Grindstone Lake was one of our favorite parts of visiting Ruidoso! I know there are other lakes…read morenearby, but this one is definitely a must-see. You pay per vehicle, and you can bring your own chairs, food, fishing gear, kayaks, or anything else you want for a fun day by the water. There are a few benches, but they fill up quickly, so I'd recommend bringing your own chairs. The inflatable water park was the highlight for our kids! Life jackets are provided, and they had an absolute blast. They couldn't stop talking about all the fun they had. There's also a restroom on-site, which made our visit even more convenient. We had such a great time and would absolutely come back!

We came out yesterday, and had a wonderful time. So much so, that we came out again today! ‍…read more Bring shade! A tent, umbrella, some type of protection from the hot sun, because it is !! Parking is $10, by reservation only, on the weekends, and Monday-Thursday is first come first served, but also $10. If you have an established residence, second home, it's $10 for the entire season. Ignore the ticket taker's attitude as you drive in. We have been here three times, morning, and evening, and she's always here! Lol! She is extremely rude! She evidently hates her job because she is unfriendly and grills everyone to the third degree! Like I said, ignore her, and have fun! Registration is online at the Ruidoso Parks and Recreation website. The water park, known as The Wibit, is $20. This is a main attraction for family-fun. Life vests are required at all times while swimming, and using the water park, but they rent you one as part of the $20. Food and drinks are allowed, but of course, no alcohol is ever permitted. We most definitely will be returning, and highly recommend it!

On both sides of a drainage canal/river (and I'm not sure if it includes the other side of…read moreWashington Avenue), Washington Park is a medium-sized park. On the one side, a playground and parking area with a concrete structure that has restrooms. On the other side, an amphitheater, skate park and open grass areas that appear to have been used for soccer and baseball. The park also has a fenced-in tennis court with bleachers and some benches with awnings for shade. We're in New Mexico now and the sun is brutal. [Review 17471 overall - 81 in New Mexico - 989 of 2022.]

First time visitor & loved it! Might be best to visit in fall/winter due to heat, but an August…read morevisit meant the park was NOT crowded. I would say start with the Visitor center, they provide maps, insight on wild life, environment & safety tips. They offer free guided tours at 7:30am daily & you can rent sleds to use on the dunes! Entrance is $25 p/car, valid for 7 days. The map clearly indicates the trails/hikes, i attempted all, but gave up half way due to the heat, it really was difficult to handle. The trails are easy to walk, great for pictures & do keep an eye for animal paw prints on sand. The picnic area features shade, tables, and grills, might be nice in winter, or sunset. Despite the heat i genuinely enjoyed the experience, and would highly recommend! Preparation: take plenty of water, food, snacks. Theres a tiny gift shop, but NO restaurants onsite. I repeat- bring plenty of water #1 priority

White Sands is worth the visit…read more Wasn't sure what to expect, But it was definitely a fun stop on a road trip. Be sure to bring a sled. I think they may offer rentals, but didn't see. They do have sled waxing though, which will definitely help We found the biggest sand dune, with the steepest way down. I'm still covered in sand, in places I didn't know sand could get into

Beautiful, quiet park with clean camping facilities. Has restrooms and showers. Great sleeping in…read morethe Chihuahua desert. Close proximity to White Sands and Los Alamos. There is the Dog Canyon trail, which is worth the trek. We didn't make it all the way through due to timing, but will definitely be back to finish.

Quiet and spacious campground for star gazing and close to White Sands NP. We would definitely stay…read morehere again. Friendly camp hosts. They also have sleds to borrow at the camp host station for sledding the dunes at White Sands.

I went camping here years ago with friends. We weren't smart and got in after dark and had a heck…read moreof a time trying to put tents up. There are some nice hiking areas around here.

We have been coming here for years and never have we ever been treated like we did this past…read moreweekend by the camp hosts. We had called and spoke to the owner to see if we could check in a bit early and be was completely ok with it. When we got there the camp host was extremely rude saying we were there too early being that no one was in our spot and there were so many other empty spots available. we then had our campfire on and eight at 10 she came and advised it was quiet time and the fire needed to be turned off due to "county law" which is complete BS mind you we were not even loud we were just hanging out and there are zero rules staring that fires need to be out at 10. The next night she again came rudely 3 minutes past 10 when we were already putting our fire out stating "REALLY 2 NIGHTS IN A ROW!!" we said we are putting our fire out and she said "well get your clocks fixed to be on time". we pay a lot of money to enjoy our time there. I feel the owner needs to look into this because the campground was not as full as it usually is and they may be running people out with that unnecessary attitude and rudeness.

A beautiful waterfall, out in the middle of nowhere. It was about an hour from Carlsbad, & you may…read moreas well plan a half day trip there to make it worth your while It can get very busy, so you will have to explore the creek, & other areas, to find a good spot to sit & relax in the water No gas stations out there, or food of any sort. You are in the middle of nowhere lol service is very spotty, so come prepared. There are bathrooms though, & some shelters with tables if you plan on staying to eat & relax

Best part was the falls. Otherwise windy, unsteady terrain with mid views of a lot of brownread more

Do not waste your money coming here unless you want to spend your family day stranded in the…read moreblazing sun. We paid the entry fee to take our kids and dogs to the lake, followed the main road, and immediately turned toward the water only to get violently stuck in deep, un-warned soft sand. We spent nearly an hour freaking out in the brutal heat, shoveling sand, and panicking with our kids and pets in the vehicle. When I called the park office for assistance? Absolute silence. Nobody answered, nobody was available to help. If it weren't for the sheer grace of a random Good Samaritan who stopped to shovel and pull us out, we would have been completely stranded. What makes this infuriating is the absolute lack of accountability and communication from the staff. The girl who checked us in and took our money didn't say a single word, offer a map, or give any warning about the driving conditions near the water. As a state park, it is incredibly irresponsible not to warn paying customers and New Mexico residents about these massive sand traps. Total safety hazard and zero customer service. Avoid this place.

This is the camp attached to the dam area. plenty of…read moreparking and clean restrooms and portables I didn't see any water fountains. i attached a pic of water level 5 years ago.

My favorite in-town park…read more Pond is dry right now due to repairs, cleaning and then the vandalism of local crap brains. Huge park, well tended, lots of shade trees, picnic tables and benches. Great children's play area. Often frequented by some of our delicious local food trucks. I understand they will be restocking the fish once the pond is repaired. Allegedly not the ducks though. I've been a regular at Young for many years. No more ducks and I'll doubt I will often return. Bring Back The Ducks.

We heard this was a nice park so we had to check it out. It is clean! Very pretty. I like all the…read moreducks!! Some people were even fishing.

What a blast walking on this cute little trail! We came mid week so there wasn't as many people as…read moresome say there is on the weekend. Cute kids looking for the doors everywhere. Lots of wildlife out when we were out. We went as far on the trail as we could before it ended, if it was a little longer would be ideal but we lived it none the less!

THIS is THEEEE BEST PARK I've ever been too !! We've been traveling in our RV & New Mexico is our…read more8th state so far and we have done so many parks. This has got to be THEE cutest park ever!! (Yes, I'm shouting ) We stayed near town to hit up White Sands & we loved it there too & wanted a park to eat, take a hike & relax. First off we parked in the wrong section ‍. We parked by the first bridge (Tom's bridge). So first you want to find the main entrance. There you will see a wonderful map of the adorable park & the fairy homes. I'll give you a clue, don't use the map, it's not that great BUT is adorable for pictures! Look on the ground for a white fairy wand & you are close to a fairy house. If you find a T, then look for a Troll home. I saw online ONE cute fairy home & thought I would surprise our teens with one cute fairy home. Boy, was I wrong! There's 10 !! We did 9/10. It starts to get into a residential area & maybe it was us buuuut a little old lady didn't look to please that we were there looking for the 10th one. Sorry Lady! They have great picnic spots, benches to sit everywhere! I'm a big big girl and I walked one way the whole thing than my wonderful husband ran back to get our car for me & the kids. We had packed a picnic & parked by the big picnic area. There's about 2 parking spots. All & all, we had a blast ! Greatest Park Ever !!