Within Pancho Villa State Park, this New Mexico State Parks campground sits at 4,073 feet elevation in Columbus, just 1.5 miles from the Mexican border. The park occupies the former site of Camp Furlong, where 10,000 U.S. troops once staged their pursuit of Pancho Villa into Mexico following his 1916 raid on the town.
Most sites provide water and electric hookups with level gravel pads that accommodate RVs up to 50 feet. Dave G. notes that "most sites have water and electric, and also level." Full hookup sites require reservations, though three first-come, first-served sites remain available. The campground includes picnic tables, grills, and a playground for families.
The park's museum displays artifacts from the Villa raid and Camp Furlong era, offering context for the area's military history. Campers frequently cross into Puerto Palomas, Mexico, for shopping and dining at the Pink Store, where museum coupons provide table margaritas. The border crossing requires a passport for U.S. citizens returning. Local restaurant Irma's receives consistent mentions from visitors for its food quality.
Bathroom and shower facilities earn praise from reviewers for cleanliness and hot water, though Michael W. reports these were temporarily closed during his 2023 visit. Winter months see higher occupancy as snowbirds arrive, while summer brings extreme heat and fewer campers. Cell service works well for most carriers, and electrical outlets may require longer extension cords at some sites.
The campground serves as a base for exploring the borderland region, with Columbus RV Park & Laundry located one mile north for additional options. This location works best for history enthusiasts, border visitors, and winter travelers seeking full hookups in the desert Southwest.
Description
Camping is only available in the North Loop Campground; All sites are “First Come, First Serve”; Sites NL-01 through NL23 are available; The South Loop Campground is CLOSED for the season; Posting Dates: 05-15-2023 - ongoing
Playground is closed until further notice, due to safety concerns; Posting Dates: 2/24/2021 - ongoing Both comfort stations and the park dump station are CLOSED until further notice due to a septic issue; Posting Dates: 12/6/2022 - ongoing The South Loop Campground will be closed for the summer season from 5/15-9/15 of each year. The North Loop Campground will be open during this time on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE basis. This closure also includes the South Comfort Station; Posting Dates: 3/29/2023 - ongoing
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 7 Alerts are In Effect
There are 7 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
THE CUSTOMER MUST CONTACT THE PARK TO ADVISE THEM OF LATE ARRIVAL THE SITE WILL BE RELEASED FOR RESERVATIONS / FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED ON THE SECOND DAY AFTER 4:00 P.M.. NO REFUND WILL BE DUE.
Make it your goal to extinguish hot coals. If your campfire is too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave. Drown it with water, stir it with a shovel, and repeat until your campfire is out cold! Learn more from Smokey Bear.
Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove is prohibited. The use of devices fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three (3) feet of the device. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
- **The park dump station and both comfort stations are closed until further notice due to a failure of the park septic system. During this time, showers are NOT available to park visitors. Portable toilets are available in the campground for visitors to use.** - **Due to an upcoming sewer construction project, all campsites in the park will be "Walk Up" only starting 1/1/2025. No reservations will be taken from this date onward until construction is completed.** **ATTENTION** - ADA sites require a displayed handicapped placard or license plate with handicapped signage. Otherwise, relocation will be requested. - Many state parks are undergoing seasonal closures. Check park hours and details before visiting. - OHVs are prohibited within park boundaries. - Bring proof of your reservation to your campsite. - **NO SHOW POLICY** : Notify the park of late arrival. After 4:00PM on the second day, the site will be released for reservations or first-come, first-served. No refunds will be issued. - Ensure campfires are fully extinguished: if it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave. Douse, stir, and repeat until out. Follow Smokey Bear's guidelines.
The use of off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) is prohibited in New Mexico State Parks, as stipulated by the NM OHV Act and State Park Regulations (NMSA 66-3-1011, 16-2-33 19 NMAC Ch 5 Sec 2.16 A).
Please bring proof of your reservation with you to your campsite.
Due to the ongoing planning and construction of the park’s sewer system, all sites will remain in 'walk-in' status until June 30, 2026.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPancho Villa State Park Campground is located in New Mexico near Columbus
Directions
AT THE INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAY 9 AND HIGHWAY 11, TURN RIGHT, HEAD WEST 100 YARDS, TURN LEFT, FOLLOW SIGNS INTO CAMPGROUND. NORTH CAMPGROUND RESERVATION CAMPSITES ARE ON THE LEFT HAND SIDE, 1/8 MILE FROM THE PARK ENTRANCE GATES.
Address
P.O. BOX 450
Columbus, NM 88029
Coordinates
31.82525135 N
107.64150081 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/16/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 5/16/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/16/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/16/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 18 usersLast on 5/16/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 5/16/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 18 min from El Paso, TX
- 1 hr 21 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 3 hrs 7 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
- 3 hrs 21 min from Tucson, AZ
