Best Campgrounds near Counselor, NM

Northwestern New Mexico's landscape surrounding Counselor features diverse camping options amid dramatic badlands, mesas, and canyons. Gallo Campground at Chaco Culture National Historical Park provides established sites with basic amenities like drinking water and toilets, while Angel Peak Scenic View Campground offers dramatic canyon rim camping with vault toilets but no water. The Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area provides free dispersed camping in otherworldly badlands terrain. Several BLM-managed areas like Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Trailhead offer primitive camping options with minimal facilities. The region balances developed campgrounds with remote dispersed sites across public lands.

Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many campgrounds accessible only via unpaved roads that become impassable during wet weather. As one camper noted about Gallo Campground, "The last 5 miles of unpaved road getting to the park boundary will be a challenge, so take it slow." Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F during daytime hours with significant cooling at night, while winter brings freezing temperatures and occasional snow. Cell service is extremely limited across most camping areas. Many dispersed sites operate under pack-in, pack-out principles with no trash collection. Visitors should carry ample water supplies, as most sites lack potable water sources and shade is minimal in this high desert environment.

Stargazing opportunities receive consistent praise from campers visiting the region. According to one visitor at Bisti Badlands, "We were not able to have a campfire but did witness a magical sunset. This area is such a gem!" The unique geological formations provide distinctive camping backdrops, with Angel Peak described by one camper as looking like "a miniature Grand Canyon. Striations in the rock show its sedimentary origin, and the erosion reveals voids under the layers." Wildlife sightings include deer, elk, and various bird species. Weekday visits typically offer more solitude than weekends, particularly at free dispersed sites. Many campgrounds experience seasonal fire restrictions during dry periods, so visitors should check current regulations before planning campfires.

Best Camping Sites Near Counselor, New Mexico (59)

    1. Gallo Campground — Chaco Culture National Historical Park

    26 Reviews
    Nageezi, NM
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 786-7014

    $20 - $60 / night

    "This campground is not easy to get to, so get your head around that. The last 5 miles of the unpaved road getting to the park boundary will be a challenge, so take it slllooow."

    "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."

    2. Angel Peak Scenic View Campground

    24 Reviews
    Blanco, NM
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 599-8900

    "About New Mexico sunrises and sunsets, there are two shows daily, no reservations required!"

    "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."

    3. Horse Thief Campground

    1 Review
    Nageezi, NM
    16 miles
    +1 (505) 491-3030

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Owners Wayne & Yolanda have created a space for camping with desert all around. "

    4. Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping

    10 Reviews
    Blanco, NM
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 564-7600

    "There’s a handful of picnic tables but only one you can park right next to. They have shelters over each table if you’re a hammocker but given that it’s on the edge of a canyon it’s very windy."

    "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."

    5. Ah-Shi-Sle-Pah Trailhead Parking Lot | Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Nageezi, NM
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 564-7600

    "We didn't stay at this campsite, but it was one we were considering for this adventure and I'm really glad we decided on a different one because we did drive down the road that this is on and it was rough"

    6. Cuba Hwy Pulloff on Forest Road 88

    2 Reviews
    Cuba, NM
    27 miles

    "It was getting late after a full day of driving and I happened to find this site. No amenities, but we were the only people in the area. We were just thankful for a place to stop."

    7. Bisti / De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area

    10 Reviews
    Nageezi, NM
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 564-7600

    "Bisti was magical and I’m so glad I got to experience before we move out of New Mexico. We got to do a bunch of exploring and then headed straight off the “trail” to make dinner in our camper."

    "This free campground positioned us well to beat the heat and hike through the badlands first thing in the morning!"

    8. Rio Chama Campground

    14 Reviews
    Gallina, NM
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 638-5526

    "Rio Chama RV park in Chama, New Mexico, is at the intersection of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad and the upper Rio Chama. A nice place to stay May 1 thru mid October."

    "It's an easy dirt road drive down the river and you will pass many dispersed site and a couple of defined camping grounds."

    9. Fenton Lake State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 829-3630

    $15 - $90 / night

    "I’ve been coming to Fenton Lake for camping with family since I was little and we’ve always loved it. It’s beautiful and well taken care of."

    "We typically come up to Fenton Lake once a year and last year was fantastic however this year the park rangers aren’t that friendly (or that helpful)."

    10. Theresa's RV Park and Beauty Salon

    2 Reviews
    Cuba, NM
    30 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Spot was gravel/ground up asphalt, bit actually close to level.
    It was chilly (low 30s) at night but water still turned on.
    There is some highway noise but we got a good nights sleep."

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Showing results 1-10 of 59 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Counselor, NM

203 Reviews of 59 Counselor Campgrounds



Guide to Counselor

Camping near Counselor, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and rich cultural history. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do

What campers like

What you should know

Tips for camping with families

Tips from RVers

Camping near Counselor, New Mexico, is a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. Just be prepared for the unique challenges and rewards that come with it!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Counselor, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Counselor, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 59 campgrounds and RV parks near Counselor, NM and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Counselor, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Counselor, NM is Gallo Campground — Chaco Culture National Historical Park with a 4.4-star rating from 26 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Counselor, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Counselor, NM.