Camping in New Mexico

From the vast Chihuahuan Desert to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico has a wealth of opportunities to get outside and explore. For outdoor adventurers, there’s skiing in Taos, whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande, and plenty of hiking, from the Southern Rockies to dusty desert canyons. That’s what makes camping in New Mexico such a varied and fulfilling experience.

Carlsbad Caverns provides ample opportunities to hike, explore, learn about desert wildlife, even appreciate a few thousand Mexican free-tail bats take flight. They swarm out of the cave every night at dust for an audience that often numbers in the hundreds. It’s a perfect excuse to stick around the park after dark and do some camping in New Mexico.

Of course, the only camping available within Carlsbad Caverns National Park is backcountry camping, so come prepared to Leave No Trace. Keep in mind that the desert landscape is often dry, so fire bans, even some backcountry cooking bans, are frequently in effect in the drier months. On the upside, backcountry camping permits are free and you can grab one at the visitor center when you arrive.

Visit White Sands National Monument for an unmatched, natural experience. Acres upon acres of white gypsum dunes stretch into the distance, offering hours of diversion, be it hiking across the dunes or sledding down them. If you forgot your sled, don’t worry, you can pick one up in the gift shop. Just be sure to enjoy these activities early in the morning or late in the evening during the summer months; it gets hot in the desert during midday!

As for camping in White Sands, it’s backcountry camping or nothing and sites require a short hike through the dunes. You’ll be camping on the gypsum, surrounded by shifting white hills, dark night skies up above, and no other campers in sight. It’s definitely a unique experience. Permits are $3.00 per person and can be picked up at the visitor center.

Wherever your adventures take you in the Land of Enchantment, get out there and let The Dyrt help you locate the best camping in New Mexico.

Best Camping Sites in New Mexico (830)

    Camper-submitted photo from Bottomless Lakes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bottomless Lakes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bottomless Lakes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bottomless Lakes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bottomless Lakes State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bottomless Lakes State Park Campground

    1. Bottomless Lakes State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    216 Photos
    417 Saves
    Dexter, New Mexico

    Located just 14 miles southeast of Roswell, Bottomless Lakes State Park is your place for bottomless fun! Enjoy non-motorized boating in your kayak or canoe, camp, fish, picnic, swim, hike, go birding or even scuba dive! The unique lakes at this park are sinkholes, ranging from 17 to 90 feet deep. The greenish-blue color created by aquatic plants is what gives the lakes the illusion of great depth.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park

    2. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park — Oliver Lee State Park

    60 Reviews
    192 Photos
    331 Saves
    Sunspot, New Mexico

    Set against the dramatic Sacramento Mountains, this park features a historic ranch house, quiet camping in the Chihuahuan Desert, and pools of water under the cottonwood trees of Dog Canyon. Springs flow year-round and ferns cling to the sides of mossy rocks. The water in Dog Canyon has attracted people to the area for millennia.

    The park’s namesake, Oliver Milton Lee (1865-1941) was a colorful figure in New Mexico history. In 1893 he settled at the mouth of Dog Canyon and built an extensive house at his ranch headquarters. At its peak, his holdings reached about one million acres. Oliver Lee explored ways of bringing water to the dry Tularosa Basin and was instrumental in establishing the town of Alamogordo. Lee is also credited for using his influence to attract the railroad to the area.

    Oliver Lee’s home at Dog Canyon Ranch has been completely rebuilt from ruins. It is authentically furnished providing visitors with a glimpse of Lee’s life at the ranch. The house is closed for renovations. Please monitor the park events page to find out when tours resume.

    Want to Visit?

    The campground, just southwest of the mouth of Dog Canyon, is dry and rocky with desert grasses, mesquite, ocotillo, creosote, yucca, and various species of cacti. The sites vary widely in elevation offering privacy and incredible views across the Tularosa Basin.

    Travel Tips:

    Peak season for the park is October through April Park Elevation 4,400 ft We are the closest campground to White Sands National Park (30 min. / 27 miles) The park makes an excellent base for day trips Ruidoso 1.25 hours / 66 miles Three Rivers Petroglyph Site 56 min. / 50 miles Cloudcroft 44 min. / 35 miles There are attractions in Alamogordo less than 30 minutes away Alameda Park Zoo New Mexico Museum of Space History Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine McGinn’s Pistachio Land The nearby Lincoln National Forest offers miles of trails ranging from very easy to very challenging

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 - $14 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    3. Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground

    50 Reviews
    164 Photos
    529 Saves
    White Sands, New Mexico

    The high wall, needle-like spires of the Organ Mountains curve dramatically around a semicircle of Chihuahuan Desert habitat at the Aguirre Spring Campground. The campground, nestled at the base of spectacular cliffs, overlooks the Tularosa Basin and White Sands National Park. Alligator juniper, gray oak, mountain mahogany and sotol are a few of the abundant plant species here. Seasonal springs and streams occur in the canyon bottoms, with a few perennial springs that support riparian habitats. Entrance Gate Hours (change with Daylight Savings Time) Winter Hours (Nov - March): 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Summer Hours (March - Nov): 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. The campground has a total of 55 sites that are available at a first come, first served basis, and two group sites that can be reserved by calling 575-525-4300. Water is only available at the entrance of the recreation site by the Camp Host Site. RVs can camp in the campground but should be aware that the road up to the campground becomes narrow and winding. Due to safety precautions for vehicles, the recommended max length for RVs is 23 feet. All sites have a shade shelter, picnic table, grill and tent pad.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Chosa Campground

    4. Chosa Campground

    50 Reviews
    103 Photos
    377 Saves
    Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

    Chosa Campground consists of a 3.5-acre, pipe-rail fenced pad that offers a trash container and a safe parking space for your Recreational Vehicle plus a protected area to set tents, whatever your camping style. Chosa campground provides visitors a fee free location strategically located between two national parks with Carlsbad Caverns a short 11-mile drive north and Guadalupe Mountains National Park 27 miles south on highway 62.

    • Dispersed
    • Trash
    • Alcohol
    Camper-submitted photo from Las Cruces KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Las Cruces KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Las Cruces KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Las Cruces KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Las Cruces KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Las Cruces KOA

    5. Las Cruces KOA

    47 Reviews
    125 Photos
    89 Saves
    Mesilla, New Mexico

    This KOA is conveniently located one mile from I-10, overlooking the amazing views of Las Cruces, Mesilla Valley, and nearby mountains. Many upgrades have taken place over the last year, including Wi-fi with which you can stream and zoom, paved streets and a new playground. Choose from breathtaking view sites, big-rig friendly pull-thru sites, KOA Patio Sites with fire pits, Tent Sites or one-room Camping Cabins with refrigerator/freezer and fire pits. An RV wash area (Care Camps donation encouraged), 24-hr laundry and heated pool (seasonal) will complete your visit. Many come for one night and end up staying longer. Visit La Mesilla, known for its rich history and great cuisine. Shop for local specialties, chilies, and pecans at the popular farmers' market in downtown Las Cruces. Other area attractions include White Sands National Park & Missile Museum, Spaceport America Visitors Center, and the New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. Pool: Mid May – Sept 31st. Max pull thru 85 ft.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from USA RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from USA RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from USA RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from USA RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from USA RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from USA RV Park

    6. USA RV Park

    48 Reviews
    170 Photos
    160 Saves
    Mentmore, New Mexico
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $25 - $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Albuquerque KOA Journey
    Camper-submitted photo from Albuquerque KOA Journey
    Camper-submitted photo from Albuquerque KOA Journey
    Camper-submitted photo from Albuquerque KOA Journey
    Camper-submitted photo from Albuquerque KOA Journey
    Camper-submitted photo from Albuquerque KOA Journey

    7. Albuquerque KOA Journey

    45 Reviews
    73 Photos
    151 Saves
    Monticello, New Mexico

    Welcome to Albuquerque KOA. We have a beautiful campground nestled close to the Sandia Mountains. Whether you are looking for a big rig friendly 80 foot RV sites, cabins , or just tent camping, we are your Albuquerque campground . We have a swimming pool, indoor hot tub, mini golf, playground, horseshoes and a huge park for your pets. We are definitely pet friendly . We are here to help you relax and take care of all your camping needs. There's plenty to do during your camping stay with us. Our KOA is conveniently located near attractions such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , the world's longest aerial Tramway , and we are the closest campground to Expo New Mexico Fairgrounds. The campground is also conveniently located near a variety of restaurants, the aquarium, zoo, multiple museums and the fascinating Old Town shopping district.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Raptor Lake Dispersed / Holloman Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Sante Fe National Forest BLM-Road 62 Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground

    10. Sunset Reef Campground

    37 Reviews
    67 Photos
    252 Saves
    Carlsbad Caverns, New Mexico

    Sunset Reef Campground is a reclaimed well pad with 11 developed campsites; five RV spaces and six tent sites. Each site has a shaded picnic table, fire pit and grill for your camping convenience with a vault toilet on site. Visitors can dry camp at this campground for a maximum of five nights for free. If on the hunt for a great place to camp while exploring the two national parks in the area, this is the place to stay! Carlsbad Caverns is a 25-minute drive (14 miles) to the north and Guadalupe Mountains National Park is a 35-minute drive (30 miles) to the southwest. __

    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Dispersed
    • Tent Cabin
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 830 campgrounds

Recent Reviews in New Mexico

4043 Reviews of 830 New Mexico Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Whites City RV Park
    Jan. 22, 2025

    Whites City RV Park

    One Night Stay if you can’t boondock

    The campground is old and unkept. Definitely not worth $41 per night. We stayed because we needed electric to heat our camper due to unusually cold weather. There is BLM land a mile down the road. It is truly unfortunate the Campground has fallen into such a state of disrepair. It once was a thriving place.

  • Luke G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon
    Jan. 18, 2025

    Dog Canyon

    Be careful

    Great views and very accessible. Although, at 1am as I was sleeping in my car, a UTV pulled up behind my vehicle and started flashing their lights. I quickly drove but they followed me down the dirt road. Pulled infront of slammed on their breaks but luckily was able to get around them and make it to the highway.

  • Matthew D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rio Costilla Park
    Jan. 15, 2025

    Rio Costilla Park

    Beautiful Area

    It is very well kept and managed. The care takers are nice. It's a little more expensive to stay per night than a state park but the views are well worth it.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oregan Wilderness Dispersed
    Jan. 9, 2025

    Oregan Wilderness Dispersed

    Overnight stop

    The road is a bit rough but we found a great spot to spend the night. Sunset on the Organ Mtns was beautiful and we woke up to a light dusting of snow.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Dog Canyon
    Jan. 9, 2025

    Dog Canyon

    Overnight stop

    Great views with easy access for our overnight stop before heading into White Sands NP the next morning. A few other campers out on this cold January evening but it was quiet.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Clayton RV Park
    Jan. 8, 2025

    Clayton RV Park

    Perfect Winter Overnight

    Stopped here just for an overnight. Deep cold, light snow. Cozy and quiet spot this time of year. Used power, but no water. Bathrooms are dated, but clean. Wifi worked well.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from SaddleHawk Ranch
    Jan. 8, 2025

    SaddleHawk Ranch

    Truly amazing people !

    I booked a stay during a New Mexico snow/ice storm!! I went past the farm by a couple blocks and couldn’t get turned around or backed up. The wife opted to have her husband come get me into place. The farm is full of animals with a beautiful view and great rates. In addition it’s an EQUINE SAFE HAVEN. So if you ever come to visit please leave a little extra cash, They’re doing Gods work here and it truly a blessing to see.

    I will be back!

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Whites City RV Campground
    Jan. 7, 2025

    Whites City RV Campground

    Overnight stop

    We moved from our free dispersed campsite to fill up, charge up, shower and do laundry. Very friendly staff and clean facilities. It appears to be heavily used during peak season at Carlsbad Caverns. We treated ourselves to a delicious burger at the Cactus Cafe after our last tour the the caverns.

  • Michael D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Near City of Rocks
    Jan. 7, 2025

    BLM Near City of Rocks

    Open BLM land

    This is open BLM land. When you turn off Highway 61, you go through a gate. There are multiple pull-outs along the road. Great views, desert terrain. I have good cell service, and my home fi hot spot is working great.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Reef Campground
    Jan. 7, 2025

    Sunset Reef Campground

    Three nights base camp

    We stayed three nights for free while hiking and exploring Guadalupe Mountain NP and Carlsbad Caverns NP. Plenty of space and a room to let the dog explore. Close to both parks. Even in January the spots stayed full but there is lots of room around the parameter. We preferred those spots as it kept more distance from the other campers.

  • Stephen A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Mesa Top Camping
    Jan. 7, 2025

    Mesa Top Camping

    Most interesting spot we have stayed at.

    My wife and I drove in late 9PM Friday night and host was there to meet us. Our 27ft class C RV made it up the hill, but kinda bumpy steep road. Rode our bikes all over Madrid and spent a lot of time exploring Madrid Cemetary, which is Awesome! The view and spot are breathtaking. We will return again.

  • Aly J.
    Camper-submitted photo from White Rock Visitor Center RV Park
    Jan. 6, 2025

    White Rock Visitor Center RV Park

    Great for exploring the area

    We stayed a few nights to explore Los Alamos and the park. It's convenient to have the grocery store within walking distance, and there's a YMCA in Los Alamos where you can purchase shower passes for $5. Nice staff at the visitor center as well.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Zia RV Park
    Jan. 4, 2025

    Zia RV Park

    Very nice

    Very nice RV park. Called an hour before had a few spots left. Pull through campsites. Nice accommodations. Recommend.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hacienda RV Resort
    Jan. 4, 2025

    Hacienda RV Resort

    Unimpressed👎🏼

    This campground was a Huge disappointment for us. I planned and made reservations last August for Thanksgiving 2024. We are retired military and wanted to spend the holiday close to El Paso, TX.
    Looking forward to our holiday reservation , we arrived @ Hacienda to find out that the campground had (without notice) moved us to a site in the back of the park with No picnic table, & No fire ring. The explanation we were given was that it was an “emergency.” We were also advised that we could have paid an extra fee to “keep” our reservation, but that we didn’t do that when we made our reservations. To their credit, they did reimburse us for one free night stay.
    HOWEVER…….people make reservations for a reason and because Hacienda made this unwanted change without our knowledge or consent, our Thanksgiving was unmemorable.

    I feel that campgrounds such as Hacienda who want an extra fee to “hold” a reserved site certainly take their patrons for granted. If we ever return to the southwest, we won’t stay @ Hacienda. We should have and will stay at the Ft. Bliss RV Park instead.

  • Rosie G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver City RV Park
    Jan. 4, 2025

    Silver City RV Park

    Great for overnight

    Very small and tight park. It was basically cheap and cheerful. Used the laundry which wasn’t exciting but it did the job. You can walk to the old town from here. It was $40 for the night which we thought ok. Gravel lots but flat.

  • Jorge G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Meadow Creek Road
    Jan. 4, 2025

    Meadow Creek Road

    About a dozen dispersed sites in the first 1/4 mile

    Meadow Creek Rd starts out as a well maintained dirt road with a handful of sites marked by fire rings. There are two main spurs before the road gets too rough for most cars and those spurs also have two to three well spaced out campsites each. 

    Plenty of space to stretch out at each spot, well situated halfway between Silver City and Lake Roberts, with plenty of hiking in the immediate vicinity and world class natural and archeological attractions a short distance away in the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. 

    No amenities, but free. Leave no trace and pack out ALL your trash. The Gila is exceptionally remote and all trash is difficult to remove. 

    T-Mobile cell service was spotty, but somehow still available in some clearings and higher areas.

  • Luke M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Campground
    Jan. 3, 2025

    Black Canyon Campground

    Well spaced lots, amenities, beautiful trails, and wildlife!

    To begin, the lots are far enough away from fellow campers that you're seldom disturbed by noise or movement. During the day, there will be plenty of new faces passing through to get to the Black Canyon Loop, which has its access point at the back of the camping property. There are, I believe, three pit toilets (possibly four, but I only recall seeing 3, one at the entrance, one on the right hand side up the pavement, and one before the trail access point). The trail is phenomenal. The incline is quite steep, but the loop is a reasonable length and I've seen families with young children and elderly folks successfully complete the loop. In the spring and early summer a small (VERY small) stream cuts through the trail from the snowmelt. You're likely to encounter wildlife in the evening if there aren't many campers, as bears are everywhere here. While HIKING at this location in the off season (site is closed for winter, but you can still access the trail) my wife and I encountered large mountain lion tracks. Parking at the lots is limited, with most spaces only fitting one car comfortably, and the space for tents varies but isn't enormous. Overall, a very cozy, shaded, quiet campground right off the main road making driving up or down the mountain for more trails during your stay very feasible. I personally have no cell service here, and use Mint Mobile, as a heads up. There is a functioning payphone near the entrance.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from BLM Dispersed camping along B059 New Mexico
    Jan. 1, 2025

    BLM Dispersed camping along B059 New Mexico

    VERY rough unpaved road

    My bus was squeaking, twisting, driving at an angle, and it was a brutal drive... While I'll not come back because it's not well maintained, it does have very beautiful vistas, so that's why it got 3 stars.

  • Jorge G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Apache Creek Campground
    Dec. 31, 2024

    Apache Creek Campground

    Perfect secluded free stopover

    Lovely area in western NM. Many spaces to set up and hunker down for a night or two. The general lack of amenities probably precludes a long term stay for most. Access to the rest of the forest and great hiking on a dirt road headed south. Lower elevation than other areas nearby so it stays snow free through the winter for the most part. 

    The general store nearby is also a nice plus. No T-Mobile cell service anywhere in the area though.

  • Brad H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Taos Monte Bello RV Park
    Dec. 22, 2024

    Taos Monte Bello RV Park

    Exceptionally Clean, Centrally Located, Amazing Owner

    I stayed here the second week of a two week vacation to the Taos area. I had been at the State Park out of Pillar the week before. As a veteran RV owner and road warrior for many decades I know my stuff. This RV park is very well maintained and managed. The owner went out of her way to provide tips and maps of things to do in the area. It is out of the way yet close to everything you’d want to do. I highly recommend!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe KOA
    Dec. 22, 2024

    Santa Fe KOA

    Great Spot

    Great location just outside of Santa Fe, super easy to get to off of I-25. Bathrooms are clean and showers are comfortable. Everything is well maintained and the dog park is a massive plus if you have pups. There’s a little road noise, but not bad, and definitely worth it for ease of use. Would recommend!

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bosque Redondo Park
    Dec. 21, 2024

    Bosque Redondo Park

    Basic quiet layover

    Site is about 2 miles of main highway on paved road. Sites look like they double as day-use, with small shelter, picnic table, trash, grill, and fire pit. Some right on pond. Park has playground and vault toilets. Very quiet. Good star gazing.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Swingle Canyon
    Dec. 20, 2024

    Swingle Canyon

    Overnight stay

    Easily found the dispersed sights from the app. Spent a very quiet night nestled back off the highway under the stars.

  • Luke M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Tesuque Campground
    Dec. 14, 2024

    Big Tesuque Campground

    Stunning, Running Water, and Clean Restrooms

    I will start with the only downside of this site: it is very active with hikers, families, dogs, and photographers. You can expect dozens upwards of a hundred faces a day hiking up here which can be extremely annoying and the car traffic can drive you nuts. That said, for the ease of access, for the beautiful trails, and for the clean amenities I think it is worth it. In the winter right before the ski area opens is your best bet for quiet camping. But in the summer, spring, fall, and during ski season you will have a lot of friendly faces. Again, not bad, but I know some folks are very interested in getting "away" from people while camping. To those I recommend this site for hiking and not staying. Highly recommend for folks who are less physically abled; I developed a heart condition which limits my abilities most days and the ease of access to these sites and close parking is great for someone who wants to be in touch with nature while enduring limiting conditions.


Guide to New Mexico

Camping in New Mexico offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and diverse campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet place to unwind, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Explore the outdoors: New Mexico is known for its beautiful parks and recreation areas. Check out the Valley Of Fires Recreation Area for hiking trails and breathtaking views. One camper said, “The RV area sits on a ridge. Great views.”
  • Visit local attractions: The Albuquerque KOA Journey is just a short drive from city attractions. A visitor noted, “The site is spotless and the security (urban location) is excellent.”
  • Enjoy stargazing: Many campgrounds in New Mexico are away from city lights, making them perfect for stargazing. One camper at The Box Recreation Area mentioned, “Great views and incredible star gazing.”

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at the Valley Of Fires Recreation Area said, “Park and bathrooms are very clean.”
  • Family-friendly amenities: The Albuquerque KOA Journey has a pool, playground, and mini-golf, making it a hit with families. One parent shared, “Jump pad, playground, mini golf and a really nice pool were the highlights.”
  • Scenic views: Many campgrounds offer stunning landscapes. A camper at the Turquoise Trail Campground remarked, “Great spot not too far from Albuquerque, very peaceful and quaint.”

What you should know

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near highways or train tracks, which can be noisy. A visitor at Isleta Lakes & RV Park noted, “The trains sound their horns very late at night and early in the morning.”
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Escondida Lake Park & Campground mentioned, “The campground has the basics but that's it.”
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at San Antonio Bosque Park shared, “There is a lot of fresh black bear scat throughout the campsite.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose kid-friendly spots: Look for campgrounds with activities for children. The Albuquerque KOA Journey has a playground and pool, which kids love. A parent said, “Clean, modern and convenient showers were pluses for Mom and Dad.”
  • Plan for noise: If you're camping near busy roads, bring earplugs for the kids. A reviewer at Route 66 RV Park mentioned, “While it seemed close to I40 you could not hear the traffic.”
  • Pack snacks and games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games during downtime. A camper at Turquoise Trail Campground noted, “The campground is clean, the sites are well groomed with camp pads level.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Route 66 RV Park said, “The spot I was assigned had a 30-degree drop and 6-foot reach to the utilities...not doable for my 18-foot camper van.”
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. The Valley Of Fires Recreation Area offers some sites with electric hookups, which is a plus.
  • Arrive early: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Isleta Lakes & RV Park advised, “Campground doesn’t take reservations so arrive early.”

Camping in New Mexico can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and unique campgrounds this state has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available in New Mexico?

    According to TheDyrt.com, New Mexico offers a wide range of camping options, with 830 campgrounds and RV parks in New Mexico and 167 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground in New Mexico?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground in New Mexico is Bottomless Lakes State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 65 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping in New Mexico?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 167 free dispersed camping spots in New Mexico.

  • What are the best parks in New Mexico?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks in New Mexico that allow camping, notably Carson National Forest and Lincoln National Forest.