Best Dog-Friendly 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 Dog-Friendly Sites in New Mexico (646)

    1. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Sunspot, NM
    Website
    +1 (236) 682-6567

    $15 - $30 / night

    "I like heat and live in New Mexico.  Northern new Mexico, in the mountains, where no one needs air conditioning. "

    "Very beautiful hidden away RV and Raised Primitive State Park full of marked and unmarked foliage and a nice museum reflecting on the surrounding area of New Mexico."

    2. Lea Lake Campground — Bottomless Lakes State Park

    68 Reviews
    Dexter, NM
    Website
    +1 (575) 988-3638

    $10 - $35 / 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."

    "Site was a "short" site and close to the bathhouse which we did not use. Sites are 50/30/20 with a water hookup. Only a few sites have sewer. Dump station is at the entrance of the campground."

    3. Las Cruces KOA

    56 Reviews
    Mesilla, NM
    Website
    +1 (575) 526-6555

    "We only stayed one night but this was a convenient location or far off the highway. Bathroom was clean and staff was nice. Large clean dog park. Nice views of the city."

    "The skies at night were clear and the location of the camp, set on a hilltop, was perfect for seeing stars and the distant city lights. "

    4. USA RV Park

    57 Reviews
    Mentmore, NM
    Website
    +1 (505) 863-5021

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Needed an overnight stay along Interstate 40 in New Mexico. "

    "A dog park, showers, rest rooms and laundry available"

    5. Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    55 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."

    6. Chosa Campground

    55 Reviews
    Carlsbad Caverns, NM
    Website
    +1 (575) 234-5972

    "It's a large, level, gravel parking lot a quarter mile off of Hwy 62/180 8 miles north of the Texas border in New Mexico."

    "Nice open spot right off the highway. Drive up the paved road and it’s on your left. Gravel has been laid down so it’s nice and firm for campers/RVs. Also has a garbage can there."

    7. Albuquerque KOA Journey

    47 Reviews
    Monticello, NM
    Website
    +1 (505) 296-2729

    "The FHU was a far better location with concrete pad, much less highway noise, and much better bathrooms. Sites are decent distance apart, not on top of each other but can certainly see each other."

    "New Mexico is a land of wonders and beauty in every turn."

    8. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    42 Reviews
    Santa Fe, NM

    "Your are behind a huge solid waste transfer station but you’d never know besides the huge hill. No smell or garbage anywhere."

    "I often camp by Diablo Canyon, which has wonderful sunsets and decent off trail hiking.  There's even a cave for those who know where to find it. "

    9. Top of New Mexico - Dispersed Site

    39 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."

    "You’re also pretty close to the sides of the mountain on a winding rock path so larger or trailered vehicles are probably not ideal.

    The wild horses are active."

    10. Limestone Campground — Brantley Lake State Park

    41 Reviews
    Carlsbad, NM
    Website
    +1 (505) 690-2757

    $30 - $35 / night

    "Brantley Lake State Park Campground offered a pleasant camping experience. The spacious sites, complete with picnic tables and shade shelters, provided a comfortable base for our explorations."

    "Sites are roomy, pets allowed, good wifi with booster. Walk down to the lake at sunset, so beautiful!"

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in New Mexico

4450 Reviews of 646 New Mexico Campgrounds


  • E
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Jemez Falls Campground

    Awesome place to camp

    This is one of the places to camp in New Mexico

  • marycatmathis  ..The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2020

    Oak Point Campground

    Lovely, Beachy, Scenic

    These coordinates are a rough estimate, but this entire forrest road is filled with amazing campsites you can simply pull off and camp in. currently there’s a fire ban, so it makes it hard to stay warm at night, but the stars are amazing. it’s quiet. it’s lovely. there’s canyon walls for miles. it’s really amazing. some of these pics are from the nearby canyon that’s a bit of a walk up the road, but most are from our campground. loved our first experience camping in New Mexico!

  • Beth B.
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Rio Chama Campground

    Great place to watch the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Train

    Rio Chama RV park in Chama, New Mexico, is at the intersection of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the upper Rio Chama. A nice place to stay May 1 thru mid October. The train passing by twice a day is an exciting event and it's a short walk to the train yard.

    Pull through sites have great shade and full hookups with 30 or 50 amp electrical service. Spacious tent sites with full service restrooms nearby. Pet friendly with dog park and free wifi. A great place for fishing, train watching and relaxing.

  • Carlyne F.
    Feb. 13, 2021

    Hacienda RV Resort

    Hacienda RV Resort, NM

    Located in Las Cruces New Mexico, Hacienda RV resort is conveniently situated right off of interstate 10. Their main office is closed currently due to COVID precautions, but they are still very accommodating. The sites are small, but have everything you need with level concrete pads and full hook ups. They have a large laundry room. Make sure you use the ones closest to the door (on the right) because they are newer and don’t leave your clothes soaking wet. The dog park is large and has several entrances- it also provides waste bags and a garbage can, which is a plus. The bathrooms are private and include a toilet and shower- clean!!

  • John M.
    Apr. 17, 2022

    Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

    Perfect location for Caverns

    A very nice campground with brand new bath houses. Nice laundry facilities. Gift store with ice cream, yes. 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. We managed to get one of these shaded sites for our pop-up trailer.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 30, 2020

    Little Vineyard RV Park

    Has it all

    New Mexico safe certified, trained in Covid-19 safe practices. 

    This is a well run secure park with clean grounds. Bathroom and showers are clean and sanitized regularly. 

    All pull thru sites with full hook ups 30/50 amp, max length 65ft, no tents. 

    It is off of a main road and the highway and trains can also be heard. Walmart and other shopping further down the street. 

    Other useful info: 

    Good Sam, AAA and Military discounts 

    Laundry 

    Clubhouse 

    Library 

    Playground 

    Dog park 

    Wifi/cable 

    Pool

  • Griffin C.
    Feb. 12, 2025

    Limestone Campground — Brantley Lake State Park

    a pleasant camping experience

    Brantley Lake State Park Campground offered a pleasant camping experience. The spacious sites, complete with picnic tables and shade shelters, provided a comfortable base for our explorations. We appreciated the clean and well-maintained facilities, especially the hot showers after a long day of hiking. Our dog enjoyed the pet-friendly environment, and the proximity to the lake was a huge plus, offering a refreshing escape from the New Mexico heat. The sunsets were indeed breathtaking, and we made sure to catch them every evening. While the wind did pick up at times, it wasn't a major deterrent. The campground's location made it easy to access Carlsbad Caverns and other nearby attractions, making it a convenient choice for exploring southeastern New Mexico.

  • Jeff N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 9, 2021

    Lea Lake Campground — Bottomless Lakes State Park

    Beautiful park, however...

    Great scenery here, and luckily New Mexico now allows camping again at its state parks, but... there are about a trillion sandburs on the grass here. We have 4 dogs and have spent an inordinate amount of time saving their paws from the burs. Love the looks, wouldn’t bring pets.

  • Glen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    USA RV Park

    Clean, organized, and reasonably priced

    Needed an overnight stay along Interstate 40 in New Mexico.  Check-in was quick and easy, the sites are arranged so that RV doors are not facing the neighbor's sewage pipe, which is something I always appreciate.  Most of the sites are pull-through.  The park is well laid out and covered with an attractive reddish-brown gravel.  The facilities were clean, the staff was pleasant.  The park felt safe though the neighborhood around it is economically distressed.  The park is family friendly; there is a dog-park, a nice pool, and attractive common area near the office with tables and statuary with a cute bear theme.  The only negatives are not under the control of the park: trains pass by frequently day and night, and in the evening the mosquitos are voracious.  My wife and I agree that we would return here.


Guide to New Mexico

New Mexico offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options, allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companions. From scenic views to ample amenities, these campgrounds cater to both you and your pets.

Tips for camping with dogs near Roswell

  • At Bottomless Lakes State Park Campground, pets are welcome, making it a great stop for those traveling with dogs. Just be cautious of the stickers in the area that can hurt their paws.
  • The Oliver Lee Memorial State Park offers spacious sites where you can set up camp with your pet, but be prepared for some challenging hikes nearby.
  • USA RV Park provides a clean and organized environment for you and your dog, with easy access to nearby attractions.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Alamogordo

  • Enjoy the beautiful sunsets at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, where you can take your dog for a scenic walk along the trails.
  • At Alamogordo / White Sands KOA, your pet can join you for outdoor games like cornhole and basketball, making it a fun family-friendly spot.
  • The Las Cruces KOA features a dog bath and plenty of space for your pet to roam while you relax in the well-kept facilities.

Dog owners appreciate the amenities at these campgrounds

  • Brantley Lake State Park Campground offers electric hookups and clean bathrooms, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your pet.
  • At Carlsbad KOA, you’ll find a friendly atmosphere with well-maintained facilities, perfect for a family camping trip with your dog.
  • Valley Of Fires Recreation Area provides spacious sites with stunning views, allowing your pet to enjoy the great outdoors alongside you.