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Best Tent Camping near Continental Divide, NM

322 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Tent camping in the Continental Divide area of New Mexico offers several primitive options with varying levels of development and accessibility. Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout provides a hike-in tent site surrounded by El Malpais National Monument, while Lobo Canyon Campground in Cibola National Forest offers a more traditional tent camping experience. Forest Service Road Large Camp provides dispersed camping options directly off the Continental Divide Trail for those seeking a more remote experience.

Most tent sites in this region have minimal amenities, with many lacking drinking water, showers, and flush toilets. Lobo Canyon Campground permits campfires and allows alcohol, while other areas like Chain of Craters restrict both. Tent campers should prepare for self-sufficient camping by carrying all water needed, as no potable water is available at most locations. The Forest Service Road Large Camp includes fire rings but otherwise offers few amenities beyond open space for pitching tents. The primitive nature of these sites makes them suitable for experienced campers comfortable with backcountry practices.

These Continental Divide tent camping areas provide exceptional solitude and natural surroundings. The dispersed sites in Cibola National Forest offer quiet camping experiences with good tree coverage for shade during summer months. Areas along Forest Service Road 456 provide spacious camping directly accessible from the Continental Divide Trail, making them ideal bases for hikers. Tent campers particularly appreciate the seclusion offered by these primitive sites. According to one camper review, "We were the only campers in the campground. Loved the quiet. This is dispersed camping in the national forest." The combination of mountain forest settings and minimal development creates an authentic outdoor experience focused on simplicity and natural immersion.

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Best Tent Sites Near Continental Divide, New Mexico (6)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Continental Divide, NM

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Tent Camping Reviews near Continental Divide, NM

322 Reviews of 6 Continental Divide Campgrounds

  • Michael M.
    Aug. 30, 2017

    Coal Mine Campground

    Great for a weary traveler

    Visited the coal mine campground after driving a 500 mile day, so it was a set-up eat and crash situation. I did make a reservation on line, but that cost more than the $5 per site fee and was not necessary even though it was memorial day weekend. The fee is great because it is primitive, no electricity, no water at all, not just hookups, but the bathrooms were nice and clean with no sinks.

    If you are prepared for a primitive camp with your own water and batteries for your electronics it is great. They have fire rings, grills, picnic tables and level places for tents.There are also nice back-in sites for boondocking RVs and the road up to the campground is fine for big rigs.

    I ran into two mountain biker's here from Ireland that were riding the Continental Divide trail from The Mexican border in New Mexico to the Canadian border in Montana. They were staying here since the Trail goes through here. Paddy & Conner were very interesting people and I was fortunate to have run into them here.

    I enjoyed my stay with a peaceful quite nights sleep and a short hike in the morning before breakfast cooked on the campfire. I would recommend this over a hotel stay if your passing through Grant's New Mexico on I40. You can probably get a site for the night anytime your passing through.

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 1, 2020

    El Morro National Monument

    Beautiful location

    El Morro National Monument features some amazing petroglyphs and the remains of a pueblo, offering fun hikes. Nearby is a free campground, first-come, first-served. There's water available except in winter (and then you can fill containers at the visitor's center) and vault toilets.

    Sites offer picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads. Some, because of their set-up, are better suited to tents than RVs, but because you can't reserve in advance, you'll get to choose what works best for you...assuming there's vacancy. In December it was cold and largely unoccupied, but in warmer months I'm guessing it fills quickly. Sit 5 is handicap accessible and located across from the bathroom.

  • G
    Mar. 19, 2021

    Joe Skeen Campground

    Premium free site

    Only 10 sites and all have covered picnic tables, bbq grill and fire ring. Unfortunately maybe 1 or 2 are level sites. A 30’ rv might be the max because of the uneven ground. I have a 22’ TT and had to use extra blocks to level out. When I arrived their were only 2 sites left. The one I didn’t pick was kinda part of a group site where the picnic tables were close otherwise the sites are 100’ or more apart. Half of the sites were occupied by either tents or people sleeping in their cars. Trash bins scattered throughout the park and 2 vaulted toilets in different areas. No water, electricity or dump. Because this area can fill up fast, it’s best to have an alternate plan, especially near the weekends.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 3, 2023

    Joe Skeen Campground - El Malpais NCA

    Very nice free campground

    Each site has a covered picnic table and fire ring. Fairly exposed to the wind. Vault toilets. BLM dirt road near the entrance you can walk / hike down. Brochures of El Malpais at the entrance to the campground. Got there at 4 pm and only half the sites taken. Not bad for a spring break Saturday. Eventually all the sites filed up. Woke up to a beautiful snow storm. Dogs are allowed on this national monument trails, but discouraged because of the sharp lava rocks.

  • Kelsey M.
    Oct. 24, 2018

    Gallo Campground — Chaco Culture National Historical Park

    Pretty Nice, No Water

    The Gallo Campground is the only campground in Chaco Canyon National Park so reserving ahead of time or getting there earlier in the day depending on the season are very important. The park is very remote so it's a long drive on a potentially very rough road to get in but once you're there the route is well worth the visit.

    I visited on a Wednesday night in mid October. The campground had filled up by about 2pm Wednesday and but was full by about 11am on Thursday.

    There is currently no potable water at the campground but water is available at the Visitors Center a short drive down the road. There are however flushing toilets and running water in the bathrooms. The campsites each have a picnic table and fire pit. I thought the set up of the tent only area was interesting. There is a parking lot area with sites surrounding it on three sides. The set up allows for privacy between the sites which are nestled in among the rocks and plants.

    I wish I had spent more time in Chaco Canyon exploring the sites, hiking, and going on tours. The daily tours and ranger talks provide more insight into the canyon's history than you can get with the self guided booklets.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2018

    Gallo Campground — Chaco Culture National Historical Park

    Car camping tucked Away from the world

    The campsites here are incredible! They are peaceful and tucked under an amazing starry sky. The ruins are unlike any other; visitors walk through the rooms sculpted by the puebloans a whole millienium earlier.

    Gallo is a great car campground that still feels remote and tucked away from the world. Park is accessed from 17 miles of passable dirt road. Driver beware: wet conditions may make muddy roads temporarily impassible by cars not up to the task—call ahead if concerned. Flush toilets are available in campground, but there are no showers or other amenities. There is drinking water by the visitor center, which is only another short drive down the road. Bring all food and supplies because there are no supplies available within 40 minutes of the park and that is at a gas station.

    Note about the few secluded tent only sites (sites 41-49): these sites do not allow you to park directly beside the site. You must walk your gear a short+ distance to a defined tent pad (mind the sizes when you reserve). Also, the way the wind blows through the canyon, sites 46-49 have no wind break, and fires may become too dangerous to light up. We camped in one of these and loved our experience. They have more space, are more private, and quieter. But setting up camp was more of a workout too!

  • M
    May. 28, 2025

    Coal Mine Campground

    USFS, 3.5 overall stars, quiet, clean restrooms, near Grants, NM

    No reservations accepted, but no one there so we had our pick (showed up on a Tues. in late May). Mens/womens restrooms look new, 2 of each, side by side. Sporadic 4g Verizon network (was VERY slow when it was up), sometimes no service. But, we were surprisingly able to watch end of game 4 Knicks/Pacers playoff, once it finally loaded! Short walking trail that is not marked well; took a side trip where it forked at the beginning and not sure where it went so, turned around. Right next to Hwy, but there was minimal traffic so no noise. Sheriff drove through once in evening. Some trees, some spots have some shade, elevation ~7000' or so (estimate). Some spots had nice space for multiple tents/sun shades. Most spots are level; those that weren't, were level enough, really not bad. Seemed safe enough. No water available, no hook-ups, no dump station.

  • Kelsey M.
    Oct. 24, 2018

    Gallo Campground — Chaco Culture National Historical Park

    Lovely

    Gallo Campground is the only campground in Chaco Canyon National Park so reserving ahead of time or getting there earlier in the day depending on the season are very important. The park is very remote so it's a long drive on a potentially very rough road to get in but once you're there the route is well worth the visit.

    I visited on a Wednesday night in mid October. The campground had filled up by about 2pm Wednesday and but was full by about 11am on Thursday.

    There is currently no potable water at the campground but water is available at the Visitors Center a short drive down the road. There are however flushing toilets and running water in the bathrooms. The campsites each have a picnic table and fire pit. I thought the set up of the tent only area was interesting. There is a parking lot area with sites surrounding it on three sides. The set up allows for privacy between the sites which are nestled in among the rocks and plants as well as ruins!

    I wish I had spent more time in Chaco Canyon exploring the sites, hiking, and going on tours. The daily tours and ranger talks provide more insight into the canyon's history than you can get with the self guided booklets.

  • Kelley G.
    Oct. 31, 2020

    Joe Skeen Campground - El Malpais NCA

    Beautiful overnight stay

    Stopped here for the night as our first campsite after purchasing our travel trailer.

    Gorgeous drive in from 40 to the campsite.

    Awesome pull-through site.

    Only saw one person doing tent camping. Looked like a cold stay Oct 30th-31st.

    Beautiful sunset, unfortunately slept through dawn.

    Moon was so bright we didn’t need a flashlight for the bathroom with a clear path from our site. Bear safe trash through out.

    Each site is spaces a decent amount apart from the rest.

    Quiet time 10 pm - 6 am.

    We saw chipmunks scurrying about in the morning. We were hoping to see more wildlife but can’t complain for pulling in around 3:30 and choosing from about 4 empty sites and leaving by 9 am.

    Very clean and safe toilet area. Incredible views!

    Watch your dogs stepping in cactus. Dogs need to be on leash, but not enforced. Our dog loved this spot but he did sniff cactus too close ouch.

    Highly recommend.

Guide to Continental Divide

Tent campsites near Continental Divide, New Mexico range from basic clearings to designated areas within coniferous forests at elevations between 7,000-9,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during daytime hours, dropping significantly at night due to the high elevation. Many dispersed sites in this region follow a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy with limited or no facilities, requiring campers to prepare for self-sufficient backcountry conditions.

What to do

Hiking access to primitive sites: Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout requires a hike-in approach and offers complete immersion in the volcanic landscape. "Ashley here with The Dyrt! We're happy to have this partner on our platform. Please note, due to wildfire there is no longer a bathroom. Please ensure you bring a portable toilet, no cat-holes," notes reviewer Ashley F.

Trail proximity: Camping at Forest Service Road Large Camp provides direct access to the Continental Divide Trail for day hikes or thru-hiking segments. "This spot is fairly wide open spacious, right off the Continental Divide Trail, and has two fire rings," according to Mike V.

Wildlife observation: The primitive camping at 4 R's Primitive camping places campers near the Wolf Sanctuary. Ashley F. notes, "This is a park and hike set-up. With gorgeous views and close access to the Wolf Sanctuary near by, this is a fun stay!"

What campers like

Summer shade coverage: The wooded setting at Cibola National Forest Lobo Canyon Campground provides natural cooling during hot months. Lauren M. confirms, "The camp spot is nestled in the trees and has plenty of shade for the summer months."

Campsite selection options: Despite being primitive, the dispersed camping areas offer multiple site options. "Great quiet dispersed camp ground. There were plenty of spots to choose from. The surrounding area is gorgeous!" reports Lauren M. about Lobo Canyon Campground.

Vehicle accessibility: Forest Service Road Large Camp can be reached by vehicle via specific forest service roads. Mike V. explains the exact route: "You can drive to this location Via forest service road 456 until it turns into FSR 239."

What you should know

Fire restrictions vary: While some areas permit fires in designated rings, others strictly prohibit them. Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout follows El Malpais National Monument rules with no fires allowed, while Forest Service Road Large Camp provides fire rings.

Water scarcity: No potable water exists at any of the Continental Divide tent campsites. Campers must bring all water needed for drinking, cooking, and washing during their stay.

Seasonal closures: Certain facilities close during off-seasons. At Lobo Canyon Campground, Lauren M. noted "Currently in April the picnic area was closed," despite the campground itself being accessible.

Tips for camping with families

Carry portable waste solutions: Following wildfire damage at some locations, toilet facilities may be unavailable. At Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout, Ashley F. advises "Please ensure you bring a portable toilet, no cat-holes."

Consider walk-in requirements: 4 R's Primitive camping requires a "park and hike set-up" which may present challenges for families with young children or substantial gear.

Pack entertainment: Limited amenities mean bringing your own activities. One camper at 4 R's mentions adapting to the rugged setting: "I had quite a bit of trouble moving here but the rest is great, I had a good time playing and being with my loved ones."

Tips from RVers

Site assessment for vehicles: Most tent campsites near Continental Divide have limited RV accommodations. Forest Service Road Large Camp's accessibility via forest roads should be evaluated before attempting access with larger vehicles.

Primitive preparations: No hookups exist at any campgrounds in this area. RVers must be prepared for boondocking conditions with self-contained water and power systems.

RV size restrictions: Larger rigs will struggle with access to most Continental Divide camping areas. None of the campgrounds in the region are designated as big-rig friendly, requiring careful vehicle selection or alternative arrangements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Continental Divide, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Continental Divide, NM is Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Continental Divide, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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