Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a perfect slice of New Mexico’s history and natural beauty. The series of limestone caverns were formed over millions of years as rain generated sulfuric acid which continuously ate away at the rock face in the Guadalupe Mountains. The resulting 119 caves are truly spectacular, with the longest—Lechuguilla Cave—stretching more than 140 miles.
Native Americans had long considered the caverns a special place, offering shelter from the hot southwestern sun. In the 1800s, settlers set up their homesteads in the area during westward expansion. Today, the iconic caverns, and the 73-square-mile park they call home, draw hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
In combination with all of the underrated activities above ground, Carlsbad National Park is a superb stop on your RV camping trip through New Mexico.
As per its namesake, the cavern system is the crown jewel of the park. Follow the various trails to view incredible cave formations that earned names like “Devil’s Spring,” “the Whale’s Mouth,” and “Iceberg Rock.” One of the key features is “The Big Room,” the largest single cave in North America (by volume).
One option for Carlsbad cave exploration is a self-guided tour by following the Big Room or the Natural Entrance Trails. This is a good call if you would like to peruse the caves at your own pace and would also prefer more finished walkways. If you are looking for a more adventurous excursion, you’ll have to go on a ranger-led tour to more exclusive areas of the caverns. Make sure you’ve got excellent hiking boots on for this; the cave floors and terrain can be slick and unpredictable.
The most famous cavern denizens are the 17 unique bat species. You can observe a number of them roosting in the caves during your various tours. What they are particularly well-known for is the massive outflight of the Brazilian free-tailed bats at dusk. The spectacle is breathtaking as you watch hundreds of thousands of bats flutter out of the Natural Entrance.
Park staff have put together a variety of programs for you to catch amazing views of the park’s bats and learn about their way of life. There is a Bat Flight Amphitheater at the mouth of the Natural Entrance where you can observe the incredible outflights in the summer. In July, the staff also arrange a dawn viewing to observe the bats returning to the caverns after a long night of insect snacking.
When you’re way out in the desert, the lack of light pollution allows the starry night sky to shine bright. Check the calendar for your visit, because park rangers have set aside special dates for guided moonlight hikes for stargazing; a special hike you and your family won’t soon forget.
In addition, special nights for meteor shower viewing and telescope programs are also scheduled each summer. If you don’t have your own telescope—it’s not likely you would have packed one in the RV—don’t worry. The rangers will have their own high-powered scope for you to peek through and see the night sky like never before.
You’ll find 11 different above ground hiking trails at Carlsbad that offer differing views and varied difficulty. There are opportunities to view canyons, walk along mountains, and examine the various desert flora of the Chihuahuan Desert. Trails range from paved and 180 yards, to strenuous and 12 miles.
The famous Guadalupe Ridge Trail also passes through the park. Although it is 100 miles long in its entirety, only 21 miles pass through the borders of the park. Hardcore backcountry campers enjoy hiking the whole trail and setting up their tents along the way. If this isn’t your thing, just turn around and make a loop for the distance of your choosing.
If you’re looking to learn more about these amazing caverns and the people whose lives they affected, the visitor center has everything you’re looking for. A variety of hands-on exhibits provide in-depth demonstrations of cave formation, the desert ecosystem, and the history of the national park.
You’ll also want to stop and watch the park’s film, showing unique views of the caverns and park not attainable by visitors. It also provides a solid knowledge foundation before you head on down to the caves yourself, so you know what you’re looking at.
If proximity is your primary goal, White’s City RV Park is the ticket. Just a couple miles away from the park, the campground offers full hookup access with free Wi-Fi and massive pull-through sites. Additional amenities include a shower facility, a laundry facility, vending machines, and BBQ grills. The campground is also within walking distance to a water park, a restaurant, and a grocery store, so it really is a one-stop-shop.
Up in Carlsbad, Bud’s Place RV Park has 91 spaces for your RV. You’ll enjoy full hookup access with 50-amp service to run that AC strong, all night long. In addition, the campground has pristine bathroom facilities, Wi-Fi, and a dog run for a restless Fido. A nice touch for family fun is the catch and release fishing pond on site.
Enjoy the rare greenery of the trees at Carlsbad RV Park. The campground is large with 138 sites and has a number of pull-through options for big rigs. Your full hookup site comes with 50-amp electrical and cable TV service. A heated indoor pool offers a great way to relax after a long day of hiking. There is also a grocery store right on site, making meal prep a breeze.
Within the city limits of Carlsbad, Horseshoe Creek RV Park is close to the action in town. If you like, you can walk to the restaurants and shops downtown. The campground is massive with more than 250 sites offering full hookup access with city water. Although convenience is a huge factor, be aware that the aesthetics of the park are a little lacking and you’ll mostly be looking at concrete.
If you’re willing to drive a little farther (38 miles), the Carlsbad KOA Holiday is perhaps the best option for family fun. Kids can rent scooter bikes to cruise around the park and various arts and crafts programs are planned throughout the day. Everyone can also enjoy a dip in the big pool. Your campsite will have full hookups with up to 50-amp electrical service and easy access to Highway 285.
The only food option is the Carlsbad Caverns Trading Company inside of the gift shop. It is a cafeteria style walk-up restaurant that serves standard cold food (sandwiches/salads) as well as a few hot options which are a mixture of American (e.g. burgers, hot dogs) and Mexican (tacos/burritos). There are also ample picnic areas if you wish to bring in your own food.
Immediately outside the park, the Cactus Café offers traditional American and some simple Mexican options. If you’re able to hold your hunger and drive for a bit, you’ll find a bunch more in Carlsbad. Apart from the obvious burrito stands and Mexican grills you would expect, diners can also enjoy BBQ, fancy bistros, and a craft brewery. There are also a number of pizza, burger, and Chinese fast food chains as well.
No matter where you stay, the natural beauty and southwest charm will make your visit to Carlsbad Caverns an unforgettable experience. Get excited for your cavern adventure and get your site for your rental RV reserved today!