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.

New Mexico

The Best Camping in New Mexico | 100+ NM Campgrounds

Are you in need of a campground near Alire, NM? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Alire

The Best Camping Near Alire, New Mexico

Chama River RV Park & Cooper's El Vado Ranch

Campground is closed for current season of use. Coyote Ranger District @ 575-638-5526 for current status

The Rio Chama is a developed no-fee campground where reservations are not required. Located along the Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River, the developed campground offers a great place for families,

Ten individual campsites each include a picnic table and a campfire ring. RV's up to 20 feet can be accommodated in only a few sites.  No potable water, or hookups.  

Rio Chama Campground - Temporarily Closed

Oak Point Campground

## Overview

Lake Fork Campground sits in the Rio Grande Forest, 40 miles northwest of Antonito, Colorado. The campground is a true getaway from any city, and requires an 18-mile drive on a gravel road. This high elevation campground boasts limitless beauty with mountain peaks, alpine wildlife spotting and several varieties of birds.

## Recreation

The campground is convenient to several trails, such as Lake Fork to Big Lake and Conejos Peak to Blue Lake.   
  
The Conejos River is a Gold Medal River, meaning it offers the greatest potential for trophy trout fishing. Rainbow and brown trout are the most common species in the river.

## Facilities

Some campsites overlook the river. There is one centrally located drinking water spigot. All parking spurs are gravel. Firewood can be purchased on-site. No electric hookups are available.   
  
Campers will find an old-fashioned steel tub bath at Brummel's Rocky Mountain Lodge about 10 miles south.

## Natural Features

The campground is located in south central Colorado on the banks of the Conejos River. It is shaded by spruce, aspen and a few cottonwoods and willows at an elevation of 9,500 feet.   
  
A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area, including black bears, deer and marmots. Wildflowers dot the region, creating colorful landscapes for photography enthusiasts. 

## Nearby Attractions

Take in spectacular views of the Conejos Canyon and River along Forest Road 250.

Lake Fork Campground

## Overview

Riana Campground is located on a 150 ft. bluff overlooking the scenic Abiquiu Lake in northern New Mexico, just one hour northwest of charming Santa Fe. The lake sits at an elevation of 6,400 feet on the Rio Chama, a tributary of the legendary Rio Grande. 

## Recreation

Abiquiu Lake offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. The fishing here is some of the finest in northern New Mexico.   
  
Visitors enjoy boating, water skiing, and hiking. Lake shore access for boat launching is 1 mile from the campground. 

## Facilities

Riana Campground hosts 52 campsites, 13 of which have electric and water hookups. Flush toilets, showers, and drinking water are provided, as are picnic shelters, grills, lantern posts, and tent pads. A playground and dump station are located on-site. 

## Natural Features

Fragrant Pinion pine, juniper, and sage cover the campsite, providing a distinct smell of northern New Mexico, but offering limited shade. Colorful rock formations surround the park.  
  
Visitors are awarded a panoramic view of the narrow mesa, Cerro Pedernal, locally known as "Pedernal." Famous American painter, Georgia O'Keefe, had her ashes scattered over its top. 

## Nearby Attractions

Northern New Mexico is full of beauty and history. The educational and historical Ghost Ranch is about 10 minutes from the park.   
  
The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, San Pedro Wilderness, Cumbres Toltec Railroad, Chaco Canyon, and Bandelier National Monument are all nearby.   
  
The ski-town of Taos is just over an hour away, and colorful Santa Fe is an hour southeast, both with restaurants, shops, and museums.

Riana - Abiquiu Lake

Trout Lakes

El Vado Lake State Park

 Roadside campground adjacent to U.S. Highway 84. The campground contains 9 campsites with 3 small pull-throughs. Campground cannot accommodate large RVs. There are no hookups but potable water is available at the Group Shelter next to first campsite. Paved trail from campground accesses the Echo Amphitheater Trail. Spectacular views along an easy trail to eroded dramatic cliff face.

Echo Campground 

Star Dance

2020 - OPEN AGAIN per website: 41 campsites near the shores of six small ponds at 9900' with 2 picnic spots above at Upper Canjilon Lakes. Open without a concessionaire (no trash collection, no water, no restrooms). Closing will be weather dependent. Visitors must pack out all trash and human waste.

Lower Canjilon Lake Campground

Join the fun near Malaga. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Malaga, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Malaga

The Best Camping Near Malaga, New Mexico

Probably the Land of Enchantment’s most well-known city, Albuquerque, New Mexico deserves a spot in your next travel itinerary. In the city itself, you’ll find a handful of KOAs and private campgrounds to accommodate tents and RV camping.

You don’t have to go far to find the best camping near Albuquerque. The Sandia Mountain Wilderness is US Forest Service land just east of the city, between Albuquerque and Tijeras, NM. It’s a great place to spend a night or two! On the city’s west side, you’ll find Petroglyph National Monument. Though there are no campsites there, it’s worth a day trip to enjoy the area and learn about the history.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Albuquerque, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Albuquerque Camping | New Mexico Campgrounds

Are you in need of a campground near Las Cruces, NM? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Las Cruces and user-submitted reviews.

Las Cruces

The Best Camping Near Las Cruces, New Mexico

Join the fun near Rio Rancho. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Rio Rancho, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Rio Rancho

The Best Camping Near Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Are you in need of a campground near Enchanted Hills, NM? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Enchanted Hills, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your New Mexico camping adventure.

Enchanted Hills

The Best Camping Near Enchanted Hills, New Mexico

The Sangre de Cristo foothills offer some of the best camping opportunities near Santa Fe, NM. Get supplies in the city before venturing out to campsites. Surrounded by national forests and natural areas, Santa Fe has plenty of campgrounds to offer. Camping in the national forest by the badlands gives outdoor enthusiasts plenty of opportunities for adventure from hiking the trails to riding ATVs. Campers looking for stunning views of these New Mexico foothills and valley will want to make the drive up to Santa Fe Skies Park. It’s RV-friendly and campers won’t complain about the views no matter where their site is located.

Santa Fe

The Best Camping in Santa Fe | New Mexico Campgrounds

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Roswell, NM is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. 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. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Roswell camping trip.

Roswell

The Best Camping Near Roswell, New Mexico

Farmington, NM is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Farmington is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Farmington

The Best Camping Near Farmington, New Mexico

South Valley is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. South Valley is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near South Valley, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

South Valley

The Best Camping Near South Valley, New Mexico

Are you in need of a campground near Clovis, NM? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Clovis campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Clovis, NM. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Clovis

The Best Camping Near Clovis, New Mexico

Searching for the best camping near Carson National Forest, NM? Carson National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Carson National Forest

The Best Camping Near Carson National Forest, New Mexico

Lincoln National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Lincoln National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Lincoln National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.

Lincoln National Forest

The Best Camping Near Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico

Santa Fe National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Santa Fe National Forest campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Santa Fe National Forest

The Best Camping Near Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico

Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands camping trip.

Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands

The Best Camping Near Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, New Mexico

El Morro National Monument is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of El Morro National Monument. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your New Mexico camping adventure.

El Morro National Monument

The Best Camping Near El Morro National Monument, New Mexico

Searching for the best camping near Chaco Culture National Historic Park, NM? Chaco Culture National Historic Park is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Chaco Culture National Historic Park, reviewed by campers like you.

Chaco Culture National Historic Park

The Best Camping Near Chaco Culture National Historic Park, New Mexico

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Gila National Forest, NM is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Gila National Forest, NM. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Gila National Forest

The Best Camping Near Gila National Forest, New Mexico

Are you in need of a campground near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, NM? 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. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Cibola National Forest and Grasslands camping trip.

Cibola National Forest and Grasslands

The Best Camping Near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, New Mexico

Looking for the best campgrounds near Conchas Lake, NM? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Conchas Lake. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Conchas Lake and user-submitted reviews.

Conchas Lake

The Best Camping Near Conchas Lake, New Mexico

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Rufus Woods Lake, NM is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Rufus Woods Lake campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Rufus Woods Lake, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Camping in Alire

Top Campgrounds in Alire (98)

1.