Best Tent Camping near Española, NM

Española is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Española campgrounds just for you. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Española and user-submitted reviews.

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Best Tent Sites Near Española, New Mexico (33)

    1. Big Tesuque Campground

    10 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    22 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."

    2. Aspen Basin Campground

    5 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    21 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."

    3. American Springs

    4 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    21 miles

    "Just sad to see bullet casings litter ground and these trees that survived the most intense fire in new mexico are being shot up and destroyed. Shame on anyone doing this"

    "Any SUV could handle it but being in an extended length van limits where I can go. Very peaceful with a nice view down the canyon. Elk grazing below were the cherry on top."

    4. Trampas Trailhead Campground

    2 Reviews
    Llano, NM
    22 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..."

    5. Panchuela Campground and Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    Tererro, NM
    26 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."

    6. Taos Junction Campground

    6 Reviews
    Carson, NM
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8851

    "They have nice grills at the tent sites along 28th tables. Bathrooms were nice and clean and a close walk. With lots to do including fish and hiking trails. We look forward to going back."

    "The shelter provides nice shade. Bugs & dust were only real drawback. Oh, and it was hot!"

    7. Trampas Medio Campground

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

    8. Cowles Campground

    2 Reviews
    Tererro, NM
    26 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."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Española, NM

782 Reviews of 33 Española Campgrounds


  • M
    Aug. 7, 2021

    Jacks Creek Horse Camp

    Jack’s Creek

    Lovely small camping area about 15 mi north of Pecos, NM on NM 63. 2 loops. Good sites for car/tent camping. Well maintained with clean vault toilets. Fire rings and picnic tables. Rained every afternoon (real boomers!) while we were there, but no problem for us. Will definitely visit again!

  • A
    Aug. 13, 2020

    Jacks Creek Horse Camp

    Gorgeous but busy campground

    We arrived early on a Tuesday and snagged a tree heavy site on the upper loop. The sites on the outside of the loops are decently wooded, smaller and not well suited to RVs. The sites on the inside of the loops have longer, RV sized pull in and little trees. Vault toilets are well maintained by the very active camp host, Mark. There is potable water from a well two miles down the mountain and trash, but packing out much that can’t be burned is encouraged. Pick up firewood in Pecos, there is enough dead & down tinder at the site. Dogs allowed on leash at all times, quite time begins at 10pm. The closer we got to the weekend, the more crowded and noisy the site became. One night, multiple campers arrived after dark and noisily set up camp. I’m sure the state parks being closed forced more people into the National Forest, but it’s a great site. There are several trailhead and just down the hill is easy access to creeks and fishing. We had great weather, upper 70’s during the day, dipping to low 50’s overnight. Each site has large fire rings with cooking grates and at least one picnic table, some with two. Sites are close together so try to grab one at the end of the loop for a little privacy.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 3, 2024

    Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument

    Fascinating National Monument in Northern New Mexico

    This was our first time at this lovely National Monument and we simply loved it. The campground was small with only a few spaces for bigger rigs, but we fit without any problem. Love those small spaces! 

    The campground is perched on the mesa above the monument’s protected dwellings, artifacts and trails at the valley. You can get there by walking about 2.5 miles from the campground along a stunning trail, or driving around the road. We simply loved hiking here, choosing a different way each day over the four days we were there.  So much to explore!

    Campsites have the standard picnic table, bear box locker, and fire ring. The trees were mostly shorter scrub junipers and other high desert trees so there was lots of sunshine for solar powered rig, but no electrical service at any sites.  Nice privacy between sites.

    The bathrooms were clean, heated, and had flush toilets and running sinks with potable water, plus a small dish cleaning sink, but no showers. 

    The Visitor Center is an awesome CCC structure from back during the depression as are many of the hiking trails in the valley.   We were here for Halloween, so carved our pumpkins in memory and celebration of the people who lived here so many years ago.

    Nearby Los Alamos has all the services you need as far as supplies, services and restaurants. But if you can plan your hike to end before 4pm, the cafe at the VC is really worth it!!

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2023

    Riana - Abiquiu Lake

    Great views, great hosts

    Camped 2 nights at site #38 on the Puerco Loop. Reserved thru rec.gov while at the site. Wonderful campground hosts. Site was not quite level for our campervan, but close enough. Good views of lake & surrounding area from site. Vault toilet & drinking water a short walk away. Juniper provided minimal privacy. Site has lantern poll, fire ring, trash can & table. No hookups at this site. $6/night with senior pass. Restroom/shower house within walking distance. Facilities & vault toilets were very clean. Hiking trail in campground. AT&T & T-Mobile service. Overall, quiet & peaceful stay.

  • marycatmathis  ..The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2020

    Oak Point Campground

    Lovely, Beachy, Scenic

    These coordinates are a rough estimate, but this entire forrest road is filled with amazing campsites you can simply pull off and camp in. currently there’s a fire ban, so it makes it hard to stay warm at night, but the stars are amazing. it’s quiet. it’s lovely. there’s canyon walls for miles. it’s really amazing. some of these pics are from the nearby canyon that’s a bit of a walk up the road, but most are from our campground. loved our first experience camping in New Mexico!

  • Lisa C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2019

    Mora Recreation Area Campground — Pecos Canyon State Park

    Hike-In Only - Stunning Area

    My first backpacking adventure in Northern New Mexico took me from Iron Gate Campground to Mora Flats. BEAUTIFUL!

    A quick 4-5 mile hike in, we crossed the Pecos River and found a nice, shady spot in valley. It was peaceful, quiet and surprisingly cool for late-July. It rained each afternoon, but we had everything we needed to stay dry and cozy.

    The river provided plenty of trout for a nice rice and fish dinner. The sky provided plenty of stars for gazing.

  • Tim W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2023

    Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area

    Will go again

    We got there on a Friday and had our pick of sites. We picked one right on the river. No electricity. No water. No picnic tables. No trash receptacle. Vault toilets. Camp spaces are spread out. Some of the roads on the campground had deep ruts and pools of mud water but not all. You can see every star on a clear night. The road to the campground is about 6 miles of curvy dirt and gravel single lane. But a woman managed it in a Jaguar so not too bad just go slow. Rustic and relaxing.

  • T
    Jan. 23, 2018

    Santa Fe KOA

    Romantic Tent for Two Please

    My husband had the great idea of tent camping just the two of us. Up to this point our tent camping adventures were reserved for grandbaby time. But I said What the hey! Let's do it. I wanted somewhere cooler than home. The Santa Fe area had plenty to keep us busy for the week.

    We did not get a tent spot but opted for a small trailer site with electric and water. Our spot was near the bathhouse but not too close. Each site has native trees and plants, so everyone has privacy. The site had a nice flat spot for the tent, picnic table, fire pit and grill. We had more than enough room to set up our awning for a dining area. We loved our little spot for the week.

    The bathhouse was clean and very nice. New tile and fixtures. It was a little small for the size of the campground.

    They have plenty of activities there for everyone and in the evening it is very quiet.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Redondo Campground

    Set back in the pines

    A nice campground set north of the town of Jemenz Springs. There was a fire ban in place and the Forest Service was planning on closing the entire forest the morning after I showed up. I had enough time to camp and get in one hike to a social spring before they came through and closed everything up for safety. The campground was nice, but there was no water available (it had been shut off in preparation for the closure). The campsites were nice and well spaced with lots of pine trees around each site, so there was a lot of privacy. There was an abundance of pine needle duff covering the ground which would have been great until you considered the fire danger. Each site had a picnic table and fire pit (with bright tape over it to remind you not to use it).


Guide to Española

Tent camping near Española, New Mexico offers a blend of stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal escape for nature enthusiasts.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy the serene atmosphere and beautiful mountain views at Big Tesuque Campground, where a babbling brook provides a perfect backdrop for relaxation.
  • Experience the thrill of hiking at Panchuela Campground and Trailhead, located near the Cave Creek trailhead, which leads to local caves and stunning vistas.
  • Take advantage of the fishing opportunities at Cowles Campground, where kids can enjoy a dedicated fishing pond.

Amenities that enhance your camping experience

  • Aspen Basin Campground features picnic tables and toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay amidst the beautiful aspen trees.
  • At Taos Junction Campground, campers can enjoy drinking water, picnic tables, and clean toilets, making it a convenient choice for families.
  • Trampas Trailhead Campground offers free camping with picnic tables and toilets, perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly option.

Tips for tent camping near Española

  • Prepare for chilly nights, even in summer, at Big Tesuque Campground, where temperatures can drop unexpectedly.
  • Arrive early to secure a spot at Cowles Campground, as it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
  • Bring your own water to Aspen Basin Campground, as there is no drinking water available on-site.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Española, NM is Big Tesuque Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near Española, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.