Tularosa sits at 4,500 feet elevation in the transition zone between the Sacramento Mountains and Tularosa Basin. The region experiences dramatic temperature variations with summer highs reaching 95°F in town, while nearby mountain camping areas can be 15-20 degrees cooler. Dispersed camping spots in Lincoln National Forest provide free alternatives to established campgrounds, with most sites located along forest roads 15-25 miles from Tularosa.
What to do
Petroglyph viewing: 30-minute drive north of Tularosa at Three Rivers Petroglyph Site offers access to over 20,000 ancient rock carvings. A camper mentioned, "Petroglyph trails are rocky, but not difficult (keep your eyes peeled, there are petroglyphs everywhere)." The site has electric hookups for RVs and several tent sites with bathrooms and drinking water available.
Gypsum dune exploration: Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park provides unique overnight opportunities on the dunes. "The white sand looks like snow but it was hot when I went so that was a new experience for me. A bit of a sensation confusion but oh so worth it," noted one visitor. Permits are required and can be obtained at the visitor center for $1.50 per person with an annual pass.
Mountain hiking: Campsites near Cloudcroft provide direct access to forest trails. A camper at Forest Rd 568 Dispersed shared, "Trails that lead to town, road biking distance to town... wild mustangs walking right through our site." The higher elevation offers cool relief from summer heat with temperatures 15-20 degrees lower than Tularosa.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The clear desert air around campsites near Tularosa offers excellent stargazing. A visitor at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground appreciated the "Wonderful view of the night sky" while another camper at Three Rivers Petroglyph Site noted, "The views all around are astounding, the basin, hills and mountains."
Wildlife encounters: The region's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife. A camper at Forest Road 568 - Dispersed Camping reported, "We saw more elk than we could count! Just glowing eyes everywhere and all in the road." Lower Karr Canyon visitors mentioned seeing "plenty of wildlife including elk, wild turkey, and mule deer."
Temperature relief: The elevation gain from Tularosa to mountain camping areas provides natural air conditioning in summer. A camper at Mountain Meadows RV Park explained, "This campsite was awesome! It's only a 30-minute drive to White Sands National Park and Cloudcroft." Many campers appreciate the ability to escape to higher elevations when basin temperatures climb.
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest roads can present challenges, especially for larger vehicles. A visitor at Forest Rd 568 Dispersed warned, "We should have just stayed in the first location we found though. We went to the end of the road to find out that there was no way to turn our 29 ft trailer. We had to go in reverse about 1/4 mile to find a place to turn around."
Wind considerations: Spring brings strong winds that affect camping comfort. One camper at Alamogordo / White Sands KOA advised, "BEWARE: March is 'Windy season'. We got caught on the first day of it I think! Big gusty winds at night for us. The drive there can get dangerous and could possibly expect a bumpy night in a camper there!"
Limited services: Many campgrounds have reduced amenities. At Backcountry Primitive Sites, a reviewer noted, "No toilets, no showers, no fires. But the best night ever." Similarly, a Forest Road 568 visitor mentioned, "Cell service barely exists, on and off 1 bar AT&T."
Tips for camping with families
Free sled access: Some campgrounds provide equipment for White Sands. A Mountain Meadows RV Park visitor mentioned, "They even provide sleds and wax for free to use at White Sands." This saves families from purchasing single-use equipment for dune sledding.
Kid-friendly spaces: Several campgrounds offer playgrounds and open areas. An Edgington RV Park camper shared, "My kids also enjoyed the playground and the ducks and chickens by the pond." Similarly, Alamogordo / White Sands KOA received this comment: "Our kids enjoyed the playground."
Educational opportunities: Campgrounds near historical sites offer learning experiences. A visitor to Lower Karr Canyon Campground noted it's "Very remote and quiet... Easily accessible and had vaulted toilets available," making it suitable for families wanting to introduce children to wilderness camping with basic facilities.
Tips from RVers
Water pressure awareness: Check water systems before hookup. A camper at Alamogordo / White Sands KOA cautioned, "Water pressure is really high at around 155 psi. So definitely bring a regulator."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on needs and season. At Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, one RVer noted, "Sites 1 and 2 set off from the rest and are the best sites," while Boot Hill RV Resort visitors appreciated "level sites, friendly helpful staff" and that it's "off the main route" for quieter stays.
EV restrictions: Some campgrounds have policies against certain vehicles. A Mountain Meadows RV Park visitor reported being denied service: "Wanted to spend one nite in rivian with rooftop tent. Were told we are not allowed to plug-in our electric vehicle."
