Equestrian campgrounds near Tularosa, New Mexico provide strategic access to extensive trail systems throughout the Lincoln National Forest and Sacramento Mountains. These specialized camping areas sit at elevations ranging from 6,500 to 9,000 feet, offering cooler summer temperatures than the basin below. Most horse-friendly campsites maintain seasonal access from April through October, with some higher elevation trails closed during winter months due to snowfall.
What to do
Trail riding in White Mountain Wilderness: Located near Three Rivers Campground, riders can access multiple trailhead options. "This area is great for car/RV camping....but also great for backpack camping. My husband and I have done both several times," notes Angela C. about Three Rivers Campground.
Explore mountain meadows: The Sacramento Mountains feature small alpine meadows perfect for day rides. A camper at Upper Karr Canyon Campground describes "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."
Dispersed camping with horses: Multiple areas allow horse camping away from established campgrounds. "Lots of dispersed camping areas don't have toilets, but this one does. Lots of first come first served campsites along the little creek," explains a reviewer about Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area, which accommodates equestrian campers.
What campers like
Proximity to varied terrain: Equestrian campers appreciate the diverse landscapes available for riding. "Been to this campground many time. It's one of my favorites because it's open all year! It is 4 miles from the Three Rivers Petroglyph National Park and the portal to the White Mountain Wilderness area," shares a rider about Three Rivers Campground.
Secluded camping options: At Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area, "the campsites are large and widely spaced. The town of Capitan is only about 15 to 20 miles away there is a grocery a Dollar store, gas station, laundromat and a US Post office," according to Jamie P., making it ideal for extended stays with horses.
Mountain views from camping areas: The region's elevated position provides scenic vistas. At Skyline Campground, "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!"
What you should know
Weather considerations: Mountain conditions can change rapidly. "In the summer there are horse riding camps set up to provide trail rides. Can get snowed in in the Winter months," warns a reviewer about Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area.
Road conditions affect access: Many horse camping areas have unpaved access roads. At Baca Campground, "It's about a 6 miles drive in on a forest road. Nice gravel road and well maintained. Dozens of spots to park your rig with tree cover along the main loop," but "DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE HERE IN WET CONDITIONS!"
Wildlife awareness: Horse campers should secure feed and be aware of local wildlife. A camper at Three Rivers Campground advises, "stow your food away from tent had a bear visit while there..also the road getting there is prone to flash floods."
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds with amenities: For family equestrian camping, campgrounds with basic facilities work best. At Twin Spruce RV Park, "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."
Plan for limited connectivity: Cell service varies throughout horse camping areas. At West Mesa Trailhead BLM Dispersed, "This was a very private remote area in the forest. It was a nice change of pace from the desert that surrounds the Forrest! Although I did not see anything, there were signs of wildlife everywhere. I got 1-2 bars of cell service here."
Water availability: Most horse camping areas require bringing your own water for both humans and animals. "BRING ALL YOUR WATER! This is primitive backcountry camping," explains a reviewer about White Sands backcountry sites, and this applies to most equestrian camping areas in the region.
Tips from RVers
RV parking with horse trailers: When bringing horses and RVs, specialized campgrounds provide necessary space. At Stone Mountain RV Resort, "FHU. Friendly staff. Did not use the facilities but grounds were very clean," and sites accommodate horse trailers with proper turning radius.
Hookup availability: Only certain campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs with horses. "Beautiful park in the mountains. Great views. Exceptionally clean," notes Bob B. about High Country Arena, which provides electric, water and sewer connections designed for equestrian travelers.
RV size limitations: Many forest roads restrict larger rigs. At Upper Karr Canyon Campground, "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."
