Sacramento Mountains camping offers a refreshing alternative to New Mexico's desert regions. Situated at elevations between 6,500-9,000 feet, the area around Weed maintains cooler temperatures even during summer months. Several campgrounds feature streams or creeks flowing through their properties, creating natural ambient sound and opportunities for streamside activities.
What to do
Hiking at high elevation: Sleepy Grass Campground near Cloudcroft sits at approximately 9,000 feet elevation, providing direct access to alpine forest trails. "We visited Sleepy Grass in May 2021 and it was an amazing campground fairly close to the town of Cloudcroft, but secluded enough to feel like the middle of an alpine forest," notes Jeff T. The campground also features a special trail created for blind and deaf children with sensory additions.
Trout fishing opportunities: The Rio Penasco River flows through several camping areas, offering accessible fishing. "The Rio Penasco River runs right through the park and offers the opportunity to catch a trout or 2," explains one camper. Water levels vary seasonally, so checking conditions before arrival is recommended.
Seasonal wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds report regular sightings of deer, turkey, and occasionally elk. "We had a little over 21 sites surrounded by Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir trees. There is lots of wildlife. We saw plenty of deer and even an elk," reports J. Tom S. from a nearby campground.
What campers like
Moderate temperatures: The higher elevation provides relief from desert heat. One camper at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park advised, "Oddly this popped up in my feed as a late 4th of July choice. Good God, no... Cooler times of the year, like mid-winter, I do recommend the area, particularly Dog Canyon, a great winter or early spring hike."
Small stream ambiance: Many visitors appreciate the sound of running water at their sites. At Bonito Hollow RV Park, "The water was clear and moving... The river is more of a creek (expected for New Mexico), but still pretty," explains Jan R. These water features create natural sound barriers between some campsites.
Dark skies for stargazing: The Sacramento Mountains provide minimal light pollution. "The star gazing is fantastic," notes Brian B. about The Camp @ Cloudcroft. Several campgrounds maintain minimal exterior lighting to preserve night sky visibility.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location and provider. "No ATT or Verizon cell service at my site, but I did find a weak signal up near the office. The wifi was a struggle," reports a camper at Bonito Hollow RV Park. Many campgrounds offer wifi at central locations like offices or community areas.
Seasonal closures: Several forest service campgrounds operate only from May through early September. Sleepy Grass Campground's official season runs "May 18 to September 4," according to forest service information.
Train noise at some locations: Campgrounds near Alamogordo may experience train disruptions. One KOA visitor reported, "There is lots of railroad train coming by throughout the evening," while another mentioned being awakened "at 1am, 3am, and 5:30am" by train horns.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds include designated play areas. At Bonito Hollow RV Park, visitors found "plenty to keep the kids entertained. Playground. Some of the campsites back up to a nice running creek. Beautiful bridge crossing over the creek," according to Charles B.
Glamping options for families: Luxury glamping in Weed, New Mexico area provides comfort for families with young children. The wall tents at The Camp @ Cloudcroft include heating elements for chilly nights. "I slept in the wall tent and omg it was so warm we went when it got down to 32 degrees so it was nice for the heater and heated blankets," shares Naythin H.
Day trip potential: White Sands National Park makes an excellent excursion from most area campgrounds. From Boot Hill RV Resort, "We visited White Sands NP and Three Rivers Petroglyph Area from this spot, and each was about equal distance," notes Dennis P. Most attractions are within 30-60 minutes driving time.
Tips from RVers
Water pressure awareness: Some campgrounds maintain unusually high water pressure. At the Alamogordo/White Sands KOA, "water pressure is really high at around 155 psi. So definitely bring a regulator," warns Christian M.
Premium site options: Several RV parks offer upgraded sites with additional amenities. "We paid extra for a site with swing, paver patio, table and chairs. Site was very large, private, and well worth the extra $," reports Nick H. These premium sites typically cost $5-10 more per night than standard hookup sites.
Non-traditional RV restrictions: Some parks have specific policies about vehicle types. One traveler reported, "We are traveling with our Sprinter camper van and tried to make a reservation... Unfortunately, we were told, that their insurance does not allow these kinds of campers to stay in their park." Always call ahead if traveling in a converted van or non-traditional RV.
