Best Glamping near Sunspot, NM

Very beautiful hidden away RV and Raised Primitive State Park full of marked and unmarked foliage and a nice museum reflecting on the surrounding area of New Mexico. Everything above standards with wonderful staff. Was there with a friend and had an outstanding experience.

I was looking to get away from the heat in Albuquerque and maybe even do a little fishing. I picked a site next to the upper river (Rio Bonito). The water was clear and moving, but no sign of any fish. The river is more of a creek (expected for New Mexico), but still pretty. It was barely visible from my camp, but just a short hike away. No ATT or Verizon cell service at my site, but I did find a weak signal up near the office. The wifi was a struggle. It was barely adequate the first day, but absolutely miserable the second day. I could easily connect to their router, but constantly got an error of “no internet service” and had to log off and on several times. I had limited shade at my site, but thankfully the AC kept the trailer cool enough, as it was nearly 90 degrees outside. The hosts were very nice and the park is kept pretty clean. No tents allowed, though.

Campground Review:

Oliver Lee is an amazing place to stay in southern New Mexico. This park is located about 20 minutes south of Alamogordo and a half hour drive to White Sands National Monument. We spent two nights here and were blown away with the desert views that surround the site. They have both developed sites with access to electricity and water as well as some undeveloped sites. We went in the middle of June during a heat wave that was hitting the southwest United States, but was really able to enjoy the park and surrounding hiking during the morning and afternoons.

I was actually pretty surprised at the amount of other campers that were there, and available amenities. When I was beginning to look at camping here I thought it would be a pretty primitive site, but was blow away at the available bathrooms, showers, and hook ups. While we were here they were replacing much of the water hook ups in the park, which meant the water was shut off during most of the day, but really increased the availability of the water.

If we are ever back in southern NM we will definitely be sure to swing by and stay for a night.

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Product Review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I occasionally get products to test, and on this trip i was able to test the Klymit Insulated Static V Luxe sleeping pad.

I was excited to be able to test out this pad primarily for its claim of being comfortable for side sleepers.

With other pads that I've tried in the past I always run into the problem of whenever I try to sleep on my side I get spots what are always in contact with the ground and will eventually begin to hurt.

Not with this pad. Except for the times when I was changing my sleeping position, I never felt the ground.

I am truly in love with this pad! So far I've only been able to use pad in warm climates, so I can't attest to its insulative properties, but I can't wait to take it out this winter!

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Camping with the GO: DAY 1

During our road trip around the US, I was able to try out the GO camper from SylvanSport. This was the first night we stayed in the GO and were blown away. Our first impression of this camper is SPACIOUS!! There is so much room in this camper, it's almost unfair. Definitely, loved our first night!

Gorgeous state park! If you want electric you better reserve though. Very much a hidden gem with restrooms, hookups and showers. Will definitely go again.

Great little campground at the base of the mountains. Provides great opportunity to hike and learn about some history in the area. Initial part of the hike is pretty strenuous but it becomes easier after about .7 miles. Campground has hookups for RVs and plenty of flat lots for tents. I believe the fee for the state park was 5 dollars per night. This camp ground is far enough off the high way you don't get any vehicle noise. Only vehicles you'll hear are people coming and going from the campground or hiking trails.

Amazing little gem located half an hour from White Sands. Recommend reservations if looking for electric sites. Plenty to do and see. Close drive into town for just about anything you could need but far enough to get the high desert. Clean bathrooms and showers. We only used electric site. Used the air conditioner for the hot mid days and heat in the early mornings. One evening we could hear what we think to be artillery explosions from the White Sands missile range by the Air Force Base. Nothing alarming if you have heard artillery before. Short lived and did not interrupt our experience.

Large sites, Good wifi with booster (Verizon and AT&T). Pets allowed. Fun things to do nearby. Quiet and peaceful. Wonderful view of the night sky

Probably the nicest state camp group designed with full RV sites I’ve seen. We have just a pop up so mix it up between hook ups and primitive spots when we are traveling. The is a heavily occupied camp group with some reserved sites and some one night FCFS sites. End of April every site was full. Nice shower facilities, but u like KOA there are natural and manmade barriers very strategically placed. Good jumping off point to Lincoln forest day hikes and white sands area. Really beautifully landscaped. Our site backed up right to the mountains. Gorgeous at dusk/dawn.

Able to bring RVs

Staying at this park. Very comfortable, great views, beautiful hike from the park and great people. We only plan to stay one day but ended up staying a couple because it was so nice. Close to Alamogordo so easy to get supplies or go out to do things. The space museum is nearby which was very fun. Would definitely go back again.

Read a book in one sitting watching the sun set.

We loved this campground. Hosts greeted us immediately and shared information about the park and hikes since the visitor center was closed. Also lent us a sled to use at White Sands (saving $20 from buying a sled at the park).

Amazing view, especially for sunset. Perfect for hiking up into Dog Canyon.

Shower was still closed from covid which was a stinky bummer but not the end of the world.

This is a lovely park. Unfortunately, we had to bail on our reservation since previous reviews (and reviews on other sites) and the reservation system led us astray. We booked an electric only to arrive and find out it was a non-electric site. Talked to a great camp host who tried to help but ultimately didn’t have any options. Turns out this has been a problem many times so check your resy if you need power. Water and dump are available so that wasn’t a problem for a short stay.

On a weekend, it’d be a great spot but this was a midweek stay for us and we need power on all day to work remotely and use our various wifi/cell services.

Also of note, reviews I’d seen had said the service was passable but we discovered low to no service for both att and Verizon (<0.2 mbps) and it dropped frequently.

Good, clean state park campground central to Alamogordo and White Sands.

Pros:

• Location/easy to get to
• A good mix of pull through and tent sites with plenty of room to drive in.
• Views on both sides are spectacular
• Reasonably spaced, not super private but that is pretty much any paid campground
• Clean bathrooms and pit toilets (showers still closed)
• Sites are relatively spacious and very well kept with tables and fire rings; some have partial shelter

Cons:

• Seems to get a little crowded, which is to be expected due to its proximity to White Sands

Stayed for 2 nights in early May. A few spaces left available each night. Quiet, extremely well maintained and clean toilets. Beautiful views and sunsets. Great and strenuous hike up Dog Canyon from the campsite with beautiful views, about 5.5 miles but the recommendation is to allow 8 to 10 hours. We only did 3 miles as the temperature got to 85 degrees so take loads of water. White Sands Park about half an hour away. Campsite highly recommended.

Pretty campground, no shade most sites. 80 percent of sites require reservations. Good hosts.

We were visiting White Sands and were just planning to camp on BLM. As night fell and the winds rose, we figured we’d be a bit better off closer to the mountain with hopes of some protection from the wind. It seemed less windy, but there were SO many bugs. They got through all our bug nets in to our van. Fortunately no bites but we spent a long time trying to kill them just to be sure.

Nearly all the sites were reserved and we were lucky to get maybe the last one. The website was not too clear about if you needed a reservation or not, but upon arrival we learned that nearly all sites are Reservation Sites. It was easy to book the last site available on the website.

Sites were spacious, bathrooms were nice.

Gorgeous campsite. Everyone is nicely spaced out. Amazing breeze in the morning and evening, beautiful stars, clean bathrooms, friendly people and hosts. Absolutely would recommend.

Reservation camp ground about 15-20 min from Alamogordo. Great views, although a little windy at night since you're right up against the mountains. Bathrooms were clean and the pull in spots are nicely spaced out, so it's nice and chill. They also have quiet hours from 10p-7a daily. Office was closed when I was there (Monday) so I can't speak to the staff, but the campground looked pretty well maintained.

There are two trails if you want to hike. One is flat and goes through the canyon for about a mile and a half. The other is basically straight up for 5 miles - I didn't try that one :) - but I imagine the views are great if you can swing it.

The only complaint about this campground (which can't be fixed) is the flies. So. Many. Flies. They're everywhere and they are impossible to deter no matter how many times you swat them. It's insane. Maybe it was the time of year (late June) but it made tent camping pretty tough at times. If you're in an RV/camper I imagine it wouldn't be quite as bad for you.

We stayed on Site #9 for 3 nights. We wanted to stay longer.  However, our site was extremely unlevel.  We tried front tire blocks.  Had to go buy more blocks and just could not get level enough.  Pros: Absolutely breathtaking views!  Spacious. AT&T and Verizon coverage.

What a gem of a state park. Sites were private, spaced well apart and had mountain and city views. Each site had a picnic table (some have shelters over them) and a fire ring. We stayed in site 10 and really liked it. It had a path to the comfort station, which was clean and well equipped. This park is very convenient to visiting Alamogordo and White Sands (a must do), each are a short drive away. Night views from the park are as amazing as daytime. Highly recommend this.

As of May 2021, through end of Sep 2021, camping is BY RESERVATION ONLY, via reserveamerica.com. 

The amenities of each campsite, as well as "driveway" length, are listed on that website.

All campsites have a picnic table and a fire ring with grill.  

Only some have shade shelters.

Hydrant water is potable (except from blue hydrant at dump station).

Pets on leash (6' or less) at all times;  lots of garbage cans to dispose of pet waste.

After recent rains, the park is strikingly green for being in the desert.  The Nature Trail is a bit challenging, not having been reconstructed after the 2019 flood, but still offers a short easy hike to where there is flowing water prior to requiring you to clamber over boulders either up or down the canyon.  The Dog Canyon Trail is steep -- bring lots of water!  The Visitor Center is open each morning except Monday, and staffed by knowledgeable volunteers.  Call the park phone # and listen to the recording to find if there are any changes.

At this time (through Sept 15) MASKS ARE REQUIRED in the VC and comfort station.

Volunteer camphosts keep the comfort station spotless.  They also sell firewood for the Friends of Dog Canyon (cash only), and if the VC is not open can sell you an annual pass (also cash only).  They will loan you a free sled/saucer for White Sands.

Glass containers are prohibited (outside your RV).

ATVs/OHVs are prohibited.

We are from Washington state where it's over $50 a night for a spot at a state park. The need to learn a lesson from this one. This park is very nice! I am sure it's very hot in the peak of the summer months. A few spots have shelters for shade. We came in early October. Really pleasant and quiet. Only water and electric hook up. And a dump station on the way out. $14 a night is a bargain! We would definitely come back if we are in the area. Kudos to the management team!!

Pretty secluded spots far enough from your neighbors to be comfy and felt safe as a female traveling alone. The only restrooms with sinks and showers were about a 5 minute walk from my campsite (which was at an RV site even though I car camped). there are more vault toilets without sinks but a little bit further towards the higher numbered spots (the ones that don’t take reservations, first come first serve). I got cell service with T-Mobile and you’re right next to dog canyon trailhead (very challenging) and also an easier nature trail. Gorgeous views too.

The campground is located in the Oliver Lee State Park, with access on paved roads. There is a dump and water fill station at the entrance. Many sites have electric and water. All have picnic tables, fire rings/grills, but no shade. The Comfort Station is well kept and clean, with running hot and cold water in showers and sinks. Toilets have running water. It’s very quiet in the night so you can enjoy the sound of night creatures. Sadly, although there is electricity at the sites, generators are run at times tearing up the silence and tranquility. Hiking trails are accessible from the campground, a strenuous treck into Dog Canyon and an easy Nature trail. The park is only twenty minutes from White Sands National Park. Great experience! I would come back here any time!