Carlsbad Caverns NM

We also stayed at the KOA as it seemed the best in the area, though not the most convenient.

But a word of caution. The oil field boom is apparently making it difficult to find any opening at any RV park in that area. I would begin checking availability far in advance of planning to arrive there.

We did the tour on our own starting at the natural entrance. Plan on the elevator back to the top unless you are in good physical condition as the trip down from the natural entrance is long and steep. There are guided tours that take you to areas not available on your own, but we did not try any of those.

We stayed at the KOA and it is a long way from anything. It is 20 miles just to Carlsbad. Buds is your best bet if your going to stay a few days but I think I would stay at the one at the exit to the caverans if I was going to just stay one night it didnt look all that bad when we drove past it.

OldF**t wrote:
The KOA north of town is probably the best campground but it is 30 to 45 minutes to the caverns depending on traffic thru town.

Coming from that KOA there is a by-pass about 10 miles South of the park that takes you on the West edge of town missing all of that down town area

The KOA north of town is probably the best campground but it is 30 to 45 minutes to the caverns depending on traffic thru town.

The main campground is Whites and it looks rather shabby from the outside and I see it has poor reviews. We were never tempted to stay there. The town of Carlsbad is about half an hour away and has a few CG. We stayed at Bud's and it was OK for a short stay. Not much choice and none great.