Oliver Lee Memorial

Star4.43
187 reviews
409 DOG CANYON RD, Alamogordo, New Mexico, 88310, United States

Quick Facts

4,370 ft

Price

$10 - $18/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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Oliver Lee Memorial
$10.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees range from $10 per night for dry sites to $18 for sites with electric and water hookups. Walk-in first-come-first-serve sites may...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$18.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.43

Recommended

Based on 187 reviews

559 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

reservation

"User reviews highlight the park's natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and proximity to attractions like White Sands National Park. Some complaints focus on campsite size and noise from nearby roads."

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Campground Map

409 DOG CANYON RD, Alamogordo, New Mexico, 88310, United States

Oliver Lee Memorial

409 DOG CANYON RD, Alamogordo, New Mexico, 88310, United States

Driving directionsLocated approximately 12 miles SE of Alamogordo, NM. From Alamogordo, take US Hwy 54 South 8 miles. Turn left (east) on Dog Canyon Road and go 4 miles to the park.
Road access is straightforward with paved highways leading to the park. No information on seasonal closures or challenging terrain explicitly mentioned.
Nearby places
Alamogordo (12 miles / ~20 minutes), Cloudcroft (36 miles / ~45 minutes), White Sands National Park (~30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
A Dollar General store is located 4 miles away, and Alamogordo (~20 minutes away) provides access to grocery stores, fuel stations, and chain restaurants.

Best Time to Camp at Oliver Lee Memorial

Each season brings its own personality to this high desert oasis. Winter nights demand cozy sleeping bags as temperatures dip to a crisp 30°F, while afternoon sun warms the rocks to a pleasant 50°F. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched sanctuary where temperatures dance between 90°F and 95°F, perfect for early morning hikes and lazy afternoon siestas in the shade. But it's the shoulder seasons that truly shine here – spring and fall deliver crystalline skies and goldilocks temperatures that make every outdoor moment feel like a gift.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

Summer can be hot and windy; reviewers note summer is less comfortable for hiking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Milder temperatures and good hiking conditions make fall a solid season.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings cactus blooms and pleasant temps; highlighted as a top season for the park.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 13% in NM

Open year-round; reviewers prefer cooler winter hiking though nights are chilly (~30°F).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season periods are not explicitly defined in the sources.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round for reservations.
  • Current Alerts: Fire bans in place during high fire danger periods. Visitor center closures due to staffing issues.

About Oliver Lee Memorial

Where the Sacramento Mountains meet the desert floor, Oliver Lee Memorial State Park beckons adventurers with its dramatic canvas of rust-colored cliffs and endless sky. As daylight fades, the campground transforms into a front-row seat for nature's most spectacular light show, painting the mountainside in brilliant oranges and purples. Whether you're settling in with your RV or pitching a tent under the stars, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned between two worlds: the mystical dunes of nearby White Sands National Park and the rugged trails that climb into the mountains above. Modern amenities and pristine facilities ensure comfort without compromising the wild beauty that surrounds you.
Oliver Lee Memorial State Park provides diverse camping options, including sites for RVs, tents, and group camping. Dry and full-hookup sites are available.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in information not explicitly provided.
Check-out
Checkout at 2 PM according to one review.
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limits mentioned.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and star gazing. Trails vary in difficulty, and the park's location provides breathtaking views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
HikingHiking options include the challenging Dog Canyon Trail (5.5 miles one way with significant elevation gain) and the Riparian Nature Trail, which offers a mix of short loops and rock scrambles. Trails are well-maintained but can be strenuous.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with sightings of tarantulas, rattlesnakes, swallows, and geckos commonly reported.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe park hosts interpretive programs and offers tours of the Oliver Lee Ranch House. Information about 'Frenchy,' who built many of the park's rock walls, is also available.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRattlesnakes and tarantulas noted by reviewers. Steep trails demand caution, and the park can be windy during certain seasons.
Active AlertsFire bans in place during high fire danger periods. Visitor center closures due to staffing issues.

Weather at Oliver Lee Memorial

Reviews

4.4
187 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Oliver Lee Memorial is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the park's natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and proximity to attractions like White Sands National Park. Some complaints focus on campsite size and noise from nearby roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 187 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and modern restrooms and showers, scenic views, friendly staff, and well-maintained trails are frequently noted. Many users appreciated the spacious campsites and easy access to hiking.
Based on 187 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users noted that certain campsites are smaller and difficult to access for large RVs. Noise from vehicles arriving late at night was another common issue.
Based on 187 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sun protection and plenty of water for the challenging hikes. Reserve campsites in advance, as popular sites fill up quickly. Consider visiting in cooler months to avoid extreme heat.
Based on 187 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter months are preferred for cooler hiking conditions, while summer can be hot and windy. Spring offers blooming desert plants.
Based on 187 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms are amazingly clean with modern facilities.' 2. 'The campsites are immaculate, with running water on site & a picnic table.' 3. 'Dog Canyon Trail is a pretty difficult 5.5mi out and...
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Based on 187 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #24 is noted as spacious for trailers. Site #1 has hookups on the wrong side. Site #4 is praised for its views.
Based on 187 reviews

Accessibility Features

Most reviews do not specify detailed accessibility features, but the park includes some accessible site options.
Based on 187 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The park is described as dog-friendly, with some caution advised due to cactus and rough terrain.
Based on 187 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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