Best Equestrian Camping in New Mexico

From the vast Chihuahuan Desert to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico has a wealth of opportunities to get outside and explore. For outdoor adventurers, there’s skiing in Taos, whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande, and plenty of hiking, from the Southern Rockies to dusty desert canyons. That’s what makes camping in New Mexico such a varied and fulfilling experience.

Carlsbad Caverns provides ample opportunities to hike, explore, learn about desert wildlife, even appreciate a few thousand Mexican free-tail bats take flight. They swarm out of the cave every night at dust for an audience that often numbers in the hundreds. It’s a perfect excuse to stick around the park after dark and do some camping in New Mexico.

Of course, the only camping available within Carlsbad Caverns National Park is backcountry camping, so come prepared to Leave No Trace. Keep in mind that the desert landscape is often dry, so fire bans, even some backcountry cooking bans, are frequently in effect in the drier months. On the upside, backcountry camping permits are free and you can grab one at the visitor center when you arrive.

Visit White Sands National Monument for an unmatched, natural experience. Acres upon acres of white gypsum dunes stretch into the distance, offering hours of diversion, be it hiking across the dunes or sledding down them. If you forgot your sled, don’t worry, you can pick one up in the gift shop. Just be sure to enjoy these activities early in the morning or late in the evening during the summer months; it gets hot in the desert during midday!

As for camping in White Sands, it’s backcountry camping or nothing and sites require a short hike through the dunes. You’ll be camping on the gypsum, surrounded by shifting white hills, dark night skies up above, and no other campers in sight. It’s definitely a unique experience. Permits are $3.00 per person and can be picked up at the visitor center.

Wherever your adventures take you in the Land of Enchantment, get out there and let The Dyrt help you locate the best camping in New Mexico.

Best Equestrian Sites in New Mexico (68)

    1. Lea Lake Campground — Bottomless Lakes State Park

    67 Reviews
    Dexter, NM
    Website
    +1 (575) 624-6058

    $18 / night

    "I bought a year pass during covid for New Mexico State park in 2019. I only used it 2 times and parks shut down. Now due to fires many parks have had to close."

    "The state park boasts several lakes, a mountain bike trail, views, playgrounds in the day use area, and many campsites. There is a RV area at Lea Lake, which is half reserved and half first come."

    2. Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    54 Reviews
    White Sands, NM
    Website
    +1 (575) 525-4300

    "Southeast New Mexico has mountains believe it or not. The camp is nestled up against one. It’s Memorial Day weekend and not too crowded. Highly recommend for the price (basically free)."

    "I've been on a nationwide roadtrip for a few months that now and I have tent camped alone in many sites from Florida to Arkansas to, now, New Mexico."

    3. Carlsbad KOA

    39 Reviews
    Carlsbad, NM
    Website
    +1 (800) 562-9109

    "Only con is that sites were very close to one another. We stopped here to go to Carlsbad caverns."

    "Site is close to highway, so lots of road noise throughout the day and night. Contained tent hexagon shelter structure was nice, allowed for contained and divided campsites."

    4. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    35 Reviews
    Placitas, NM
    Website
    +1 (505) 761-8700

    "Top of New Mexico" near Albuquerque is a fantastic camping spot if you love open spaces and beautiful desert views."

    "This campground offered amazing views of the Sandia mountains and the surrounding area."

    5. Blaze-In-Saddle RV Park

    35 Reviews
    Tucumcari, NM
    Website
    +1 (575) 815-4085

    "A lot of pull through sites, horse corrals, a dog area for bathroom breaks, and easy access to dumpsters. Quiet park with easy access to the highway. I'd"

    "Beautiful views if you do a little walk around. Dog run, horse stable and very clean bathrooms! We will be back!"

    6. Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    35 Reviews
    Carlsbad, NM
    Website
    +1 (575) 885-6333

    "Very convenient to Carlsbad Caverns National Park and to Carlsbad, New Mexico. Nice indoorheated pool and a family-friendly environment. Treats for your dog and several dog parks fort off leash fun."

    "So many positive things to say about this site. First of all- Excellent and helpful staff."

    7. Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Prewitt, NM
    Website
    +1 (505) 876-2391

    $15 - $90 / night

    "This was the only lake we saw on our trip to the cattle ranch in New Mexico ;) The park is lovely and we truly enjoyed our time here. There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing."

    "The lake and the area is enchanting!! It was my first visit to New Mexico and for sure I will be back! The lake is large and has fishing."

    8. Turquoise Trail Campground

    32 Reviews
    Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, NM
    Website
    +1 (505) 281-2005

    "CAMPGROUND REVIEW: Turquoise Trail Campground, Cedar Crest, NM

    Turquoise Trail Campground is a small privately owned campground located five miles north of I-40 off Route 14 (exit 175) just outside"

    "There is a store really close by also! They have charcoal grills at the tent sites and one communal fire pit. We paid about $20. Would absolutely go back again!"

    9. Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

    23 Reviews
    Holloman Air Force Base, NM
    Website
    +1 (575) 479-6124

    "If you do one thing in New Mexico--and it would be a shame if you only did one thing, but I digress--full moon camping at White Sands National Monument might be it."

    "The hike from the parking lot is barely 2 miles, but when you get to the site there is just seas of white surrounding you. And if at all possible try to camp here during a full moon."

    10. Rocky Point Campground — Santa Rosa Lake State Park

    24 Reviews
    Santa Rosa, NM
    Website

    "Book on Reserve America for New Mexico “Santa Rosa Lake” very pretty and peaceful. Not all streets were labeled but the directions worked to get us there just fine."

    "Nice campground in desert setting overlooking the lake. A lot of pull thru sites as well as back ins. Electric was all thru the loop, however water hook ups were not."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 68 campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews in New Mexico

697 Reviews of 68 New Mexico Campgrounds



Guide to New Mexico

Horse camping in New Mexico offers a unique blend of scenic landscapes and equestrian-friendly facilities, making it an ideal destination for riders and their horses.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Rio Chama Campground provides a serene setting with ample space for horses, along with nearby fishing opportunities.
  • At Red Rock Park & Campground, equestrian campers can enjoy well-maintained facilities and beautiful surroundings, ideal for a relaxing getaway.
  • Las Cruces KOA is equipped with horse-friendly amenities and offers a range of activities for families, making it a popular choice for horse camping.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails