Best Equestrian Camping near Santa Clara, NM

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Santa Clara, NM

15 Reviews of 8 Santa Clara Campgrounds

• E

  Eugenie B.

  Traveler

  Dec. 10, 2021

  Gila Hot Springs Ranch

  Close to Gila National Monument

  We pulled right into our campsite with hot and cold water at our site. I believe they pull it from the natural hot springs that run beneath the mountain. What a treat! Even if you're not glam camping with a fancy RV it's perfect! How many times have you had to wash your dishes in cold water st a campground. I pull a 37ft gooseneck horse trailer that is now used for camping. No amenities but next best thing to camping in a tent. There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing. Especially after climbing the step to the cave/cliff dwellings which are approximately 4 mi further up the road. The restrooms are flush toilets, hot water and a heated floor. Super clean! You can pay a small fee to utilize the "hot tub" which is more modern but the best part is that there's no ceiling! That means as you sit in the hot tub you're privy to the unobstructed view of the Milky Way! Bring a pair of binoculars! We saw several shooting stars and we blown away by the majesty of the heavens which were out "ceiling"!
  You can get out of the hot tub, go directly into the restroom/shower. There's a code to enter the two shower/hot tub complex. Great because it keeps unexpected/uninvited guests from entering. We parked at site #08 close to the restrooms. There are hookups for more luxurious RVs. We ran out of propane and were easily accommodated with a fire ring and wood for a small fee. Well worth it! Mornings were in the 30's. It warms up quickly so layering worked for us. The camp host were very accommodating and friendly. I loved watching them round up their herd of horses that roam freely through the campground from time to time. At sunset we watched deer in the pasture grazing happily. Then watched them hop right over the fence one by one! How fun is that! Sunrise and sunsets there cast the most beautiful hues on the rock formations surrounding the area. While walking down to the natural hot springs we were delighted to see sheep who had given birth to a couple sets of black & white faced twins! Too cute for words... Bring a lunch as there are picnic tables next to the creek. Great after soaking in the three separate soaking areas. I was told you could arrange pack trips on horses and explore any of the back country areas. This is love to return and take advantage of! As amazing as it is on foot and in the car it Hass to be mine blowing on the back of a horse! I was also told that they do trail rides for those less experienced riders. 

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• 

  Ellyn F.

  Guide

  Mar. 3, 2023

  Gila Hot Springs Ranch

  Horse ranch

  Quiet ranch in the mountains of Gila National Forest. Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks. Beautiful scenery with sheep and horses.

• 

  Jonathan E.

  Guide

  Jun. 29, 2025

  Safari Campsite

  Sufficient, but small and mediocre

  This site is just a relatively short turn-off road with a loop for turning around and a small, non-dedicated area for pitching a tent as far as I could tell. If you have a camper/RV/van, then it should work fine, but it’s not the best for tent camping. I made it work, but wasn’t super excited about it. Also, there was a bit of trash left behind when I was there, but it wasn’t necessarily a dump.

  Getting to this spot was convenient since it is right off a paved road. There was a bit of car noise here and there, but it wasn’t bad. I heard coyotes singing nearby (from multiple directions) in the evening, but didn’t actually see any wildlife.

  In all, it was alright. Not horrible, not great, just sufficient.

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• 

  Dennis P.

  Guide

  Dec. 25, 2020

  Snow Lake

  Beautiful boondocking.

  No facilities (it's boondocking) but beautiful! We camped upstream of the lake in a shallow valley with a dirt road leading to the site/area. We could walk to the lake and across the dam to explore the creek behind it. I slipped in the creek and dislocated my little finger on our second day, so that ended the trip for me. Had to drive to Reserve for medical help.

  The area is open grassland with ponderosa pines scattered around in clumps. As you hike into the Wilderness Area (the first one designated as such) the forest gets thicker. Snow Lake is well-known for trout fishing, and people know this. We were there on Memorial Day and it was a bit crowded with fishermen.

  There is an established campground there also (Dipping Vat) if you want a picnic table and grill, but we were all equipped for boondocking. High altitude means cold nights, so come prepared with all amenities self-contained, and all contingencies anticipated. (Like my dislocation!)

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• 

  Karen N.

  Guide

  Apr. 5, 2020

  Lake Roberts

  Really nice

  Stayed here July 12-14,2019. There were quite a few sites available late Friday afternoon. Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque

• 

  Jorge G.

  Guide

  Dec. 5, 2023

  North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping

  Secluded, clear beautiful skies

  There are plenty of nice spots to camp along North Star Road, north of Mimbres, NM. You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it. North Star Road is usually well maintained and most vehicles should make it to at least North Star Mesa.

  Nothing in terms of services and amenities, but nice hiking nearby. Very clear skies at night. 

  As always, please follow LNT principles when dispersed camping.

• 

  Michael D.

  Traveler

  Jan. 7, 2025

  BLM Near City of Rocks

  Open BLM land

  This is open BLM land. When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road. Great views, desert terrain. I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great.

• 

  Amber N.

  Guide

  Sep. 7, 2019

  Caballo Lake RV Park

  Quit Stop

  Was a big grass camping area lots of space. Close to the water from camping sites....Grills tables and shade area....

• E

  Eva G.

  Traveler

  Apr. 27, 2025

  Lake Roberts

  Adorable fishing lake

  This lake is great for paddle boarding, relaxing and taking in the views.