Camp Washington Ranch
Campground
Write a Review 18 Rattlesnake Springs Rd. Carlsbad, NM 88220 575-785-2228 Official WebsiteGPS: 32.1147, -104.4573
Overview of Camp Washington Ranch
Last Price Paid: $50
Reported by ArrowStreamLife on 2/4/2022
Longest RV Reported: 40 feet (Fifth Wheel)
Reported by Timetravelor on 4/6/2022
Number of Sites 3
Pad Type gravel
Reservations yes
Elevation 3,576 ft / 1,089 m
Tent Camping Yes







Unlock pro campendium features

Q&A - Ask the Community about Camp Washington Ranch
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 575-785-2228
Campendium users haven't asked any questions about Camp Washington Ranch
Reviews of Camp Washington Ranch 12 people have reviewed this location.
“Tranquil with a Mountain View!”
Reviewed 4/6/2022
Days stayed: | 2 |
---|
The owners are so nice, helped immediately when we accidentally tripped the breaker. Only three sites, picnic tables, space to put out your rug and chairs, so quiet, wild turkeys running around, so so peaceful. Wish we could have stayed longer. I’d definitely come back!
Timetravelor would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Rustic Tranquility ”
Reviewed 2/4/2022
Nightly rate: | $50 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 1 |
We were looking for a campsite close to Guadalupe + Carlsbad Caverns and came across Camp Washington Ranch on the Airstream Addicts FB page and Campendium. Only to read that they were closed due to CV restrictions. I figured I would still try to call and ask directly and a kind gentleman by the name of Kelly answered the phone and made... more
We were looking for a campsite close to Guadalupe + Carlsbad Caverns and came across Camp Washington Ranch on the Airstream Addicts FB page and Campendium. Only to read that they were closed due to CV restrictions. I figured I would still try to call and ask directly and a kind gentleman by the name of Kelly answered the phone and made our day when he said they are just now starting to open up their property to the public. We were thankful to be their 1st guests after quite some time. He made me aware that they only had 3 sites with electric and water and the one to the far left had a hook up for sewer.
Camp Washington Ranch, NM is NOW OPEN as of Feb 2, 2022! ( they give you a print out with great history of the land and how they came about)
•20 min from Carlsbad Caverns, NM/ Slaughter Cavern (reservation only ranger guided tour 10min away), 25 from Guadalupe National Park 🏞 , TX. 3 Rustic Sites, Verizon cell phone service and peaceful glorious views. No bathhouse (updating soon) but they will be adding and updating their 3 current sites (electric + water and one dump site, this didn’t bother us;) + 3 more in the future.
It’s been a marvelous snowy 3 days….
ArrowStreamLife would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Wonderful ”
Reviewed 10/30/2021
Nightly rate: | FREE! |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 3 |
We stayed 3 nights. When we arrived all of the marked sites in the middle were taken. We took one of the last spots along the fence. Easy pull in and very level. The road in could use some smoothing over but really not that bad other than some smallish rocks that made the ride rather bumpy. Take it slow and you’ll be fine. It’s mostly ... more
We stayed 3 nights. When we arrived all of the marked sites in the middle were taken. We took one of the last spots along the fence. Easy pull in and very level. The road in could use some smoothing over but really not that bad other than some smallish rocks that made the ride rather bumpy. Take it slow and you’ll be fine. It’s mostly a one lane road but trucks not towing wouldn’t have an issue pulling over. Super quiet, no road noise at all.
The Andress Journey would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Quiet, close to two Nat’l Parks, ”
Reviewed 10/22/2019
Nightly rate: | $30 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 4 |
Site Number: | N/A |
We stayed for 4 nights and for the first 2 we were the only ones there. It was peaceful!! The road in is an old county road and is paved. The Ranch is 13 miles outside of Carlsbad, abut 3-4 miles from the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and around 30 miles from Guadeloupe Mountains National Park. It was the best locati... more
We stayed for 4 nights and for the first 2 we were the only ones there. It was peaceful!!
The road in is an old county road and is paved. The Ranch is 13 miles outside of Carlsbad, abut 3-4 miles from the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and around 30 miles from Guadeloupe Mountains National Park. It was the best location we could find to see both of the parks. Oh, and the Slaughter Canyon and Rattlesnake Springs areas (also part of the National Park System) are down the same road.
We got the spot by the dump station so we were able to hook up (there are multiple
hookups so no, we didn’t block it off). Power is only 30 amp. Water pressure was great.
Bathrooms were clean.
The staff was nice and the location isf truly is an oasis. There are multiple ponds and that brings in wildlife. There are a LOT of turkeys, daily visits from deer, we saw a fox...and every night we heard coyotes singing. Oh, and the night sky is packed with stars.
We came in mid October and there was nothing going on at the Ranch. You’re free to walk around the ranch and much of it seems unused/abandoned. Maybe it’s an off season thing. The purpose of the ranch is a place for people with developmental disabilities, the RV and lodging area was added as a way to utilize the grounds (that’s our take on it). With that said, you’re a guest in their home and it’s great to be at a place that takes such great care of their special residents.
There is NO WiFi but our phones worked fine and our Verizon Hotspot worked better than it ever has!!
This isn’t a resort, you’re not going to have laundry and some of the other amenities. What you will have is an unique and cool experience and a very quiet nights sleep!
Hinton The Trail would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Quiet”
Reviewed 8/23/2019
Nightly rate: | $30 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 1 |
We needed a place between Carlsbad and Guadeloupe and this was perfect on about 30 minutes from both. It is a wedding venue so there are only 3 RV Spots. They have power and water hookups at each site and a dump station. They do not allow day use or just tent camping anymore. We arrived after dark so we had no idea what kind of vie... more
We needed a place between Carlsbad and Guadeloupe and this was perfect on about 30 minutes from both. It is a wedding venue so there are only 3 RV Spots. They have power and water hookups at each site and a dump station. They do not allow day use or just tent camping anymore.
We arrived after dark so we had no idea what kind of view awaited us the next morning. Man we were impressed you are looking out on the Guadeloupe mountain range and the stars in the evening are amazing. Definitely need AC at this spot there is no shade and our pop up with the Ac on full blast still didn’t keep the camper in the day under 87!
I would call before you just show up because it is a wedding destination nothing would be more annoying then showing up and have hundreds of people there for a wedding.
Zreece3 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“What a great find!”
Reviewed 7/10/2019
Nightly rate: | $30 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 7 |
Washington Ranch – Carlsbad, NM We stayed here for a week in March 2019 to visit Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains NP’s. This is not a typical campground or RV Park. It is a non-profit organization with 3 RV sites, tent camping, 3 motel rooms, 2 single-room cabins, & a bunk house, dorms/bunk houses and holds weddings/group ev... more
Washington Ranch – Carlsbad, NM
We stayed here for a week in March 2019 to visit Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains NP’s. This is not a typical campground or RV Park. It is a non-profit organization with 3 RV sites, tent camping, 3 motel rooms, 2 single-room cabins, & a bunk house, dorms/bunk houses and holds weddings/group events. The gentleman we dealt with was extremely nice. The 3 RV sites are in a dirt area and only one is close to the sewer. The sites have 30 amp service and water. There are 3 sewer spots but they are clustered together. The sewer setup was odd but the situation was unique and we really liked it! The view out the front window was spectacular! Mountains and we could see Carlsbad Caverns NP in the distance. There were quite a few wild turkeys around. It is quiet and serene here. They have a path to walk around the property that was interesting. We would stay here again. https://campwashingtonranch.org/
JanAndDougS would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great facility, very peaceful”
Reviewed 6/30/2019
Nightly rate: | $30 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 1 |
Arrived June 3 and ended up staying an extra night because of the view and tranquility. We found Camp Washington Ranch through Campendium as we were looking to be near Carlsbad Caverns Park. What a find! It’s a beautiful facility for other events, but has water and 30 amp service in only 3 sites side by side. A dump station is availabl... more
Arrived June 3 and ended up staying an extra night because of the view and tranquility. We found Camp Washington Ranch through Campendium as we were looking to be near Carlsbad Caverns Park. What a find! It’s a beautiful facility for other events, but has water and 30 amp service in only 3 sites side by side. A dump station is available nearby. We were the only RV during our stay. The caverns park entrance was 5 miles away and the visitors center could be seen on top of the mountain from the campsite. Whites City is a small town near Cavern entrance has fuel (gas/diesel) and supplies or drive 20 miles into Carlsbad for Walmart and restaurants. The view of the mountain range in the evening sitting outside watching sunsets and small rain showers in the distance was beautiful. A good place to stargaze as temps started to fall. No issues for our big rig and toad to maneuver from highway 180. Saw turkeys, jack rabbits, foxes and abundance of birds. Office staff very nice. We will definitely be back.
Pirate Ship would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Fantastic area”
Reviewed 1/4/2019
Nightly rate: | $30 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 2 |
Off the beaten path. About 2 miles off of Hwy180. The entire area was awesome. Stayed one night, saw an abundance of wildlife (deer, turkey, etc). Entire ranch was well maintained, clean, and very family friendly. Kids had wonderful time exploring different areas of the ranch. Ranch has three total RV sites, we were the only ones ... more
Off the beaten path. About 2 miles off of Hwy180.
The entire area was awesome. Stayed one night, saw an abundance of wildlife (deer, turkey, etc). Entire ranch was well maintained, clean, and very family friendly. Kids had wonderful time exploring different areas of the ranch.
Ranch has three total RV sites, we were the only ones there and had ample room. About 100 feet from the site there is a rounded unfinished structure built that is used for campfires. Great area to have s’mores and protected from the wind. Had huge log that could accommodate 3-4 people. Easy access throughout park.
Would stay again!!
nspk77 would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great spot close to Carlsbad Caverns”
Reviewed 1/20/2018
Nightly rate: | $30 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 2 |
Great spot! There are only 3 RV sites, all have water and electric. There was one other rig already there and he parked in a way that would make 3 rigs awkward (basically he should have been oriented the other way) and was hooked into the dump station in a way that made it impossible for us to utilize if we wanted to. It wasn’t an issu... more
Great spot! There are only 3 RV sites, all have water and electric. There was one other rig already there and he parked in a way that would make 3 rigs awkward (basically he should have been oriented the other way) and was hooked into the dump station in a way that made it impossible for us to utilize if we wanted to. It wasn’t an issue since our stay was so short. The manager Chad is super nice and gave a walking tour of the grounds. Definitely recommend showing up during office hours so you can get the bathroom codes if you need them. The ranch itself is a popular wedding site and the parent organization, CARC, is a non profit that provides services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. There is no WiFi but Verizon signal is great and it’s nice and quiet. Views are gorgeous and deer, rabbits, and wild turkeys roam the area. A strange overflow of water showed up between our rig and where the bathrooms are and turned it into a muddy mess, impassable without boots. A minor inconvenience. There weren’t paper towels in the bathrooms but showers are nice and hot. The water spigot at our site was also oddly close to the ground which made using a Y splitter tricky - we had to dig the dirt out around it before we could plug our water hose in. Overall, very happy we found this spot and would definitely come back again.
ReadySetRV would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great access to Caverns but not perfect fit for RV camping. ”
Reviewed 12/28/2017
Nightly rate: | $30 |
---|---|
Days stayed: | 2 |
After reviewing all our options for camping in Carlsbad, I came to realize there weren't a lot of options. When I came across Camp Washington Ranch and there was availability, I jumped at the chance to camp there. Here's my thoughts. Camp Washing Ranch in itself is gorgeous. Tons of acreage and lots of animals running wild (turkeys, de... more
After reviewing all our options for camping in Carlsbad, I came to realize there weren't a lot of options. When I came across Camp Washington Ranch and there was availability, I jumped at the chance to camp there. Here's my thoughts. Camp Washing Ranch in itself is gorgeous. Tons of acreage and lots of animals running wild (turkeys, deer, fox, rabbits). You can walk around the paths throughout the facility and your money goes to help fund this ranch who's primary purpose is to house people with developmental disabilities. They are easy to work with however the camp side of it feels like an afterthought. While the land is huge, the sites they have for camping are quite small, on a dirt pad, and really close together. There are 3 spots. 2 of the spots are for more long term rentals. People that might work in the oil fields or tradesman doing contract work. We were in the middle of those 2 RVs with about 5-8 feet on either side. They do have water and electric. The pump station is close but you have to maneuver in a weird way assuming the other RV isn't in the way. They have bathrooms/showers but they are so dark to get to and not really that great (dark, no heater during winter months, nose height shower head, and the hot water does run out). There's not a lot of direction (like there are bathrooms or that they have door codes, where the dumpsters are, is there a noise curfew). They are quite laid back which is good and bad. Our neighbor left for work at 4am every morning and make quite a racket slamming doors and having loud conversations for 30 minutes before leaving. In looking at options to camp at nearby, we really used this site as a basecamp for exploring the parks nearby. We did make it to Carlsbad Caverns and it was amazing! That park and Guadalupe National Forest both don't allow dogs on their trails so we were pretty bummed to not be able to adventure with them.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Negative management report”
Reviewed 3/11/2020
Days stayed: | 0 |
---|---|
Site Number: | 3 |
I have booked a reservation with Pat after she told me they were booked for the month of March she seemed to find me 2 days on the 10th and the 11th of March. I then t hacked her and told her I would look forward to seeing her then. When I got there on the 10th man in the office Asked me what I wanted and I told him I had booked a... more
I have booked a reservation with Pat after she told me they were booked for the month of March she seemed to find me 2 days on the 10th and the 11th of March. I then t hacked her and told her I would look forward to seeing her then.
When I got there on the 10th man in the office Asked me what I wanted and I told him I had booked a reservation for 2 days and he told me to pick any site I wanted because none was there. He then told me He wanted me to park near the dump station and I asked him how far away should I be from the dump station he then began to show his anger towards me And proceeded tooGet flipped, and started to put in his finger in my face and yell at me with red face scary threatening look his eye raising his voice at me accusing me of mocking his wife on the phone and he was waiting for me to arrive so he could tell me off! I Immediately apologize to him and told him that that was not my intent and that I was sorry as if I had done something horribly wrong to him and his wife, andThat seemed to upset him even more He told me that if I didn’t want to stay here that I could leave on the next sentence he said that if I wanted to stay here that I could camp anywhere I want in the three sites available. After that I said nothing in shock from what just happened. He then proceeded to storm out the door and slammed the door.
I was so scared to camp alone with my dog with someone who escalates his anger so quickly that I left promptly.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
noted 9/17/2021
While in Carlsbad, I called this park and was told that they are closed because of cases of Covid. The date I called was 9/15, 2021. They did not know for how long. But it sounded pretty permanent. Make sure to call, and for the season it was $65. But closed.
Be the first to add a video for Camp Washington Ranch!
TrailingAway
Desert Oasis Camping Near Carlsbad Caverns - Trailing Away
Deciding where to park our rig every night has been a struggle. We love the idea of just figuring it out as we go. But this has led to some dissapointing nights in Walmart parking lots when there isn’t...
Contact us to update this listing.
Amenities
Hookups
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- water
- Partial Hookups
Recreation
- recreation trail
Site Amenities
- picnic table
Facilities
- cabins
- dump station
- restrooms: flush
- showers
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
Nearby
Please select a reason for flagging this item: