Go Back To Summer Camp At This One Beautiful Spot In New Mexico

Did you ever have the chance go to summer camp when you were a kid? If so, your recollections may include long days exploring outside, plenty of games, new and rekindled friendships, camp sing-alongs by the fire, and nightly ghost stories.

It was a simpler time that might seem out of reach today - after all, you’re an adult now, possibly with kids or grandkids of your own. But don’t give up on the dream of camp quite so fast. There’s a place in New Mexico that offers summer camp for the whole family!

Camp Davis lies in the shadow of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and its 40 acres encompass meadows, woods, and a creek.

You’ll find it 24 miles from Las Vegas (NM) in Rociada. Odds are you haven’t heard of Rociada, but once you reach this tranquil spot you’ll never want to leave. (For directions.)

Camp Davis was originally established as a summer camp back in 1939. For the next 30-odd years, boys and girls had the time of their lives in this forgotten part of New Mexico. Here are some of them!

Nowadays, the camp’s summertime focus is on families and groups that come to escape the stresses of modern life for a week or so and to get back to nature.

Stay in one of eight log cabins, each equipped with a bathroom, mini-fridge, and fireplace. While comfortable, accommodations retain their rustic, bunkhouse charm.

Devote your days to relaxing pursuits such as horseback riding…

…Or fishing in the trout pond.

Try some hiking, archery, or volleyball.

Head to the Rec Hall for a game of cards or ping-pong.

After working up an appetite, guests congregate in the dining room, where meals are served family style.

Forget unappealing camp cuisine. Instead, you’ll be treated to meals inspired by the cuisines of New Orleans and New Mexico, along with fried chicken that diners rave about.

Camp Davis is not a hotel and really does have more in common with a traditional camp.

This applies to the pricing structure, too – you pay on a "per person" rather than a per cabin basis. Minimum stays during the summer last for seven nights.

Although set up as a summer camp, you can come to Camp Davis year round and stay in one of the three cabins open throughout the year (2-night minimum).

If you’re looking for a group getaway, you’ll find more information here.

Tell us about your memories of summer camp on the Only In New Mexico Facebook page.

Looking for more ways to get the most out of summer? Then, check out our summer bucket list for inspiration.