Searching for the best camping near Glenwood, NM? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Glenwood and user-submitted reviews.
"There are 12 sites with tables, fire pit, and barbecue reasonably level. Why a good location, because it’s between catwalk national recreational trail and the ghost town called Magpllon town"
$114 - $134 / night
"We are so excited to welcome the owner of this unique cabin listing. Enjoy a soak in the hot tub, gaze at the starry night sky, and listen to the silence."
"Shaded, near road but little traffic."
"Like my title implies, this is where you go if you really want to “get away” from It all! This gorgeous campground is remote, very remote."
"Great campsites within walk distance of the lake! Down fall is the campsites are big (enough room for all your camp friends) but you can only have two cars per site. Don’t let this keep you away!"
$26 - $90 / night
"It is still a great place to escape the desert heat. It was 115 when we left the big city."
"The squirrels are voracious and chewed through my stuff sack with sealed food that I left on the picnic table when I went for a bike ride around the lake."
$20 - $32 / night
"Lots of shade and easy paths for walking around the grounds, plus there's potable water at several sites."
"Located next to Big Lake, the campsite was in a great location. Firepit, picnic table and restroom facilities close by. The camp host Bob was very nice and had plenty of firewood for purchase."
"Little bit of walk to river but not bad. Was post monsoon weather. River was flowing fast and looked like chocolate. A lot of side roads for 4x4, quads etc."
"Just a walk from the river and a nice riparian area. Campsites have a ramada with picnic table and a fire ring."
$25 - $35 / night
"Nice Park just outside/south of the Gila National forest. Perfect spot if one wants to park and then drive into the Kila forest or cliff dwellings."
"Perfect location to leave our trailer and go out exploring!"
GuideWe're frequent campers, and this is one of our favorite spots in AZ!
The tent-only campground is small, but the sites are large and have multiple great clearings for tents. Lots of shade and easy paths for walking around the grounds, plus there's potable water at several sites. Central bathrooms with running water are kept very clean, plus there's trash service and a (very friendly) camp host if you need anything.
Directly across a small road from Big Lake and the boat ramp. There are several places to go right down to the shore, and it's only a 5-6 minute walk along the road to the general store and boat rental area, where there's also a fish cleaning station. Brookchar is just down the road from the giant Rainbow Lake, so you'll hear some RVs and ATVs on the road, but very minimal.
We camped in site 12, which in our opinion is the best! Closest to the lake with water views, plus parking right outside your site for 2 vehicles (other sites, you park in a main lot). Bring your fishing gear and kayak/SUP (can also rent very reasonably)!
Over Memorial Day weekend, we saw highs close to 80 and lows in the high 30s/low 40s. Only sprinkled once!
It's also just an hour from Pinetop-Lakeside, so it's easy to make grocery stops or even grab a coffee (try Pinetop Coffee House + Roasters right on the highway!) on your way in/out.
ScoutLike my title implies, this is where you go if you really want to “get away” from It all! This gorgeous campground is remote, very remote. But oh so perfect for taking the time to unplug and enjoy some truly breathtaking nature. Many of the campsites are a quick walk away from the water. Speaking of water, there’s lots of opportunity to fish! There are vault toilets close to most sites, though some require a bit more of a walk. There is a “fishing store” and check in building where odds and ends including firewood can be purchased. Definitely worth the drive up from Tucson!
LegendBighorn, NM: great for stopover., As it is right off the highway (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 3 perfect for a stop over Security: no Usage during visit: light Site Privacy: no Site Spacing: OK Pad surface: dirt Outside Road Noise: some highway noise Through Traffic in campground: no Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no, Dump Station: no, Potable Water Available: no Generators: allowed Bathroom: pit toilet Showers: no Setting: parallel with creek, just off the highway. Solar: great Insects: none during our visit in April. Host: no Sites: along the creek bed, just off the highway.
ScoutIt’s dry camping only meeting no water and put toilet. There are 12 sites with tables, fire pit, and barbecue reasonably level. Why a good location, because it’s between catwalk national recreational trail and the ghost town called Magpllon town
GuideIt had been 28 years since we last camped at Rainbow. It is still a great place to escape the desert heat. It was 115 when we left the big city. Five hours later we found ourselves camped at 9100 feet, enjoying the cool temps in the mid 60's and the passing rain showers. Aspens, pines, and wildlife were all in abundance. Big Lake is a good fishing lake too.
The sites have plenty of space, shade, and privacy. Roads are paved and in good shape. The restrooms were constantly cleaned by the very friendly and capable staff from recreation resource management which operates the campground for the forest service.
Firewood and ice are available (stage 2 fire restrictions were in effect so no campfires), water was convenient as was gray water disposal. There is a centralized dump station, showers, and a small but educational visitor center. Trash dumpsters are centralized and easy to access.
If you don't fish there is still hiking to Mount Baldy, and short scenic drives to the very small towns of Greer and Alpine. We enjoyed exploring the miles of scenic forest roads, and wildlife viewing. We saw 4 Mexican gray wolves which was very special.
This is a very popular campground that accommodates all types of rigs. They do have first come first serve sites available, but it is recommended to make reservations at least 4 days in advance. Reservations can be made at recreation.gov. It's always best practice to print a copy of your reservation. There is no cell service in this area.
We look forward to camping again at Rainbow.
GuideNice place : water, sewer and electric Picnic table at my site but not at others . No public washrooms or showers. Didn’t see trash bins. Small place and close to town which is small also. Near Catwalk hike area in NM
RangerI spent 2 nights on my rode trip from El Paso to Provo. I reserved site 9 on Recreation.gov. The host expected me. The site was shaded encircled by pine trees and it was cool in late August. The squirrels are voracious and chewed through my stuff sack with sealed food that I left on the picnic table when I went for a bike ride around the lake.
NF Big Lake Rec Area is developed around Big Lake, which isn’t big. I asked the tackle shop clerk about swimming and he warned of hooks and lures. He said the water was fine except for a film of algae. I didn’t swim. The campground seemed used by anglers and off-roaders.
I found the first non-motorized trail off the gravel Forest Service road by the lake. It wasn’t walking distance from the campground. The forest had burned in 2011 according to warning signs, but by 2020 there was new growth and plenty of trees survived. The trail teamed with wildlife. There were squirrels and chipmunks everywhere. I spotted a group of elk cows and later mule deer bucks. I observed at least 5 species of birds. The forest was alive with activity. I didn’t see any people on the trail.
There were many dispersed camping spots throughout the forest and several campgrounds along black river.
I had a big juicy burger at the Alpine Grill and Still, whose bar area was open for dine in despite the coronavirus.
Despite the development, I recommend it.
LegendRainbow campground at big lake is magical! This is the place to beat the heat and make summer memories. Tucked into the pines and aspens this campsite is a quick drive or hike down to the lake. You can’t go wrong with any of the sites, including the first come first serve loops.
ScoutGreat campsites within walk distance of the lake! Down fall is the campsites are big (enough room for all your camp friends) but you can only have two cars per site. Don’t let this keep you away! Plenty of hiking trails and great camp hosts!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Glenwood, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Glenwood, NM is Bighorn Campground with a 3.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Glenwood, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 glamping camping locations near Glenwood, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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