Photo thanks to Along the River RV Park
Along the River RV Park
A small, owner-run RV park on the Rio Bonito just off NM-37 north of Ruidoso, with shady riverside sites, full hookups, fire tubs when there’s no burn ban, cabins and deer and elk wandering through.
North of Ruidoso, New Mexico · On the Rio Bonito off NM-37
Season
Spring–fall
Closed in winter, about Dec–early Mar
Elevation
About 6,900 ft
Cool summers, cold nights
Hookups
Full hookups
Most sites; 20/30/50 amp, a few water/electric
Big rigs
Some big-rig pull-thrus
Listings say up to 45–50 ft; many sites are shorter
Updated October 18, 2026 · Details checked against the park’s website
Riverside under the trees
The Along the River experience
A small, owner-run park on the Rio Bonito about 300 yards off NM-48 on NM-37, north of Alto. Shady sites sit on and near the river, most with full hookups, and there are a couple of cabins and tent sites. Deer, elk and wild horses wander through.
Full hookupsWater, sewer and 20/30/50 amp at most sites
Rio Bonito sitesRiver and non-river sites, plus fishing
Fire tubsWhen there’s no burn ban; firewood for sale
Wi-FiFree; reviewers say it’s spotty
Restrooms & showersReviewers say self-contained rigs may not use them
Dump stationOn site
Cabins & tent sitesA bunkhouse, a cabin and 8 tent sites
PlaygroundPlus swings by the river
Owners on siteHelp with backing in and local tips
Life at camp
What guests say
The park report card
We don’t recycle other sites’ reviews, but the published scores are mixed: RV LIFE guests rate it 8.9 of 10 for the friendly owners and peaceful riverside sites, while Campendium’s older reviews average 3.0 over upkeep, weak cell service and bathhouse rules.
How RVers rate it
Category scores from Campendium reviewers, out of 5
Field notes from RVers
Longest rig RVers report25 ft Mar 2017
Cell signal reportedVerizon 4G/5GAT&T 5GT-Mobile 5G
Last reported nightly rate$50 Sept 2021
As reported by Campendium users, whose reviews date from 2017 to 2021; recent reviewers say cell service is weak at the park itself. Listings give maximum lengths of 45 to 50 ft, but many sites are 35 ft or less. Confirm rates, site lengths and policies with the park before you go.
On NM-37 north of Ruidoso
Getting there
From Ruidoso, take NM-48 north through Alto, turn left on NM-37 and the park is about 300 yards on the left. Mailing addresses list Capitan or Ruidoso, but it sits by the NM-48/NM-37 junction.
From Ruidoso: NM-48 north through Alto, then left on NM-37; the park is about 300 yards on the leftFrom Capitan: NM-48 south, then right on NM-37 at the junction
NM-37 · OFF NM-48
Set your GPS
127 NM-37, Capitan, NM 88316
To Midtown Ruidoso*About 20 min
To CapitanAbout 15 min
To Ski ApacheAbout 30 min
From El PasoAbout 3 hr 15 min
Check in by 7 p.m. Check-in runs from noon to 7 p.m., and unclaimed reservations are forfeited after that unless you call ahead.
About 6,900 ft. Summer days are mild and nights cold; the park closes for winter, and burn bans can shut the fire tubs in dry spells.
*Drive times are from OpenStreetMap routing and are approximate. Locator map is approximate, not for navigation.
Day trips from camp
Around Ruidoso
Midtown Ruidoso is about 20 minutes south, Smokey Bear’s hometown of Capitan about 15 minutes northeast, Ski Apache about 30 minutes and White Sands a day trip.
Photo thanks to Dennis Adams, FHWA (public domain)
Midtown Ruidoso & Wingfield Park
Shops, galleries, tasting rooms and restaurants along Sudderth Drive, plus Wingfield Park’s playground, river walk and summer events, an easy walk from camp.
Photo thanks to Jonathan Cutrer (CC BY 2.0)
Ski Apache
The Mescalero Apache Tribe’s ski area high on Sierra Blanca, with winter skiing and scenic gondola rides in summer. Ski Run Road is steep and winding, so leave the rig at camp.
Photo thanks to Road Travel America (public domain)
Smokey Bear Historical Park
A small state park and museum in Capitan telling the story of the real Smokey Bear, a cub rescued from a 1950 fire in the nearby Capitan Mountains; his grave is on the grounds.
Photo thanks to Pablorgalindo (CC BY-SA 4.0)
White Sands National Park
Rolling white gypsum dunes for sledding, hiking and sunset walks, past Alamogordo. US-70 can close briefly for missile-range tests, so check before you go.
More places to stay
Other parks worth a look
These are the closest parks we’ve reviewed around Ruidoso.
Photo thanks to Bonito Hollow RV Park
Bonito Hollow RV Park
A family-run seasonal campground on the Rio Bonito near Alto, with creekside sites, campfires and elk wandering through.
Video still thanks to Mountain Home Properties NM
Eagle Creek RV Resort
A gated, adults-oriented seasonal resort in the pines on Ski Run Road, backing onto the national forest.
Video still thanks to Joe & Steve
Little Creek RV Park Resort
A small, highly rated park on NM-220 near Alto, minutes from the airport and the Motorcoach Ranch.
Before you book
Plan your stay
Everything that decides whether Along the River fits your rig, your dates and your budget, in one place.
Our take: a friendly, shady riverside park with full hookups and campfires when the rules allow, 20 minutes north of Midtown. Cell service is weak, many sites suit rigs under about 35 ft, and the bathhouse may be off-limits to self-contained RVs, so it’s best for mid-size rigs that want the river more than resort amenities.
RatesBooking listings · checked Oct 18, 2026
RV site, nightlyFrom about $40 /night
Extra guest (age 4+)$5 /night
Extra dog (up to 3)$5 /night
Day visitors$3 /person
Firewood$10 /bundle
Rates come from the park’s booking listings and are before tax; guests have reported paying $50 to $60 a night, so confirm when you book. Rates cover two people, and military and law enforcement guests get 10% off.
Prices are subject to change at any time and may vary by date, season and availability. For the latest pricing, check the park’s rates page or call (575) 336-4444.
Typical July afternoon
Ruidoso81°
Phoenix107°
Cool mountain summers: 26° cooler than Phoenix in July, with cold nights along the river.
Is it right for you?
Who it suits, what to consider, and why RVers keep coming back.
Open
Site types
From about $40 a night; call to confirm current rates.
Open
Rates & policies
Check-in, fires, pets, guests and stay rules.
Open
Before you book
Questions to ask before you reserve.
Open
Along the River RV Park (listed by RV LIFE as Along the River Park) is a small, privately owned park on the Rio Bonito north of Ruidoso. The owners live on site, and the park closes for the winter.
Best for
- River lovers: shady sites on the Rio Bonito with swings and the sound of water.
- Campfire fans: fire tubs at RV sites when there’s no burn ban.
- Wildlife watchers: deer, elk and wild horses wander through.
- Mid-size rigs: most sites suit rigs around 35 ft or less.
Consider this
- Cell service is weak to none at the park, and Wi-Fi is spotty.
- Reviewers say guests with self-contained RVs may not use the bathhouse.
- Some sites are tight, and older reviews mention upkeep problems.
- It’s seasonal, closing in winter, and you must check in by 7 p.m.
Summer in Ruidoso
Typical July afternoon
81°
Ruidoso
Ruidoso, NM (NOAA)
107°
Phoenix
Phoenix Sky Harbor
26 degrees cooler than Phoenix, with nights near 51°. Normal July highs, 1991–2020.
Most RV sites have full hookups with 20/30/50-amp power, a few are water and electric only, and there are back-ins, pull-thrus, tent sites and two cabins. Rates cover two people.
River sites From about $40/night
Back-ins and pull-thrus along the Rio Bonito; the most popular sites.
Non-river sites From about $40/night
Sites away from the water, including the longer pull-thrus.
Water & electric From about $40/night
A few smaller sites without sewer; use the dump station on the way out.
Cabins & tent sites Call
A bunkhouse that sleeps 4, a cabin that sleeps 6 and tent sites; pets aren’t allowed in cabins or tents.
Check-inNoon–7 p.m.Late arrivals must call ahead
Check-out11 a.m.Some listings say noon
Quiet hours10 p.m.–7 a.m.County ordinance
Guests2 included$5 each extra; 8 max
Pets2 includedUp to 3; $5 per extra dog
Pet limitsRVs onlyNot in tents, pop-ups or cabins
CampfiresPark fire tubsOnly when there’s no burn ban
GeneratorsEmergency onlyPer park rules
Speed limit5 mphNo four-wheelers
Discounts10%Military and law enforcement
Checked against alongtheriverrv.com and booking listings on October 18, 2026. Rates are subject to change at any time; see the website or call (575) 336-4444 for the latest rates. Reservations are forfeited if you haven’t checked in by 7 p.m., unless you’ve arranged a late arrival.
Good to know before you pull in
Five things that change your booking
Ask these on the phone before you reserve.
- Which site fits my rig? Many sites are 35 ft or less; give your total length.
- Is it a river site? Ask for one on the Rio Bonito if you want the water.
- Can I use the showers? Ask about the bathhouse rule for self-contained rigs.
- Are fires allowed this week? Burn bans close the fire tubs.
- What’s tonight’s rate? Listings show $40, guests report up to $60.
Know before you go
Frequently asked questions
A few details before you hit the road.
Season: Spring–fall
Ready for a summer on the Rio Bonito?
Back up to the river, light the fire tub if the rules allow and spend the days in Ruidoso, Capitan and the Lincoln National Forest. Call Along the River for current rates and availability.
Thank you to the people behind these photos and this video. Please support them by giving their work a look. Two park photos come from Along the River RV Park, with our thanks; the others are video stills from Triple J’s Adventures and Gerry Mixon (LowanSlow) on YouTube. Area photos via Wikimedia Commons: Dennis Adams, Federal Highway Administration (Midtown Ruidoso; public domain), Jonathan Cutrer (Ski Apache; CC BY 2.0), Road Travel America (Smokey Bear Historical Park; public domain) and Pablorgalindo (White Sands; CC BY-SA 4.0); the images were resized. Other-park photos: Bonito Hollow RV Park, Eagle Creek RV Resort and Little Creek RV Park Resort. Review-site logos are trademarks of their owners.
Disclaimer
RV-Roundup is an independent, community-based resource created to help RV travelers and to support and promote the parks we feature. RV-Roundup is not owned by, operated by, or officially affiliated with Along the River RV Park unless otherwise stated.
The information on this page was prepared using the most current details available at the time of publication, including the park’s published materials and publicly available sources. Pricing, availability, rules, policies, regulations, amenities and other details are set by the park and may change at any time without notice. Before you travel or book, please confirm all details directly with Along the River RV Park at alongtheriverrv.com or (575) 336-4444. RV-Roundup is not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes made after publication.
We will always do our best to keep this page up to date. Thank you to everyone who contributes; we truly appreciate your help and support.