Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground
New Mexico State Park
Write a Review 409 Dog Canyon Rd. Alamogordo, NM 88310 575-437-8284 Official WebsiteGPS: 32.7474, -105.9147
Overview of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground
Last Price Paid: $14
Reported by TM on 5/7/2024
Longest RV Reported: 41 feet (Class A)
Reported by Richard on 5/9/2023
Number of Sites 44
Pad Type gravel
Reservations yes
Elevation 4,363 ft / 1,329 m
Max Stay 14
Tent Camping Yes
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Q&A - Ask the Community about Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 575.437.8284
Shelley asked on 3/1/2022
Can anyone verify whether NM state parks are only open to NM residents for overnight camping? A state website indicat...
FreeRoad asked on 9/3/2023
Just wondering what the weather is like in February? Thanks.
Reviews of Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground 103 people have reviewed this location.
“Alamogordo gem”
Reviewed 1/25/2017
Nightly rate: | $10 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
Site Number: | 44 |
A very good state park lots of sites and options for views, we chose the Sonoran desert view and were very happy we did as the sunset was one of the best desert sunsets I've seen. We only had a chance to do the short Riparian walk but on future visits would set time aside for much more. Alamogordo has all the supplies and food outlets ... more
A very good state park lots of sites and options for views, we chose the Sonoran desert view and were very happy we did as the sunset was one of the best desert sunsets I've seen. We only had a chance to do the short Riparian walk but on future visits would set time aside for much more. Alamogordo has all the supplies and food outlets one could ever need. Highly advised is a side trip to Cloudcroft, the canyon up is a photographers dream and the little town worth a stroll, but the highlight was a BarBQ restaurant that is straight out of Texas, great food, great value and friendly people. The other tip is do not miss the White Sands National Monument, even if you just do the 40 minute drive in and out you will be amazed.
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nice views, close proximity to White Sands”
Reviewed 1/11/2017
Nightly rate: | $10 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 34, 5 |
RV Length: | 35' |
We stayed here for 3 nights with the intention of using it as a base for visiting White Sands National Monument. Given the park's proximity to Alamogordo and White Sands, it seems like most folks stay here with the same thing in mind. However, it should be noted that this park definitely stands on its own as a neat destination. Tho... more
We stayed here for 3 nights with the intention of using it as a base for visiting White Sands National Monument. Given the park's proximity to Alamogordo and White Sands, it seems like most folks stay here with the same thing in mind. However, it should be noted that this park definitely stands on its own as a neat destination.
Though small, the park has great view of the mountains and valley below. There are two main hiking trails: the Dog Canyon Trail (an out & back at 5.5 miles each way) and the Riparian Nature Trail (1/2 mile loop). Both are well maintained and offer good opportunities to stretch your legs.
Now, about the campground. We spent our first 2 nights dry camping in site 34 in loop B and enjoyed the privacy and views. A cold snap motivated us to seek an electric site in loop A on our last night. The whole campground is situated on the side of a slope so very few of the sites are level. Just breakout your leveling blocks and you'll be okay. Due to the layout of the sites and the size of our rig (35') we had to parallel park into both of our sites. Also, in making your way around the campground, be aware that there are two turns that rank on the tighter side. Not a problem, just one of those things it's nice to know in advance.
We enjoyed our stay, though I will note we ended it early when a park ranger came by to inform us that a boil-water notice had just been put into effect due to a positive test for total coliform bacteria. If you're counting on filling your fresh water tank here in January 2017, be sure to call the park office in advance for the okay.
Aside from the water hiccup, we enjoyed our stay and would come back net time we're in the area.
WeGotSchooled would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful views of the night sky and the surrounding area. ”
Reviewed 11/19/2016
Nightly rate: | $18 |
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Days stayed: | 1 |
RV Length: | 17' |
Note: We camped here in a tent. We were visiting White Sands National Monument and all signs pointed to this park as a good place to stay. We grabbed a site on the very outside loop for an unobstructed view and it didn't disappoint. Our site was large and level and we had a water spigot across from us and just a short walk to the restr... more
Note: We camped here in a tent. We were visiting White Sands National Monument and all signs pointed to this park as a good place to stay. We grabbed a site on the very outside loop for an unobstructed view and it didn't disappoint. Our site was large and level and we had a water spigot across from us and just a short walk to the restrooms/showers.
The whole park was very clean and seemed to be well maintained, the restrooms were as well, and the showers were good and hot. The nearest place for supplies seems to be in Alamogordo so stop before you get to the park if you need anything.
The place was incredibly quiet!
Deke and Tiffani would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Go HERE!”
Reviewed 6/16/2016
Nightly rate: | $18 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Incredible views and clean park! One of my favorites in the US!
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Nothing short of amazing!”
Reviewed 3/22/2016
Nightly rate: | $14 |
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Days stayed: | 5 |
Site Number: | 6 |
RV Length: | 31' (Travel Trailer) |
We risked not having reservations and lucked out with a great water and electric site. They only take reservations for 7 of the 44 sites available and some are water and electric and some are dry camping. We LOVE it here. Everywhere you looks is stunning. Especially at sunset. Good hiking in the park and only 20 minutes to get to g... more
We risked not having reservations and lucked out with a great water and electric site. They only take reservations for 7 of the 44 sites available and some are water and electric and some are dry camping.
We LOVE it here. Everywhere you looks is stunning. Especially at sunset. Good hiking in the park and only 20 minutes to get to grocery. (Lowe's Market makes their own tortillas fresh and they're amazing)
We had no problem fitting our 37' 5th wheel in our site but would be surprised to see anything bigger than ours fit in this park.
Only complaint would be the showers. It's a lot like getting sprayed with a misting fan. You push the button and have no control over the temperature and only get mildly wet for all of 15 seconds. :)
TinyShinyHome would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful NM state park convenient to White Sands National Monument”
Reviewed 3/16/2016
Nightly rate: | $14 |
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Days stayed: | 3 |
Site Number: | 3 |
RV Length: | 23' |
We chose this park for its proximity to White Sands National Monument, but found that Oliver Lee stands on its own as a beautiful place to camp and hike. The campground is nestled beneath the Sacramento mountains, with the 5.5-mile Dog Canyon hiking trail leading to incredible mountain and canyon views in Lincoln National Forest. Whe... more
We chose this park for its proximity to White Sands National Monument, but found that Oliver Lee stands on its own as a beautiful place to camp and hike. The campground is nestled beneath the Sacramento mountains, with the 5.5-mile Dog Canyon hiking trail leading to incredible mountain and canyon views in Lincoln National Forest. When we were there in late November, the campground was only 1/3 full, and we were the only campers taking advantage of the trail. We found peace and quiet here, with Alamogordo and White Sands an easy drive away.
Electric/water hookup sites are a bargain at $14/night, with primitive sites only $10/night. Seven of the 44 sites are reservable. Larger rigs should be aware that many sites are oddly shaped and may require some creative positioning and leveling.
cdrambles would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great campground with beautiful views!”
Reviewed 3/7/2016
Nightly rate: | $14 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 3 |
This campground was such a pleasant surprise! We came to the area to visit White Sands (like everyone else) and we were a little unsure of the campground as we headed up the road to the base of the mountains. But as we got closer, we realized it was, in fact, a legitimate campground with AMAZING 360 degree views. There seem to be gr... more
This campground was such a pleasant surprise! We came to the area to visit White Sands (like everyone else) and we were a little unsure of the campground as we headed up the road to the base of the mountains. But as we got closer, we realized it was, in fact, a legitimate campground with AMAZING 360 degree views.
There seem to be great trails that lead up into the mountains, directly from the campground's visitor center (sadly we weren't able to attempt them with our kiddos.) This campground is very quiet, clean and the sites are nicely spread out. I would highly recommend this spot! Beautiful and cheap for both water and electric hook-ups.
Find The Hills would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great park!”
Reviewed 3/1/2016
Nightly rate: | $14 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 5 |
RV Length: | 35' (Fifth Wheel) |
We got here on Feb. 29, 2016 without a reservation and found a nice electric/water campsite without any problem. It's a find a site and self check in campground. I'm not sure there are any bad campsites. Great views from all of them. We used it as a base to go to White Sands National Monument and Alamogordo. BTW, my wife says to check ... more
We got here on Feb. 29, 2016 without a reservation and found a nice electric/water campsite without any problem. It's a find a site and self check in campground. I'm not sure there are any bad campsites. Great views from all of them. We used it as a base to go to White Sands National Monument and Alamogordo. BTW, my wife says to check out the massive Lowe's Signature Marketplace food store in Alamogordo. She was super impressed!
There is nothing I can add to what others have already said about this great park--just confirm all the positives already written. Awesome views all around! Amazing starlit skies! Great little museum/visitor center! Friendly visitor center volunteer! Never used the bathroom facilities, so cannot comment, other than they looked clean. Good Verizon LTE. We highly recommend this park.
Bill & Jeri RV Travels would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Perfection in the desert. Thanks New Mexico State Parks!”
Reviewed 2/29/2016
Nightly rate: | $10 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
Site Number: | 34 |
RV Length: | 23' (Travel Trailer) |
We pulled into Oliver Lee on the last Sunday in late February 2016 with no reservations and quickly found a secluded spot at the top of the canyon wall along the outside of the “B” Loop. There were only two other campers. All the other rigs, mostly of the behemoth variety, were clustered along A Loop near the shower and flush toilet “c... more
We pulled into Oliver Lee on the last Sunday in late February 2016 with no reservations and quickly found a secluded spot at the top of the canyon wall along the outside of the “B” Loop. There were only two other campers. All the other rigs, mostly of the behemoth variety, were clustered along A Loop near the shower and flush toilet “comfort station”.
On Monday, we were the sole occupants of Loop B. It has only one double vault toilet which can be a bit of a hike for those at the top or bottom of this loop.
There’s lots of nature going on here, between the bird life, the cottontails and the jackrabbits. The campground is also maintained in typical New Mexico state park fashion— by which I mean impeccable, thoughtful, well-appointed. An amazing place for only $10 a night.
Oliver Lee is a beautiful campground nestled at the mouth of Dog Canyon. The handsome Visitor Center building is designed to blend in to the dramatic canyon walls. Inside is a small museum which displays artifacts from an early rancher and homesteader Oliver Lee and “Frenchy” Rochas. The adobe and rock ruin of Rocha’s homestead cabin is near the entrance to the park and worth a visit.
We did a four hour, 6.2 mile hike up to the Line Cabin deep in Dog Canyon. It’s an amazingly well-maintained trail that is more steep than not, but the path has been meticulously cut and shaped into the landscape. I’d call it a strenuous but not difficult hike, so be sure to give it a whirl and go as far as your legs can carry you. Totally worth it. You’ll be able to see clear out to the White Sands National Monument once you get high enough.
A shorter, “riparian nature trail” hugs the wash along side the Visitor Center. It’s only a half mile long, level and has interesting information posted along the way. It’s cool to see the remnants of thick rock walls that Rochas built high up on the canyon walls in the late 1880s to keep his cattle contained.
We had unusually spotty connectivity…. one moment Verizon 1x then it would skip to a bar or two of 3G and then 2 bars of LTE. The internet was out there, for sure, but seemed unstable. But that’s okay, because we were here to be OUTside after all.
Minor ding for the dangerously scalding showers. Push button (which I normally don’t mind) but this one had a 2 second duration. So either you’d burn your hand on the handle/button or you’d burn your scalp on the water. Pick your poison. They appeared be heated by solar roof panels, but it would be much safer to be able to control the temperature. I kept thinking that I was glad to not have small children to bath, and to be strong enough to hold the button/handle in constantly.
Oliver Lee is a only 45 minute drive from both Cloudcroft, high up in the Lincoln National Forest and White Sands NM, so it’s a great location for day-tripping to both.
Chris&David would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“We loved it and the scenery grows on you...”
Reviewed 2/10/2016
Nightly rate: | $14 |
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Days stayed: | 2 |
RV Length: | 22' |
We picked this spot as a base to do White Sands and the space museum in Alomogordo. At first the terrain didn't strike me, but then, after seeing the sunset, the stars and especially doing a hike (from the CG), it really charmed us! Position yourself carefully for your desired views of the mountains and the sunsets. Or just go for it -... more
We picked this spot as a base to do White Sands and the space museum in Alomogordo. At first the terrain didn't strike me, but then, after seeing the sunset, the stars and especially doing a hike (from the CG), it really charmed us! Position yourself carefully for your desired views of the mountains and the sunsets. Or just go for it - Can't pick a bad view.
Sites are nice and spaced out...bathroom clean, nice folks at other sites. Very limited AT&T cell signal. Our GPS sent us in on a gravel road - which was not necessary once we looked looked for another route. Don't let that happen to you!
Meg and Ben would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
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Amenities
Hookups
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- water
- dry camping
- Partial Hookups
Recreation
- picnic area
- recreation trail
Site Amenities
- big rig
- fire ring
- picnic table
Facilities
- dump station
- group sites
- restrooms: flush
- showers
- trash
- water available
Pets
- pets
Nearby
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