Explore Roswell, New Mexico: A Roamer’s Guide to Camping, History, Nature and Adventure!
Have you ever considered traveling to Roswell, New Mexico?
While we had only heard about this unique destination based on UFO sightings, we found it to be a hidden gem for RV and Van travelers! Roswell offers a mix of indoor activities, stunning outdoor adventures, and a variety of camping options including BLM and Forest Service lands for boondocking. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or are just passing through, Roswell has something to offer every traveler. This guide will explore the best places to camp, must-see attractions (in our opinion), and insider tips to make the most out of your visit to Roswell, NM!
Camping and Boondocking Options
RV Parks and Campgrounds
Roswell offers a variety of RV parks and campgrounds that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you prefer the convenience of full hookups or the serenity of a more rustic setting, you’ll find a spot that suits your needs. Here are a few options that we found were big rig friendly and close to town for exploring the city sights.
BPOE 969 Elks Lodge – Roswell, NM, was our choice for lodging as Elks Members. We enjoyed their full service restaurant and bar. While they don’t offer full hook-ups, electricity and water were available with a dump station on site for members.
Town & Country RV Park, offers full-hook ups and many pull through spots that accommodate large RVs. They are pet friendly and have laundry facilities so it’s a great spot to make your exploration home-base in Roswell.
Bottomless Lakes State Park, is just a short drive from Roswell and is a fantastic option for nature lovers. Full-hook up sites are hard to come by however electric and water with plenty of space as back-in or pull-through sites are abundant. Here is a link to check out the available camping options.
BLM and Forest Service Land for Boondocking
For those who prefer boondocking, the areas surrounding Roswell offer several great options.
Lincoln National Forest, located about an hour and a half from Roswell, Lincoln National Forest provides dispersed camping with beautiful forest scenery. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
Pecos River Corridor Recreation Area, managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), this area offers primitive camping along the Pecos River. It’s a peaceful spot for fishing, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors away from the crowds.
Please be sure to follow the Leave No Trace philosophy while enjoying boondocking spots so that they remain open for all of us nature enthusiasts to enjoy!
Next we will break down some must-see activities we enjoyed by indoor or outdoor adventures to help you make the most of your visit to Roswell, New Mexico.
Indoor/Town Activities
Roswell UFO Museum
Whether you believe in UFO’s or not, this place is intriguing! You can dive into the 1947 Roswell Incident at this dedicated museum. Featuring exhibits, artifacts, and detailed information on UFO phenomena, it’s a fascinating visit for enthusiasts and skeptics alike.
Roswell Museum & Art Center, Robert H. Godard Planetarium
This multifaceted museum combines art, history, and science. Notably, it includes exhibits on Robert H. Goddard’s pioneering rocketry work, making it exciting for science and space aficionados. Be sure to ask about the Planetarium shows as the perfect spot to lean back, enjoy the air conditioning, and learn about our galaxy.
Live Music at The Liberty
If you’ve been Roaming with us for long, you know we take every opportunity to see live music. If anyone you like the sound of is playing at The Liberty, we highly recommend this venue. Splurge for the VIP seating so you can sit and enjoy a lively evening and intimate concert experience. Here’s a link for upcoming shows.
Outdoor Adventures
We packed in a ton of outdoor adventures during our time spent in Roswell including hiking at Bottomless Lakes State Park and a trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Bottomless Lakes State Park
This park isn’t just for camping; it also offers excellent opportunities for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The unique landscape of the “bottomless” lakes provides a picturesque backdrop for outdoor activities so grab your paddleboard and hit the lake.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
While there are much closer places to journey to Carlsbad Caverns than Roswell, we found it an excellent day trip destination. We’ve visited several caverns across the USA, and nothing compares to Carlsbad! We took the natural entrance and explored the miles of incredible stalagmites and stalactite formations throughout the caverns. Time of entry reservations are required to check this absolute must-see National Park off of your list! Here is the NPS link to start planning your Carlsbad Caverns adventure.
Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge
If it’s wildlife you want to see, take a drive out to the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge. It is a home for a variety of bird species including thousands of Sandhill cranes that stop along their route. There are some great hiking trails, and this is the best place around to stargaze into the dark skies.
Regardless of the season that your adventure planning takes you to Roswell, New Mexico; we found it an excellent place to spend a couple of weeks enjoying the history and abundance of activities for after work or weekend exploration. Summer is obviously going to be hot, but the winters are relatively mild with less crowds.
Tips and Tricks for Exploring Roswell, NM
Check Weather Forecasts. Be prepared for temperature variations and incoming storms, especially in spring and fall. Dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout the day.
Stay Hydrated. Especially important during the hot summer months. Carry water with you at all times and take extra for any hikes you plan during your trip.
Plan Ahead. Book RV park or campground reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons to ensure you have a spot. Also, Carlsbad Caverns National Park requires a timed entry permit which must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
Safety First. Be aware of your surroundings, follow local guidelines, and ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the terrain. Carry a map and be prepared for limited cell phone reception in more remote areas. We did not boondock so can not verify which internet services are readily available in the area. Our optimized Starlink service worked well coupled with our goRoam gear and T-Mobile as a back up to provide effortless Working from Roam!
Explore Local Cuisine. Try local eateries for a taste of New Mexican cuisine, including dishes with green and red chile. We greatly enjoyed our meal at El Toro Bravo!
Visit the Tourist Information Center. Stop by the Roswell Visitor Center to get maps, brochures, and tips from the locals on what to see and do during your visit.
FAQ’s about our Roswell, NM Adventure
Where can travelers camp in or near Roswell, NM?
If you’re an Elk’s Lodge Member, we highly recommend staying at BPOE 969! Travelers can camp at Town and Country RV Park, Red Barn RV Park, or Bottomless Lakes State Park.
Are there any BLM or Forest Service lands nearby for boondocking?
Yes, Lincoln National Forest and Pecos River Corridor Recreation Area offer excellent boondocking options with beautiful natural surroundings.
What activities would you recommend in Roswell?
We loved the Roswell UFO Museum, the Roswell Museum and Art Center, Goddard Planetarium, and live shows at The Liberty as well as some local cuisine.
What outdoor adventures are available in the surrounding nature?
We enjoyed hiking, wildlife watching, and stargazing at Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and paddleboarding/kayaking at the Bottomless Lakes State Park.
When is the best time to visit Roswell?
We chose Spring (50°F to 75°F), making our visit in late March/early April. Fall would also be a great choice (55°F to 80°F) offering very comfortable weather.
What was the biggest challenge we faced in Roswell, NM?
Laundry. While we do have hookups in our Momentum 397TH 5th wheel, we choose to take our laundry to a laundry mat for the efficiency of completing it all in a couple of hours. Roswell was the most expensive laundry experience we’ve had to date.
Overall we found Roswell, New Mexico, is a captivating destination suitable for RV and Van travelers of all sizes. The town and area offer a unique blend of history, outdoor adventure, and intriguing attractions. Whether you’re exploring the mysteries of the UFO Museum, hiking through the beautiful landscapes of Bottomless Lakes State Park, or simply enjoying the local live music, Roswell promises an unforgettable experience. Plan your trip, pack your gear, and get ready to discover the many wonders that await in this fascinating town.
Let us know what you if your experience was similar to ours!
Happy Roaming!
