Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Caballo Lake RV Park, Caballo Lake, NM

Stay Date:  March 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
A well-maintained, great little park on the shores of Caballo Lake (although the lake is down and it’s a long walk).  The pull-thru sites are a bit short, but wide, and the 50A sites have small trees and shrubs.  Lots of birds and quail running around.  Convenient to I-25 (one mile) but fairly quiet at night.  Very informal, a host will meet you or give you instructions if you call as the office is not staffed.  Good hookups, fairly level gravel sites, and a great price – $15/night plus electric and tax.  Caballo Lake RV Park

Enchanted Trails Camping Resort, Albuquerque, NM

Stay Date: March 2011
Our Rating: GOOD – 6
This is an interesting park, with antique cars and trailers, old appliances and posters in the laundry and game room, and a nicely landscaped office/activity area. When we needed to change from a monthly to a weekly rate, the manager, who was very friendly, quickly changed the rate and provided a refund. There's a lot to like about this park; however, the sites are the front to back type, so you share your "yard" with your neighbor. In our case, we had a long term neighbor with a lot of trash, although since the sites are dirt/gravel, it's not a comfortable place to sit outside. A great place for a short stay, convenient to I-40 but fairly quiet, and reasonably priced.  High above the city, so expect a lot of wind, and of course, dust.  Reasonable at $26/night.  Enchanted Trails Camping Resort

Friday, March 18, 2011

Valley of the Fires State Park, Carrizozo, NM

Stay Date:  March 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
Valley of the Fires1With the Golden Access pass, this has to be one of the greatest bargains you'll find. Paved access roads, paved sites, covered pavilions with table and grill, and panoramic views of the lava beds and mountains make this little park a gem. The pull-thru sites are easy to access loops, but none are remotely level; better choice are the back in sites; they also provide a better view. Valley of the Fires2Our first attempt at a pull-thru resulted in a breaker that continually tripped. The host blamed it on our motorhome, but when we moved to a back-in site the power was fine. Not much in Carizozo, but there is a great nature trail through the lava beds at the park, and Capitan and the Smokey the Bear Museum and White Oaks ghost town are easy drives. Nightly rate $18 for water and 30A electric, $9 with Golden Access Pass.  Valley of the Fires State Park

Boot Hill RV Resort, Alamogordo, NM

Stay Date:  March 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 6
Boot Hill1We really like the owners, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. But $31/day for the weekly rate is just too much for a gravel parking lot, without trees or picnic table, poor water (not their fault), and significant road noise. The park has no septic system, so all waste water goes to holding tanks which the owner empties and trucks to the sewage plant, hence the washer fee. Or you can use the limited laundry at $2 per load, wash or dry. Boot Hill2Sites are large and hookups are convenient, but sorry, we can stay at other places in town for less with the same or better amenities.  They advertise entertainment have a covered area, but the venues seem to be limited to evangelical or other religious events. Rate is the weekly rate of $125 plus $20 fee to use our on board washer plus $33.50 in electric at $.15 per KH.  Boot Hill RV Resort

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Trailer Village RV Park, Roswell, NM

Stay Date:  March 2011
Our Rating:  BAD – 5
RV SpaceWhile convenient to downtown Roswell and with friendly owners, we were disappointed with our stay. The pull-thru sites are adequate in length; however, they are very close together and privacy is at a premium. In our case, the slides with attached storage extended over the patio area, and because the picnic table was bolted to the RV Parkcement we were unable to open any compartments in that area. The security lights are extremely bright and annoying; the whole coach was lit throughout the night. Perhaps the neighborhood dictated them – I noticed our long-term neighbor had his BBQ chained to his RV.  On our second night, the wind shifted and we were treated to the smell of a feeder lot, so although it was pleasant outside, we had to close the windows and turn on the air. It's a shame; it would be a nice park with a little more attention to detail. $27 a night, Trailer Village RV Park

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

Stay Date:  March 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
RV1An old KOA, composed of gravel and dirt sites with a few trees.  Not very scenic, but the sites were long and the hookups worked well.  On check-in we were greeted with a friendly staff and given a bag of presents – product samples and coupons.  RV2A small gift, but a nice touch.  The park selling point is it’s convenient location; close to Carlsbad Caverns and town.  The price is too much for a non-discounted stay – we used Passport America for two days and the stay was reasonable.  $22/night for 50A service.  Carlsbad RV Park & Campground.

Fort Stockton RV Park

Stay Date:  March 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 9
This park continues its place as the best stop in the area, and was filled during our stay. Long pull through sites, some trees, and an excellent cafe make this a preferred stay for many travelers. Free Wi-Fi worked well. Nice pool, hiking trail, and office/laundry. Very friendly and professional check-in, but reserve early in the day if you hope to get a site.  It’s a few miles East of town, but don’t worry, you’re not missing anything by avoiding Fort Stockton.  Reasonable at $27/night.  Fort Stockton RV Park

Alamo Fiesta RV Resort

Stay Date:  March 2011
Our Rating:  GOOD – 7
Easy access to I-10, otherwise a pretty average park. Friendly check-in followed by a lengthy trip through the park to be able to maneuver into our pull-through site. Site was part concrete, part asphalt, not too level, with low tree branches that scraped the roof. Free cable and Wi-Fi. Close to the interstate with noticeable road noise. A bit pricey at $32/night, but it’s convenient to Fiesta Texas and other attractions.  Alamo Fiesta RV Resort