Great Sand Dunes National Preserve encompasses more than 100,000 acres in Colorado. It's home to a 30-square-mile area with some of America's tallest dunes. Trek through the conifer forests and grasslands or splash around in Medano Creek. You're welcome to visit any time of year and sled or sandboard down the impressive dunes. You should also plan for some recreational time at the Castle Creek Picnic Area or to backpack along the Medano Pass Primitive Road. The campgrounds here can fill up fast in the summer, so reservations are a must. New Mexico's White Sands National Park boasts endless gypsum sand dunes that have impressed visitors for decades. This park covers 275 square miles of desert, making it the world's largest gypsum field of its kind. More than 600 invertebrate species call the dunes home. Researchers have found fossilized footprints left behind by mammoths, saber-toothed cats, and dire wolves. This park is pet-friendly and has two pet walking areas near the visitor center. While there are no on-site RV camping options, you can set your travel trailer up at a campground in nearby Las Cruces. Carlsbad Caverns National Park was first discovered in New Mexico in 1898 by an adventurous teenager. Underneath the Guadalupe Mountains, Carlsbad Caverns contains more than 119 stunning limestone caves. Take your time touring the breathtaking caverns, or test your endurance by hiking through the Chihuahuan Desert. Over 400,000 people stop by annually to participate in the ranger-led star walks, moon hikes, and bat flight program.
Villanueva State Park is a great stop for hiking and fishing enthusiasts. Feel free to spend your afternoon angling on the Pecos River or hanging out with your loved ones on the sandy beach. The 33-site campground is family-friendly and can accommodate all types of RVs, from fifth-wheel trailers to camper vans. Twelve of the campsites come with electrical hookups. The ideal time to visit is in the summer or fall to make the most of the pleasantly warm temperatures. The 340-acre Hyde Memorial State Park rests high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Waterfall Trail is a popular choice for easy-going hikers, while West Circle Trail challenges even the most experienced with its rocky terrain and steep inclines. Some of the park's countless wildlife species include sandhill cranes, porcupines, coyotes, hawks, and foxes. You can even visit in the winter to enjoy the exhilarating tubing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding opportunities. The convenient campground offers electrical hookups and can fit motorhomes up to 53 feet long. Many campers head to Santa Rosa Lake State Park to enjoy the 3,500-acre lake. Take your boat out on the calm waters where both motorized and nonmotorized watercraft are allowed. You can try catching walleye, crappie, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. There are several paved walking paths to seek out woodpeckers, turkey vultures, and bald eagles. The 90-site campground provides a dump station and sizable spaces suitable for both popup campers and larger RVs. Feel free to bring your pet along as long as you keep them on a leash under 10 feet long.
The Fort Union National Monument preserves the remains of one of the many forts along the Santa Fe Trail. Back when New Mexico was newly admitted as a state, the military established outposts to survey the land. The Fort Union site protected the trail's Cimarron and Mountain branches. The fort was abandoned in 1891, but you can still take a walk around the building to learn more about the challenging life of a frontier soldier. Starting near the visitor center, the Fort Union Trail is the only maintained path that allows you to see the structure from various angles. The six-acre Pecos National Historical Park is home to several 19th-century ranches, ruins, and a Civil War battlefield. One of its most significant landmarks is the Pecos Pueblo. The Puebloans were a group of people that staged a short-lived revolt against Spanish forces. By 1893, they'd mostly abandoned the area due to disease, famine, and conflicts with the local indigenous groups. Many visitors hike the Ancestral Sites Trail to check out the mission church and enjoy the astounding views of the Glorieta Mesa. The Santa Fe National Historic Trail was a popular commercial highway used from 1821 to 1846 to travel between Missouri and Mexico. From 1846 to 1848, it was traversed by the Army of the West during the Mexican-American War. Today, it connects several important sites like the Pecos National Historical Park and Boone's Lick State Historic Site. If you're already in New Mexico, you can start your adventure near Santa Fe and move up toward Pueblo, Colorado, and then to Dodge City, Kansas.
Right off Interstate 25, the Black Mesa Casino in Santa Fe has 30 sites with electrical hookups and excellent cell reception. They provide free water and have an easily accessible dump station. The United States Forest Service runs Jack's Creek Campground in Pecos. While there may not be that many modern amenities, you're sure to love the mountain scenery and trout-rich lakes and streams. Additionally, don't forget to check out the Tetilla Peak Recreation Area, just 20 miles away from Santa Fe in Pena Blanca. This site sits on Cochiti Lake, where you can fish, swim, boat, and enjoy various water sports. The campground has 30-amp hookups and spacious pull-thru sites perfect for Class C and Class A rigs.
Are there any additional fees or charges associated with renting a pet-friendly RV in Las Vegas, NM, and what kind of pet policies do I need to be aware of it?
The fees and charges associated with renting a pet-friendly RV vary by individual listings and are determined by the RV owner. Be sure to check the specific listing for details on any additional fees or deposits required for pets. Additionally, the pet policies for each rental will also vary and are at the discretion of the RV owner. Be sure to review the listing description or ask the owner for more information on their pet policies before booking.
How do I properly prepare my pet for traveling in an RV rental, and what kind of equipment or supplies do I need to bring for them?
To properly prepare your pet for RV travel, bring along their favorite bed, food and water bowls, food, and any medications they may need. Additionally, bring your pet's leash, waste bags, and any toys or treats they may enjoy. It's also a good idea to acclimate your pet to the RV before your trip by introducing them to the space gradually if possible.
Can I bring multiple pets in a pet-friendly RV rental, and are there any size or weight restrictions for my pets?
The number and type of pets allowed will vary depending on the RV owner's policies. Be sure to check the listing details for any restrictions on pet size or weight, as well as the number of pets allowed per rental.
Are any specific RV parks or campgrounds in Las Vegas, NM particularly well-suited for pets, and what amenities do they offer?
Some RV parks and campgrounds are more pet-friendly than others, so be sure to research your destination beforehand. Look for parks that offer amenities such as pet-friendly trails or dog parks. Additionally, some parks may have specific pet policies or restrictions, so be sure to check before making a reservation.
How do I properly clean and sanitize a pet-friendly RV rental before and after my rental period, particularly regarding pet hair and odors?
Renters should vacuum and sweep thoroughly and wipe down all surfaces with pet-safe cleaning products. Additionally, be sure to dispose of any pet waste in designated trash areas.
What safety considerations must I be aware of when traveling with pets in an RV rental, particularly regarding hot or cold weather conditions?
Pet owners should be aware of hot and cold weather conditions when traveling in an RV with pets. Keep pets hydrated and ensure the RV is properly ventilated and climate-controlled. Additionally, never leave pets alone in a hot or cold RV and be sure to monitor their behavior for signs of distress.
Can I bring my pet supplies and equipment to use with a pet-friendly RV rental, such as a portable pet fence or outdoor playpen?
Yes, renters can bring their own pet supplies and equipment to use with a pet-friendly RV rental, such as a portable pet fence or outdoor playpen. However, be sure to check with the RV owner before bringing any large or bulky items to ensure they can be accommodated.
How do I properly secure and restrain my pet during travel in a pet-friendly RV rental, and what kind of safety equipment or devices do I need to use?
Pets should always be properly secured and restrained during travel in an RV rental. This can include using a pet carrier, seat belt harness, or pet barrier. Ensure that all safety equipment or devices are properly installed and used according to manufacturer instructions.
Can I leave my pet unattended in a pet-friendly RV rental, and if so, are there any specific guidelines or restrictions I need to follow?
Pets should not be left unattended in an RV rental, as it can be dangerous for them and may result in damage to the rental. If it is necessary to leave your pet briefly, ensure that they are properly secured and that the RV is climate-controlled and ventilated.
Can I bring my pet to any activities or attractions in Las Vegas, NM during my RV rental trip, and what kind of pet policies or restrictions may be in place for these locations?
Pet policies and restrictions for activities and attractions in Las Vegas, NM will vary by location, so be sure to research beforehand. Some locations may not allow pets at all, while others may have specific areas or guidelines for pet access. Always check with the location beforehand to ensure pets are allowed and to understand any restrictions or guidelines in place.