Socorro County offers RV camping options located in the middle Rio Grande Valley at an elevation of 4,600 feet. The terrain ranges from river valley to mountain foothills with a desert climate featuring hot summers and mild winters. Most RV parks remain accessible year-round with seasonal temperature fluctuations affecting camping conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Escondida Lake Park & Campground provides a small fishing pond where campers can try their luck. "Caught a fish within 10 minutes throwing out my lure. Fishing was busier in the morning but caught this just before sunset," noted one Escondida Lake Park & Campground visitor.
Wildlife refuge hiking: The Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge offers day hiking opportunities near Socorro. "We live in Albuquerque, but wanted to spend a day hiking the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. Kiva RV Park is just a 5 minute drive from the NWR, so we stayed there on a Friday night, so we could get up bright and early for our hiking the next day," reports a camper.
Bird watching expeditions: The area attracts birdwatchers, especially during migration seasons. "Great prices. Bird watchers area," mentions a reviewer at Bosque Birdwatchers RV Park, which provides facilities specifically for those interested in observing local bird species.
What campers like
Affordable full hookups: Many RV parks Socorro, New Mexico offer full hookups at reasonable rates. "This was inexpensive... The site. It has all the amenities," notes an Escondida Lake camper, while another adds, "FHU by the pond for $18?! But wait, there's more; free firewood!"
Mountain access: Red Canyon Campground provides access to mountain trails and scenery. "Beautiful secluded spot in the Manzanos. Nice kid-friendly trails adjacent to the campground," reports a Red Canyon Campground visitor, and another mentions "Wildflowers and deer! We stayed in the camping area near the trailhead. Very green and lush with deer visiting our site at dusk!"
Convenient overnight stops: Many travelers use Socorro RV parks as stopping points on longer journeys. "We stayed at La Vista for one night on our way through New Mexico heading to Utah. The owners are extremely friendly and were very helpful," shares a reviewer at La Vista RV Park.
What you should know
Train and highway noise: Many RV parks in the Socorro area experience noise from nearby transportation routes. "It is almost literally right next to the interstate. There's no denying those traffic noise is real," warns a Kiva RV Park visitor, while a Chupadero camper notes, "A train track runs a 1/4 mile or so from the front of the campground, and 3-4 trains do go by at odd hours, so don't stay here if you don't like trains."
Limited shade options: Many campsites lack substantial shade coverage. "The sites are accessible and park is clean... A little bit noisy from interstate but not to bad," reports a Kiva RV Park reviewer, while another notes about Escondida Lake, "Site #1 for RVs had shade but no fire ring... Site #2 has no shade but had a fire ring. Site #3 has shade, no fire ring."
Campground management varies: The quality of management differs between Socorro camping areas. "Very nice couple keep this place shipshape. We enjoyed their hospitality," reports a Chupadero Mountainview RV Park visitor, contrasting with reports of limited staff availability at other parks.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children. "In between was the playground and bathroom area. There is a group shelter, and trees," notes an Escondida Lake visitor describing the layout between fishing and camping areas.
Kid-friendly trails: Red Canyon Campground offers accessible nature trails. "Beautiful secluded spot in the Manzanos. Nice kid-friendly trails adjacent to the campground," shares a visitor, making it suitable for family hikes.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region offers opportunities to see native wildlife. "We stayed in the camping area near the trailhead. Very green and lush with deer visiting our site at dusk!" reports a Red Canyon camper, providing natural encounters for children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campsites require significant leveling. "Site #1 for RVs and it had shade but no fire ring... Site #2 has no shade but had a fire ring. Site #3 has shade, no fire ring," reports an Escondida visitor detailing the tradeoffs between shade and amenities.
Internet connectivity options: Cell coverage varies between parks, but alternatives exist. "I just used my hotspot from my Verizon service and because we had 4 bars, that worked just fine for streaming some Netflix that night," notes a Kiva visitor, while another camper at Chupadero Mountainview RV Park chose this location for being "Convenient, clean, friendly" and reasonably priced.
Seasonal temperature considerations: Socorro experiences significant temperature variations. "Hot weather, but great customer service. Nice area, clean, shade trees and the management works with you no matter what," reports a Kiva camper, highlighting the importance of seeking shade during summer months.
