Camping options near Bloomfield, New Mexico range from basic tent sites to upscale glamping experiences, with elevations typically between 5,500-6,500 feet. The San Juan River watershed creates a unique desert environment with cottonwoods along waterways and juniper-pinyon terrain in higher elevations. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F while winter nights frequently drop below freezing, requiring appropriate seasonal gear.
What to do
Fishing access: Navajo Lake State Park offers excellent trout fishing opportunities within 30 minutes of Bloomfield. "The sites had shelter, access to water and good Marina. Not many marked trails but you can still explore. Temps were good with the breeze to help," notes Thomas E.T. at Sims Mesa Campground.
Hiking trails: Multiple trails around Mesa Verde National Park connect visitors to archaeological sites. "Highly recommend the far view site and farming terrace hikes. Also the hike down and back from step house was awesome!" shares Elena C. who stayed at Morefield Campground.
Train viewing: The historic Durango-Silverton narrow gauge railroad passes directly through some campgrounds. "The greatest thing about this campground though is that the Durango steam train goes right through the campground. To see the historic train right from your camper or tent window is pretty great," explains Nick S. who stayed at United Campground of Durango.
Mesa Verde exploration: Several campgrounds position visitors within minutes of Mesa Verde National Park. "Located 1/2 mile east of the National Park entrance. Sites are roomy, property very clean and staff friendly," writes John H. about Mesa Verde RV Resort.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain exceptional hygiene standards. "Free showers. Free and unlimited hot water. Just not enough hooks," notes one Morefield Campground visitor, while another adds that "the hot showers were amazing."
Water views: Lake-adjacent sites provide direct water access. "We spent two nights here. I think I would've chosen the loop with campsites 1 through 19 instead of the other loop that we stayed at...the other loop most likely would have a view overlooking the lake more," advises Lisa M. about Sims Mesa Campground.
Evening tranquility: Most campgrounds quiet down significantly after sunset. "Target Tree has awesome campsites. It sits between Mesa Verde and Durango and is a perfect launch for this area," writes Dave about Target Tree Campground.
Wildlife sightings: Area campgrounds offer opportunities to observe deer, elk and birds. "Deer came out around 6 pm. Bear area, none seen," reports Michael at Mancos State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Water levels fluctuate significantly with drought conditions. "So many of our fine bodies of water boaters and anglers have come to rely on for recreation are in serious jeopardy due to a 10 year what is termed 'Exceptional' drought conditions," warns Gail about Navajo Lake.
Road access: Some campgrounds require driving on potentially rough roads. "My only complaint I guess would be the road in from the main highway was pretty rough and had lots of potholes. That road is about 17 miles long," notes Lisa M. about access to Sims Mesa Campground.
Hookup limitations: Not all glamping areas near Bloomfield offer full utility connections. "We liked being in Mesa Verde Park. Free showers. The people running the camp store were friendly," reports Sarah L. who stayed at Morefield Campground.
Tent site quality: Some designated tent areas have challenges with terrain. "The tent space #2 that we stayed in was barely a site. Carved out of the slope, the quite small site was not flat, limiting the way we could sleep," warns Erika G. about one campground.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several campgrounds near Bloomfield offer swimming pools for family enjoyment. "The campground was relatively small so nothing was too far away. Laundry facilities were nice. Lots of showers that were private stalls. Lots of activities to do," reports Ellen T. about Durango RV Resort.
Activity options: Many facilities provide family-friendly amenities. "This was our 1st experience into the world of RV campgrounds...The putt putt was fun and the playground area was very well maintained. There was a SPACIOUS dog park," notes Lauren N. about Mesa Verde RV Resort.
Tent camping with kids: Choose camping areas with appropriate terrain for family setups. "IF you are tent camping, the tent pads are chipped rock, not round gravel. Bring an extra tarp or two to protect your tent footprint," advises J.B. about Target Tree Campground.
Winter accessibility: Most glamping in Bloomfield, New Mexico area campgrounds reduce services during winter. "The winter glamping experiences provide peaceful solitude with fewer crowds but may have limited facilities available," reports one camper about their off-season experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose your campsite strategically for the best experience. "We were in campsite 26 and it was a little difficult to get our trailer into it because we had to back uphill," notes Lisa M. about Sims Mesa Campground.
Power considerations: Test electrical connections before setting up. "The only ding that I'd give this place is that there may be some power issues depending on the site. Thank God we had the surge protector and that I tested the outlet before plugging into the RV," advises Glenn F. about HTR Durango Campground.
Site dimensions: Verify your RV will fit in your reserved space. "If your RV/toad or travel trailer plus pickup is much over 48 feet, you'll be out in the road. They WILL put you in too small a space," warns Gary S. about one campground's space limitations.
Highway noise: Consider proximity to roads when selecting glamping spots near Bloomfield. "First come first served (I think some people missed out even this late in the season), quite a bit of road noise at times due to being next to a big hill on the motorway," notes Andrew H. about Target Tree Campground.
