New Mexico State Park Camping

The initial leg of our 2024 adventures with our 1987 Avion, “The Pewter Palace,” included nights camping in a couple of New Mexico State Parks.

But let’s back up a minute! Traveling on Interstate 10 from AZ to NM, we encountered many awesome NM rest areas! These were complete with covered picnic table areas, some even like mini cassitas with walls to prevent dust and high sun heat. So far, we saw no prohibition of overnight camping. Because of the desert landscape, there was always very ample pull in and turn around space as well. We definitely plan to use one or more of these for some one night boondocking whenever we head this way again.

Now — on to the State Parks we have been at and/or visited so far.

This trip so far, April 14-30 we will have spent 10 nights in NM state parks in 2 different locations.

It should be noted that NM does offer an annual pass for using their SP campgrounds for a discounted rate. They also offer a non-resident annual pass, which currently in 2024 is $250. However, this does NOT entitle you to free camping in FHU sites. Depending on the hookups and SP campground, you will pay an additional $4 to $8 per night.

It’s all about the math homework!

If you plan to spend more than 25 nights in NM state parks, you should look into the annual pass.

In 2024 we only will be doing 10 nights x’s $22 per night (incl tax and online booking fees) it did not make $$ sense for us. But we do plan to spend several months of camping in NM in a future year and we will revisit the non resident pass at that time. With the annual pass we would be charged $4-8 per night. So again, look at your plans and do the math.

There are rumors that NM may be increasing their annual park pass rates, so stay tuned!

Now- as for the parks themselves.

Booking Rez: yes, I like to plan and book ahead. I booked our April camping nights in late Dec and still was not able to get prime sites. Our sites were ok, but in each park, we saw better ones (noted for future!)

Each park does have a selection of FCFS only, too. Brantley Lake and Lea Lake CG had iron rangers. So if that is your thing- go for it. At Brantley Lake, I would say they were not top choice view sites compared to the reservable ones., nor did all the FCFS have sewer- and Brantleys dump station was closed and under reconstruction. To use a dump station they directed you to nearby facilities which may have meant a cost to dump. We had a FHU site, #4.

If you want sites with full hookups my recommendation is to book ahead.

Our site #4 at Brantley Lake, Limestone CG

In this trip we stayed at Brantley Lakes SP-Limestone CG. See this review. We will definitely be back here. The vibe is quiet, peaceful and grand. Easy access 40 min south to Carlsbad Caverns NP.

We are currently at Bottomless Lakes-Lea Lake Campground. A beautifully setting in a sinkhole gorge surrounded on one side by red rock cliffs. However the campground and the day use beach area clearly is tired. An entire loop in the campground right now is closed and undergoing upgrades to systems and sites. Sites are also FHU and some tenting sites. The day use and pavilion area is very close but looks a little tired. The beach needs a big infusion of beach sand for sure. We bet in hot summer months this place must be totally packed with locals to go swimming to cool off.

Pics at Bottomless Lakes, Lea Lake CG. We had site 4

The environs of the campground itself is desert. Few plantings, pretty rough. The sites have nice deep gravel build up and off the desert grade which would be good if rains come since desert soils tends to not drain well. Each site has a covered picnic table Pavillion like Brantley Lake had as well. From a quality of site build standpoint, we wish NYS campground took some lessons from NMSPs.

Bottomless Lakes SP is about a 35 min ride to Roswell. Chocked full of alien lover shops, museums and kitchy attractions, Roswell also has its share of big box and an Albertsons for groceries. We had to visit a Harbor Freight there for a needed repair piece.

Around Roswell.

IMPORTANT TIPS!!

NAVIGATION: If you are coming to the Bottomless Lakes SP from the south like we did go directly into Roswell proper. Then take RT 380 east out of town and then follow signs for the SP. Otherwise Google and RV Trip Wizards navigation takes you a back way which will be shorter but the road is remote and not in great condition. Ask us how we know!!

BEWARE OF HIGH WINDS!

Both campgrounds suffer from high winds at times. Use your weather apps to forecast. Never leave any awnings (even window ones) out when not at your RV. We had gusts of over 50 mph at both CGs. Winds tend to come up higher mid to late afternoons but can strike at any time.

PROTECT YOUR FOUR FOOTED FRIENDS!

NM is homemade for coyotes. Both campgrounds we stayed at put campers on notice to never ties your pets outside without supervision. Never let them roam free. And our tip is DO NOT WALK your PETS AFTER DARK! We could hear packs of coyotes rampaging in the wilderness every night even just at dusk and after dark. There have been stories of coyotes hiding on a dark side of an RV and attempting to grab a pet as the owner places them on the site to take a walk. They can also lurk unawares in bushes along the CG roads. When we had to do a walk with Nutmeg after dark, each of us had a flashlight that we kept shining off the road edges and into bushes looking for glowing eyes. Trust us, those coyotes can seize a furry friend before you know what has happened or can react.

LASTLY- DESERT CAMPING TIPS:

-do not leave shoes outside. If you must, then shake them out before donning. Scorpions love moist dark places!

– be mindful of snakes. Many are good, some are not. Know how to react accordingly.

-for best site locations book ahead.

– plan for hot days and very cold nights. We have been getting up and 90s during the day and high 40s to low 50s at night! Perfect sleeping weather!

More pictures from Bottomless Lakes SP. See if you can spot our Avion!