Road Trips Starting from Ruidoso, NM
Best National Parks Near Ruidoso, NM
White Sands National Park, located in southern New Mexico, is one of the most incredible natural areas in the country. The breathtaking field of gypsum sand dunes is surrounded by military installments, and the general area is often used for the testing of missiles and other defensive technologies. That, combined with the otherworldly landscape, makes the park a truly unique place to see in person. White Sands National Park is a popular destination for wildlife viewing, with creatures like roadrunners, coyotes, bobcats, and many more inhabiting the desert.
Another spectacular natural destination in New Mexico is Carlsbad Caverns National Park, which contains more than 100 fascinating limestone caverns. The caves were originally discovered by an adventurous teenager in 1898, and now, roughly 410,000 people visit them each year. In addition to checking out the breathtaking caverns, you can enjoy the area's dark skies for fantastic stargazing. Or, you can attend the park's bat flight program to observe the many Brazilian free-tailed bats that live in the caves.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park lies in western Texas and is home to the magnificent Guadalupe Peak, which stands at 8,749 feet and represents the highest peak in the state. The area also contains several other unique destinations, including a historic stagecoach station and the restored Frijole Ranch. Popular activities for visitors include hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, and stargazing.
Popular State Parks Near Ruidoso, NM
Bottomless Lakes State Park is situated in southwestern New Mexico and comprises 1,400 acres of beautiful lakes, rocky cliffs, and sandy desert. The park's namesake lakes are actually sinkholes, formed by the collapse of underwater caverns. The lakes and nearby Pecos River offer great recreational opportunities, like kayaking, fishing, swimming, and scuba diving. You can also hike on the nearby trails and observe the many interesting native birds.
Another lovely New Mexico oasis is Brantley Lake State Park. The 3,000-acre Brantley Lake is a popular destination for swimming and fishing. If you prefer to stay on land, you can explore the park's scenic hiking trails or enjoy some primitive camping in the serene setting.
Elephant Butte Lake State Park is the largest state park in New Mexico and a wonderful hub for various forms of outdoor recreation. Many visitors utilize the massive nearby reservoir for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park is also a top-notch bird-watching destination and boasts 15 miles of picturesque hiking trails.
Must-see Monuments and Landmarks Near Ruidoso, NM
New Mexico boasts many unique monuments and landmarks, and one spot for TV buffs is Walter White’s House in Albuquerque. The house's exterior served as the main character's home in the hit show Breaking Bad, and you can get a first-hand look at it while you're in town. However, it's important that you observe from a distance and be respectful; real people live in the home!
If you travel west of Ruidoso, you can visit the unique community of Truth or Consequences. The town got its name from airing a radio quiz show of the same name in 1950, but it was previously called Hotspring. The city offers all sorts of opportunities for outdoor recreation as well as relaxing natural hot springs.
In Santa Fe, you can visit the unique Meow Wolf immersive art experience. Visiting the attraction will be unlike anything you've experienced before, and in addition to being an art installation, it's also a venue for live music.
RVshare’s Top Picks for Nearby RV Parks & Campgrounds
You'll have quite a few lovely camping areas to choose from in the greater Ruidoso area, including the Spring River RV Park. The park, which offers military discounts, features 40 RV campsites with full hookups available. The campground also features an on-site dog park and offers free satellite television and Wi-Fi.
Another excellent nearby campground is the Artesia RV Park & Storage, where you can select one of the 139 RV campsites. Full-hookup sites are available, and the campsites cost $40 per night. The family-owned campground is also well-known for its wonderful personalized service.
You could also camp at the Mama Bear RV Park, where you'll enjoy spectacular mountain views. The park features 20 RV campsites, and its guests can make use of the on-site bathhouse. Plus, the Mama Bear RV Park is highly regarded for its quiet, peaceful atmosphere.
RV Dump Stations Near Ruidoso, NM
Las Cruces, NM, located at the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert along the Rio Grande, is a popular destination for RVers, offering attractions like the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum. For your convenience, we've compiled a comprehensive list of RV dump stations near Las Cruces, including both free and paid options with addresses, hours, and costs. When you're ready, search for RV rentals in the Las Cruces area, book your spot at a top RV campground, and find the perfect storage facility for your RV.
