Planning a visit to New Mexico? Good choice! This state is absolutely gorgeous. It’s the perfect place for camping, hiking, and outdoor explorations. That said, those are far from the only awesome things found here. Another super cool thing in the Land of Enchantment? New Mexico amusement parks!
Some of the best ones include:
- Cliff’s Amusement Park and WaterMania
- Western Playland
- Carlsbad Waterpark
New Mexico Amusement Parks at a Glance
| Park | Cliff’s Amusement Park & WaterMania | Western Playland | Carlsbad Waterpark |
| Location | Albuquerque, NM | Sunland Park, NM | Carlsbad, NM |
| Ticket Cost | Varies by ride and season; wristbands and single-ride options available | Typically budget-friendly; pay-per-ride system | Day-use entry with seasonal pricing |
| Attractions | 50+ rides, roller coasters, family rides, kiddie areas, WaterMania splash zone and slides | Thrill rides, roller coasters, drop rides, kiddie rides, family attractions, train and sky glider | Water slides, lazy river, swimming pool, kiddie water play areas |
| Onsite RV Parking? | Limited / nearby RV options in Albuquerque area | Limited; nearby RV parks in El Paso/Sunland Park area | Limited; nearby RV parks in Carlsbad area |
Why RV to a New Mexico Amusement Park?
- Save money on lodging and food.
- Easily hop from one place to another, touring all of the amusement parks in New Mexico.
- Pack gear, food, and water easily. This is especially helpful in New Mexico’s dry, sunny climate.
Cliff’s Amusement Park and WaterMania
Cliff’s Amusement Park in Albuquerque has been around since 1959, and has been offering locals and visitors an awesome time ever since. The park includes both traditional amusement park attractions and a waterpark area. This is awesome because it means you can cool off during the hot summer months and then continue having a great time even as the weather cools a bit.
Stand-Out Features
- Over 50 rides and attractions
- Downdraft (spinning and swooping ride)
- Fire Ball coaster (looping coaster)
- New Mexico Rattler (wooden roller coaster)
- Carousel
- Sea Dragon (swing-style ride)
- WaterMania water park area
- Mega Water Monkeys water playground
- Water slides
- Interactive water features
- Dump bucket
- Li’l Squirts toddler and preschool water play area
RV Camping Near Cliff’s Amusement Park and WaterMania
In our opinion, RVing is the very best way to explore the state of New Mexico. Why not pack up your trailer or motorhome and bring it along so you can add some camping fun to your amusement park vacation?
Try this campground:
Western Playland
Located in Sunland Park, Western Playland is a fun place to take the kids for a fun day out. This is a 30-acre New Mexico amusement park that includes a wide variety of rides and attractions, meaning it’s easy to find something to please each member of the family while here.
Stand-Out Features
- Fireball roller coaster
- El Loco (spinning and swinging ride)
- Drop Zone (drop ride)
- Hurricane roller coaster
- Granny Bugs
- U-Boats
- U-Cars
- U-Buggies
- Train ride
- Sky Glider
- Merry-Go-Round
RV Camping Near Western Playland
As mentioned above, RV camping is the best way to go when visiting New Mexico. Taking an RV allows you to stay in complete comfort, even if you are parked in the middle of the desert with no amenities. That said, we highly recommend staying at the following RV park when visiting Western Playland.
Try this campground:
Carlsbad Waterpark
Looking for some waterpark fun while in the state? Carlsbad Waterpark in Carlsbad is an excellent pick. Not only does this well-kept little park offer all kinds of splashing attractions, it’s also right around the corner from Carlsbad Caverns National Park and not too far from Guadalupe Mountains National Park—both of which are excellent RV destinations!
Stand-Out Features
- Four twisting, looping water slides
- Kiddie water play area
- Tiny slides for young children
- Lazy river
- Swimming pool
RV Camping Near Carlsbad Waterpark
Obviously, you will want to take your RV on your Carlsbad adventure. This ensures you sleep in comfort and can dine on your favorite foods for your entire stay. It also allows you to hop from one place to another easily.
Try this campground:
Tips for an Amazing New Mexico Amusement Park Trip
- Visit during the spring or fall for nicer temperatures and smaller crowds.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay comfortable in the heat.
- Check each park’s operating schedule before visiting. Some amusement and water parks are only open seasonally.
New Mexico Amusement Parks: Frequently Asked Questions
Cliff’s Amusement Park is the largest traditional amusement park in New Mexico. It features more than 50 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, family rides, kiddie rides, and the seasonal WaterMania water park.
Yes. New Mexico has several fun water parks, including WaterMania at Cliff’s Amusement Park and Carlsbad Water Park, which offers water slides, a lazy river, a swimming pool, and splash areas for younger children.
Families with younger children will enjoy Western Playland for its kid-friendly rides and Cliff’s Amusement Park for its mix of family attractions and water play areas.
You will probably want to do more than just visit amusement parks during your time in the Land of Enchantment. For more ideas of things to do in New Mexico, be sure to check out the articles below:
