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Best Equestrian Camping near Timberon, NM

29 Reviews

Equestrian options near Timberon, New Mexico are notably limited, with data showing no campgrounds featuring dedicated horse corrals or specialized equestrian facilities. The surveyed campgrounds in the region include Upper Karr Canyon Campground, Camp Tall Pines, Twin Spruce RV Park, and High Country Arena, none of which specifically advertise horse-friendly amenities or horse corrals according to their listed features. The terrain in this area consists primarily of forested mountainous land, with Upper Karr Canyon offering tent camping in a wooded setting where campers can hike into the trees for more seclusion.

Riders seeking trail access for horseback riding may need to investigate Lincoln National Forest trails that permit equestrian use, as the reviewed campgrounds don't highlight direct bridle trail connections. Twin Spruce RV Park, located on Highway 70 in Ruidoso, offers full hookups and accommodates various camping styles including tent, RV, cabin and yurt options, though no specific horse facilities are mentioned. For those traveling with horses, the best approach is contacting campgrounds directly before arrival to inquire about horse trailer parking, temporary corral possibilities, or nearby stables that might accommodate equestrian needs. Visitors report beautiful pine forests surrounding Upper Karr Canyon, with possible wildlife sightings including deer or elk in the area.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Timberon, New Mexico (5)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Timberon, NM

29 Reviews of 5 Timberon Campgrounds

  • Damon T.
    Jul. 7, 2016

    Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

    Camp on the moon!

    If you do one thing in New Mexico--and it would be a shame if you only did one thing, but I digress--full moon camping at White Sands National Monument might be it. As the sun sets on the Sacramento Mountains, the valley is lit orange and red as the dunes fade from white through amazing hues of tan. The full moon then lights the sand bright white and the Organ Mountains to the west loom as black teeth in the west. Sunrise repeats the process.

    Camping at White Sands takes a small amount of planning, but is well worth it. You must claim a spot the of your arrival and pay a small fee. This is done at the visitor's center which has a great museum. My advise is to get there early to get a spot then head up to Cloudcroft to the east for a cooler hike in the pines then return an hour or two before sunset.

    Once at the trailhead, the camp sites are 1/4 to 1/2 mile of hiking away. This is sand hiking, so plan on a slower pace. The trail is a lollipop marked by posts every couple hundred yards with camp sites in the valleys between camp sites. No campfires are allowed, and you must camp by the post with your campsite number. You must bring all of your water (plan on at least one gallon per person per day) and pack out all of your waste. The trailhead has dumpsters and pit toilets.

    Bring a camera and tripod for amazing moon shots and a decent bag because it can get cold at night.

  • J
    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.

  • Alex K.
    Sep. 4, 2018

    Upper Karr Canyon Campground

    Great place to hike away into your own campsite

    They're a few areas that have a camp site established there but we chose to hike off into the trees and find our own spot. There are plenty of trails and campsites in the trees. Not a super popular area so they aren't too many people to fight over campsites with. They're are bathrooms there near the parking lot. They could be a little better but are just fine. Great place to cool down when coming from the basin and the 95+ degree days in the summer. Does get snow in the winter months and will drop below freezing. Beautiful pine trees surround the area. May run into deer or elk while out there.

  • A
    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.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

    If you are wanting a fun challenge this is a great one!

    Backcountry camping can be interesting anywhere you go, but what about in a place where you will have your footsteps covered within hours of you entering and dunes constantly shifting to reveal new beauty?

    If you are up for a challenge The White Sands National Monument is the place for just that. Of course this is a hike in camping experience so you can park your car along one of the numerous pull offs in the area and hike to your destination of choice. This trek will require a permit which is $3 for adults in addition to any entrance fees which are charged, of course if you have your park pass you can avoid an entrance fee.

    You will need ALL your gear for this one and take into consideration a lower profile tent because winds will whip at taller ones. The official definition of backcountry camping here is a hike of a mile so that means you will need at least 1 liter of water per mile you are hiking and enough to sustain your needs during the evening as well.

    I did notice that using my small camp burner was a little difficult here because of the wind. Though I was able to get it to work finally I had to turn it to the highest level and really make an effort to shelter it while it worked.

    I really wanted to get some awesome night sky photography because of the brilliant sky you see above at this location, however I noticed that I had not come fully prepared to do so and so it turned into more of a quiet night than a night of activities.

    I was very excited about this trip and I learned that for days and days I would continue to pull sand out of everything I owned, so it was one of those trips that keeps reminding you of your journey to say the least.

    TIPS:

    • Bring a facemask or bandana to cover your mouth when you are out here otherwise you will be miserable and your lips will be very chapped.
    • Also try sledding while here, the white sands are slick like ice and almost have the same effect as snow sledding which can be very fun. If you choose to do this you can purchase a disk or rent one in the Visitor Center.
  • Catherine C.
    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.

  • Vanessa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Irene L.
    Sep. 30, 2017

    Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

    Surreal park with easy backcountry camping

    I won’t even say anything about the park, it’s something you need to experience and you’ll be convinced just by looking at any photos. This isn’t a campground but backcountry camping with a hike to the site of under a mile, so it’s perfect for backpacking trips for families. BUT walking on sand is a lot more tiring than you think it’ll be and water is heavier than you think it’s be!! You need to get a permit, which is very cheap, and forces you check in with the rangers about weather and whatever other issues there may be. Read up about leave no trace and specific rules for the sand dunes. ...the weird thing is that there could be missles on the sand sometimes!! So if you see something weird stay away and tell the rangers asap!! This will be one of the best camping trips you’ll ever be on, no contest. ENJOY!

Guide to Timberon

Horse camping in New Mexico offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventure, perfect for equestrian enthusiasts looking to explore the great outdoors with their horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Upper Karr Canyon Campground, you can enjoy serene trails that wind through beautiful meadows, ideal for horseback riding and connecting with nature.
  • The High Country Arena provides access to scenic mountain views and well-maintained paths, perfect for leisurely rides or more challenging excursions.
  • Camp Tall Pines offers a peaceful environment where you can ride through the woods and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding nature.

Tips for equestrian camping near Timberon, New Mexico

  • Make sure to bring your own firewood when visiting Upper Karr Canyon Campground, as firewood is not provided on-site.
  • When staying at High Country Arena, take advantage of the electric hookups for your RV to ensure a comfortable stay while you and your horse enjoy the area.
  • Always check for local wildlife when riding at Camp Tall Pines, as the area is known for its natural beauty and diverse fauna.

Equestrian campgrounds include these features

  • Upper Karr Canyon Campground is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your horse along with other pets for a complete outdoor experience.
  • At High Country Arena, you can find reservable sites with essential amenities, making it a convenient choice for horse camping.
  • Camp Tall Pines features picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for relaxing after a day of riding and exploring the beautiful surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Timberon, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Timberon, NM is Upper Karr Canyon Campground with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Timberon, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Timberon, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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