Hi all, Been searching through the archives trying to find information about camping near Bosque del Apache, but have not had much luck finding information regarding our specific situation.
Looking at arriving in the area around December 3 and staying for several days. We'll be driving from Colorado and since we will be going to a warmer climate thought we would do some tent camping. Yes, we know it can be "cold" near the BdA, but we camp here in Colorado this time of year, so know it will be considerably warmer in New Mexico. Might not have to bring the -20 degree bag!
Wondering if anyone knows any specifics about tent camping near the BdA? I have seen listings for a few RV parks, but wondering if anyone here has either tent camped in the area or seen some good tent camping locations?
Greatly appreciate any information.
There is a place called "Bosque Bird Watchers RV Park" right at the north end of the refuge. Supposedly they have 10 tent sites in addition to the rv sites. Phone # is 575-835-1366.
When we visit Bosque del Apache, we are always in our motorhome and stay at Bird Watchers RV Park. It's not a very fancy place, but it is very handy for getting to the Reserve. We have seen tent campers there on occasion. There also is a campground at Elephant Butte Lake State Park, but that is several miles to the south.
There is NO tent camping in or adjacent to the Bosque del Apache. The Bird Watcher's RV Park has the only sites available within an hour+ drive.
The campsites mentioned at the Elephant Butte State Park are more than 70 miles to the South via the I-25 route.
Some additional info..........
1. FYI, the entire eastern half of the Bosque (from the eastern loop road down to the canal and the river) are OFF LIMIITS, having been declared a study area for mountain lions. It won't affect your birding, but you can't "go wandering around" like we did in years past.
2. DO NOT just find a place and set up your tent, etc. Stay at an established (and populated) facility. Leave NOTHING in your tent or at your site when you are not present. This section of the Rio Grande Valley is a major drug and illegal immigrant transportation corridor (and has been for decades). Chances are you would be fine, but you would be setting up in one of the highest traffic/highest crime areas by camping down in the valley along the river.
Gene, thanks so much for this very detailed information. I was wondering about the safety of camping in one of the camping areas in the Valley. Exactly what I was wondering about! Looks like we will probably try out Bird Watcher's RV Park for both closeness and safety. We'll get our aesthetic camping fix(es) here in Colorado.
To all, thanks for all the information posted. We will make some phone calls too, but this information coming from several different folks helps us to plan before the trip.
Just bought my wife a new pair of Nikon binocs so she will be entertained while I have another Nikon occupying my time!
Why camp when you can stay at an economy motel for around $40-50 a night in Scorro? Temps can get into the low teens this time of year. Econo-Lodge is advertising a queen bed, no smoking for $45 a night.
My brother and I will be there starting 9 Dec. Maybe we'll meet up. Also be advised that some of the better photo areas aren't in the confines of the NWR, but north of Socorro about 15 miles. This is where a majority of the cranes and geese go to feed during the day. We got some amazing mass takeoff shot here last year.
Why camp? Well, because we have really good gear (tent, pads, bags, etc.), a dog, and frankly we like to camp. Temps in the teens is quite a warm evening here in Colorado and with -20 degree sleeping bags we don't view it as being all that cold. But, we might opt for a night in a motel toward the end of the trip just so we can get cleaned up.
Speaking of "better photo areas" outside the NWR, north of Socorro, what area(s) are you speaking of?
Thanks much for your reply, Benzzene!
manitou wrote:
Why camp? Well, because we have really good gear (tent, pads, bags, etc.), a dog, and frankly we like to camp. Temps in the teens is quite a warm evening here in Colorado and with -20 degree sleeping bags we don't view it as being all that cold. But, we might opt for a night in a motel toward the end of the trip just so we can get cleaned up.
Speaking of "better photo areas" outside the NWR, north of Socorro, what area(s) are you speaking of?
Thanks much for your reply, Benzzene!
If I remember correctly, we got great shots up by San Francisco and Bosque. The man in the know is Trench Monkey who is a resident there. We met up with him there and got great BIF.
