Caballo Lake

4.34

103 reviews

P.O. BOX 32, Caballo, New Mexico, 87931, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping New Mexico Boating Camping New Mexico

Quick Facts

4,134 ft

Price

$10 - $15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens New Mexico State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,134 ft

Price

$10 - $15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens New Mexico State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Caballo Lake

$10.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $10 for tent camping or primitive sites to $15 for sites with electric and water hookups.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Hookup Site Fee$15.00

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

4.34

Recommended

Based on 103 reviews

379 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

"User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and scenic beauty. Complaints mostly focus on insects and occasional maintenance issues."

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Campground Map

P.O. BOX 32, Caballo, New Mexico, 87931, United States

Caballo Lake

P.O. BOX 32, Caballo, New Mexico, 87931, United States

Driving directionsTake Exit 59 (I-25). Head north on NM187 and take the first right north of the I-25 bridge, heading east on Caballo Down Road. Take a right on Caballo Dam frontage road and travel approximately 3/4 mile to Riverside Campground. For Appaloosa Campground, travel north approximately 3/4 mile on NM187 off Exit 59, then take a left turn at the Lakeside Recreation Sign. Travel down Palomino Road approximately 1/4 mile and take a right at the Appaloosa Campground Sign.

The campground is accessible via paved roads, and the directions specify clear landmarks for navigation. Seasonal closures or terrain challenges are not mentioned.

Nearby places

Truth or Consequences (16 miles south), Hatch (approximately 10 minutes north)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are likely available in Truth or Consequences (16 miles south), including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. Additional fishing bait and license services mentioned near the lake include Lil Abner's Bait Shop.

Best Time to Camp at Caballo Lake

Experience the dramatic beauty of New Mexico's changing seasons in this high desert oasis. Winter nights bring crisp, star-filled skies with temperatures dipping into the refreshing 30s—perfect for cozy campfires and hot morning coffee. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise, with daytime temperatures climbing to a toasty 97°F, ideal for water activities and shaded afternoon siestas. The arid climate means you'll enjoy predominantly clear, brilliant blue skies throughout your stay, with rain making only rare guest appearances. Desert breezes occasionally sweep through the campgrounds, and during certain seasons, you might encounter the local gnat population—a small price for accessing this natural wonderland.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer popular for boating and swimming but reviews note increased bugs and crowding.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers pleasant weather and scenic changes; generally favorable but fewer specific mentions.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring likely strong for birding and mild temps though direct mentions are fewer.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 5% in NM

Winter camping is peaceful and less crowded; good stargazing and February crane migration.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates are not specified; however, summer months appear popular based on reviews.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, though some user reviews mention seasonal closures for facilities like restrooms.
Current Alerts: No current alerts or advisories are mentioned in the provided materials.

About Caballo Lake

Where the Rio Grande meets the sparkling waters of Caballo Lake, two distinctive campgrounds await your discovery. Riverside and Appaloosa Campgrounds serve as your gateway to New Mexico's stunning waterways, welcoming everyone from RV enthusiasts with spacious motorhomes to minimalist tent campers seeking simplicity. Choose from sites featuring electric and water hookups, many enhanced with sturdy shelters, cooking grills, and charming rock walls that define your outdoor living space. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line into productive fishing waters, paddle a kayak across glassy lake surfaces, spot migrating birds along the riverbanks, explore scenic hiking trails, or launch your boat for a day of aquatic adventure.

The campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including developed sites with full hookups, primitive camping areas, and options for both RV and tent camping.

Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure places you at the crossroads of New Mexico's rich cultural tapestry. Just a short drive away lies the legendary town of Hatch, where the air itself seems seasoned with the famous green chile that has made this region a culinary destination. For those seeking deeper historical connections, the ancient mysteries of Gila National Forest and its remarkable Cliff Dwellings beckon nearby, offering glimpses into the lives of the Mogollon people who called these lands home centuries ago. While the campgrounds themselves serve as modern gateways to recreation, they connect you to a landscape steeped in Southwest heritage and tradition.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of New Mexico's changing seasons in this high desert oasis. Winter nights bring crisp, star-filled skies with temperatures dipping into the refreshing 30s—perfect for cozy campfires and hot morning coffee. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise, with daytime temperatures climbing to a toasty 97°F, ideal for water activities and shaded afternoon siestas. The arid climate means you'll enjoy predominantly clear, brilliant blue skies throughout your stay, with rain making only rare guest appearances. Desert breezes occasionally sweep through the campgrounds, and during certain seasons, you might encounter the local gnat population—a small price for accessing this natural wonderland.

ElevationNestled in New Mexico's characteristic high desert terrain, these campgrounds occupy a semi-arid landscape where the elevation creates perfect conditions for year-round outdoor adventures. The desert environment here strikes a delicate balance—high enough to escape the most intense heat of lower elevations, yet positioned perfectly to maintain the warm, dry climate that makes this region so appealing to outdoor enthusiasts.

Natural Features and SceneryAt Riverside Campground, majestic cottonwood trees create a natural canopy along the Rio Grande, their leaves whispering ancient river songs and providing welcome shade during warm afternoons. A pleasant stroll from Appaloosa Campground reveals the expansive beauty of Caballo Lake, its waters reflecting the ever-changing moods of the New Mexico sky. The rugged Caballo Mountains frame your views with their distinctive profiles, creating picture-perfect backdrops for memorable sunset photography. This semi-arid wonderland seamlessly blends desert resilience with aquatic abundance, where prickly pear and sage share the landscape with willows and water birds.

Geological RegionPositioned in the heart of the American Southwest, these campgrounds showcase the geological drama where water has carved its story through an ancient desert landscape. The mighty Rio Grande flows past towering cottonwoods, while nearby Caballo Lake spreads like a blue jewel against the earthen tones of the surrounding terrain. The Caballo Mountains stand as silent sentinels, their weathered faces telling tales of volcanic origins and erosion. This unique confluence of river, lake, and mountain creates a desert oasis that defies expectations—a place where the arid beauty of the high desert meets the life-giving waters that have sustained civilizations for millennia.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit not specified
user reviews mention stays of up to 13 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly specified
user reviews suggest large sites accommodating RVs and multiple guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites include pull-through RV areas and dispersed primitive camping. Developed sites feature picnic tables, grills, shelters, and electric and water hookups.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through New Mexico State Parks' website.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is not explicitly stated, but reservations are encouraged.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details not provided.

AccessibilityHandicap access is listed as available, indicating consideration for visitors with disabilities. No detailed reviews on accessibility features were provided.

Site SizeLarge, with some spaces accommodating large RVs and others being smaller for tents or primitive camping.

PrivacyVaried level of privacy depending on the section. Some areas, such as primitive camping by the lake, offer seclusion, while more developed areas are closer to other campers.

Recommended SitesFor quiet and shade, opt for sites under cottonwood trees at Riverside. Sites at Appaloosa Campground are near the lake. Primitive camping is available directly on the beach or lake edge.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Caballo Lake State Park offers an extensive range of recreational activities. Popular activities include boating, kayaking, windsurfing, and fishing in Caballo Lake. Campers can also enjoy hiking on nearby trails, biking, birding, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Specific highlights include fishing for white bass and sheepshead and observing Sandhill crane flyovers during February. The lake's calm waters make it suitable for paddleboarding. Some reviewers noted that the beach areas are spacious and uncrowded.

HikingHiking trails are available and are generally well-maintained. Trails offer benches and scenic views. One reviewer particularly appreciated the placement of benches along the trails.

FishingFishing is a prominent activity with species such as white bass and sheepshead available. Some reviewers reported decent fishing success, though others noted variability in fishing outcomes.

SwimmingSwimming is mentioned as an activity, but some reviews and official sources indicate it may not always be permitted. One reviewer stated, 'Swimming is not allowed,' though another mentioned enjoying the lake for this purpose.

BikingThe site features biking trails, including a well-maintained 13-mile trail praised as among the best by one reviewer.

BoatingBoating is a major attraction at the lake, with facilities including a boat ramp. Visitors can engage in activities like jet skiing and windsurfing. Calm waters make the lake accessible for paddleboarding, though some complaints about wind affecting boating conditions have been noted.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a significant draw, with Sandhill cranes flying over in early February and herds of deer frequently sighted. Bird species like ducks and herons are also commonly observed.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsGnats and flies are a recurring problem; bug spray is reportedly ineffective, and vanilla extract is suggested as an alternative. Reviews mention spiders and scorpions. Wind is common and can impact water activities. Loose dogs in primitive camping areas were reported in one review.

Active AlertsNo current alerts or advisories are mentioned in the provided materials.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted in designated fire pits, included with dispersed camping.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours not explicitly stated, though noise from generators and RVs at night is mentioned in user reviews.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services can be accessed in Truth or Consequences, which is 16 miles south of the campground.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but recycling is not explicitly mentioned. Campers are encouraged to clean up after themselves to maintain the area's pristine condition.

Water FeaturesRiverside Campground is near the Rio Grande. Appaloosa Campground is within walking distance of Caballo Lake. A boat ramp is available at the lake.

Camp HostHosts are described as polite and helpful. One user mentioned a host named Samuel.

Weather at Caballo Lake

Reviews

4.3

103 reviews

Recommended

Caballo Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's cleanliness, well-maintained facilities, and scenic beauty. Complaints mostly focus on insects and occasional maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 103 reviews

What Campers Love

Most reviews praise the clean restrooms, hot showers, spacious campsites, and beautiful views of the lake and mountains. The campground's quiet and peaceful environment is also frequently mentioned.

Based on 103 reviews

Common Concerns

Recurring issues include gnats and flies being a nuisance, inconsistent shower water temperature, and maintenance issues such as lack of toilet paper or cleanliness in restrooms.

Based on 103 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing vanilla extract to deter bugs, reserving campsites in advance, and preparing for rocky beaches. Many emphasize the importance of practicing good camping etiquette.

Based on 103 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter camping offers peaceful and less crowded conditions. February sees Sandhill crane migrations. Summer reviews note an increase in bugs and the warm lake water being suitable for swimming.

Based on 103 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms and showers were very clean and nice.' 2. 'Gnat and fly populations can be relentless.' 3. 'The views of the Caballo Mountains and the lake under a full moon are unforgettable.' 4. 'The...

Based on 103 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Riverside campsites are noted for their mountain views and larger size, while Palomino Campground is praised for having full hookups. Appaloosa Campground is close to the lake but may require walking...

Based on 103 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user reviews address accessibility, though the campground is officially noted to have handicap access.

Based on 103 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and users report bringing dogs for activities like swimming and camping. Leash policies are not explicitly mentioned, but there are complaints about unleashed dogs in some primitive...

Based on 103 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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