New Mexico is one of the top destinations for RVers looking to escape the harsh winters in the north. With sprawling desert landscapes, canyons, and great views, New Mexico offers warm weather and pleasant RV parks. I’ve rounded up my top five RV parks, sites, and terrain so you know where to stay when you’re exploring the Land of Enchantment.
Hacienda RV Resort: Las Cruces
Try Hacienda RV Resort as a great place to stay in southern New Mexico. Each RV site has a privacy barrier so you can enjoy your full utility connections, free cable TV, and Wi-Fi access in your own serene area. The 24-hour clubhouse extends this privacy with secluded showers (with hair dryers). Hacienda also contains clean laundry facilities. The facilities don’t end there, with an event room, large outdoor patio, hot tub, dog park, and more.
Southern New Mexico has much to offer the outdoor and cultural aficionado. You can explore the culture and fun of Mesilla, New Mexico or explore many of the local parks like Chihuahuan Desert Natural Park, Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, Leasburg Dam State Park, Fort Selden State Monument or Achenbach Canyon, to name a few. . With so much to do and nice amenities, you could stay at Hacienda for some time.
Chaco Culture National Historical Park: Northwestern New Mexico
This UNESCO World Heritage site is packed with history and some great sites to visit. I usually don’t do parks that only allow dry camping, but Chaco is worth it. You are left without amenities, many of the RV grounds are equipped with dump stations, restrooms, water pumps and drinking water can be found in the visitor center. Chaco allows the use of generators between 8 AM and 8 PM.
Chaco really is a unique offering, containing many unique places and places. Chaco was an important cultural center for the townspeople for hundreds of years and many structures or ruins are available to tour. The most famous of these landmarks is Chetro Ketl’s Great Kiva in the park. Since you’re in the desert, there are plenty of opportunities to see native flowers and wildlife, including coyotes, pronghorn, bobcats, raptors, and more. The area also has natural formations such as the Fajada Butte.
Take a trip up the Trail of the Ancients scenic trail to capture all that New Mexico has to offer.
American RV Park: Albuquerque
American RV Park is a great place to stay for both its facilities and the history of the Albuquerque area. American facilities are highly rated. You have the option of returning to or accessing the sites, all equipped with full utility hookups on beautifully landscaped lots. There is only one word to describe the showers and laundry facilities, immaculate. There is a large clubhouse available for rent, a dog park for the dog, a camp store with propane refills and groceries, and best of all, a free continental breakfast.
From American RV Park you can explore Albuquerque’s unique offerings. For lovers of Native American history, there is Acoma Sky City Pueblo, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and the Coronado State Monument. For the outdoor offerings, there’s the Sandia Peak Cable Car, which offers fabulous views of the desert, the Petroglyph National Monument, and much more. Make it a point to take a long drive, or ride a bike, down the Turquoise Trail National Scenic Byway.
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park: Alamogordo
Transport yourself directly to the serene beauty of New Mexico by staying at Oliver Lee Memorial State Park. Up-to-date facilities and amenities await you as Oliver Lee provides electrical and water hookups while providing dump stations for your dirty business. The park is also home to showers, restrooms, and even laundry facilities – great amenities for a state park. The park also offers group pavilions and shelters if you are traveling with a group.
There are numerous attractions around the Alamogordo and Oliver Lee area, but the main place to see is the White Sands National Monument, the white sands, dunes, and native life are truly a sight to behold. Of course there are some great trails around Oliver Lee that you can explore too. Other nearby areas include the Lincoln National Forest and the San Andrés National Wildlife Refuge.
Carlsbad KOA: Carlsbad
Stay in Carlsbad KOA for great KOA services and close proximity to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. It’s a KOA so you know you’re getting great amenities, this park can accommodate platforms up to 75 feet with full service hookups at each site, as well as access to Wi-Fi and cable TV. The bathhouses and laundry facilities are clean, which you may need as barbecue is available nightly. Carlsbad KOA completes its services with a snack bar, bicycle rental, a hotel for horses and more.
When you stay at the Carlsbad KOA, you will be close to the unique offerings of Carlsbad Cavern National Park, take a guided tour or hike through this unique formation. It is also very close to the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park, as well as the Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area.
New Mexico is a year-round RV state, so take advantage of these five RV parks and stick around for a bit.
