Campground Carlsbad ,New Mexico ?

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Jay25bhs

Member
Joined
Feb 2, 2010
Posts
10
Looking for recommendations for a campground in the Carlsbad ,New Mexico area. We are in the planning stages for a trip to the Caverns this summer, we will be going to Balmorea state park (in Texas) first and then on to Carlsbad. We will be in a travel trailer and would, like utilities, but would not require them, scenic areas and a lake would be nice if any are in the neighborhood.
Any help is appreciated.

Thanx,
Jay
 
There is really nothing close to the Caverns. The parks in Carlsbad, NM, aren't much (see above) but adequate. If you don't mind a longish drive to the Caverns, there is a lovely state park campground at Brantley Lake, several miles north of the city.

Be sure to visit The Living Desert State Park on the north edge of City of Carlsbad. Really good "zoo" of the flora and fauna of the New Mexico desert. You will be surprised at what lives there, or has lived there in the past.
 
Brantley Lake is a nice state park. If you want or need full hookups there are only a few sites (I remember 3). Also North of town is the Escapees RV Club park The Ranch and a KOA. Just South of Carlsbad is a Passport America Park Carlsbad RV Park and Campground. While I am not 100% sure, I have read several times on the Escapees Forum that non-members can now stay at the Escapees Parks at a higher non-member rate.
 
Per the Rainbow Park at Livingston, the information is that Escapee CO-OP parks do NOT allow non-members, but it is an unpublished practice for the other parks to allow non-members at a higher rate. A call to the individual park would get you the most current information.

Having stayed at the Ranch at Lakeview north of Carlsbad several times, it is my favorite Escapee park to date.
 
The RV Park at White's City is disgusting....or was the last time I was there.  Plugged up sewer lines, water connections that leaked like a sieve, and indifferent management.  The only positive was the deer freely roam the park at dusk.  Find a nice park in Carlsbad and drive the 20 miles out to the Caverns.  Guadalupe is spectacular if you don't mind dry camping. 

If you head from Carlsbad to El Paso, ensure you have FULL fuel tanks.  180 miles of absolutely nothing.  There is one tiny shop at Cornudas....about half way there....but it isn't always open.  This is the last place you want to run out of fuel. 

The Caverns are magnificent.  If you've never been, you'll be amazed.  Walk down the natural entrance if you're able. 
 
Thank you all for your suggetions, I had read mixed opinions about the Rv park in White City.
Brantley as well as Guadalupe sound nice I will have to check on reservations etc.
Raytronx, thanx for the photo that is spectacular! Can't wait to see it.

Thanx again,
Jay
 
I workamped in the Carlsbad area a couple years ago.  Assuming little has changed, the comments about there not being decent CGs close to the Cavern is true.  I would vote for Brantly, but from there it is about a 20 mile drive and goes through town. 

The Cavern parking lot has facilities for RV parking should you wish to see the Caverns before you head to a campground, but be aware that the walk in entrance closes at 3:30 pm.  If you have time, check out Sitting Bull Falls which is a USFS park.  Take a picnic. They have nice facilities for that.
 
When we were there a few years ago, we stayed at the Windmill RV park in Carlsbad and drove to the park. It was gravel and dusty, but everything was adequate.

Dave
 
For what it's worth, the Carlsbad KOA is hands down the nicest RV park "in" Carlsbad. Nice pool area, and an adults only hot tub with very good BBQ delivered to your RV. The drawback is, it's a ways north of Carlsbad....but closer to Carlsbad than Brandley is. Rvparkreviews.com is your best friend here.
 
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