Best Tent Camping near Cleveland, NM

Carson National Forest surrounding Cleveland, New Mexico offers several tent-only campgrounds with varying levels of amenities and accessibility. Trampas Trailhead Campground provides free primitive tent camping with 4-5 sites featuring rock fire rings and picnic tables. Located about 2 hours from Albuquerque, it serves as an excellent staging area for backcountry tent camping at Trampas Lakes. Nearby, Trampas Medio Campground offers 3-4 tent sites along the Rio de las Trampas, though with limited separation between sites. For tent campers seeking more established facilities, Cowles Campground in the Pecos Wilderness area (open May to November) provides walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and access to fishing ponds.

Most tent campgrounds in this region have minimal amenities, with vault toilets being the most common facility. Access roads vary significantly in quality, with some requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain when dirt roads become muddy. Forest Road 207 near Trampas Trailhead is generally well-maintained, while FR 639 demands good shocks and higher clearance. Many sites lack potable water, so campers should bring their own supply or be prepared to filter from streams. Fire restrictions are common during dry seasons, and bear-resistant food storage is necessary. The 14-day stay limit applies to most public land camping areas, and cell service is typically unavailable within 30 minutes of most campgrounds.

Tent campers frequently use these sites as bases for hiking and backpacking trips. According to reviews, the creekside locations provide pleasant white noise for sleeping, though some roadside campgrounds experience traffic noise during the day. One visitor noted that at Trampas Trailhead, "the campground provides great access to an amazing trail" leading to alpine lakes. The region's higher elevation means temperatures can drop significantly at night, with one camper reporting chilly conditions "even in July." Winter camping is possible at some year-round sites, though snow drifts can reach 3-5 feet deep, effectively closing many access roads until late spring.

Best Tent Sites Near Cleveland, New Mexico (28)

    1. Trampas Trailhead Campground

    2 Reviews
    Llano, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 632-2956

    "The Trampas Trailhead campground gets 4 stars not because it's a great campground (it's good, don't get me wrong) but because it provides great access to an amazing trail."

    "Wonderful trails and mountain views, I have been there 2 times in the last 10 years..."

    2. Panchuela Campground and Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    Tererro, NM
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 757-6121

    "We drove out to the Pecos Wildness and decided to backpack a trail called Cave Creek, this is a mild trail about 2.8 miles in and 2.8 out."

    "Campsite is situated at the Cave Creek trailhead, a cool hike to some local caves. It's 5 bucks for the night, 2 dollars day use, all backpacking tent sites. Some shelters."

    3. Enchanted Circle Campground E<< - #1 Campground in NM

    7 Reviews
    Angel Fire, NM
    25 miles
    +1 (254) 434-8657

    $75 / night

    "You will feel like you are alone in the back woods where someone set up a great camping site. The fire pit is huge and has benches all around."

    "No electricity but water is available near the owners home. This is boondocking in a very safe environment! You do not have to worry about anything."

    4. Cowles Campground

    2 Reviews
    Tererro, NM
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 757-6121

    "Stay limit: 14 days

    This spot really has a lot to offer. There are trees on one side, a creek on the other, and 2 sites with shelters directly next to the parking lot."

    "Cowles campground in the Pecos Wilderness area is a launching point for the Windsor Trail which travels alongside beautiful Windsor Creek to Stewart Lake and Pecos Falls."

    5. Trampas Medio Campground

    1 Review
    Llano, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 438-5300

    6. Big Tesuque Campground

    10 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 753-7331

    "- Nice babbling brook alongside campsites, fun for kids to play in (COLD, but shallow), and makes for great white noise.

    • Convenient to Santa Fe (20-25 min from downtown)
    • drive up the mountain 4"

    "If you're tent camping, Big Tesuque is AMAZING!! It's small, but absolutely beautiful. Each site has a picknick table and a tent pad. There are basic toilets. No showers, no sinks."

    10. Aspen Basin Campground

    5 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 753-7331

    "Coming from Texas, I almost turned around to go back home with only 4 hours left of my drive because I was so terrified."

    "Most campers pitch tent in the wooded area in the center of the parking lot - this is off the west end of the parking lot. Wonderful trails and you get to camp right in the middle of an aspen grove."

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Showing results 1-10 of 28 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Cleveland, NM

647 Reviews of 28 Cleveland Campgrounds



Guide to Cleveland

Cleveland, New Mexico, offers a variety of tent camping options that allow outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the stunning landscapes of the region.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Enchanted Circle Campground features essential amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and firewood, making it a comfortable choice for campers.
  • At Panchuela Campground and Trailhead, visitors can enjoy drinking water and toilets, ensuring a more convenient camping experience.
  • Cowles Campground provides a picturesque setting with access to drinking water and trash disposal, perfect for families looking to enjoy the outdoors.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • The Trampas Trailhead Campground offers great access to hiking trails, allowing campers to explore the beautiful mountain scenery.
  • Campers at Winsor Ridge Trailhead can enjoy fishing in the nearby creek, making it a popular spot for those looking to cast a line.
  • Trampas Medio Campground is ideal for ATV enthusiasts, providing access to trails that wind through the stunning landscapes of the area.

Explore these specific local attractions

  • The Panchuela — Santa Fe National Forest is located near scenic hiking trails that lead to breathtaking views and local caves.
  • Hodges Camp is a great base for exploring the surrounding Carson National Forest, known for its diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
  • Campers at La Junta Canyon can enjoy the tranquility of the forest while being close to various hiking opportunities and natural attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cleveland, NM is Trampas Trailhead Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Cleveland, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.