The Anthony NM Rest Area Northbound extends beyond basic equestrian facilities to offer practical overnight accommodations for travelers with horses. While primarily serving as a transit point, the area features specific equine infrastructure rarely found at standard rest stops. The corral setup includes basic containment systems with direct water access, though human amenities remain minimal.
What to do
Trail riding from dispersed sites: At Oregan Wilderness Dispersed camping areas, horse owners appreciate the landscape's riding potential. "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," notes camper Tessa T.
Mountain access exploration: Riders seeking mountain terrain can explore areas near Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground. "Met some BLM peeps who were very nice, helpful and provided great information re: geology of the area and other points of interest," shares Mark M. Though not specifically for horses, the surrounding land offers potential riding opportunities.
Desert camping excursions: For equestrian camping near San Ysidro, New Mexico that offers vast desert landscapes, Gap Tank dispersed camping provides primitive options. "Gap Tank is located in the gap between Mt. Riley and the E. Potrillo Mountain ridge in the Desert Peaks National Monument on BLM land in the Chihuahuan Desert. Very few people out there," reports Jacob W.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many horse campers appreciate adequate space. At Oregan Wilderness, Mike M. notes, "I would definitely try to get spots here before Sierra Vista or Baylor Pass trailhead as you don't have to deal with the traffic trying to get to the parking area to hike."
Natural water features: For those seeking water access when camping with horses near San Ysidro, Caballo Lake RV Park offers alternatives. "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," says Christy L.
Stargazing opportunities: The regional dark skies enhance equestrian camping experiences. "The sky was dark at night and we couldn't see any electric lights. Kind of cool so close yet so far from El Paso," reports Jacob W. about Gap Tank, making it ideal for evening rides.
What you should know
Road conditions for trailers: Many horse-friendly sites require navigating challenging roads. At BLM Dispersed camping along B059, Laura M. warns, "Road in is rocky and rutted in places; we made it in our 26ft Class C but a higher clearance vehicle would have made for a much less stressful drive in."
Water availability varies: Unlike Anthony's dedicated horse water supply, many dispersed sites lack reliable water. "Gap Tank was dry but nearby Mesquite Tank had water and even a little ice on the edges," notes Jacob W., highlighting the importance of bringing your own water supply.
Site limitations: When selecting equestrian camping spots near San Ysidro, check size restrictions. Mark M. mentions at Aguirre Spring, "BLM recommends nothing more than 23' long. Water available at host site near gate before driving about 4 or 5 mi to campsites."
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