RV campgrounds near Tularosa, New Mexico sit at approximately 4,500 feet elevation in the Tularosa Basin, bordered by the Sacramento Mountains to the east and the San Andres Mountains to the west. Summer temperatures in this high desert region routinely exceed 95°F, while winter nights can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with varying seasonal rates.
What to do
White Sands exploration gear rental: Some RV parks lend equipment for White Sands National Park visits. Mountain Meadows RV Park provides "sleds and wax for free to use at White Sands," according to Tijana & Andrew C., making it convenient to experience the dunes without purchasing equipment.
Pistachio farm visits: Agricultural attractions near Tularosa RV parks include pistachio farms. Boot Hill RV Resort is "within close proximity to the pistachio farm which was fascinating," notes Pierre V., providing an interesting agricultural experience between outdoor adventures.
Petroglyphs viewing: Historical sites featuring ancient rock art are accessible from several campgrounds. Dennis P. mentions visiting "Three Rivers Petroglyph Area from this spot" while staying at Boot Hill RV Resort, noting it was "about equal distance" from the campground as White Sands National Park.
Mountain exploration: The Sacramento Mountains offer cooler temperatures and scenic drives. At Cool Pines RV Park, guests appreciate the significant temperature drop, with Joseph W. reporting "72° at 3pm in the afternoon" compared to "98 in Midland TX" during summer months.
What campers like
Quiet locations away from highways: While some RV parks are near main roads, others offer more secluded settings. Mountain Meadows RV Park features "an arroyo behind the RV park to explore, along with some off-road trails leading toward the mountains and various nearby hiking spots," according to Tijana & Andrew C.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer chances to observe local wildlife. At Eagle Creek RV Resort, Belinda D. reports "regular visits from a group of about 11 male mule deer" and recommends "bring your hummingbird feeders you won't be disappointed!"
Recreational amenities: Some parks provide on-site activities beyond RV hookups. Bonito Hollow RV Park includes "horseshoe pits, fenced in area for dogs to do their business, playground for kids," according to Bill F., who also notes the enjoyable "interaction with your neighbors."
Creek access: Water features enhance camping experiences at certain locations. Sue G. mentions "Rio Bonito flows along the side of the campground" at Bonito Hollow RV Park, providing a natural feature that enhances the camping experience.
What you should know
Dog restrictions: Not all RV parks allow all types of pets. Boot Hill RV Resort has specific insurance limitations, as Aniko S. discovered: "We are traveling with our Sprinter camper van... Unfortunately, we were told, that their insurance does not allow these kinds of campers to stay in their park."
Water conservation measures: Some parks have policies about water usage. Cool Pines RV Park, according to Rock E., has "hookups" but may lack "shade on campsite (ours had a very tiny tree)" which can affect comfort levels during hot months.
Noise considerations: Location relative to highways affects noise levels. Edgington RV Park, according to Mark D., is "right off the highway so easy to get to" but experiences "a lot of noise from traffic on the highway," making it better suited for travelers who prioritize convenience over quiet.
Limited cell coverage: Digital connectivity varies significantly between parks. Todd M. notes that at Boot Hill RV Resort, "Cell great for Verizon and only 1-2 bars for AT&T," while Jan R. reports "No ATT or Verizon cell service at my site" at Bonito Hollow RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground facilities: Some Tularosa area RV parks feature dedicated children's areas. Charles B. describes Bonito Hollow RV Park as a "smaller campground with plenty to keep the kids entertained. Playground. Some of the campsites back up to a nice running creek."
Group gathering spaces: Parks with communal areas enhance family camping. Crystal at Mountain Meadows RV Park provides a "grill area and games + sleds to borrow," says Rock E., creating spaces for family activities beyond individual sites.
Security features: Parents appreciate parks with safety measures. Sue G. notes Bonito Hollow RV Park "seems to be a super secure location as hosts are on duty 24/7. No one comes into the campground without stopping at the office and checking in."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds position families near learning experiences. Dennis P. mentions that from Boot Hill RV Resort, "We visited White Sands NP and Three Rivers Petroglyph Area from this spot" and "We missed the space museum, so we'll be back for that."
Tips from RVers
Elevation choices for temperature management: RVers can choose parks at different elevations to manage comfort. Joseph W. notes at Cool Pines RV Park: "Just can from Midland Tx where it was around 98, today at Cool Pines RV Park 72° at 3pm in the afternoon," demonstrating how higher elevation parks offer relief from summer heat.
Laundry availability: Not all parks offer laundry facilities. Midtown Mountain Campground provides "laundry, FHU, gift shop, office, and a nice covered picnic area," according to HandL C., making it suitable for longer stays.
Site privacy considerations: Parks vary in how sites are arranged. Rock E. mentions that Mountain Meadows RV Park could use "more privacy between sites," a common consideration for RVers selecting accommodations in the area.
Bathroom access: Bathroom facilities vary significantly between parks. Sue B. notes Boot Hill RV Resort offers "Clean bathrooms and showers. Nice laundry and book exchange," while other parks may have limited or no facilities.
