Caballo Lake

Open — Open year-round. Reservations available up to six months in advance. Note: The Upper Riverside comfort station is closed through February 28, 2026.

About

Caballo Lake campgrounds are part of Caballo Lake State Park, situated in the northern Chihuahuan desert landscape of southern New Mexico. The park encompasses two primary camping areas: Riverside Campground, located near the Rio Grande and shaded by tall cottonwoods, and Appaloosa Campground, positioned within walking distance of Caballo Lake itself. Both areas feature pull-through sites designed to accommodate motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, and tent camping, with sites up to 50 feet in length. Built in the 1930s as part of the Depression-era New Deal Program, Caballo Lake became a state park in 1964. The reservoir on the Rio Grande is named for the Caballo Mountains that border it to the northeast, east, and southeast, where wild horses once roamed. The area is rich in natural and cultural history, with sedimentary layers holding plant fossils and evidence of ancient inhabitants dating back thousands of years. The campground offers developed sites with electric and water hookups, some with full hookups including sewer. Many sites feature sheltered picnic areas with grills, and some have rock walls beneath the shelters. The park provides excellent access to water recreation including fishing, boating, kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing, with boat ramps available at the lake. The area is also known as a birder's paradise. Nearby attractions include Elephant Butte Lake, Gila National Forest, Gila Cliff Dwellings, and the chile fields of Hatch, New Mexico.

Directions

From I-25, take Exit 59 and head north on NM-187. For Riverside Campground, take the first right turn north of the I-25 bridge, head east on Caballo Down Road, turn right on Caballo Dam frontage road, and travel approximately 3/4 mile. For Appaloosa Campground, travel north approximately 3/4 mile on NM-187 from Exit 59, turn left at the Lakeside Recreation sign onto Palomino Road, travel 1/4 mile, and turn right at the Appaloosa Campground sign.

Nearby Campgrounds