Community Forums

Scotialaddie · 02-14-2019, 08:26 AM

Thinking about stopping at Carlsbad on our way from Albuquerque to Corpus Christi.
Are there any good campgrounds nearby?
We’re in a 38’ class A with toad

ThomB · 02-14-2019, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotialaddie

Thinking about stopping at Carlsbad on our way from Albuquerque to Corpus Christi.
Are there any good campgrounds nearby?
We’re in a 38’ class A with toad

Not sure I can help with campgrounds but I will put out a warning if you're trying to take RT-285 out of Carlsbad. It's not a good drive at all. Blew a toad tire missing a crater.

winniman · 02-14-2019, 11:04 AM

x2 on the bad highway. We stayed at the KOA north of Carlsbad. Its about 45 minutes to the caves. Decent campground with a good menu at the snack bar. When we were there, lots of the back lots were filled with oil workers. They didn't cause any trouble, just lots of diesel pickups leaving at 5 am. I know there was a campground near the caves in Whites City, but it was full when we were there. Enjoy the caves. We walked down, and took the elevator back up.

S-n-L · 02-14-2019, 11:23 AM

We are also planning a visit to Carlsbad but going in the opposite direction, south to north.

Two questions, how is the condition of 285 north of Carlsbad?

Number 2, as an alternative to 285 south of Carlsbad would 62 east then 18 south to Fort Stockton be a better alternative?

Thanks

twogypsies · 02-14-2019, 02:31 PM

We've stayed at Brantley Lake State Park or dry camping at Guadalupe Nat'l Park and did a day trip to the Caverns.

LarryJB · 02-14-2019, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twogypsies

We've stayed at Brantley Lake State Park or dry camping at Guadalupe Nat'l Park and did a day trip to the Caverns.

Stayed at Brantley Lake State Park as well. Nice park on a lake in the middle of a desert. Way cool, good spacing between sites, good rates. I would stay there again in a heart beat.

nancybninja · 02-14-2019, 04:44 PM

We stayed at Elks Lodge. Electric available and you fill up with water at the lodge. They’re very nice.

texoz · 02-14-2019, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S-n-L

We are also planning a visit to Carlsbad but going in the opposite direction, south to north.

Two questions, how is the condition of 285 north of Carlsbad?

Number 2, as an alternative to 285 south of Carlsbad would 62 east then 18 south to Fort Stockton be a better alternative?

Thanks

285 north of Carlsbad is a good road. Drove it from Rosewell to Carlsbad last year. Also, 62 from Carlsbad to Hobbs is a good road. If you stay at the Koa, be sure to take the relief route from 285 to 62. Saves 15-20 mins through Carlsbad.

grindstone01 · 02-14-2019, 07:23 PM

Bottomless lakes SP is a nice park near Roswell, NM.

texoz · 02-14-2019, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scotialaddie

Thinking about stopping at Carlsbad on our way from Albuquerque to Corpus Christi.
Are there any good campgrounds nearby?
We’re in a 38’ class A with toad

We also stayed at KOA. I was happy there and there are some roughnecks at the back but they’re friendly and good folks. The diesel pickups start firing up 430/500am but I’m up then anyway. Keep in mind that the KOA to the caverns is about an hour.

If you end up at the KOA, consider the 524 bypass around Carlsbad. It can be slow through Carlsbad, depending on the time.

S-n-L · 02-15-2019, 02:43 AM

Texoz,

Thank you. Great info.

Airedale · 02-15-2019, 07:29 AM

We stayed at Brantley Lake as well with the plan to see Carlsbad and Guadalupe Mountains. Unfortunately that was in January and they were closed due to shutdown. We took 285 to Alamagordo and got a chip in the RV windshield so beware. Texas portion of that road terrible, but good after you cross New Mexico line.

Scotialaddie · 02-20-2019, 07:04 AM

Thanks everyone!
Love this site!

thetravelkids · 02-20-2019, 07:24 AM

We're firm believers in using campgroundreviews.com for recommendations on campgrounds. Here is the link to the Carlsbad listings:
Carlsbad, NM Campground Reviews - Best of Carlsbad Camping - Campground Reviews
We stayed at White's City and were happy with the park.
Make sure you head into the park to see the bats departing in the morning!! Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the prediction of when the bats will be leaving!