The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near White Sands, New Mexico

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near White Sands, New Mexico with a river, we've got you covered. With over 100 available options, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you prefer pitching a tent by the river, staying in a cozy cabin, or parking your RV, we have a variety of accommodations to choose from. Some of our top campsites in the area include Camp Rio (95 reviews), 1972 Winnebago Convert to Tiny Home (34 reviews), and Chiricahua Clothing Optional - 41 Acres (16 reviews). At an average price of $49 per night and options as low as $20, camping has never been more affordable. Plus, you'll enjoy popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and pet-friendly facilities. And if you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, including snow sports, climbing, and fishing. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience near White Sands, New Mexico!

92% (73)

Top-rated campgrounds near White Sands

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're looking for a camping experience near White Sands, New Mexico with a river, we've got you covered. With over 100 available options, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Whether you prefer pitching a tent by the river, staying in a cozy cabin, or parking your RV, we have a variety of accommodations to choose from. Some of our top campsites in the area include Camp Rio (95 reviews), 1972 Winnebago Convert to Tiny Home (34 reviews), and Chiricahua Clothing Optional - 41 Acres (16 reviews). At an average price of $49 per night and options as low as $20, camping has never been more affordable. Plus, you'll enjoy popular amenities like toilets, potable water, and pet-friendly facilities. And if you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained, including snow sports, climbing, and fishing. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience near White Sands, New Mexico!

92% (73)

Top-rated campgrounds near White Sands

1. Timberon NM Golf & RV Camping Site

91%

(48)

49mi from White Sands · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Timberon, New Mexico, is a charming and peaceful retirement community nestled in the scenic Sacramento Mountains on the southern edge of the Lincoln National Forest. Timberon offers a tranquil escape surrounded by natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities. The town features a 9-hole golf course, two fishing ponds, a lodge, a swimming pool, a church, an airstrip, and a volunteer fire department. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, swimming, golfing, hiking, biking, and ATV/UTV riding areas. During the winter months, the area also offers seasonal activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Cell reception is limited in the town of Timberon but all the local businesses will share their Wi-Fi password. Timberon has a local restaurant Connie's Deli and the High Country Lounge and Grill (Saturday karaoke night 8pm). Two well-equipped stores stocked with groceries, camping supplies, ice, and RV accessories. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Timberon provides the perfect retreat. . For more details, visit Timberon.org.

2. Horner Hacienda

97%

(58)

31mi from White Sands · 15 sites · Tents, RVs

New to Hipcamp, but want to share my beautiful property with others. Located on the bank of the Rio Grande River with access to the river at all times. Property is rustic now, but improvements will continue to be made as time goes on. Come help me develop this beautiful location into the best Hipcamp in New Mexico. Just 14 miles of the Chile Capital of the World, Hatch, NM, come during chile harvest to take home fresh green chile right out of the field. 21 miles from Las Cruces, where you will find plenty of events and entertainment, should you so desire. Spaceport, America, T or C, White Sands are all within a day's drive, and Fort Selden is just a few miles down the road, as is Blue Moon Bar and Grill. My dad first came to this property as a farm hand for the elderly couple who owned it. This was in the 1930's. He met my mother, who lived 6 miles down the road, in 1939. She was just 14. Every Sunday he would ride those 6 miles to have supper with her and her family and in 1940, 2 weeks after her 16th birthday, they married. They traveled around before coming back here, buying a small portion of this farm from the elderly owners and farming the rest for them, but in 1953, the man died (his name was Ernest Ward) in the small concrete house I now use for storage, that my dad had built for he and his wife when he first came to work for them. My parents built a home for his widow in Hatch (14 miles) and bought the farm from her. My family has owned it since. I was gone for 31 years, but returned to the land and place I love and plan to stay here till I die!

3. Tranquil Pines

48mi from White Sands · 1 site · Tent, RV

Here in the small community of Timberon you can visit the local swimming pool, eat great foods at the Bar and Grill, or Connies Deli. Enjoy fishing in the town’s fishing pond, hiking and even golfing at the local golf course. On our little half acre you will have a quiet place to camp as well as perfect sky view to admire all the stars. Our property has plenty of space for multiple tents. Your nature getaway starts here! ( this is currently a dry camping space for tents and RVs ) On a side note. Timberon does not have cellular service. However you can use wifi calling at the general store, connies, or the local bar and grill

4. Leasburg Dam State Park

100%

(1)

22 sites · Radium Springs, New Mexico

Leasburg Dam State Park has the most breathtaking views on the Rio Grande! Fish off the side of your canoe while the sun sets behind the mountains, blazing the sagebrush red and orange. Explore the trails and watch for birds and wildlife, or take your camera over to the cactus garden for those classic southwestern shots. There’s lots of campgrounds to rest up when the day is over, but you won’t wanna miss the show after the sun goes down. Leasburg Dam has an observatory and for good reason; the night sky out here is second to none and the park often offers Night Sky programs and walks. This is a win-win for those looking for fun and beauty on the water.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds near White Sands

Cactus Patch Campground

26mi from White Sands · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · in Leasburg Dam State Park

100%

(1)

Greasewood Campground

26mi from White Sands · 14 sites · Tents, RVs · in Leasburg Dam State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J

Julio

September 2025

33 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Timberon NM Golf & RV Camping Site

Very nice and peaceful. No phone service nothing but fresh air and wild life

H

Hannah

September 2025

33 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Timberon NM Golf & RV Camping Site

Love the remote location! It was peaceful to be the only campers at the time. Children loved playing around and exploring. Dogs also loved the freedom of being unleashed. Very peaceful and relaxing, wish we could have stayed longer!

J

Judith

May 2025

32 ft Class C

With pets

4 nights at Timberon NM Golf & RV Camping Site

We loved camping up at Andrews place Peaceful, clean and quiet! Caught a lot of fish up at the ponds! Can’t wait to go back

M

Melissa

May 2025

24 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Horner Hacienda

Carolyn went above and beyond for us. We booked a last minute spot due to some really bad weather. The land is so beautiful and her vision for what’s to come is exciting. The space was level which I’m so thankful for after a bad night elsewhere. Unfortunately the river was low but that is out of her control as the damn has to be opened. If we ever pass through this part of the country again we will for sure be back for longer than a night.

Halbert

April 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Timberon NM Golf & RV Camping Site

Excellent location easy to follow directions. Quiet and clean place with plenty of space. Fast response from host. Highly recommend.

M

Mary

April 2025

18 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Horner Hacienda

A beautiful place to stay right on the Rio Grande. If you want to see water in the river, go after May 1st as that's when they open up the dam. It was still a beautiful spot, and we can't wait to come back to see all the things Carolyn has planned for her little piece of heaven.

M

Mathew

March 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Timberon NM Golf & RV Camping Site

We really enjoyed the remote location and didn’t see another person the whole time (a plus for me). Beautiful scenery and quiet campsite. Couldn’t ask for more.

S

Shawn

March 2025

15 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Horner Hacienda

Carolyn’s land is a peaceful spot right on the Rio Grande. The view across the river is stunning. I enjoyed having a picnic table and spigot. The icing on the cake was host Carolyn. She popped over shortly after I arrived, touched base to let me know of another camper who’d be showing up, helped me out when I got myself into a pickle - and even waved good bye. Her home is across the road - plenty far away for privacy, yet close enough if you happen to need something. I was there during a dry, windy March time. Definitely check out the slot canyon hike down the road. Also an easy spot if you have pups along.

R

Rick

March 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Horner Hacienda

Carolyn is a delightful host! The property is a work in progress, but even with that my stay was wonderful. I parked next to the river with a view of the hills on the other side. The sunset and sunrise were beautiful and the night was very peaceful. Next time I’m in the Las Cruces area. I plan on staying at the same place again.

L

Lauren

February 2025

29 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Horner Hacienda

The site was beautiful, quiet and easy to find. Carolyn was a welcoming and fantastic host. The train coming through was cool to see as well. We will definitely be coming back with the kids!

L

Loranda

February 2025

21 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Horner Hacienda

Amazing place - so quiet - we were the only campers at that time - the hills are beautiful right on the river The host was the best -

J

Joseph

January 2025

20 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Horner Hacienda

Carolyn is one of the most gracious hosts we have ever met. She collected firewood for us before we arrived and gave a full refund when we had to leave early. This has been one of the best experiences I’ve had in over 50 years of camping! We can’t wait to return in the Spring!

V

Vickie

November 2024

32 ft Class C

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Horner Hacienda

Carolyn provided a safe and great memorable experience with her beautiful property for our family. She was warm and welcoming and very flexible as we had to cancel our first day due to RV issues I would give this day a five out of five and would recommend her and her property to anyone hands-down. Carolyn thank you for your hospitality.