Fishing and boating enthusiasts will find direct access to Caballo Lake's waters at this seven-site campground within Caballo Lake State Park. The Palomino Loop faces the reservoir and provides full hookups for RVs up to 50 feet, with each site offering electric, water, and sewer connections. Sites are spaced far enough apart for comfort, though close enough that neighboring conversations remain audible.
The campground sits on open terrain without natural shade, making the covered picnic tables at each site particularly valuable during warmer months. Rock-lined trails lead down to the lake, providing easy kayak access at the nearby boat ramp. "Palomino Loop is small and quiet, facing Caballo Lake," notes Nikki G., who appreciated the immediate trail access from her lakefront site.
A comfort station with showers serves the loop, with campers consistently reporting clean facilities and friendly staff. Some highway noise carries from the nearby road, though nights remain relatively quiet. Water system maintenance occasionally affects service, requiring campers to fill tanks at other park locations. The campground operates with a host and accepts reservations, making it a reliable base for extended lake visits.
This setup works well for RV campers seeking full hookups with lake access, particularly those planning fishing trips or water sports on Caballo Lake.
Description
This campground has 6 campsites for RVs with full hookups. Pets welcome, accessible site available. Showers and toilets a short walk from camping.
Warning 8 Alerts are In Effect
There are 8 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 8 Alerts are In Effect
There are 8 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
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).
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.
Please bring proof of your reservation with you to your campsite.
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.
To ensure compliance with ADA regulations, vehicles parked at handicap campsites must visibly display a valid handicapped placard or possess a license plate indicating handicapped status; otherwise, relocation will be required.
Reservations for the Corrals are for those with horses only.
Using an app to find Caballo Lake State Park? On Google Maps, use "EV Charging Station" as your destination address for the Visitor Center. The iPhone maps app will use "Caballo Lake State Park". If you end up at Smith Ranch, turnaround, head south and make a left onto HWY 187 for six miles. Caballo Lake’s main entrance will be on the left.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPalomino Campground — Caballo Lake State Park is located in New Mexico
Directions
Take Exit 59(I-25) Head North On NM187 & take 1st right handed turn North of I25 Bridge, head East on Caballo Down Road and take right on Caballo Dam frontage road and travel approximately 3/4 mile to Riverside Campground. For Appaloosa Campground you travel North approximately 3/4 mile On NM187 off Exit 59, and take a left hand turn at Lakeside Recreation Sign, travel down Palomino Road approximately 1/4 mile and take right hand turn at Appaloosa Campground Sign.
Address
10 Palmino Road
Caballo, NM 87931
Coordinates
32.91033116150483 N
107.30831590180544 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/28/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 37 usersLast on 4/28/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/28/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 4/28/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 37 usersLast on 4/28/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/28/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Palomino Campground — Caballo Lake State Park needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 52 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 1 hr 27 min from El Paso, TX
- 2 hrs 10 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 50 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
