Caballo Lake State Park sits in the Rio Grande valley between Elephant Butte Reservoir to the north and the Percha Dam area to the south, and its Riverside Campground occupies a stretch right along the river below Caballo Dam. Sites are level, with large pull-through layouts that accommodate rigs up to 50 feet. Water and 30-amp electric hookups are standard, and sewer connections are available at select sites, making this a workable stop for RV travelers crossing southern New Mexico.
The campground draws a mix of families and group campers, particularly on weekends, so expect company rather than solitude. Dogs are welcome, and the riverbank makes for easy walking with pets. The Rio Grande here runs shallow and can be muddy depending on the season, so anglers and swimmers should check conditions before arrival. Bathrooms have been described as dated, and at least one restroom block has been closed for maintenance during past visits, which is worth noting for campers with mobility limitations.
Jolene and Rex S. describe the camp hosts as "really kind people" who keep the grounds well maintained. Nightly rates run $10 to $35, with New Mexico State Parks pass holders paying considerably less. Access is generally straightforward, though the area carries a note of rough road conditions in places, so towing a heavy trailer warrants some caution on approach. For more options within the same park system, Appaloosa Campground and Stallion Campground sit a short distance northwest and offer a different setting for campers wanting to compare sites.
Description
Located within short walking distance of Rio Grande River, Riverside Campground has pull through sites with electric and water to accommodate motorhomes, travel trailers, 5th wheels or tent 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!
Reservations for the Corrals are for those with horses only.
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.
Please bring proof of your reservation with you to your campsite.
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.
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).
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.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRiverside Campground is located in New Mexico near Arrey
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
32.89156270793881 N
107.29294705829474 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/25/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 7/25/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/25/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 9 usersLast on 7/25/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 20 usersLast on 7/25/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/25/26
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
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 50 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 1 hr 26 min from El Paso, TX
- 2 hrs 12 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 49 min from Sierra Vista, AZ
