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Land Of Enchantment, New Mexico, New Mexico Camping, RV Camping, RV Tips, RV travel, RVing In New Mexico
What are your RV plans this winter? If you haven’t already committed to winterizing your rig and are open to winter travel, then you and your traveling crew might be interested in venturing to the Land of Enchantment. While quite brutal in the summer months, New Mexico turns into a Winter Wonderland of sorts, offering a…
- Wellness retreat basking in tranquil desert scenery immersed in a soothing hot spring.
- Family adventure in the snow.
- Quiet getaway of fishing with the gang.
- Different kind of sledding experience.
Whatever your winter escape, you just might find it in the Wonderland of Enchantment.
Soak in Hot Springs in Jemez Springs
New Mexico is a haven for hot springs as this region of the nation experiences a good deal of geothermal activity. Jemez Springs, located just an hour from Albuquerque and 1.5 hours from Santa Fe, offers primitive and developed hot springs.
RVers wanting some much-needed rest and relaxation in these hot springs can choose from a number of RV campgrounds and resorts around the area and then spend days hot spring hopping.
Some hot springs around Jemez Springs can be accessed in their natural state along hiking trails. Others are a part of luxurious resorts. The following is a sample of commercial and natural hot spring locations in and around the town.
Resorts/Spas:
Primitive:
Safety Note: Always stick to known and used hot springs as water temperatures in natural hot springs can reach dangerous levels. It is a good idea to contact the forest service or any agency with jurisdiction over these and other hot springs for up-to-date safety information.
Go Birdwatching at Bosque del Apache
Many RVer’s love wildlife viewing, especially when it comes to birdwatching and photography. Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge is a bird photographer’s playground, particularly in the fall and winter, when the area offers the highest bird numbers.
The refuge straddles the Rio Grande valley in Socorro County and is home to almost 350 species of birds. In the winter, bird watchers will spot Snow Geese, Sandhill Cranes, dabbler ducks, Black-throated and Sage Sparrows, Bald Eagles, and Ferruginous Hawks.
RV and wildlife enthusiasts can get their fill of birdwatching every day. There is a nearby RV park aptly named Bosque Birdwatchers RV Park.
Snowshoe in Taos
If you aren’t an experienced skier or would like a slower-paced journey into a winter wonderland, perhaps snowshoeing is more your speed. Taos Ski Valley is a perfect location for RVers wanting to experience a unique and fun way to enjoy the outdoors and winter camping.
An overnight parking area is sectioned off for RVers and provides a short walk to the lifts. Folks can either bring their own equipment or rent shoes and poles from the venue. Plus, visitors can access a list of on-location trails based on their skill level, from novice to expert.
Ice Fish at Eagle Nest Lake
Aside from camping, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, Eagle Nest Lake State Park offers visitors ice fishing through the winter. Eagle Nest Lake is at an elevation of 8,300 feet situated amongst New Mexico’s highest mountain, Wheeler Peak.
The alpine lake is stocked with trout, salmon, perch, and pike. A fishing license is required, and it’s advised to check in with the Department of Game and Fish beforehand to make sure the lake is fully-frozen and thick enough.
Sled down a Snowy-like Slope
Perhaps the most unique-to-New Mexico winter activity is something folks around these parts enjoy year-round, sledding. Only, instead of snow, the powdery white gypsum of the White Sands National Park helps propel sledders down the gentle slopes. Visitors can be found gliding down or trekking back up the dunes along the loop portion of Dunes Drive using plastic snow saucers. With the bundled-up families playing in the close to freezing temperatures, it can easily be mistaken for a snowy day somewhere up north.
White Sands National Park is open daily year-round, save Christmas Day. Winter hours are from 7 AM to 6 PM. While RV camping and other lodging options are not permitted in the national park, there are many options nearby in Alamogordo and Las Cruces, making for a relatively short commute.
Roadside Assistance in New Mexico, No Matter What You’re Driving
While you consider your options for your winter in New Mexico, consider your current roadside assistance program. At Coach-Net, we’re committed to improving your RV experience by being your connection to carefree RVing. Coach-Net RV Technical & Roadside Assistance is a service program specializing in the unique needs of RVers at an affordable price.
But Coach-Net doesn’t stop coverage with RVs. Many of their programs include all personal vehicles you own, rent, borrow or lease. So no matter if it’s a motorcycle or a motorhome, they’ve got you covered!
Their baseline 24/7, all-inclusive roadside assistance program comes in handy for those unexpected moments should you:
- Have a roadside breakdown,
- Need assistance with a flat tire,
- Run out of fuel,
- Lock your keys in your vehicle,
- Or any other type of disablement.
When you need help, they are a phone call away. So join now and get expert assistance anytime you need it!
About The Author: Natalie Henley
Levi Henley and his wife, Natalie, have been full-time RVers for over 5 years. They have also been Coach-Net customers for the same amount of time. They travel and workcamp around the U.S. in their 26-foot Itasca Sunstar motorhome with their two cats. They write for multiple RV-related publications and recently co-wrote “Seasonal Workamping for a Living: How We Did It.” You can follow their adventures on the road at henleyshappytrails.com
Thomajan C. ~ “We are incredibly grateful to Coach-Net for helping us. Should an event like this ever happen to us again, Coach-Net will be our first call.”
Spend an unforgettable weekend in Northeastern New Mexico. Visit historic ruins, relax on the southwest’s most scenic lakes and pay your respects to a legendary outlaw (who’s still imprisoned, even after death). With its shortgrass plains and hidden lakes, northeastern New Mexico is a region of many hidden gems. It’s home to a plethora of ranches, trails, and even portions of the famed Route 66. Get ready to explore this enchanting part of the country!
The lovely Santa Rosa Lake State Park, another must-see on your journey across northeastern New Mexico, features plenty of hiking trails, ample places to camp, and numerous opportunities for water sports. Take advantage of its beautiful vistas for wonderful photo ops!
Also located in Santa Rosa, the historical Silver Moon Cafe sits just off of Route 66. The recently renovated restaurant has an overall hometown feel, complete with a friendly staff, reasonable prices, and a gift shop featuring Route 66 merchandise. Don’t leave without trying their chips and salsa!
Northeastern New Mexico has more lakes than you can shake a stick at, but Conchas Lake State Park is a great place to wrap up your trip. This park is a hidden paradise, with sand beaches, beautiful canyons, and secluded coves, and it’s a perfect place for fishing, hiking, birding, and even waterskiing. The lake also offers nine public launch sites, so you will have no problem finding a place to put your boat in the water.
~ R.B. Post Falls, ID “I could not ask for better service from Coach-Net and the tow driver. Very helpful, responsive and professional. Both helped take a lot of the trauma out of a tow.”
