Best Equestrian Camping near Sunspot, NM

Recent Equestrian Reviews in Sunspot

44 Reviews of 9 Sunspot Campgrounds

• 

  K&S Adventures !.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 22, 2024

  Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area

  Night at Bonito Dispersed!

  We had a great night drove through the entire area and off roads to find a nice quiet area we had our son and two big doggos and had plenty of space for them to roam. Lots of trails nearby and the lake of course!

• 

  James G.

  Traveler

  

  May. 20, 2024

  Three Rivers Campground

  Clean, quiet, and beautiful!

  This was a really nice spot we stumbled upon. It's about 13 miles off the 54 on BLM land. The road was smooth (though gravel most of the way). It was also super quiet since it was so far away from the road. The actual camp was in the trees and great views of the surrounding mountains. Each spot has a table, fire pit, and gazebo. There are also a few trailheads at the back of camp. The only downside was that it cost $15.

• 

  Jorge G.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 28, 2024

  Three Rivers Campground

  Tread Carefully, Fragile Ecosystems

  Three Rivers Campground finally reopened "for good" at the start of 2024 after some stops and starts due to fires around the area.

  This place is unique as it is one of the few places you can camp on the Western edge of Sierra Blanca / the White Mountain Wilderness. Tons of hiking opportunities with 3 separate trails originating at the campground.

  Well maintained dirt roads lead up to the campground. There's a single spot where water flows over the road but it was only an inch or so deep and padded with concrete.

  $6 per vehicle per night. Hosts present and active. Very nice couple watching over the sites.

  Please tread lightly, leave no trace, and be gentle with the wilderness. This place has gone through a lot of fire related hardships.

• J

  Jon D.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 13, 2024

  Upper Karr Canyon Campground

  Quiet and spacious, but be cautious of the area...

  First off, this was a luxury free campsite! Paved road, and picnic tables right next to the parking area! It was packed on Easter Sunday; an RV with many loud children was parked across the way, presumably for the long weekend, but, once they left, peace and quiet. The trail (or many meadows that were connected, more like) was very nice and serene, I saw not another person. There is no cell signal to be had here at all (Verizon), I had to go to the overlook point closer to the Village to even get a single bar, but you can get pretty good signal with a transistor radio, and many nearby stations, NOAA weather comes in very clear. Speaking of that, while watching the sunset there, I was attempted to be followed by what seemed like another onlooker once it got dark. I let them know very quickly I knew what they were up to, and they went on their way. I still would stay again, but, if that makes you nervous, I'd avoid.

• 

  Dennis P.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 15, 2023

  Stone Mountain RV Resort

  Quaint

  Several permanent trailers here, but we got a good site (#14 which was marked as 21). Outdoor fire pit and gas grill available. 30 or 50 amp ($10 more for 50). FHU. Friendly staff. Did not use the facilities but grounds were very clean.

• A

  Alex G.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 6, 2023

  Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area

  Good camping area, very peaceful

  It’s a nice area to spend with another person and even with kids, restrooms are clean, there’s some privacy if you find s good spot, could be busy during the weekend, but it’s worth visiting

• 

  MinnieWinnie A.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 16, 2023

  Twin Spruce RV Park

  Friendly clean rv park

  We stayed here in January and the stay was wonderful. We were greeted by friendly and helpful hosts. Nice office and with couches and a book/dvd lending library. There is a pool in the summer and an area for breakfast. Our stay in January was wonderful. You can also refill your propane on site. We would come back here any time !

• L

  Lee C.

  Scout

  

  May. 31, 2023

  Twin Spruce RV Park

  Ruidoso

  We have stayed here many time, the owners are great and the rv park is great.

• C

  Carson

  Traveler

  

  May. 30, 2023

  Upper Karr Canyon Campground

  Good nature

  Beautiful area for tent camping. I hiked into the trees a bit so there weren’t super close neighbors. Plenty of downed trees for gathering firewood. There’s an old logging road that makes for an easy hike. It leads into a meadow with a very small pond which I’m sure would be good for wildlife viewing if you sat there long enough.

• K

  Kala J.

  Traveler

  

  May. 3, 2023

  Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area

  Secluded spot with bathrooms

  A lot of dispersed camping areas don't have toilets, but this one does.

  Lots of first come first served campsites along the little creek. Not much privacy when it's busier (warmer months).

  Good base camp for some of the best hiking around Ruidoso (Big Bonito Trail, Argentina Trail, etc.)

  Be prepared for lots of dust with the dirt road uphill from sites.

  In the summer there are horse riding camps set up to provide trail rides.

  Can get snowed in in the Winter months.

• 

  Bob B.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 4, 2022

  High Country Arena

  Amazing RV Park in Mountains

  Beautiful park in the mountains. Great views. Exceptionally clean.

• A

  Alli P.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 31, 2021

  Upper Karr Canyon Campground

  A parking lot with amenities

  This is a parking lot with bathrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings that you cannot drive up to. This is more suited for tent campers and hikers. You cannot drive any where else besides the parking lot and would not be ideal for RVs or camper vans as the picnic tables/fire rings are not very close to the parking lot. We ended up not staying the night as it wasn’t realistic for our van and there was constant traffic of cars people stopping just to use the restrooms.

• 

  Jaedee B.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 1, 2021

  Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area

  Not much water

  Went to this area to camp and pan for gold. Creek near by that didn't have much water in it. But over all pretty (Dry) Area.

• 

  Jacob W.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 10, 2021

  Three Rivers Campground

  Nice camping, hard hike to ridge

  My family and dog tent-camped at Three Rivers campground on Labor Day weekend 2014. There were shaded spots. The water in the river was running and fresh. There were a couple nice bathing holes. We tried to hike up to the peak but we ascended halfway and turned back. In Aug. 2018, I climbed the trail to the peak but camped 2/3 up the mountain; so it took me 2 days to ascend and descend, which was harder. Pretty place with many conifer trees.

• L

  Lev

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 17, 2021

  Skyline Campground

  Terribly windy and open but worth the view

  All in all a decent one night or two campground, very close to the road, and very slanted

• M

  Michael

  Scout

  

  Feb. 10, 2021

  Skyline Campground

  Beautiful, can be windy

  It’s absolutely stunning to camp at the peak of a mountain. You have 360 views of the region, but beware, the wind can get quite torrential and there is not a ton of shade but there is some!

• 

  Vanessa M.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 28, 2021

  Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

  Beautiful

  This is probably one of the coolest places I've visited in a long time and it's absolutely beautiful. Campsites are still closed due to Covid, but when you can camp again, highly recommended. I'd also suggest planning you trip around the full moon. There are several sheltered picnic tables in the park, vault toilets, and a town within 15 minutes driving. Dogs are permitted, just be prepared for sand...everywhere.

• 

  Jaidan

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 6, 2020

  Skyline Campground

  Breathtaking View

  Honestly this site is now one of my favorites. Lots of camping spots and great hiking trails to go on! Gets a little windy since you’re at the top, but totally worth it!

• M

  Martin M.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 3, 2020

  Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

  Short backcountry jaunt

  It’s awesome!!!! Currently the sites are closed due to Covid (as of 10/28/20), but the ranger said they were putting a plan in place. I believe there were 8 spots, all in the Interfunks area. Each site is isolated from each other by the dunes. It is a short hike in less than a mile to the closest sites. The trail is well marked by posts in the dunes. The park is closed from 8 PM to 6 AM in the summer and 6 PM to 7 AM in the winter so you and the other campers will be the only ones in the park soooo cool. The sites are primitive, no shade, no toilets and no water at the sites so be prepared for sun and heat. Water available at the visitor center and pit toilets at the trailhead. Please go to the nps.gov/whsa for more info and status on opening. It actually snowed the night before I got there. Enjoy!!!

• 

  Devin P.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 11, 2020

  Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

  Mysterious and Elegant

  The White sands National Park is one for the books. This was incredible and definitely photos will never do justice. This is a must do and a must stay place!

• 

  Amber N.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 25, 2020

  Three Rivers Campground

  Was very nice hike and it make it for nicer cause the water was running. Been there a few times before but there was no water!!My kids loved it and will be back.

  Will be back

• 

  Jean C.

  Legend

  

  Jan. 1, 2020

  Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

  For the sunsets, the sunrises, and the dark skies

  Our newest National Park offers inexpensive primitive camping along a backcountry loop trail. You'll need to carry your gear ~1 mile each way, so pack and plan accordingly. the hike isn't tough, but it will take you 20-30 minutes to get to your site and you want to be settled in time to enjoy the golden hour before sunset! There's no hiking after dark because it can be easy to get disoriented without too many landmarks in the area.

  You can't make advance reservations because they can't predict when there will be missile tests that require closing the park for a bit, but they do generally know about a week in advance. Check out the website for updated information. Entry to the park was delayed until 9am two days during the week of my visit, so no camping on those nights. Be prepared to switch nights if necessary!

  Arrive in time to check in with a ranger to get oriented and assigned a site. They'll provide you with a map. I arrived mid-day in early December and had a choice of several sites; there were only two other sites occupied. The trail to the site was fairly well marked, although a couple of them were lacking numbers. Your site will be in the low spots between the dunes and you'll be restricted to an area near the numbered pole. You'll be able to see others watching sunsets and sunrises from the tops of the dunes, but once at your site, you're in a private world.

  Winter nights are cold and dark...I think I would have enjoyed it more in the autumn or spring with longer and somewhat warmer days, but I loved watching the full moon rise as the sun set. My tent was coated in frost by morning. Camping in the park is the only way to enjoy the sunrises, though my December morning was quite foggy. The last water is available at the visitor's center; bring plenty, esp. in the summer months. You may use a small camp stove for cooking, but it has to be off the ground. There are composting toilets at the parking area, but you'll need to dig a cathole or carry out your waste from the campsite.

• 

  Catherine C.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 25, 2019

  Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

  My favorite campsite ever

  White sands national monument is absolutely stunning. The campground is on a loop you have to follow signs up and down dunes until you reach your assigned site. Super cheap, super private, super beautiful! Backcountry camping makes its sound more intimidating than it is. Pack light because you do have to walk all your stuff in, but it’s not far and it’s not a challenging hike. Amazing sunrise and sunset. You don’t have to wear shoes here! Very child friendly. I don’t have kids but it seems very conducive for kid camping. It is open and spacious and you wouldn’t disturb anyone.

• 

  Austin C.

  Legend

  

  May. 28, 2019

  Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

  Unique & Beautiful Camping on the Sand

  Came here on a spontaneous stop on a road trip through NM. Showed up at 2pm on Tuesday and they still had 4 Backcountry camping permits available, $1.50 per person with annual pass.

  We were car camping and not prepared for backpacking but the hike in was < 1 mile so it was easy enough to just hike in with bags. Wasn't too hot in late May but was extremely windy.

  One of the prettiest sunsets we've ever seen.

• 

  Travis T.

  Guide

  

  May. 25, 2019

  Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

  Pretty not much to do

  Camped for a night because I heard the sand was beautiful. It was but the hiking was sub par there was one trail about 5 miles that was fun because of the sand but just doesn’t have much challenge and no summit type view. Beautiful plants, little animals and sand.

• E

  Elizabeth H.

  Traveler

  

  May. 15, 2019

  Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

  Breathtaking!!

  We did the backcountry hike and the spots are nice and secluded, while not too too far from the parking. It was summer so it was super hot until sundown, but the night sky is one of the prettiest I've ever seen. We also had some fun sledding down the dunes (as evidenced in the video)!

• 

  Crystal C.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 27, 2019

  Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

  A site unlike any other you will experience for day use or camping

  I will say a trip here is worth more than one trip! For this reason I found myself back in the midst of the soft white sands in March of this year. Taking a few notes from my last trip I planned a bit smarter for the journey.

  Packed a face shield - This is imperative to keep your mouth free of loose winds when the weather quickly decides it wants to kick up a big mess.

  Remembered a hat - Being out in the white sands you can quickly forget how damaging the sun can be. The sand remains cool and though you are in the midst of all the reflections of light and and you often can forget that your head is unprotected. I made sure to bring a cap to wear for the extended stay of anything over 20 minutes.

  Used a shade shelter/sand shelter - When camping sure you remember this, but when playing you should also have it on hand. Many come out recreationally and find themselves into midst of a harsh wind storm which can create white out sand conditions. This can be scary, dangerous and overall just very frantic. Winds often will reach these conditions making it impossible to drive or hike, so a quick shade shelter/ sand shelter is the way to go for protection.

  Lots of water -Over the past few years I have learned more and more how continually improve my campaign experience at various locations. With no two locations being the same it can be a learning curve to say the least. Because of the location I improved my packing for this trip adding additional water to my gear. While you might not realize your body is in need, all the trudging around in the dunes can quickly dehydrate you without you realizing it.

  Checked the weather- While you can't predict the sand you can get a good handle on when it for sure will not be manageable. Usually in Alamogordo the news will share if there is a wind advisory. If you ever see one of these, just DON'T try to get out on the sands. From the first trip here to the second I will say there is a massive difference between a gentle breeze and a lightly windy day. Now just imagine straight line winds… NOPE!!

  Checklist aside, the White Sands is a place you need to remember to educate yourself about before taking on one of the backcountry sites. I advise visiting the visitor center and taking in the entire experience to emerge yourself in the surroundings, the why, the what and the how. Then make sure you talk to a ranger before attempting any kind of camping in this location. Unlike a mountain camp or even a regular desert camp, this location comes with its own unique set of rules that you will want to be aware of.