Best Tent Camping near Chimayo, NM
Multiple tent campgrounds surround Chimayo, New Mexico, with options in both the Santa Fe National Forest and Carson National Forest within a 30-40 minute drive. Big Tesuque Campground and Aspen Basin Campground offer established tent sites at higher elevations near Santa Fe, while Trampas Trailhead Campground provides free dispersed tent camping closer to Chimayo in the Pecos Wilderness area.
Most tent sites require walk-in access from parking areas, with distances varying from a few yards to several hundred feet. Campers should prepare for basic facilities, as most locations offer only vault toilets and no running water. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at established sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. A camper noted, "Big Tesuque has essential hike-in, uphill access where you must carry your gear. The further in your campsite, the more hiking you will do." Sites typically have small tent pads with limited flat areas for larger tent setups, and stay limits of 14 days are common across the region.
Tent camping areas provide access to numerous hiking trails and small streams or creeks, with many sites positioned alongside flowing water. Higher elevation campgrounds like Aspen Basin and Big Tesuque offer cooler temperatures even in summer months, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly. According to one visitor, "Chilly, even in July, just FYI, come prepared." Tree cover provides shade at most tent sites, though American Springs dispersed area shows evidence of fire damage with limited remaining tree cover. Weekend crowds are common at more accessible campgrounds, with one camper reporting that Big Tesuque "was already pretty busy Friday at noon when we arrived" and "the campground was full before dark." For greater solitude, weekday camping or more remote dispersed sites are recommended.
