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 (628)

    1. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park

    64 Reviews
    Sunspot, NM
    Website
    +1 (877) 664-7787

    $15 - $30 / night

    "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."

    "Pets on leash (6' or less) at all times;  lots of garbage cans to dispose of pet waste.

    After recent rains, the park is strikingly green for being in the desert. "

    2. 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."

    "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. USA RV Park

    55 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"

    4. 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."

    5. 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."

    6. Las Cruces KOA

    51 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. "

    7. Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake

    49 Reviews
    Holloman Air Force Base, NM
    Website

    "Not bad for the middle of New Mexico, between two mountain ranges. 

    However, camping nearby leaves something to be desired, even in the RV parks – which is never our thing."

    "Stunning sunsets over the Lake. Even with a lot of rigs, I was able to find my own spot several feet away from others ( although you will be in sight of other rigs) border patrol surveys the area."

    8. Albuquerque KOA Journey

    46 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."

    "Our pups enjoyed the dog park, lots of enrichment items out for them. Very tidy, no trash. Nice pull through sites with rock "yards". Bathrooms were clean, staff was friendly."

    9. Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed

    41 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."

    "No services except for a vault toilet near the entrance. The roads are dirt. Main roads are good, side roads have a bit more ruts and divots."

    10. Santa Rosa Campground & RV Park

    44 Reviews
    Santa Rosa, NM
    Website
    +1 (888) 898-1999

    "We were evacuated from our camping spot in Northern New Mexico due to wildfires and set out for a new spot. Exhausted from driving, we pulled into this campground."

    "Dog park, showers , laundry, a store and barbecue delivered to your camper! Level spots, a few trees."

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Showing results 1-10 of 628 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews in New Mexico

4306 Reviews of 628 New Mexico Campgrounds



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.