The Three Rivers area in New Mexico is home to two public campgrounds that have spectacular views of the Sacramento Mountain range and White Mountain Wilderness. Each campground has remote, quiet, spacious camp sites - all with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site and Campground
This archeological site and campground is maintained by the Federal Bureau of Land Management. The petroglyphs were created by the Jornada Mogollon people between about 900 and 1400 AD. The number and concentration of petroglyphs here make it one of the largest and most interesting petroglyph sites in the Desert Southwest. More than 21,000 glyphs of birds, humans, animals, fish, insects and plants, as well as numerous geometric and abstract designs are scattered over 50 acres of New Mexico's northern Chihuahuan Desert.
A short, easy interpretative trail 200 yards south of the petroglyphs leads to the remains of the Mogollon village. The site, which was partially excavated in 1976, was occupied for about 400 years.
We started our visit at the small visitor center and talked to a very friendly host. Then we spent about an hour walking a very easy interpretive trail (just behind the visitor center) and thoroughly enjoyed both the petroglyphs and the beautiful scenery. The petroglyph site and adjacent campground is in a grand, open arid plain surrounded by the Sacramento Mountain range and White Mountain Wilderness.
The campground is just in front of the visitor center. There are only two camp sites at the campground - both having electric and water hook-up and designed for any size RV. The campground also allows camping in the picnic area. The vista of the distant mountains and arid landscape is beautiful and the camp sites (including the picnic area) have totally unobstructed views of it. Amenities include flush toilets and water hook up. This is a real gem that looks like it is in the middle of nowhere.
Three Rivers Campground
Several miles east of the Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is Three Rivers Campground in Lincoln National Forest maintained by the National Forest Service. This campground is very remote and quiet. The fourteen camp sites are very well laid out and well spaced with many having ramadas and picnic tables.
Most of the sites have excellent views of the surrounding mountains and White Mountains Wilderness area. Although the surrounding landscape is arid, there is a lot of greenery. A river runs along the edge of the campground and can be heard from some of the camp sites. This is a very nice, well planned campground with very beautiful views. Although this campground can accomodate large RVs, the only amenities offered are vault toilets and water spigots - but the trade off of amenities for the beautiful views is worth it.
Getting to these campgrounds is easy. Eighteen miles north of Tularosa, NM, turn east onto Forest Road 579 at the sign that says Three Rivers Petroglyph Site. The roads to each campground are well marked but unpaved a good part of the way. The trip is well worth the effort - two campgrounds with beautiful views and a very interesting archeological site.
Related Articles
Back to Nature and Beautiful Views At Ojo Redondo Campground in Cibola National Forest
By: Carl Zimmerman | 30/01/2007 | Nature
Description of a trip through the Cibola National Forest to Ojo Redondo campground in Northwestern New Mexico.
Camping_makes_the_weekend_perfect
By: Ken Hornbrook | 25/09/2007 | Fitness
If your major interest is information related to Koa Wood Jewlery or any other such as Va Rv Dealers, Syr Flight, Air Soft Guns, Rv Sales, Island Beach State Park or Ps3 Camping, this article can prove useful.
What_makes_a_hiking_boot_great
By: Ken Hornbrook | 26/09/2007 | Fitness
You see, we should be very thankful that we are born in this modern generation because of the existence of the Internet. With the Internet, every information (whether about Koa Unto These Hills or any other such as Lazise Camping, Cherokee Hotels, Electric Rope Cutter, Outdoor Ice Skating, The Parks or even Rent Rv) can be found with ease on the Internet, with great articles like this.
Two Campgrounds Great for Bird Watching, Hiking and Beautiful Views
By: Carl Zimmerman | 30/01/2007 | Pets
Description of two campgrounds in Coronado National Forest with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape and great for birdwatching and hiking.
Some_essential_camping_supplies_for_your_camping_a
By: Ken Hornbrook | 27/09/2007 | Fitness
If your major interest is information related to La Rosemarie Campsite In France or any other such as London Family Vacation, Dome Light, Travel To Atlanta, Nature Trails, Italian Recipes or Space Camp, this article can prove useful.
Six Campgrounds with Beautiful Views Along the East Fork of the Black River - Apache National Forest
By: Carl Zimmerman | 30/01/2007 | Nature
Specific recommendations on how to find the most scenic campgrounds along the East Fork of the Black River in Apache National Forest in Eastern Arizona.
Let_there_be_light_part_1__the_camping_lantern
By: Ken Hornbrook | 29/09/2007 | Fitness
If you are seaching for information related to Low Ray Campsite or any other such as Washington State Campgrounds, Van Dyke Parks, Go Fishing, Nebraska Game And Parks Commission, Barbara Parks or Rv Rentals you have come to the right article. This piece will provide you with not just general Low Ray Campsite information but also specific and helpful information. Enjoy it.
Easy S'mores Recipes - From Classic to Mexican Variations
By: Myrtha Chang | 10/06/2007 | Camping
Although s'mores probably came into being not long after the commercial marshmallow was developed in the 1880s, the first published recipe appears in the 1940 Girl Scout Handbook.
Today, it has been adapted into many interesting variations. Have you heard of Mexican s'mores, for example? Yum!
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Summer seasonal campground for a resident family of Myrtle Beach, SC
By: Dianna | 12-07-2008
My son and his family own a 32' travel trailer and happen to live in Myrtle Beach, SC. When he was a child we had a seasonal campsite where we spent most of our weekends. Most enjoyable for the entire family when expensive vacations are out of the question. I would think living in Myrtle Beach makes having a summer seasonal campsite impossible. I would love to find one where he could leave his trailer year round for weekend getaways with the family. Anyone know of such a place, not too far from the Myrtle Beach area?
RV black water tank etiquette
By: Allen | 05-07-2008
Is it proper to empty and flush a black water tank at the campsite rather than at the dump station in a campground that has full hookup sites?
Hurricane rv headlight adjustment
By: phil | 02-07-2008
have a 2006 four winds hurricane, 35 ft., and need to adjust the headlights but can't find an adjustment. any suggestions?
Looking for Adult Campground in MN
By: Girlz4Fun | 02-07-2008
32We are 3 females in our 20's (all mom's) getting a weekend camping trip. We are definately looking to drink and whoop it up so my question is where is a good campground in MN for rowdy adults??? Preferably one with a river for tubing (Not the apple river); that gets pretty wild with little to no children???? Thank you in advance!
4-wheel drive truck with camper rental in U.S.A.
By: Don | 29-06-2008
I want to know if there is a camper rental company in the U.S.A. that offers campers similiar to what Britz offers in Australia
Where are good basic hiking trails in the ...
By: fortjun | 29-06-2008
where are good basic hiking trails in the flagstaff area
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Camping Articles
Vacation Things 2 Do in St. Louis
By: Jasbir Kaur | 24/07/2008
The many things to do in St. Louis offer a world of fun and excitement. The city's incredible attractions and amusing activities make it a prime vacation spot for the family this summer.
The Cattail - Best of the Wild Edible Plants
By: Steve Gillman | 24/07/2008
Why is the cattail the best of the wild edible plants? Five edible parts is just a start...
Venice City Break Guide
By: Parveenn Kumarr | 24/07/2008
There are several things to remember on a Venice city break. First off, be sure to have your arrangements made in advance so that you can be sure to have a place to stay. Also, you want to be sure that you are planning enough time to do all of the things you want to do. Then, you can be sure that you are allowing yourself plenty of good times in Venice.
Cannery Row Keeps Comeing 2 Monterey
By: Manojj Kumarr | 23/07/2008
Attention all tourism promoters: If you want your destination put "on the map" for all future generations, just go out and hire an author with the talent, let's say, of John Steinbeck, and have that writer publish a piece of literary art that just happens to have your location as a backdrop.
A Rapid Tour of Italy
By: Ravii Kumarr | 23/07/2008
If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. It may be the only region of Italy named for a road, one constructed by the Ancient Romans almost 2200 years ago. This article describes the Romagna subregion, a bit of its history, its many tourist attractions, local food, and local wine.
Tips for Outdoor Sleeping Bags
By: Janey Yang | 22/07/2008
Typical Types of Sleeping Bags
Camping Myths
By: CampingStoreOnline | 16/07/2008
Beginner's Guide to Camping
Wild Food Gathering as a Part of Camping
By: Laura Slater | 16/07/2008
First part look into gathering natural ingredients to eat while camping.
Travel 
