Cabin accommodations surrounding Whites City, New Mexico provide convenient bases for exploring Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Located in the Chihuahuan Desert at around 3,600 feet elevation, the area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Most camping cabins near Whites City require reservations months in advance during peak season from April through October.
What to do
Explore Rattlesnake Springs: Camp Washington Ranch guests can walk to this historic picnic area within Carlsbad Caverns National Park. "You can walk from Camp Washington to Rattlesnake Springs Picnic Area (part of the National Park), which was a neat adventure. The picnic area was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps and you can visit the springs and see the irrigation system developed by the CCC," notes a visitor to Camp Washington Ranch.
Visit Fiesta Drive-In Theater: Several campgrounds provide easy access to this classic attraction. "While in town, check out Fiesta Drive-In Theater. It's one of the few remaining drive-in movie theaters," reports a camper who stayed at Carlsbad KOA.
Day trip to multiple parks: Cabin camping creates a convenient hub for regional exploration. "This place makes a good basecamp for Carlsbad Caverns NP, Guadalupe Mountains NP and more. Even Roswell is less than 90 minutes away and Living Desert Zoo State Park is close, too," writes a reviewer about their stay.
What campers like
Clean, updated facilities: Many cabin campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms. "They had just remodeled their bathrooms. Great job. 2 new toilets and 4 new showers (1 handicap) in mens and ladies restrooms. Clean and new. Hot water for days. And did I mention clean," reports one guest at Carlsbad RV Park & Campground.
Security features: Gated access provides peace of mind for cabin campers. "Appreciated the carded gate access after hours for added security," notes a reviewer who chose to stay near the caverns. Another camper reported, "The park has gated access and we felt very safe during our stay."
Wildlife viewing: The desert setting offers surprising animal sightings. "We noticed upon our arrival and throughout the evening a plethora of native Bunnies grazing which made for a pleasant atmosphere of bringing nature to our camp," writes a visitor who stayed at Whites City RV Campground.
What you should know
Proximity to oil fields: Some campgrounds experience effects from nearby energy production. "The only negative to the location is the proximity to the oil fields and the smell that rolls in from the methane burnoffs. Obviously, the owners of the KOA can't do anything about that, but if you're sensitive to overwhelming sulphur smell, I'd recommend giving it a pass," warns a guest.
Road noise considerations: Location relative to highways affects cabin quietness. "Road noise near front can be a bit annoying, but the front sites seem bigger and nicer, so worth the trade-off," notes a camper about their stay.
Limited seasonal access: Amenities vary throughout the year. "They have awesome food and you can call it in and they deliver to your campsite," writes a KOA visitor, though this and other services may be reduced in off-season months.
Tips for camping with families
Game room access during weather events: Buds Place RV Park and similar facilities offer indoor options during harsh weather. "Staff advised us game room would remain open all night, in case tenters wanted to have a dry place," notes a camper who appreciated this consideration during a thunderstorm.
Extended checkout options: Some campgrounds offer flexible scheduling for families. "Only $10 to extend your check out until 2pm, so though we didn't need it, it was a nice option to have if we'd stayed at one of our sites longer than expected," explains a family who found this helpful with children.
Playground availability: Research current amenities before booking. "There is a playground that was being bulldozed with the tent site; I am unsure if it is being upgraded or eliminated," notes a visitor, highlighting the importance of confirming facilities when planning a family stay in cabin accommodations near Whites City.
Tips from RVers
Staff assistance with parking: Many campgrounds provide help navigating to sites. "Upon entering they have someone on a golf cart escort you to your site and I assume help park if you need it," describes a visitor who appreciated this service at their campground near Carlsbad Caverns.
Site selection considerations: Request shaded areas when making reservations. "I HIGHLY RECOMMEND REQUESTING A SHADED SITE WHEN MAKING A RESERVATIONS—but to each their own," emphasizes a camper who notes that newer sections of some parks have "no trees and no shade."
Mattress comfort planning: Cabin users should prepare for basic bedding. "The mattresses are wrapped in plastic but we just put our bedding and memory foam on top of it and it was just fine," explains an experienced cabin camper who stayed near Whites City.
