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Equestrian Camping near Winston, NM

8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    Gila Hot Springs Ranch accommodates equestrian campers in the mountains of Gila National Forest. The ranch features both RV sites with hookups and tent camping areas that welcome horses. Campers can park horse trailers at their campsites with additional space provided for larger rigs. The 37-foot gooseneck horse trailers can be accommodated at several sites, including site #8 which offers convenient access to water and restroom facilities. The natural hot springs that run beneath the property provide hot and cold running water at many campsites. Horses are permitted to roam through designated areas of the campground at specified times, and guests can observe the staff rounding up their herd of horses that periodically move through the property.

    Visitors with horses can arrange pack trips exploring the backcountry areas of Gila National Forest directly through the ranch. Trail rides are available for less experienced riders who want to enjoy the mountainous terrain. The ranch offers access to numerous riding paths through the surrounding national forest with varied terrain suitable for different experience levels. The property requires navigating a steep grade drive with switchbacks, which most vehicles towing horse trailers can manage with caution. Sunrise and sunset cast beautiful hues on the rock formations surrounding the area, making evening rides particularly scenic. Deer can frequently be spotted grazing in the pasture, adding to the natural experience of camping with horses in this location. The ranch provides a unique opportunity to explore the wilderness areas on horseback while maintaining access to amenities.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Winston (8)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort

      4.9(9)27mi from WinstonRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Nice area to visit with the lake and dam close by."

      "Nice level Lake view spot. Easy access to site and dump station. Fire pit and shade over picnic table."

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      2. Cibola National Forest Bear Trap Campground

      4.0(1)26mi from WinstonTents

      "Birding is good as there is a stream nearby. Good place for summer camping to escape the heat, but watch for precipitation that may make the road impassable for some time. It's a long way up there."

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      3. North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping

      4.0(1)28mi from WinstonRVs, Tents

      "You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it."

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      4. Lake Roberts

      4.6(5)37mi from WinstonTents

      "Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque"

      "This is a great spot to launch your boat into the lake. The launch has bathrooms and even a fish washing station!
      Be sure to check out the tree covered in lures next to the launch."

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      5. Caballo Lake RV Park

      4.3(4)35mi from WinstonRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Close to the water from camping sites....Grills tables and shade area...."

      "My favorite part about caballo lake is floating down from elephant butte to caballo lake in a giant floaty."

      6. Gila Hot Springs Ranch

      4.0(3)34mi from Winston2 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing."

      "Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks. Beautiful scenery with sheep and horses."

      from $6 - $29 / night

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      7. Sapillo Campground

      4.0(1)36mi from WinstonRVs, Tents

      "This is a campground right next to the dispersed camp. It looked like only tents were in this part of the park."

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      8. Snow Lake

      4.0(1)49mi from WinstonRVs, Tents

      "We camped upstream of the lake in a shallow valley with a dirt road leading to the site/area. We could walk to the lake and across the dam to explore the creek behind it."

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Winston, NM

    25 Reviews of 8 Winston Campgrounds

    • E
      Dec. 10, 2021

      Gila Hot Springs Ranch

      Close to Gila National Monument

      We pulled right into our campsite with hot and cold water at our site. I believe they pull it from the natural hot springs that run beneath the mountain. What a treat! Even if you're not glam camping with a fancy RV it's perfect! How many times have you had to wash your dishes in cold water st a campground. I pull a 37ft gooseneck horse trailer that is now used for camping. No amenities but next best thing to camping in a tent. There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing. Especially after climbing the step to the cave/cliff dwellings which are approximately 4 mi further up the road. The restrooms are flush toilets, hot water and a heated floor. Super clean! You can pay a small fee to utilize the "hot tub" which is more modern but the best part is that there's no ceiling! That means as you sit in the hot tub you're privy to the unobstructed view of the Milky Way! Bring a pair of binoculars! We saw several shooting stars and we blown away by the majesty of the heavens which were out "ceiling"!
      You can get out of the hot tub, go directly into the restroom/shower. There's a code to enter the two shower/hot tub complex. Great because it keeps unexpected/uninvited guests from entering. We parked at site #08 close to the restrooms. There are hookups for more luxurious RVs. We ran out of propane and were easily accommodated with a fire ring and wood for a small fee. Well worth it! Mornings were in the 30's. It warms up quickly so layering worked for us. The camp host were very accommodating and friendly. I loved watching them round up their herd of horses that roam freely through the campground from time to time. At sunset we watched deer in the pasture grazing happily. Then watched them hop right over the fence one by one! How fun is that! Sunrise and sunsets there cast the most beautiful hues on the rock formations surrounding the area. While walking down to the natural hot springs we were delighted to see sheep who had given birth to a couple sets of black & white faced twins! Too cute for words... Bring a lunch as there are picnic tables next to the creek. Great after soaking in the three separate soaking areas. I was told you could arrange pack trips on horses and explore any of the back country areas. This is love to return and take advantage of! As amazing as it is on foot and in the car it Hass to be mine blowing on the back of a horse! I was also told that they do trail rides for those less experienced riders. 

    • Ellyn F.
      Mar. 3, 2023

      Gila Hot Springs Ranch

      Horse ranch

      Quiet ranch in the mountains of Gila National Forest. Must be prepared for a very steep grade drive with switchbacks. Beautiful scenery with sheep and horses.

    • SMCadventures4u .
      Jan. 10, 2021

      Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort

      Very clean, modern park.

      Very clean park.  Concrete roads and gravel sites.  Very nice shower/laundry facility.  Sites are a little close upfront and the road noise can be a bit of an issue. Good cell service with Verizon and AT&T. Nice area to visit with the lake and dam close by.

    • Dennis P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Dec. 25, 2020

      Snow Lake

      Beautiful boondocking.

      No facilities (it's boondocking) but beautiful! We camped upstream of the lake in a shallow valley with a dirt road leading to the site/area. We could walk to the lake and across the dam to explore the creek behind it. I slipped in the creek and dislocated my little finger on our second day, so that ended the trip for me. Had to drive to Reserve for medical help.

      The area is open grassland with ponderosa pines scattered around in clumps. As you hike into the Wilderness Area (the first one designated as such) the forest gets thicker. Snow Lake is well-known for trout fishing, and people know this. We were there on Memorial Day and it was a bit crowded with fishermen.

      There is an established campground there also (Dipping Vat) if you want a picnic table and grill, but we were all equipped for boondocking. High altitude means cold nights, so come prepared with all amenities self-contained, and all contingencies anticipated. (Like my dislocation!)

    • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 28, 2025

      Sapillo Campground

      Quiet Camping

      This is a campground right next to the dispersed camp. It looked like only tents were in this part of the park. When we were here there was some guys with DNR and they were cutting back all of the dead trees from a fire. The wood they cut was all around in stacks for campers to use while camping. The sites are clean and spread out with level spots for your tent. They have fire rings and tables. Pit toilets and garbage is also on site. The night sky is incredible and you can see the Milky Way. There is no cell service here. The road in is graveled but it is nice and no car or suv would have trouble navigating. There is a hiking trail head near the back of the campground. It is peaceful and relaxing here!

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 10, 2023

      Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort

      Oasis in NM.

      Nice level Lake view spot. Easy access to site and dump station. Fire pit and shade over picnic table.

    • Karen N.
      Apr. 5, 2020

      Lake Roberts

      Really nice

      Stayed here July 12-14,2019. There were quite a few sites available late Friday afternoon. Short walk to lake. Very well kept. Saw several deer and caught a few fish. Definitely worth the drive from Albuquerque

    • Jorge G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Dec. 5, 2023

      North Star Mesa Dispersed Camping

      Secluded, clear beautiful skies

      There are plenty of nice spots to camp along North Star Road, north of Mimbres, NM. You'll find dispersed campsites with fire-rings all along the edges of the road and on spur forest roads sprouting from it. North Star Road is usually well maintained and most vehicles should make it to at least North Star Mesa.

      Nothing in terms of services and amenities, but nice hiking nearby. Very clear skies at night. 

      As always, please follow LNT principles when dispersed camping.

    • Alisa P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 28, 2025

      Lake Roberts

      Not a place to camp but other things to enjoy

      This isn’t a campground. It is a boat launch and picnic area. There are lots of no camping signs but if you travel east or west you can find two campgrounds. This is a great spot to launch your boat into the lake. The launch has bathrooms and even a fish washing station!
      Be sure to check out the tree covered in lures next to the launch. The area to launch your boat is huge plenty of room to navigate down toward the water. There is also a dock extending out over the water if you don’t have a boat. The area was clean and had garbage bins. Can’t camp here but there was plenty of other things to do.

    Guide to Winston

    Gila Hot Springs Ranch accommodates equestrians in the mountains of Gila National Forest. Horse owners staying here can arrange pack trips or trail rides for experiencing the surrounding wilderness areas. The campground features both RV sites with hookups and tent camping areas on the same property where horses are permitted. Campers can enjoy natural hot springs that run beneath the mountain, with access points along the nearby river. Many horse enthusiasts appreciate the ranch's location approximately 4 miles from the cave dwellings and cliff formations in Gila National Monument, offering scenic riding opportunities with mountain views.

    Direct access to backcountry riding trails begins at the ranch, allowing horseback exploration of remote sections of the Gila Wilderness. The ranch hosts can provide information about suitable riding routes based on experience level. Horse trailers can be parked at designated camping sites, though larger rigs may find the steep mountain grade and switchbacks challenging during the approach. Riders typically encounter wildlife including deer and sheep while exploring the surrounding terrain. The campground's location along a creek provides natural water access for horses after trail rides. Nights in this area reveal unobstructed views of the Milky Way, making it popular among equestrians seeking both daytime riding adventures and peaceful evenings.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Winston, NM?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Winston, NM is Elephant Butte Lake RV Resort with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Winston, NM?

    TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Winston, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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