7 Best RV Parks in Carlsbad, New Mexico (With Video Tours)
Carlsbad, New Mexico is a recognizable name to many travelers because of the now named Carlsbad Caverns and the National Park. It’s also a jumping-off spot for the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and the Lincoln National Forest.
With a population of 27,000, Carlsbad is a big enough city to support the tourism that the National Parks draw. Citizens are also relocating due to the increase in the production of oil and natural gases.
When planning your trip to Carlsbad, check out these 7 best RV parks in Carlsbad, New Mexico.
About Carlsbad, New Mexico
Carlsbad, New Mexico sits at an elevation of 3,295 feet on the Pecos River. It was settled for use as a way to water cattle because of its location to the river. Even with its location on the Pecos, it now has less rain that falls than the amount of water that evaporates every year.
Mining is one of the major industries in the city, including potash, which is used to make fertilizer.
The location of Carlsbad is great for seeing nature, exploring caves and seeing Sitting Bull Falls, a waterfall that drops 150 feet to a small pool that you can swim in.
Here are the 7 best RV parks in Carlsbad.
#1 Brantley Lake State Park
You’ll love Brantley Lake State Park for the fast internet, but remote feel. It has full hookups, water access, and a playground, and the price can’t be beaten. Pets are welcome.
Price: Prices range from $8 for a primitive site to $18 for a developed site with electric and sewer.
Miles to Downtown: It is 20.1 miles (32 minutes) to downtown Carlsbad from the park.
What’s The Word: According to Irskfalls on Campendium, “This is a remote park with little to do but relax, enjoy the views, and walk trails to the lake and boat ramp.”
Brantley Lake State Park Vibe: 9. The park is a little far from the Carlsbad Caverns, but is a great place to relax and not break the bank.
#2 Carlsbad KOA
You’ll love it because it’s a KOA, so if you frequent KOA campgrounds, you know what to expect. Pets are welcome. There’s a pool open seasonally. And, they deliver fresh, hot BBQ to your campsite.
Price: The prices vary from $49 per night to $70 per night depending on features at the site.
Miles to Downtown: Carlsbad KOA is 18.4 miles (24 minute) drive to downtown Carlsbad.
What’s The Word: Cdr Bob said on Campgroundreviews.com that, “One hundred plus sites, great BBQ on premises, lots of amenities, friendly folks – If you plan to use the restroom/shower facilities…it’s a long hike.”
Carlsbad KOA Vibe: 9, it’s quite a way from the Caverns, and there seems to be a lot of long term campers from the oil industry.
#3 Camp Washington Ranch
There’s lots of privacy, with hookups and a view. It only has three sites. You might even witness a wedding at the venue next door.
Price: The price is $50 per night. No tent camping. There is 30 amp service, water and sewer.
Miles to Downtown: It is 28 miles (32 minutes) to drive to downtown Carlsbad. It is only 8.3 miles from Carlsbad Caverns, however.
What’s The Word: Jana Bair said on Campgroundreviews.com, “If you just want to get away from people this place is great. There are only 3 sites in a very open area. You are camped where they hold events like weddings, so scenery and gardens were beautiful. Great sunsets, pretty grounds that you have to yourself.”
Camp Washington Ranch Vibe: 7, sounds pretty, but low on amenities for the price.
#4 Carlsbad RV Park and Campground
Carlsbad RV Park has 138 RV sites with full hookups. It has an indoor pool, community fire pit and the park is next door to an RV service center. It’s really close to the center of town.
Price: Carlsbad RV Park is a Good Sam Park. The daily rate is $52.50 per night with full hookups. Discounts are also given for AARP, AAA, active and retired military.
Miles to Downtown: It’s only 4 miles (8 minutes) to downtown Carlsbad.
What’s The Word: DRNiven on Campgroundreviews.com said, “Very large park. Nicely kept up and easy to navigate. Big rig friendly. A little more expensive than I wanted and usually pay, but it was right on the highway to Carlsbad Caverns.”
Carlsbad RV Park and Campground Vibe: 7, Seems like a nice stop over place.
#5 Pecos River RV Park and Store
You’ll love it because it’s right on the Pecos River in the center of town. There are walking trails along the river just outside the park.
Price: The price is an average of $40 per night.
Miles to Downtown: It’s close. It’s only half a mile to downtown and you can be there in 2 minutes in a car, but walking is also an option.
What’s The Word: David Kennedy said on Campgroundreview.com that it’s “A very small RV park, but right on the Pecos River. Extremely friendly staff and a perfect location for access to downtown Carlsbad. Very quiet and clean.”
Pecos River RV Park and Store Vibe: 6, some reviews said it was rundown, and had many full time residents. However, it is right on the river, which is a perk.
#6 North Star RV Park
This is a month to month park. It has conveniences for those who commute to work and live comfortably in their RV. There is a laundry facility and gas on site. They also claim to have the best tasting ice and water in the area.
Price: It is a monthly charge. Call for details.
Miles to Downtown: It’s 9.2 miles (14 minutes) to downtown Carlsbad from North Star RV Park.
What’s The Word: On the website, North Star RV Park said, “Are you looking for a nice, quiet, safe place to call your home away from home? Well, look no further you have found it!”
North Star RV Park Vibe: 6, from the pictures it appears to be a large parking lot for big RVs. It will serve the segment of the population who like to stay in one place for long periods of time. Or, perhaps those who work in the oil or mining industry.
#7 Bud’s Place RV Park
The sites here are set up as buddy sites with doors from neighboring rigs facing one another, which is great for travel friends. It’s close to downtown and has good connectivity. There are 47 sites.
Price: Rates are around $45 nightly. They offer Good Sam discounts.
Miles to Downtown: Bud’s Place RV Park is only 2.2 miles or (5 minutes) from downtown Carlsbad.
What’s The Word: Richard and Betsey C said on Campgroundreviews.com, “The sites are gravel, but are very wide and level. Each site has a lawn and a picnic bench. The park management are very outgoing and nice to talk with…The caverns were about a 45-minute drive from Bud’s RV Park.”
Bud’s Place RV Park Vibe: 5, people are reporting that it’s been hard to get in touch with staff while they are staying at the park. Social media is behind and there is no website.
Plan Your Trip to a Carlsbad RV Park
When you’re out in the desert expect that it will take a while to get to different sights from the campground. Depending on where you want to spend your time, you may choose one campground over another. I think there are some clear winners when it comes to places to stay in the area.
Don’t forget to explore Carlsbad when not in one of the National Parks.
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