Carlsbad RV parks

I made the mistake 31 years ago of staying at a motel in White's City. I doubt I would ever try to stay in their RV park without visiting it first. The reviews say it is getting better. I will have to see.

Yes, the hour to hour and a half long drive each way is a pain and will be a challenge for the youngster.

Do go online and book 'tours' soon. I would make my first day a walk down the natural entrance after arriving about 1-2 pm. A light snack in the Big Room, then the circle of the big room, dinner at the café in the Visitors Center and the sunset bat flight. Might have time to drive the circle loop before the bat flight.

For a second day - I'd book the 9AM Left Hand Tunnel tour - kids seem to like the candle lantern tour. Lunch in the Big Room Cafeteria - then the 2 pm King's Palace tour to finish the visit.

Be sure to have appropriate jackets and maybe even gloves. It is cool in the cave and you will be in it for several hours.

Actually white cotton gloves are a good idea for the kids - because they are supposed to not touch anything. Fingerprint body oils will stop formations from growing - there are many examples of this damage. If the kid accidently touches something with white cotton gloves - the damage is minimized.

I recently had a bad experience with Carlsbad RV Park and Campground. I had to cancel my reservations that I had. I cancelled via a phone call and email two weeks prior to my dates. Irene the manager then charged my CC for the first night. Ten phone calls and emails later, she wouldn't even bother to return a message or reverse the charge.

I got the charge reversed easily since I had the documentation. What a crappy way to run a business. Trying to steal monies from your customers. Way to go Irene Stewart. You suck.

We liked the KOA. While it is a drive, the wide streets, wide level pull thrus, friendly staff and the food made it worth while.

Stayed at the Carlsbad RV park - KOA was just too remote. CRVP needed some updating of the power poles and that work was well underway last August. Large, level sites, just a short way from town and much closer to the cavern
After doing the cave, check out the public "beach" in Carlsbad! Neat little City park along the river. Surprisingly nice for a walk or picnic or whatever one does in a park.
Try to go to the Cavern entrance at least an hour before sunset to watch the bats leave the cave. Amazing experience! Quiet except for the sound of the bats, no cameras clicking, very little talking. Hundreds of thousands of bats each night. There were no kids around in late August so can't comment.
The Ranger led tour into the special, normally closed areas of the cavern was well worth it. The Great Room is amazing but the closed areas have some very delicate formations and the Ranger talk is very educational. -- including a short 'lights out' period

We stayed at KOA coming home from balloon fiesta in Albq. Yes, it is a drive from the caverns but it is an excellent campground. We thouroughly enjoyed it. Clean bath/showers, well maintained grounds. AT that time you could order dinner from the restaurant and have it delivered to your site. Enjoy your trip.

Yes, there is a WalMart there and I have seen people boondocking there as I have gone through.

Is there a Walmart in Carlsbad to overnight?

wjmblm wrote:
Sandie & Joel
Thank you for the comments.
The distance is not too much of a concern. Playground, game room and pool helps entertain them.
William & Belinda

Then this is place, we were there for a week Feb 15 this year

Sandie & Joel
Thank you for the comments.
The distance is not too much of a concern. Playground, game room and pool helps entertain them.
William & Belinda

We recently stayed at the KOA in Carlsbad and, although we can't report on its kid-friendliness, it is a pleasant place to stay. The only thing worth noting is that it is ~18 miles north of Carlsbad and the Caverns are somewhat to the south which makes for a bit of a drive going and coming. I think the reviews on RVParkReviews.com indicate it is the best CG in the area, but I wanted to make sure you were aware of the distances involved.