Camp Washington Ranch

We stayed here for 3 nights in mid-April. What a great location! Camp Washington Ranch is mostly an event facility, for weddings and such. There are 3 RV spots with electricity and water. There is a dump station but it’s a bit awkwardly placed next to site A. But the grounds are outstanding! There are huge shade trees, green grass, several ponds, and many walking trails around the property. The history of the ranch is very interesting and the manager Kelly will tell you all about it. We took trips each day to Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains NP, both 20-30 minutes away, and also some interesting spots in the federal managed land nearby. The view and sunsets from the campsites are amazing. I highly recommend and would definitely come back!

Based on previous reviews, we decided to check this little oasis out. We called the number on the sign at the entrance and left a message requesting permission, but no one replied. We found the RV hookup sites and pulled to an area by a picnic table and no hookups since we didn’t need them. No one was in the office. We saw deer and a gorgeous sunset. The little valley also sheltered us from the blasting wind we felt with on the highway. It was a pleasant place to spend the night.

This is a gravel parking lot with some tables and shade, surrounded by beautiful desert. You can see the Visitor Center for Carlsbad Caverns on top of the hill. Many people use this spot, maybe ten rigs each of our nights there and it becomes a little community, trading information. Our first night there we had a big T storm with sheeting rain, hail and wind. Coming down from the caverns we waded to our trailer in a couple inches of puddle. Tenters nearby spent part of the night in their cars, but said the tent pads really didn't puddle. Next night was sublime with a waxing moon, nearly full. Would def stay here again.

The RV area is small and the dump station was blocked by another guest’s tow vehicle. Two different guests occupied the site nearest the dump station during our stay. Both guests could have parked their tow vehicle in the adjacent parking lot directly behind their rig, but perhaps they didn’t realize they were blocking the dump station since the writing on the sign designating the dump station was almost completely worn off. The dump station is not situated where any guest can remain hooked up while also reaching the electrical at their campsite. The price is high considering this is only a partial hook up. We had great views because we were lucky enough to arrive before anyone else and grabbed the end spot. The location is great if you have the means to buy out the all 3 spots. Although, that might not be a guarantee of some breathing room space or access to the dump station since the weekend that we stayed was overbooked and 4 RVs shared 3 hook-ups. If we are going to packed in, I feel that I might as well have a full hookup at a more established RV park. If only we had the place to ourselves, it would have been well worth it.

This place is actually an event venue and private property. They have 4 ‘campsites’ available - it’s just a small gravel lot area with hookups. There was no one else there when we stayed overnight. It honestly felt sketchy at first having no one else around, but the grounds are very clean and super nice - they have a pond surrounded by trees and lots of greenery. They have walking paths and the Mountain View’s in the distance are spectacular, especially at sunset. Areas for improvement: there is a road with a big sign that says “front office check in” (something to that notion) that would suggest you drive down that path. However, it is not equipped for any big rigs or vehicles pulling anything - there is not enough space to turn around. Also, the office was closed so there was no one to check in with anyway. The only other downside was the camp sites are set up wonky, it’s not very clearly defined which way to pull in or which direction the site is intended to be camped in. Since there was no one else there, it wasn’t an issue for us, but could be if there were more than one camper.
Really lovely grounds - kudos to their landscaper!!!

lovely place with a hearty spring that runs through. three ponds and lots of trees, plant life and wildlife. staff are very friendly. Ask for military discount. There are three sites with hook ups. You can also dry camp there for a lower fee I believe $20. if you have time check out the Rattlesnake Spring historical area. Lots of history at this ranch.

The ranch is perfectly placed between Guadalupe and Carlsbad Caverns National Parks. There are only 3 sites right next to each other here. 30amp and water only at each site. Site A has the access to the 3 dump connections. Site B and C are too far away to be connected and would require coordination with Site A to dump. Outside of the dump, the views are amazing, peaceful and quiet. Wild life is constantly roaming around you. Turkey, deer and coyotes. Sunsets are 10/10.

We had really mixed feelings about this place. The staff knows the RV sites aren’t set up well and have plans to improve them!

Pros:

- lovely grounds
- beautiful views
- friendly staff
- quiet
- atrium has neat plants to see

Cons:
- The dump station is IN site A, so unless you’re both really small it’s hard or just not possible to use
- 30 amp only (not a huge deal)
- expensive for not having full hook ups or access to the dump
- 3 RV sites are basically a gravel lot and you are pretty close to each other.
- you can only reach someone weekdays during business hours. Which is ok unless you’re having a problem

We spent 2 nights at washington ranch to visit the NP’s and enjoyed our stay.
It was very peaceful, so if you’re looking for a place that is quiet with minimal human interaction, this is for you. (unless they are having an event, that may be a different story)

Location has easy access to visit both NP’s. All 3 sites have partial hookups with a dump station located near site A.

Recommend checking out nearby Rattlesnake Springs for another beautiful oasis. Park near the gate and walk down the short gravel road to the springs.

We stayed at the ranch in late October and the grounds were beautiful with the changing colors of the leaves. With that said, the RV space could use some landscape maintenance. There are a lot of prickly thorns around so keep that in mind for kids/dogs and when choosing shoes.

Overall we had a great stay and would recommend staying here!