Santa Rosa sits in eastern New Mexico at 4,616 feet elevation in the Pecos River Valley. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and cool winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Camping options range from rustic lake settings to convenient interstate-adjacent facilities, with most sites requiring preparation for windy conditions typical of the high plains environment.
What to do
Blue Hole swimming: 5 minutes from Santa Rosa Campground & RV Park. This natural spring-fed swimming hole maintains a constant 62°F temperature year-round and offers crystal-clear waters for diving and swimming. "Place was nice and rustic. Only issue we had was we stayed for 5 nights and the park was not full at all but they kept putting 1 nite Rv's by us," notes Lawrence P. from Santa Rosa Campground & RV Park.
Hiking trails: Multiple options at Santa Rosa Lake State Park. The Rocky Point area features desert biome trails through juniper terrain. "Gorgeous hiking trails that meander through rocky terrain filled with a diversity of desert plants. Several were in bloom when I was there in October," writes Emma M. about Rocky Point Campground.
Fishing: Available at multiple lake locations. Sumner Lake State Park offers shoreline fishing access from the Pecos Campground area. "The lake was warm and clean. Be careful of rattlesnakes, scorpions and tarantulas. This area is also cougar County so don't let the little ones wander off outta sight," warns Levon from Pecos Campground.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer separation between campers. Rocky Point Campground provides well-designed spaces. "Sites are very close together and unfortunately, right after I arrived a couple of families set up right next to me complete with screaming kids and yapping dogs. Campers with kids and dogs should have their own camping loops," notes Butch K.
Stargazing opportunities: Minimal light pollution in lake campgrounds. The darkness at night makes for exceptional viewing. "Nice sites have covered picnic tables, and millions of stars that will take your breath away. Went in June watched a storm roll by in the distance which added to the gorgeous sunset and cactus landscape," shares Kelly Anne M. about Juniper Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Morning animal sightings common. Many campgrounds offer opportunities to see native species. "The sunset was amazing and early the next morning we were treated to a viewing of a flock of turkeys wandering through the CG," reports Susan R. about Pecos Campground.
What you should know
Wind conditions: Regular afternoon gusts affect most sites. Prepare accordingly with proper tent stakes and secure loose items. "There are heavy steel trash cans at each site, and rangers pick up trash twice a day. It gets real windy in the afternoons, but it dies down in evening," explains Debbie J.
Cell service variability: Coverage differs by location. Some campgrounds have limited connectivity. "Cell signal only at the scenic overlook. Very quiet area in the foothills of juniper and pinion trees," reports Robert E. about Rocky Point Campground.
Pest management: Desert insects require preparation. Summer camping means dealing with various pests. "Bring your industrial strength bug-spray though, as the mosquitoes are thirsty little buggers!!!" advises SkywaystoHighways.com Y. about Villanueva State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas. Rocky Point Campground features facilities for children. "This is a great little state park with nice hikes, friendly staff and great fishing. Our kids loved the playground and we enjoyed how quiet and beautiful the area is," says Elena C. about Villanueva State Park.
Safety considerations: Wildlife awareness needed. Parents should monitor children closely in this desert environment. "Sweet little desert lake with nice campground. Storms rolled in every afternoon. Rattlesnakes are the biggest danger if your bit. Scorpions and tarantulas are just a bit of a sting but still not fun," warns Levon about Pecos Campground.
Site selection: Request specific locations when possible. Some areas better accommodate families than others. "FYI, when calling for reservation, request to be in back or at least away from 1-night stay people, if that's what you desire," suggests Lawrence P. about Santa Rosa Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup logistics: Check connection distances before arrival. Some sites have unusual utility placements. "This site is one of the few that has full hookups but the sewer connection was so far from the water and electric there was no way I could hook up. Would have needed at least 30 ft of sewer hose," notes Debbie J. about Pecos Campground.
Level sites: Many areas require minimal adjustment. Love's RV Hookup offers prepared pads. "Good level concrete pad, plenty long for my 36ft travel trailer and long box pick up. Great voltage, 121vac on my 50 amp connection. Back in site, very easy to get in to," reports Todd L.
Water pressure considerations: Variable across rv campgrounds Santa Rosa, New Mexico. Check pressure on arrival. "Very convenient Location, but we noticed the water pressure was very low would not even turn on our on the demand heater. So cold showers here at loves!!" warns Jeremy H. about Love's RV Hookup.
