RV Road Trip: Southern New Mexico

Southern New Mexico has some of the most unique and eclectic attractions in our country. Aliens, bats, caves, rockets, and … a giant pistachio? Visiting these unusual sites will help you get into the spooky spirit, no costume needed.

The landscape has a wide variety of terrains to explore. Extensive sand dunes, arid deserts, and tree-covered mountains can all be found in this intriguing part of New Mexico. In addition to natural wonders, there are excellent and diverse museums to visit, ranging from Native American art to UFO encounters.

Carlsbad and Roswell are the most well-known cities in the area. Carlsbad is known for its spectacular caverns and bats. Roswell revels in its notoriety for close encounters of the third kind, including a spaceship embedded in the town’s welcome sign, a Dunkin’ Donuts sign held up by an alien, and a McDonald’s shaped like a UFO.

When dining at one of the area’s wonderful restaurants, try New Mexico’s famous Hatch Chilis. You can find them smothered on a variety of dishes. Keep something soothing to drink handy, as these chilis can be exceptionally hot!

The truth is out there: Southern New Mexico is a fun destination any time of year.

Family RVers

Must-Do

Bring a sled to White Sands National Park or buy one when you get there and enjoy sliding down the silky white sand. The park preserves much of the 275 miles of gypsum dune fields. Because of the sand’s unique makeup (gypsum powder), it doesn’t get too hot to the touch.

Off the Beaten Path

The educational and entertaining New Mexico Museum of Space History is sure to delight kids and space lovers alike. While there, make sure to catch a show at the Planetarium or in the IMAX dome theatre.

On the Menu

Delicious, authentic Mexican food is on the menu at Carniceria San Juan de Los Lagos. The restaurant is a combination butcher shop, bakery, and grocery store. If the kids are antsy, do like the locals and order yummy takeout.

Stay Here

Carlsbad RV Park and Campground has plenty to entertain kids, including a heated indoor pool, tire swings, and cornhole games. Some of the more than 200 sites at the Good Sam Park are equipped for charging Teslas.

Retired RVers

Must-Do

The Roswell Museum & Art Center contains an excellent and eclectic collection, but don’t look for aliens here. The museum displays a large array of southwestern artifacts and art. An unexpected part of the museum chronicles the work of pioneering rocketeer Robert H. Goddard and displays some of his rockets.

Off the Beaten Path

Take a family photo in front of the world’s largest pistachio (30 feet tall!) at McGinn’s PistachioLand.

On the Menu

Cattle Baron Steak & Seafood on Main in Roswell has plenty of savory meat choices, including Steak New Mexico, rib eye, and pork ribs. Before you dig into the entrees, make sure to sample the excellent salad bar.

Stay Here

Eagle Creek RV Resort was once a ski resort but now is a Good Sam Campground with spacious sites amongst ponderosa pines. Practice your short game on their chipping and putting green. Enjoy the scenery while hiking to the top mountain and maybe encounter the herd of wild horses that wander the area.

Weekend Warriors

Must-Do

Start at the Natural Entrance of Carlsbad Caverns and walk 1.25 miles past stalactites and stalagmites on your way to the impressive Big Room. Or take the elevator down 750 feet to the largest room in the cavern. From late April through mid–October, you can catch the spectacular sight of hundreds of thousands of Brazilian free-tailed bats flying out of the caverns each night to forage for food.

Off the Beaten Path

Learn about the 1947 “Roswell Incident” while viewing artifacts and a thorough timeline at the International UFO Museum and Research Center. The museum also has a lighter side with a fun re-creation of the incident, complete with lights and sound.

On the Menu

Dine in Carlsbad’s elegant Trinity Hotel Restaurant. The building first opened in 1892 as a bank but now specializes in unique spins on American-Italian fare. Try the Lasagna Bolloco, smothered with chicken alfredo sauce and green chilis.

Stay Here

Good Sam-approved Town & Country RV Park has spacious sites, including pull-throughs. Their clubhouse has a gym, ping pong, and more. The refreshing pool is open in the summer months, and there’s an enclosed dog run and a dog park for Fido.

Full-Time RVers

Must-Do

Stroll through the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens to see native plants and animals. Learn about the hearty vegetation of the desert, such as agave, cacti, and yucca, and the animals that rely on them for survival.

Off the Beaten Path

An oasis of waterfalls and hiking and biking trails await in Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area. The namesake attraction is a 150-foot series of falls that cascade over the canyon walls. A short hike leads to the base of the falls, or a more difficult hike extends to the top.

On the Menu

While in New Mexico, be sure to try their famous chiles! The Green Chile Chicken Fried Steak at Lincoln County Grill is a guest favorite. Enjoy migas for breakfast on the huge porch.

Stay Here

Alamogordo’s Boot Hill RV Resort is a Good Sam Campground. Its many amenities include an enclosed dog run, Wi-Fi, an exercise room, and movie rentals.