Best Campgrounds near Aztec, NM

Camping options in Aztec, New Mexico encompass a range of established campgrounds and dispersed sites throughout San Juan County. Notable locations include Ruins Road RV Park within Aztec city limits and Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp offering primitive camping. The area provides several full-hookup RV parks with amenities alongside more rustic options for tent camping, with most campgrounds situated along the Animas River valley or on nearby mesas offering views of the surrounding landscape.

Many campgrounds in the region operate year-round, with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. The road quality can differ significantly between developed parks and primitive sites. As one camper noted, "The road in was quite rough and washboarded, so I had to drive slowly at about 10 mph for a while." Lake Farmington provides camping with basic facilities approximately 15 miles from Aztec, while Brown Springs and Angel Peak Scenic Area offer more remote experiences. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, making shade a premium feature, while winter camping requires preparation for freezing temperatures. Most established campgrounds provide at minimum vault toilets, but water availability is inconsistent across locations.

Campers consistently mention the diverse terrain and views as highlights of the area. Several visitors appreciate the balance of convenience and natural setting, with Moore's RV Park receiving positive reviews for its "nice shady sites" and swimming pool. For those seeking more solitude, the mesa-top locations provide expansive vistas. A recent review of Alien Run noted it as "a gravel parking lot with a shelter and bathroom" but gave it five stars for the "flat, very clean pit toilets, picnic tables with shade and a great trail." Most tent and RV sites in the region are within 30 minutes of services in Farmington or Bloomfield, making them convenient basecamps for exploring nearby attractions like Aztec Ruins National Monument or the quality fishing waters of the San Juan River.

Best Camping Sites Near Aztec, New Mexico (136)

    1. Moore's RV Park & Campground

    10 Reviews
    Bloomfield, NM
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 632-8339

    $45 / night

    "This seems to be one of the nicest RV parks in the Farmington New Mexico area. It's a family-run park and everyone has been super kind and accommodating!"

    "There was no lawn, but, that's not to be expected in high desert New Mexico. But, a lot of the sites(ours included) had very nice shade trees. A lot rv parks in the southwest there is zero shade."

    2. Brown Springs Campground

    12 Reviews
    Farmington, NM
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 564-7600

    "We got our permit at the nearby BLM office. The sand/gravel road to the Campground is decent, but almost got stuck in soft spots in our 21' motor home."

    "Beautiful stars, complete silence after the last OHV left around 10 pm. All we had to do was filling a permit online and email it to BLM. We woke up to the magnificent high desert."

    3. Angel Peak Scenic View Campground

    24 Reviews
    Blanco, NM
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 599-8900

    "About New Mexico sunrises and sunsets, there are two shows daily, no reservations required!"

    "The entrance is very understated and underwhelming, you will pass a oil construction area as you enter the park. As you continue driving almost instantly notice the gorge."

    4. Ruins Road RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Aztec, NM
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 334-3160

    $30 - $40 / night

    "Well maintained, relatively quiet location off from main roads. Sites are a little close but are gravel and pretty level."

    "Close to the nice Animas River!"

    5. Lake Farmington

    6 Reviews
    Flora Vista, NM
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 258-7146

    $10 / night

    "The surrounding area was fairly clean. There is a picnic table available at every site with shade."

    "Great staff, great hilltop location, 25 spots only a few for large Rv's so make a reservation 505 258-7146."

    6. Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp

    5 Reviews
    Aztec, NM
    7 miles

    "The road in was quite rough and washboarded, so I had to drive slowly at about 10 mph for a while. However, I took a different route on the way out, heading north, and found it much smoother."

    "Road was rutty but our 2wd van was fine, just drive slow."

    7. Bluffview RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Farmington, NM
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 278-8853

    $40 - $45 / night

    8. San Juan McGee Park RV Camping

    5 Reviews
    Bloomfield, NM
    10 miles
    Website

    $10 - $30 / night

    "Great place to camp Paved back in spots noting fact just a large parking lot Water and electric Showers and toilet away from camp sites but available"

    "Checking in was super simple and the location is clean and well laid out. They also provide showers and toilet facilities a short walk away. There isn’t much shade available."

    9. Tico Time River Resort

    7 Reviews
    Aztec, NM
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 903-0681

    $39 - $94 / night

    "sand bottom ponds with free stand up paddle boards, shuttles and tubes to rent to take you up river to tube back to the resort, white sand beach volleyball, trampoline, slip n slide into a catch pool next to"

    "Traffic noise from highway was fairly loud. Self check in during this time of year as office is rarely open. Best to make reservations online"

    10. Mountain View Campground

    1 Review
    Aztec, NM
    5 miles

    "Close to the quality fishing waters of the world famous San Juan river."

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Recent Reviews near Aztec, NM

817 Reviews of 136 Aztec Campgrounds


  • VanRumschpringa V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 3, 2025

    Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    Easy access to Durango, some sites better than others

    The series about 18 minutes south west of Durango. Relatively convenient for access to the town and activities in the area. The main road into the area is very easy navigable by any vehicle. Some of the side roads get significantly tougher. The sites in the middle tend to be better because they’re away from the highway and some sort of pumping station further on. The rhythmic sound of that pumping station can be maddening. We camps just beyond that and though we could hear it, our site was spacious and relatively quiet.

  • VanRumschpringa V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    Good free camping, some road noise

    There are 15 campsites. At the end of the trail is a turnaround. The sites are relatively large. Any vehicle could get up here without any problem. We stayed in site seven and had great views of the mountains.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 30, 2025

    Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping

    Amazing view

    Great place right on the ridge where you can see the view. Several spots that filled up both nights I was there (Tues & Wed). It is below freezing at night (mid-Oct) and it is high altitude. I had spotty cell service on Verizon and AT&T for work hot spot.

  • Chloe S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Moore's RV Park & Campground

    Pretty sweet little spot

    This seems to be one of the nicest RV parks in the Farmington New Mexico area. It's a family-run park and everyone has been super kind and accommodating! Lots of trees plenty of shade, The pool was closed while we were there but it wasn't a deal breaker, We would definitely stay here again if we're in the area. They are expanding the park they've been working so hard on it everyday.

  • Chloe S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2025

    Moore's RV Park & Campground

    Nice lil spot

    Seems like one of the nicest RV parks in the Farmington area. It's family run, and they are all super nice and accommodating. Safe, quiet, we would definitely stay again when we're in the area. Pool was closed while we were here,but definitely wasn't a deal breaker. Lots of trees

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Bay City Campground

    Great dispersed spot!

    This is our second time here. We were here in June and despite it being a small campground we’re able to secure two spots. We are back in October. The river is more shallow and the air more crisp, yet still gives the feel of such a natural feel and sound. Private, cozy, and secluded. Only 25 minutes from Durango. Hate to promote it because more people will seek it out.

  • kszakos The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Brown Springs Campground

    Wrong coordinates, deep sand

    When I copied the coordinates from this site to my map app, they let us to someplace about 10 miles away. We were way up on a dirt track and ended up having to turn around when it ended. I looked up the campground on Google and we follow those directions to the correct site, but then we got stuck in a wash where the sand was so deep our bumper got buried. Fortunately, an off-roader pulled us out. We never did make it to the campground, but stayed in a lower flat place.

  • Crystal B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    Great campground in National Park that was open during government shutdown !

    Thanks to the non-government workers at MVNP some of the services were still available! Campground offers many different options for sites with flush toilets nearby most sites. Showers at central location. 24 hour laundry. 2 restaurant/gift shop locations. Of course the scenery is beautiful!

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Angel Peak Scenic Area

    Found a spot that’s just right!

    Wanted to camp at the Angel Peak campground but all spots were taken. Drove to the picnic area and found a little spot just right for us, just before the picnic area, with a great view is Angel Peak. It’s free! Zero amenities but there is a vault toilet at the picnic area.

    The road from hwy 550 is all washboard but nice and wide and flat.

    The wind just got crazy wild now though 🤷🏼‍♀️


Guide to Aztec

Campground options near Aztec, New Mexico range from established sites with full amenities to primitive dispersed camping areas. The landscape includes facilities like Ruins Road RV Park located within Aztec city limits and Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp offering more remote experiences. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, while Moore's RV Park & Campground also provides cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort. The surrounding San Juan Valley offers a mix of desert terrain and river access points, with several campgrounds positioned near the Animas River.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the camping areas, with many sites accessible via gravel roads that may become rutted during wet weather. "It's a gravel parking lot with a shelter and bathroom. The road is ok. You do have to straddle some ruts but nothing a low to the ground car can't handle. It looks like it would be slick when muddy," noted one visitor about Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp. Weather patterns include hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and cold winters with occasional snow, particularly at higher elevations. Several campgrounds implement seasonal closures or limited services during winter months. Cell service remains strong near town but becomes spotty in more remote areas, especially in canyons and draws away from major roads.

Waterfront sites rank consistently high in camper satisfaction, with the Animas River providing a natural backdrop for several camping areas. Ruins Road RV Park receives positive feedback for its proximity to the river, with one camper noting it offers "a nice view of the trees along the Animas River and a short distance from the river." Lake Farmington campsites provide water recreation opportunities with boating and fishing access, though reviews indicate the sites themselves have limited shade. Public lands surrounding Aztec feature primitive camping with fewer amenities but greater privacy. Mountain biking trails near Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp attract outdoor enthusiasts, making the area popular for mixed-use recreation. The region experiences busy periods during summer weekends and holidays, with many tent and RV sites requiring advance reservations during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does camping in Aztec compare to staying in local hotels?

Camping near Aztec offers unique experiences and connections with nature that hotels simply can't match. At Rosa Campground — Navajo State Park, you'll enjoy expansive lake views and access to water activities like fishing tournaments and boating – experiences no hotel room can provide. Similarly, Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area offers magical landscapes and stargazing opportunities far from city lights. While hotels provide consistent amenities and protection from weather, they lack the immersive natural experience. Camping is typically more affordable than hotels, especially at public campgrounds. However, camping requires more preparation with gear and supplies. For those seeking comfort with nature access, Lake Farmington offers conveniences like reservable sites and toilets while still providing outdoor experiences.

Where are the best campgrounds near Aztec, NM?

Aztec offers several excellent camping options nearby. Ruins Road RV Park stands out for its well-maintained grounds, quiet location, and proximity to Aztec Ruins. For spectacular views, Angel Peak Scenic View Campground offers dramatic cliff-side camping resembling a miniature Grand Canyon with stunning sunrise and sunset views. Nature enthusiasts should consider Navajo Lake State Park, which features multiple campgrounds around a large lake with beautiful views, though sites can be close together and sometimes uneven. For a more adventurous experience, dispersed camping at Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp provides a secluded overnight option, though the access road can be rough.

What RV parks are available in Aztec, New Mexico?

Aztec and its surrounding area offer several quality RV accommodations. Moore's RV Park & Campground provides spacious, level crushed stone sites with shade trees – a premium feature in the high desert. The park is well-maintained and suitable for longer stays. Just down the street from the Aztec Ruins, Ruins Road RV Park offers gravel, fairly level sites with hookups in a relatively quiet location off main roads. For those seeking alternatives nearby, Bluffview RV Park near Farmington and San Juan McGee Park RV Camping provide drive-in access with amenities like water hookups and big-rig-friendly spaces. Both Tico Time River Resort and Brown Springs Campground offer additional options within reasonable driving distance.