Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [109]
Camping
There are no developed campgrounds or vehicle camping of any kind inside the national park. Backcountry camping, however, is permitted in some areas. (See the description of backcountry trails under "Hiking & Backpacking," above.) Pick up free permits at the visitor center.
NEAR THE PARK
The closest camping is at White's City RV Park, 17 Carlsbad Caverns Hwy. at N. Mex. 7 (P.O. Box 128), White's City, NM 88268-0128 (☎ 800/228-3767 or 505/785-2291; www.whitescity.com), in White's City Resort and Water Park, at the east edge of the park boundary, about 7 miles east of the visitor center. In addition to RV sites with hookups and shade shelters, the campground has practically unlimited tent camping in a grassy area with picnic tables and some trees. Because the campground is part of the White's City complex, with motels, restaurants, and other services, campers have free access to the pool and whirlpool tub, and can use the water-park facilities for a fee.
A good choice in the city of Carlsbad is Carlsbad RV Park & Campground, 4301 National Parks Hwy., Carlsbad, NM 88220 (☎ 888/878-7275 or 505/885-6333; www.carlsbadrvpark.com). This tree-filled campground offers pull-through sites large enough to accommodate big rigs with slide-outs, as well as tent sites and sites for everything in between. Some sites have cable TV hookups. There's an indoor heated pool, a game room, a playground, and a meeting room with kitchen. A convenience store sells groceries, gifts, and RV supplies.
Those who will be exploring the city of Carlsbad and other area attractions may want to make their base camp at Brantley Lake State Park, P.O. Box 2288, Carlsbad, NM 88221 (☎ 505/457-2384; www.nmparks.com). Located 12 miles north of the city of Carlsbad (take U.S. 285, then go 4½ miles northeast on Eddy County Road 30), this quiet and relaxing park is almost 40 miles from
the Carlsbad Caverns Visitor Center. Activities include boating, swimming, and fishing on the 4,000-acre lake, as well as bird-watching. The park also has boat ramps, picnic tables, two playgrounds, and exhibits on the 19th-century community of Seven Rivers, considered one of the West's wildest towns, which now lies at the bottom of the lake. The day-use fee is $5 per vehicle. There are 51 developed RV campsites (48 with only water and electric hookups, three with water, electric, and sewer), plus primitive camping along the lakeshore for 20 to 50 RVs or tents, depending on the lake level. Rangers present programs in the campground Saturday evenings during the summer. Reservations, for a $10 charge (in addition to the campsite fee), are available from spring through early fall by calling ☎ 877/664-7787 or on the Web at www. newmexico.reserveworld.com.
Where to Stay
There are no accommodations within the park. The closest are at White's City, where you'll find a variety of businesses under one management. They include lodging, dining, shops, a water park, a museum, a gas station, and an RV park.
The next-closest services are in and near the city of Carlsbad. Here you'll find several chain and franchise motels. Those on the southwest edge of the city, on the road to Carlsbad Caverns, include the Comfort Inn, 2429 W. Pierce St., Carlsbad, NM 88220-3515 (☎ 505/887-1994), with rates of $70 to $75 for a double; Days Inn, 3910 National Parks Hwy., Carlsbad, NM 88220 (☎ 505/887-7800), $70 to $100 double; Quality Inn, 3706 National Parks Hwy. (P.O. Box 5037), Carlsbad, NM 88220 (☎ 505/887-2861), $60 to $80 double; and Super 8 Motel, 3817 National Parks Hwy., Carlsbad, NM 88220 (☎ 505/887-8888), $50 to $70 double. Toll-free reservation numbers appear in the appendix (p. 661).
Best Western Cavern Inn
17 Carlsbad Cavern Hwy. at N. Mex. 7, White's City, NM 88268. ☎ 800/228-3767 direct, or 505/785-2291. www.whitescity.com. 63 units. A/C TV TEL. Mid-May to mid-Sept $80–$110 double; mid-Sept to mid-May $72–$100 double. Rates include full breakfast. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Pets accepted; $10 fee.