Top 5 reasons why it’s a fun place to visit:
- Hike the Lincoln National Forest (plenty of trails and waterfalls)
- Visit the local wineries
- Check out the Spencer Theater for the Performing Arts
- Spend the day at Pillow’s Funtrackers
- Enjoy a day at Grindstone Lake
List of top 10 RV Parks in the Ruidoso, NM area:
(Disclaimer: information is a compilation of researched info as published online and does not necessarily reflect the experience or opinion of the author)
The RV parks have been ranked and are listed from “Most Recommended” to “Least Recommended” based on reviews, feedback, amenities, and preference. Cost was not the primary ranking driver. Please note that weekend RV families with children might have different needs than full-time RV “snowbirds”.
1. Along the River RV Park
Image Source: www.tripadvisor.com
Phone: (575)-336-4444
Hours: 10:00 AM-7:00 PM
Website: alongtheriverrv.com
Total RV sites: 44
Hookups: full (30/50, water, sewer)
Pool/Hot tub: Yes
Showers: Yes
Pets Allowed: Yes (max 1)
Wi-Fi: Yes
Mountain views, wildlife galore and amazing star sky at night: that about sums up this park. It’s a great getaway for anyone who is ready to kick back and relax in the middle of New Mexico.
What makes this park unique?
This park is truly located along the river, with an old apple orchard and close to a winery. The lots are level and well-spaced out, as well as big-rig friendly. It has a laid-back atmosphere with relaxing attitude and beautiful surroundings. There are sites that are located right on the river (request at time of booking). Note: must arrive at the park before 7 PM.
- Laundry
- Shaded spots
- Campfires (when not in burn ban)
- Cabins
- One-pet-policy (each additional is $3/day extra)
- $50 cleaning fee MINIMUM for any site left messy (make sure you take pictures of your site prior to leaving)
2. Cool Pines RV Park
Image Source: www.coolpinesrvparknm.com
Phone: (281)-620-4329
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Website: coolpinesrvparknm.com
Total RV sites: 51
Hookups: partial (30/50 and water) or full (30/50, water, sewer)
Pool/Hot tub: No
Showers: Yes
Pets Allowed: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Located on about 15 acres, this family-owned RV park is a nice getaway for those visiting the area.
What makes this park unique?
Beautiful scenery and nice quiet atmosphere make this park a wonderful place to stay for a few days or even for a while. The owners are pug owners and very friendly hosts. The park has multiple Wi-Fi hotspots, great for telecommuting travelers.
- Newly renovated Activity Room with a heater and kitchenette
- 15 beautiful acres at 7200 above sea level
- Picnic Tables
- Community Fire Ring
- Horseshoes
- Laundry facility
- None
3. Deer Springs RV Park
Image Source: www.deerspringsrvresort.com
Phone: (575)-687-3464
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
Website: deerspringsrvresort.com
Total RV sites: unknown
Hookups: full (30/50, water, sewer)
Pool/Hot tub: No
Showers: Yes
Pets Allowed: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes (limited, good at the office)
Appropriately named, this park has deer visiting the campsite daily! Surrounded by nature, this park is serene and quiet to enjoy the wildlife.
What makes this park unique?
This park is veteran-owned and has a friendly family vibe. The sites are well spread out and mature trees provide shade. The park is big-rig friendly with pull-through sites. There is a café nearby that serves excellent food at an affordable price.
- Laundry
- Rec room
- Outdated Website with little info
4. The Camp at Cloudcroft
Image Source:www.roverpass.com
Phone: (575)-687-3715
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Website: thecampatcloudcroft.com
Total RV sites: 55
Hookups: full (30/50, water, sewer)
Pool/Hot tub: No
Showers: Yes
Pets Allowed: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Located right on the river, this park is a great destination for fishing and relaxing by the water.
What makes this park unique?
This park is located right on the Rio Penasco River, with sites that are level and gravel. The mature trees provide privacy and there are all the amenities to allow for a relaxing longer stay.
- Laundry
- Pavilion
- Family Game Area
- Clean
- Quiet
- none
5. Apache Campground
Image Source: www.fs.usda.gov
Phone: (575)-682-2551
Hours: sunrise to sunset
Website: fs.usda.gov
Hookups: none
Pool/Hot tub: No
Showers: Yes ($5)
Pets Allowed: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Managed by the USDA, the Apache Campground is in the Lincoln National Forest and provides wooded boondocking spots for nature enthusiasts. This is a seasonal park.
What makes this park unique?
The sites are available May through October only on a first-come first-served basis. Mixed conifer/aspen forest sites at 8,900 feet provide southern New Mexico a refreshing respite from summer heat on the desert floor. Tents and RVs up to 30 feet in length are permitted. The longest stay is 14 days. This is a dry camping/boondocking site only.
- Picnic tables
- Toilets
- Fire rings
- Interpretive trails
- No hook-ups
6. Bonito Hollow RV Park and Campground
Image Source: bonitohollow.com
Phone: (575)-336-4325
Hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Website: bonitohollow.com
Total RV sites: 60
Hookups: full (30/50, water, sewer)
Pool/Hot tub: No
Showers: Yes ($5)
Pets Allowed: Yes (two dogs max)
Wi-Fi: Yes
The park borders Lincoln National Forest and with that, visitors have access to hiking and exploring of woods. It is very quiet and serene at this park.
What makes this park unique?
Located on the Bonito River, this park is a quaint getaway surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna of New Mexico. This park is a wonderful place to connect with nature and to allow one’s soul to rest, away from electronics and busyness of life. Many sites are pull-through, and the access road is paved.
- Pavilion
- Clean
- Close to Bonito Lake
- Sand volleyball court
- Horseshoes
- Picnic tables
- Wi-Fi available at each site (!)
- Fishing
- Library
- Games and DVD rental
- Campfire ring
- Cabins
- none
7. Boot Hill RV Resort
Image Source: www.boothillrv.com
Phone: (575)-439-6224
Hours: 8:00 AM-7:00 PM
Website: boothillrv.com
Total RV sites: 50
Hookups: full (30/50, water, sewer)
Pool/Hot tub: No
Showers: Yes
Pets Allowed: Yes
Wi-Fi: unknown
This park started as a family park inspiration when a family decided to settle in New Mexico due to low cost of living and great weather. They decided to share their joy of travel and adventure with their visitors.
What makes this park unique?
This park has a desert vibe with some mesquite trees sprinkled throughout the park. The sites are good-sized gravel lots with some shade trees. The park is clean, quiet, and friendly. It’s a good place to stay for a longer period.
- Laundry
- Exercise room
- Picnic tables
- Gift shop
- Art gallery
- Storage
- Book exchange and DVD rental
- Minimum stay required (no overnight stays)
- Newer RVs only (office approval)
- Minimal shade
8. Alamogordo/White Sands KOA
Image Source: koa.com
Phone: (575)-437-3003
Hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Website: koa.com
Total RV sites: 72
Hookups: full (30/50, water, sewer)
Pool/Hot tub: Yes (May-Oct only)
Showers: Yes
Pets Allowed: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
According to their Website, “nestled in the Tularosa Basin, this KOA is the perfect location to use as a base camp while exploring the beauty and attractions of southern New Mexico. With RV Sites, Tent Sites and Cabins, this urban campground can accommodate every type of traveling camper.” (Source: Alamogordo, New Mexico Campground | Alamogordo / White Sands KOA Journey)
What makes this park unique?
A large rec room and long, covered outside patio work great for group events. One can take a break from the desert heat in the inviting pool. Another selection of fun activities is to enjoy hiking or sand sledding down the vast gypsum dunes at White Sands National Park, a short 20-mile drive from the campground. One can learn about New Mexico’s role in the U.S. space program through interactive exhibits at the New Mexico Museum of Space History or explore ancient rock drawings at the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site, just 30 miles north. Or one can take a stroll through the Alameda Park Zoo, established in 1898. Max RV length is 110 ft.
- Laundry
- Cable TV
- Propane
- Open year-round
- Sites too close together
9. Scenic Canyon RV Parks
Image Source: cloudcroft-rv.com
Phone: (252)-412-3011
Email: [email protected]
Hours: 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM
Website: cloudcroft-rv.com
Hookups: full (30/50, water, sewer)
Pool/Hot tub: No
Showers: No
Pets Allowed: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes (seasonal)
Nestled in the pine forest outside of Cloudcroft, this park is in a canyon in one of the most desirable locations of New Mexico.
What makes this park unique?
This is a quiet, private, adult-only park with minimal amenities in a beautiful area of New Mexico.
- Quiet
- Beautiful nature
- Seasonal Wi-Fi (May-Oct)
- No Cable TV
- Adult-only (40+), at least one member of the party must be 40 or older, the rest to be 21+
10. Rainbow Lake Cabin and RV Resort
Image Source: rainbowlakecabinandrv.com
Phone: (575)-630-2267
Hours: 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Website: rainbowlakecabinandrv.com
Hookups: full (30/50, water, sewer)
Pool/Hot tub: No
Showers: Yes
Pets Allowed: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
Located among giant Douglas fir, white fir and ponderosa pines, this park has nice level and shaded sites.
What makes this park unique?
This park has all the luxury amenities of a resort, yet is adjacent to the Lincoln National Forest, as well as super close to Ruidoso’s historic downtown with restaurants and shops. There is something to do for everyone.
- Picnic areas
- Cable TV
- Friendly
- Dirty
- Moldy (feedback on cabins)
TIPS TO GET TO RUIDOSO
Ruidoso is a small town that many might just pass through on their way through New Mexico. However, the area has plenty to offer and is worth visiting and exploring. As one travels from Albuquerque, NM, the I-25 South takes one to US-380 East to Ruidoso. When coming from the East, the US-380 takes one from Lubbock, TX into Ruidoso. When coming from the South or the El Paso, TX area, US-54 North goes to Tularosa, then taking the exit to Ruidoso.
