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Best Tent Camping near Aztec, NM

691 Reviews

Tent camping near Aztec, New Mexico provides access to diverse desert and river environments within the Four Corners region. Several tent-friendly options exist within a short drive, including Navajo Lake Relax Wild-u-can group campsite, which offers dedicated walk-in tent sites with basic amenities. Simon Canyon Trailhead Basecamp provides primitive tent camping opportunities with picnic tables and vault toilets. For backcountry tent camping experiences, Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp across the Colorado border offers established tent sites with mountain views. Buzzard Park near Navajo Dam accommodates tent campers during its mid-May to mid-November season.

Most tent campsites in the Aztec area are primitive with limited facilities. Walk-in tent sites at Navajo Lake Relax Wild-u-can include fire rings, toilets, and trash service, while Simon Canyon offers more basic amenities with vault toilets and picnic tables but no drinking water. Forest Road 316 dispersed camping areas permit fires but provide no facilities, requiring campers to pack in water and pack out waste. Seasonal considerations are important, as summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while winter camping options are limited. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly in dispersed camping areas. Most tent-only sites do not require reservations except for Navajo Lake's group site.

The tent camping experience near Aztec offers varying levels of solitude and scenery. According to reviews, Forest Road 316 provides "tons of spots as you go up, some more secluded than others" with landscape that "changes from piñon pine to an aspen grove." This variety allows tent campers to find sites matching their preference for privacy. Bay City Campground, though slightly farther, offers tent campers "gorgeous mountain views and a river" with established fire rings but no bathrooms. Cherry Creek Gravel Lot provides free primitive tent camping with "easy access" but campers note the "bumpy access road and highway noise." Most backcountry tent camping areas require self-sufficiency with no potable water sources, making them best suited for experienced campers prepared for primitive conditions.

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Best Tent Sites Near Aztec, New Mexico (11)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Aztec, NM

14 Photos of 11 Aztec Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Aztec, NM

691 Reviews of 11 Aztec Campgrounds

  • Andrea P.
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful spot! Can get some intense winds

    I loved my stay here--absolutely incredible views, not too crowded.  Covered picknick tables and good pit toilets.  

    I left my tent up while visiting Chaco.  Some wild weather came through and when I got back my tent had nearly gone over the canyon rim despite being staked down and weighted with my sleeping bag and pad.  I'd strongly recommend tying at least one tent line to the shade structure around the picknick table in times of iffy weather.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Brown Springs Campground

    Very Nice Campground & Free

    Brown Springs OHV Campground : (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4.5 Price 2024: $ Free Security: No, though patrolled Usage during visit: 3/4s Site Privacy: Dispersed junipers Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Gravel Reservations: No Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: If there are OHVs then there will be a lot. Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: No Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Pit toilets , moderately clean Showers: No Cell Service (AT&T): 4 bars Setting: amongst rolling hills, juniper and sagebrush Recent Weather: 70s Solar: Great Insects: None during our stay Host: No Rig Size: Large Sites: All 9 or so sites are nice w covered picnic tables.

  • Texas Roving Ranger
    Jul. 11, 2024

    Junction Creek Campground

    Quiet but busy campground

    Stayed 2 nights in July 2024. The campsites are well spaced apart with a variety of sizes for just about anyone except large Class As and long toy haulers. Most sites were occupied. You can reserve sites in advance. I would recommend booking at least a month out. Most sites were densely shaded. Not much option for solar. Quiet hours 10pm-6am. Generators allowed. Sites in the E loop have electricity. Restrooms were well maintained vault toilets. No showers anywhere in campground. Park host live on-site. Firewood for sale at host sites. Potable water is available. The gravel road leading to the campground is VERY rough wash-board. Secure your stuff and be ready for the bumpy ride.

  • Susan H.
    Apr. 23, 2018

    Angel Peak Scenic View Campground

    Stunning Views

    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. You will pass three day use areas all of which offer amazing views. Continue to drive until you reach the campground (which by the way is free) there are six campsites situated on the rim of the canyon. All campgrounds have picnic tables, some have covered picnic tables with fire rings. There are very well maintained trails that offer spectacular sights from all direction. There is vault toilets that are very clean, but no electricity, trash or water. So trash in, trash out.

  • Nicole J.
    Jun. 27, 2022

    Lake Farmington

    Nice camping spot

    It's a decent place to campout. There is no showers but there is a place to use the restroom. Restroom facilities were very clean and stocked with toliet tissues. The surrounding area was fairly clean. There is a picnic table available at every site with shade. Right now due to fire restrictions, there is no fire or charcoal fire allowed, only camp stoves are accepted. There is a fire burning pit for whenever the fire restrictions are lifted. We got a site near the lake which was very nice and peaceful. You are allowed 2 vehicles per site, up to 8 people per site. There is spaces for small/ large tents and RV as well. (No hookups). At night the gates do locked by themselves so you are unable to leave or enter the Lake after 10pm, gates unlock at 6am. There is a beach like area west of the camping area that allows people to rent any water gear(paddle board, kayak, lake floats). You can fish with a permit. You can call ahead to reserve a spot or you can walk in there is FCFS spots available!

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2019

    Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    Nice campground - High price

    Morefield Campground is the only campground in Mesa Verde National Park, but be forewarned, you might just experience a little sticker shot at the price. Cost for a tent site with NO hookups was almost$35 after taxes. The campground does has flush toilets and wifi through out the campground. Next to the camp store are showers and a coin laundry. Each campsite has a picnic table, tent pad and metal fire ring. The campsites really vary in appearance, some are out in the open right next to each other, other are in the trees and bushes which gives you a little more privacy, but most are still right next to another very close site. Some other these are perfectly level areas, others will have you going up of down stairs. The sites with stairs seemed to be slightly more secluded. While it was nice to have restrooms with running water, their was no way to dry your hands, so bring a towel with you as they have no paper towels or air driers for you hands. Water could be found at the restrooms. For you trash you had to find the one dumpster in the middle of the camping loop, but be warned, it could be difficult for some to open. I was a bit disappointed that the campground wasn't kept in better shape, especially for the price they were charging. Several campsites were closed due to needing repair, and the trail from the camp loop to the store was falling apart, it is need of new pavement or just remove it and go to a dirt path. They have Wifi, and said it was better the closer to the restrooms you were, but if a few people are using it, it really slows down. The Wifi was nice as you have no cell service in the campground. All in all this is a nice campground except for the price.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2019

    Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    Ranger Review of Banner & Oaks' Patriot Navy Blue T-Shirt At Morefield Cam

    Nice campground but a bit pricey

    Morefield Campground is the only campground in Mesa Verde National Park, but be forewarned, you might just experience a little sticker shot at the price. Cost for a tent site with NO hookups was almost$35 after taxes. The campground does has flush toilets and wifi through out the campground. Next to the camp store are showers and a coin laundry. Each campsite has a picnic table, tent pad and metal fire ring. The campsites really vary in appearance, some are out in the open right next to each other, other are in the trees and bushes which gives you a little more privacy, but most are still right next to another very close site. Some other these are perfectly level areas, others will have you going up of down stairs. The sites with stairs seemed to be slightly more secluded. While it was nice to have restrooms with running water, their was no way to dry your hands, so bring a towel with you as they have no paper towels or air driers for you hands. Water could be found at the restrooms. For you trash you had to find the one dumpster in the middle of the camping loop, but be warned, it could be difficult for some to open. I was a bit disappointed that the campground wasn't kept in better shape, especially for the price they were charging. Several campsites were closed due to needing repair, and the trail from the camp loop to the store was falling apart, it is need of new pavement or just remove it and go to a dirt path. They have Wifi, and said it was better the closer to the restrooms you were, but if a few people are using it, it really slows down. The Wifi was nice as you have no cell service in the campground. All in all this is a nice campground except for the price.

    Ranger Review of Banner& Oaks Patriot Navy Blue T-Shirt

    I really like this T-shirt. Fit is just right and the shirt is really soft, and has stayed that way after numerous washings. The best thing is that it is American made, hard to find much in the way of clothing that is anymore.

  • Texas Roving Ranger
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping

    Tranquil, secluded and scenic boondocking sites

    Just arrived at Angel Peak dispersed campground near Bloomfield NM. It's Monday July 9th 2024. We stayed one night. The gravel road from HWY 550 is in good shape. Only one other camper in the entire area. This is completely dry camping. No potable water nor electricity. However, each site has a fire ring, picnic table and shade shelter. Everything is very tidy. Only a small bit of litter in the fire ring. Clean vault toilet nearby. Strong 5G TMobile cell signal.

  • Cindy R.
    Jun. 28, 2021

    Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    Not impressed

    The Zuni Loop was the only area open when we were there. We tent camped. 

    Positives: showers were open, lots of deer, night sky, so close to the interior of the Park, bear boxes, flushing toilets and running water in bathroom sinks. 

    Negatives: smallest campsites I've ever seen > made it challenging to set up. We were told all toilets (3) in that loop were open, but they actually were not (the one closest to us was still locked until the 2nd or 3rd night). Not much privacy as the sites pretty much sat right on the road. 

    Conclusion: would not return. Would much rather stay in the state park near Mancos which had HUGE shaded sites.

Guide to Aztec

Tent camping options surround Aztec, New Mexico, with elevations ranging from 5,600 feet in town to over 7,000 feet in nearby mountain areas. The region experiences dramatic seasonal temperature variations, with winter lows often dropping below freezing and summer temperatures frequently reaching triple digits. These temperature extremes affect camping comfort and water needs significantly, with most primitive sites requiring visitors to carry in adequate water supplies.

What to do

Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds offer proximity to quality fishing. At Lower Piedra River Camp, campers report "plenty of camping areas along the river" with approximately "8 spots" available. Some sites require four-wheel drive vehicles for access.

Stargazing opportunities: The minimal light pollution at many dispersed sites creates exceptional night sky viewing. One camper at Cherry Creek Gravel Lot noted the "beautiful views, flora and fauna" with some spots offering "shade all day," ideal for stargazing setups.

Seasonal road closures: Before planning spring trips, verify access as many Forest Service roads remain closed until May. A visitor to Bay City Campground reported in April: "Road is closed as of today, think it opens in May."

What campers like

Varying levels of seclusion: Sites range from roadside to more remote. At Forest Road 316 Roadside Camp, one camper described: "Lots of spots along the road, never too busy. Can definitely hear some road noise, but good place to set up for a night or two."

Landscape diversity: The terrain changes dramatically across short distances. One reviewer noted that "towards the top the landscape changes from piñon pine to an aspen grove so you really get a few different options to fit what you're looking for."

Winter camping options: While many sites close seasonally, Cherry Creek Gravel Lot remains accessible year-round. A winter camper confirmed it as the "only free place near Durango in the winter. We called and asked the BLM & Forest Service."

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites have no amenities. At Cherry Creek Gravel Lot, reviewers mention "bumpy access road and highway noise" but appreciate the "easy access, lots of space" for overnight stays.

Road conditions vary: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. One reviewer noted their camper van couldn't navigate certain areas: "Getting up there was not possible in my Travato. I've got some Falken Wildpeaks so traction was not so much the issue as the uneven path up."

Wildlife encounters: Cattle grazing areas overlap with some camping sites. A camper reported: "Only con is there were a whole bunch of cows, making noise allllllll night long. If you can deal with that, then it's a great spot!"

Tips for camping with families

Group site amenities: For family gatherings, consider reserved group sites. At Navajo Lake Relax Wild-u-can (group campsite), one visitor described it as "Group Camping at its best!" noting that "Navajo Lake Group Camp offers the perfect setup for groups with 4 separate sites so each tent has their own space. They provide the tents so don't worry about packing them!"

Cost considerations: Verify fee status before arrival as some free-appearing sites actually charge. A visitor to Lower Piedra River Camp warned: "On this app it said free but was $28 FYI there is camping across the river entrance is east of sign for the lower P camp ground."

Generator noise: At primitive sites, generator use by neighbors can impact experience. One camper at Cherry Creek Gravel Lot reported: "There was one night an inconsiderate person parked his company truck and camper as close to me as was possible with wide open space all over and ran his generator."

Tips from RVers

Site sizes vary: Many dispersed areas can accommodate different vehicle types. At Jersey Jim Lookout, RVers should note limited space suited primarily for smaller vehicles, though nearby areas offer more options.

Off-season accessibility: Winter camping options exist but require advance planning. Many access roads close seasonally, with one reviewer noting Forest Road 316 is "currently closed. Assuming through March like most others in the area."

Generator etiquette: At busy locations, noise consideration matters. One reviewer observed Forest Road 316 has "TONS of places to pitch a tent or park a camper. That being said - lots of generators, moderate views, cars driving by often."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Aztec, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Aztec, NM is Navajo Lake Relax Wild-u-can (group campsite) with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Aztec, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Aztec, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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