Desert camping near Roswell with fishing

Have an out-of-this-world experience among towering sand dunes and the UFO Museum in Roswell.

98% (84 reviews)

United States
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New Mexico
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Roswell

98% (84 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Roswell

Top desert campgrounds near roswell with fishing

98%

(91)

A True Cold War Relic..Missile Silo

6 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Roswell, NM

Learn more about this land: ALL camping stays include an extensive 1.5 to 2 hour Missile Site Tour, with an underground Silo portion. The Missile Base property with it's underground Launch Control Center and a Utility Tunnel that leads to the 186 ft deep Missile Silo, with much of it's original floors still intact. Learn what it took to operate one of these amazing sites. The major construction/refurbishment areas, have been renovated into an unbelievable underground home and office. Prepare for one of the most awesome tours included with the cost of your stay. This is the site of a decommissioned Atlas F Missile Silo which was deactivated by the United States Air Force in 1965, located in Southeastern New Mexico, close to Roswell, NM. Explore the property that once housed our Country's first InterContinental Ballistic Missile ICBM Site and pick out your own camp spot. Everyone is invited on the top of the Missile Silo Cap for great stargazing and campfires in the evening. Just 20 short minutes from downtown Roswell, New Mexico, USA with many local stores and restaurants. The Missile Site is very near many activities such as hiking, biking and 4 wheel drive trails to include nearby Bottomless Lake State Park and the World famous International UFO Museum in downtown Roswell.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

87%

(28)

Lincoln National Forest

Twin Forks, New Mexico

Desert camping near Roswell with fishing guide

Overview

In southeastern New Mexico (part of Chaves County), Roswell is internationally-known as the site of an alleged 1947 UFO crash. A semi-arid environment dotted with underground-fed lakes, sky-high sand dunes, and a thriving UFO community, Roswell embraces their iconic alien legacy by hosting an annual UFO festival in June. Camping in Roswell is the best way to connect with the geography and abundant wildlife. RV parks and glamping campsites offer easy access to the adventures around this unique locale.

Where to go

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Only a 20-minute drive from Roswell, NM, Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge spans 24,563 acres. This wetland paradise for over 350 bird species, 100 types of dragonflies, and numerous reptile varieties is split into two sections with roads running through—perfect for viewing local geography and wildlife without getting sore legs. However, three walking trails and two hiking trails are also options. Leashed dogs are welcome in certain areas.

Bottomless Lakes State Park

Bottomless Lakes State Park is only 15 miles southeast of Roswell and features nine deep lakes, but Lea Lake is the only one that allows swimming. Its sandy shoreline is ideal for soaking up the sun, fishing, launching kayaks, or starting a scuba dive. Pedal boats and paddle boards are available for rent from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The campground area offers restrooms, showers, full hook-up sites, and an RV dump station. Purchase a day pass ahead of time to get organized before leaving.

International UFO Museum and Research Center

The International UFO Museum and Research Center is a great way to spend the day learning about the secrets of our skies. It opened 1992 and continuously draws UFO enthusiasts and tourists from around the world, but it does close early on holidays. Although it focuses on the iconic Roswell UFO crash, there’s plenty of alien-related information about abductions, crop circles, and unsolved mysteries with guided tours available. Hipcampers can land nearby for the night in tent campsites, RV sites, and glamping sites.

Mescalero Sand Dunes

The Mescalero Sand Dunes offer 610 acres for off-roading vehicles to traverse 45 miles east of Roswell (there is a small entrance fee). The dunes are made of quartz particles that shift in the wind (sometimes up to a foot a year). Campsites among the dunes are only accessible by ATVs and sand-friendly vehicles (regular cars and buses will sink, so don’t risk getting stuck). There is RV camping in some parking lots, so Hipcampers can stay nearby and enjoy effortless access.

When to go

Roswell averages 281 sunny days a year, but the best months to visit are during the off season in spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) thanks to smaller crowds and cooler temps. June is the hottest month with average temps around 94°F, so be prepared with sun gear and plenty of drinking water. The average temperature throughout winter (December to February) is 55°F, and although snowfall can occur, it’s a rare experience.