Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
From I-10 Exit 135 US 70E 1 mile on right.
From I-25 Exit 6 Main St, take a right on Picacho Ave, west 5 miles on the left.
Las Cruces may not be the first place families think of for a summer vacation, and that is exactly what makes it such a smart Southwest getaway. Instead of fighting crowds at busier destinations, families can slow down, spread out, and enjoy a trip that feels both adventurous and relaxed. This under-the-radar destination offers wide-open desert scenery, national park access, cultural history, and family-friendly adventure, with plenty of room to explore at your own pace. From the towering trails of the Organ Mountains to the gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park and the historic adobe village of Old Mesilla, Las Cruces gives families a memorable mix of scenery, history, and adventure.
Beyond outdoor recreation, Las Cruces offers a vibrant downtown, a renowned twice-weekly Farmers & Crafts Market, and a legendary green chile culinary scene. It’s the perfect mix of active outdoor adventure, educational history, local flavor, and relaxing family time.
For families looking for a summer getaway with national park adventure, campground pool time, desert views, and easy local exploring, Las Cruces KOA Holiday makes an ideal home base.
Camping at Las Cruces KOA Holiday gives families a relaxing place to land between outings. After a morning at White Sands, a walk through Old Mesilla, or a day exploring Las Cruces, families can come back to the campground for pool time, outdoor games, mountain views, and time together under the New Mexico sky.
Favorite Family Amenities
Seasonal pool open mid-May through September
Outdoor games, including tetherball, cornhole, and basketball
Free sled rentals and wax for dune sledding at White Sands
Complimentary morning pastries
Brand-new playground
On-site laundry
Dog park and dog wash station for furry family members
Families can choose from shaded tent sites, a variety of RV site options, and camping cabins that sleep up to four people, plus a dog or two. Camping cabins include air conditioning and a small refrigerator/freezer, and the nearby bathhouses have been completely remodeled.
The best part of family camping in Las Cruces is the time you get together. Think stories and s’mores around the fire, nighttime stargazing, poolside afternoons, and the kind of simple summer memories that can become family traditions.
White Sands National Park is a must-do family day trip from Las Cruces. Kids love sledding down the gypsum dunes, running across the bright white sand, and taking photos in one of the most unforgettable landscapes in the Southwest. Las Cruces KOA Holiday also offers free sled rentals and wax, making it even easier to plan your White Sands adventure.
For scenic views, family photos, and a closer look at the desert landscape, explore the Organ Mountains and Dripping Springs area. Even if your family is not planning a long hike, the views alone make this one of the most memorable places to experience Southern New Mexico.
Las Cruces has several family-friendly museums that make it easy to add art, history, science, and local culture to your trip. The city-operated museums are free to visit, making them a great option for families looking for something educational, budget-friendly, and easy to enjoy at a slower pace.
A favorite stop for kids is the Las Cruces Railroad Museum, which hosts year-round children’s activities, including Dino Train, where young visitors can interact with a model train experience. Families can also explore exhibits at the Museum of Nature & Science, the Museum of Art, and other downtown museum stops.
Historic Old Mesilla is a relaxed and memorable stop for families. Walk through the historic plaza, browse local shops, take in the adobe architecture, and enjoy a meal with classic New Mexico flavor. It is an easy way to add history and culture to your family camping trip without needing a packed itinerary.
The Farmers and Crafts Market of Las Cruces is a great choice for a casual family outing. Browse local produce, handmade goods, art, food, and Southwest-inspired gifts while experiencing the heart of downtown Las Cruces. It is especially nice for families who like to explore local flavor and pick up something unique from the area.
Las Cruces is in the Mesilla Valley, where green chile is part of the local culture. For families, trying green chile can be a fun and low-pressure culinary adventure. Kids can start small with adaptations of familiar favorites like a green chile cheeseburger, green chile pizza, or even a sweet chile treat from a local shop. It is a delicious way to experience New Mexico flavor.
See all top Area Attractions.
The best Las Cruces tips often come from the people who know the area best. Our team is always happy to share family-friendly recommendations, local favorites, and easy ideas to help guests make the most of their stay.
If you don’t document your family vacation, did it happen at all? Yes, but capturing photos and selfies makes it easier to reflect on those memories later. KOA Campground Manager Leah recommends these three memorable photo spots for families:
The Campground Community Fire Pit
This iconic spot at Las Cruces KOA Holiday offers a beautiful Organ Mountain backdrop and is a perfect place to capture your family camping memories.
The Big Chile
Located at the Big Chile Inn in Las Cruces, this giant red chile pepper is a fun and quirky roadside photo stop. It is one of those only-in-New-Mexico landmarks that kids and parents both remember.
The Recycled Roadrunner
Located just a few miles from the campground, the Recycled Roadrunner is a 20-foot-tall sculpture made from recycled materials, including old shoes, cell phones, bike parts, and more. It is one of the most popular photo stops in Las Cruces and a fun quick outing for families.
KOA Lead Guest Services Representative Margarite recommends these stops for families looking for a little indoor time:
Rad Retrocade
Located in downtown Las Cruces, Rad Retrocade features classic arcade games and pinball. It is family-friendly during the day and becomes 21+ in the evening, so families should plan an earlier visit.
Lost Cruces Escape Room
A fun pick for families with older kids, teens, or multigenerational groups who want to test their teamwork and puzzle-solving skills.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
A good option when the kids still have energy to burn. Families can enjoy trampolines, dodgeball, and other indoor activities.
Truth or Consequences, Elephant Butte Lake & Caballo Lake
If your family is up for a little road trip, Truth or Consequences is about 75 miles north of Las Cruces KOA Holiday and makes a fun day away from the campground. We recommend pairing this quirky little art town with time at Elephant Butte Lake or Caballo Lake for fishing, water fun, a picnic, and beautiful views.
Leah’s pick: Sparky’s Burgers, Barbecue & Espresso
Located about 40 miles north in Hatch, Sparky’s is a quirky and memorable roadside stop known for its green chile cheeseburger, barbecue, espresso, and colorful collection of statues and retro decor. It is a fun add-on for families who want a classic New Mexico food stop and a few great photos.
Margarite’s pick: Space Murals Museum and Gift Shop
Located in Organ, New Mexico, the Space Murals Museum is an easy family stop just over 20 minutes from the campground. Families can see murals and displays connected to the history of the U.S. space program, making it a fun option for curious kids and space-loving families.
The Las Cruces KOA team agrees: Caliche’s Frozen Custard is a favorite local stop for something sweet. Leah recommends the Straw-Ana, made with vanilla frozen custard, strawberries, and bananas. It is a simple, family-friendly treat after a day of exploring, swimming, or sightseeing.
For more family-friendly ideas, see Visit Las Cruces.
Whether your family is planning a White Sands day trip, a weekend of local exploring, or a relaxing summer stay with plenty of pool time, Las Cruces KOA Holiday gives you a comfortable place to return after each adventure. With RV sites, camping cabins, shaded tent sites, family-friendly amenities, and beautiful Organ Mountain views, the campground brings together the best parts of a Southwest summer vacation: outdoor adventure, simple downtime, and memorable moments together. Settle in, swim, explore, and enjoy a family getaway rooted in the beauty and character of Las Cruces.
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