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. 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."

    2. Moore's RV Park & Campground

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

    $45 / night

    "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."

    "There were lots of families around. "

    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

813 Reviews of 136 Aztec Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • CThe 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 🤷🏼‍♀️

  • Ricky R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Tico Time River Resort

    Quiet off season RV Park with full hookups

    Our site was full hook up 50 amp and pretty much level. The pad was rock and sand. Overall park occupancy was low due to off season. Good off season rate for 3 or more nights. Overall park was clean and quiet. 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

  • A
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Bayfield/Durango Dispersed Camping

    Easy location

    We were able to find this spot easily off the road. Spots are very spread out and not a lot of them that we passed but there’s a couple literally on the road that we stayed at

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Junction Creek Campground

    Excellent Campground! 10/10

    One of the nicest BLM campgrounds I have stayed in. Spacious sites, super clean vault toilets, and even has electrical hookups, which is partially why I decided to stay here since I needed to top off my batteries. T electrical was shut off due to the government shut down, but was still the same price, so that sucks, but that’s not the fault of the host. Still an excellent campground.

  • Ken B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Missionary Ridge Road

    Missionary Ridge Road

    The road up is fine for 2wd but holy crap it’s twisty! I have a full size pu and you definitely wouldn’t want to take anything bigger. We grabbed the second site up so not sure what’s beyond. 1-3 bars for Verizon.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Durango RV Resort

    Clean and easy, Really Liked It

    We ended up in a huge site in the outside edge of campground so no one on either side. The Traffic noise is a little loud but the site size and views make up for it. The entire grounds feel spacious which is not true for a lot of parks. This park is designed for the customer, not the business. Has a really nice playground, putt putt and pickle ball courts. Laundry room was fine. A few machines out of order but it dies the job. It is really nice and I would stay again.


Guide to Aztec

Camping near Aztec, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning views and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Explore the scenery: The Angel Peak Scenic View Campground is known for its breathtaking views. One camper said, "Let me say WOW! Beautiful campground. Great facilities."
  • Visit historical sites: Check out the nearby Chaco Culture National Historical Park. A reviewer from the same campground mentioned, "Stayed overnight on the way to Chaco. Quiet, clean bathrooms, spectacular views."
  • Hiking and outdoor activities: The Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area is perfect for hiking. One visitor shared, "Bisti was magical... We got to do a bunch of exploring."

What campers like:

  • Peaceful environment: Campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere at places like Brown Springs Campground. A reviewer noted, "Only a few others there the night we stayed so it was quiet and peaceful."
  • Clean facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Junction Creek Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper remarked, "The vault toilets were super clean and had plenty of TP."
  • Stunning views: Campers rave about the views at Angel Peak Scenic View Campground. A visitor said, "Amazing views. At this time of year, only a couple of other RVers out here."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Brown Springs Campground, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "No potable water available."
  • Road conditions: Accessing some sites can be tricky. A reviewer for Junction Creek Campground warned, "The gravel road leading to the campground is VERY rough wash-board."
  • Reservations recommended: Popular spots like Junction Creek Campground fill up quickly. One camper advised, "I would recommend booking at least a month out."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with well-spaced sites, like Junction Creek Campground. A family reviewer said, "The campsites are well spaced apart with a variety of sizes."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A camper at Oasis RV Resort and Cottages mentioned, "It has a pool, laundry, even a breakfast spot."
  • Pack for weather changes: Nights can get chilly, especially at places like Angel Peak Scenic View Campground. One camper noted, "At night it got pretty chilly."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A reviewer at Junction Creek Campground said, "Most sites were occupied. You can reserve sites in advance."
  • Be prepared for rough roads: Some campgrounds have bumpy access roads. A camper at Brown Springs Campground warned, "If it is raining or has been raining it WILL be muddy."
  • Bring your own firewood: Many campgrounds, like Angel Peak Scenic View Campground, do not provide firewood. A visitor mentioned, "NO firewood."

Camping around Aztec, New Mexico, has something for everyone, from stunning views to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

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.