advises an RVer about Percha Dam State Park Campground.
Site spacing considerations: Proximity to neighbors varies by campground. "The sites are all pull through with water, electric (20 amp and 30 amp), and shelter; and the dump station surrounded by a cactus garden makes the nasty job of dumping a little more palatable," mentions a visitor at Appaloosa Campground.
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