Lake 13-Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge, near Maxwell, New Mexico, is a straightforward spot for those looking to enjoy some peace and quiet while soaking in beautiful views. This area is perfect for tent and RV camping, offering a true boondocking experience without the frills—no electric hookups or showers here, just nature at its best.

Visitors have noted the spaciousness of the site, with picnic tables and trash bins available for convenience. The pit toilets at the entrance are a nice touch, and many campers appreciate the well-maintained gravel roads leading in. One reviewer mentioned, “Great site for a touch-n-go overnight stay while traveling,” highlighting its appeal for those on the move.

The scenery is a big draw, with stunning views of the lake and opportunities to spot local wildlife. Campers have enjoyed the tranquility, with one stating, “Quiet, just you and the wildlife.” It’s a great place to unwind, especially if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

While it’s easy to access from I-25, some have pointed out that privacy can be limited, especially during busier times. However, the overall vibe is relaxed, making it a solid choice for a quick getaway or a peaceful night under the stars. Whether you're passing through or planning a longer stay, Lake 13 offers a simple, scenic retreat.

Wildlife watchers and seasonal recreationists are invited to use the primitive camping area (located adjacent to Lake 13) year-round for up to 5 days. The camping area continues to be available during the annual fishing season from March 1 to October 31. Vault toilets can be found at the entrance road to the lake. Be sure to come fully prepared as no facilities are provided. Parking or staging unattended vehicles is prohibited.

Lake 13-Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge

Cimarron, NM is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that New Mexico camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Cimarron, reviewed by campers like you.

Cimarron

The Best Camping Near Cimarron, New Mexico

FREE campground! Large relatively flat grass lot with garbage cans and picnic tables. Pit toilets and recycling at  the entrance. The lake was completely dry but has fishing and trolling motor boats only allowed when there is water. Very quiet place to stay the night. There was only one other camper that showed up when we stayed here. Lots of wildlife and pets allowed on leash.

Empty Lake but FREE.

It’s places like this that make me realize this how possible Van Life is!

I rolled in at 9pm when I had reservation issues else where, after finding this online at 830pm. There are full bars and open spaces. I felt bad rolling in to the lot because there were other people set up and tucked in. A few were blasting music and chatting loudly, but everyone was quiet from 10pm to 8am. I car camp, but the people staying were full timer van life or family’s camping out for the weekend. With spring coming in, the birds were a great natural alarm. Sure the lake was empty, but it’s free, easy to find, and free. The pit toilets were clean, and there were a few picnic tables at a few spots and lots of trash cans to keep it clean. Plus, the Milky Way was to die for. 

I pulled into a tall grassy area so I felt kind of guilty in the morning when I saw they cut the grass in recommended dispersed spots. It wasn’t an issue though, set up anywhere as long as you’re not being a jerk. 

It’s very accessible, good views, 30 mins from capulin volcano and sugarite state park. 

Last minute solution, full bars

Really lovely drive out here, gorgeous view of the stars at night. Toilets at the front, a few picnic tables and sites. No campfires allowed. 

Really nice, would stay again

Super pretty sunset and sunrise. Got here at sunset and just pulled up no hassles. Very quiet people wise, and lots of pretty bird tweets. Also the drive to get here was stunning. First time car camping and couldn’t have asked for anything better. 

Wow so pretty 

A bit of the way off the paved road.  Do NOT follow GPS, follow the signs for the Maxwell wildlife refuge.  

Camping is right next to the lake in an open field with picnic tables and trash.  

We arrived and there was a schoolie and a van.  Later that evening a class A pulled in next to us but there was plenty of room.  There were some flies but not enough to bother with.

We have a 43’ fifth wheel and made it there with no problem so definitely big rig friendly

Remote and quiet

Camping area has maybe 6 sites, each with a picnic table, but the view looks out onto the lake where hundreds of waterfowl floated. Sandhill cranes were just arriving with many other species. The primitive sites filled up the night we were there, even with a long Class A motorhome. Never saw any official personnel but the sites were mowed and clean. Only reason I don't give this a 5 is the lack of facilities.

Limited facilities, unlimited wildlife.

Came here on a Friday night and shared the place with only 2 other campers. The camping area isn’t huge but a few others could have been there and still had plenty of space. There’s a new picnic tables and several trash bins located in the camping area. There’s also 2 vault toilets that were clean. Not much of a lake left but plenty of birds &amp; beautiful sunsets to watch. Super easy to get to off the interstate and was very peaceful. Free &amp; felt safe! Also had great AT&amp;T service. 

Only stayed for a night but would stay longer

We stopped for just one night but could easily have stayed longer. Easy to find by just following signs. There were four of us total the night we stayed but it felt spacious nonetheless. Gorgeous setting. Very peaceful. Pit toilets. No water so come prepared. 

We had good TMobile cell connection.

Great spot! Birds galore!

Easy access.  Wide open and super peaceful, quiet. No one else out here. Easy access and camping adjacent to a dam overlooking a lake.

Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge

Came across this camp site by using this app ( The Dirt ) it’s helpful and especially when people like ourselves leave reviews like the other people left. First it’s clean and sorta small but great to you off the hwy and take small break. Just like the other’s reviews. I’ll be back when it’s not cold. 

Free camp site. 

Fantastic sites. We got one by itself near and old boat ramp. Level and a pull through. 
Easy access. Just go straight northbound on the main road till you see the sign for Lake 13. Sites are on the west shore. 

Waterview for free

Stayed: 5/20/2022

Cost: FREE

Site: N/A

Vehicle: Buick Verano

Equipment: Tent

AT&amp;T and T-Mobile: Good service

  

We had an extremely windy night that almost had us take the tent down and car it. If it wasn’t for that, this place was great. It’s a wide open area with trash cans and pit toilets. Nice little spot to setup for a night!

  

#DareToEverywhere

Nice spot for a night.

Mawells wildlife refuge 

Only the sounds of nature, other than the flies around 3pm it was perfect. In winter or loads of rain the dirt road could become very difficult to pass.


October 2022

Nothing fancy but great views of the lake and always some amazing waterfowl. 
Just drive in and pick one of 4 spots. We’re always the only ones there. 

It’s Free

Nice views, level, has a pit toilet, trash and recycling. It was a nice spot to spend a night heading home. There are several picnic tables too. We pulled in around 5pm on a Friday and there were 3 other vans in the camping area with plenty of room. 


Easy to access off 25

This is a good spot for a quick, free overnight 

Nice small Boondocking area 

Great location about half way between Albuquerque and Colorado Springs. I snuck in late one night and napped 2 hours near the pit toilets and left before daylight, so as not to disturb the campers with my brief stay. Pit toilets a plus of course. 
Can be frosty. 


Easy access from I-25, not much privacy 

We stayed here 1 night on our trip back to Texas from Colorado.   

  

Plenty of room for several rvs/vans  and tent campers.  Picnic tables and trash bins available.  No shade, no potable water, no electric, no sewer.  True boondocking site.  There are pit toilets at the entrance to the camping zone.   Roads are gravel and well maintained.    

  

Great site for a touch-n-go overnight stay while traveling.

Fantastic views

There are reports of bears in the area (wildlife refuge).  This is a great Boondocking spot, the ground is nice and level, there is a lake here but it appears to be fenced off.  The view is breathtaking, the sounds of nature are all around you.  I'll be coming back again for sure 

Photos of Lake 13-Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge

Real photos from real campers