Camping options near Kirtland, New Mexico range from basic tent sites to full RV hookups, with elevations between 5,500-7,000 feet creating distinct seasonal conditions. Summers reach 90°F while winter nights often drop below freezing, making spring and fall ideal for comfortable camping. The Four Corners region features juniper-piñon forests transitioning to higher-elevation ponderosa pines north of Kirtland.
What to do
Fishing at Navajo Lake: Navajo Lake State Park's Sims Mesa Campground, located about 40 miles from Kirtland, offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout and yellow perch. "Navajo Lake was a last minute reservation to escape the southern heat. SUCCESS, the sites had shelter, access to water and good Marina," notes camper Thomas E.T.
Ancient cliff dwelling tours: Mesa Verde National Park, about 80 miles from Kirtland, provides ranger-led tours of ancestral Puebloan sites. "Short hikes to transcendent points; clean showers; and they'll make you breakfast. If you find the perfect spot, it's sublime here," shared a visitor to Morefield Campground.
Mountain biking: The region offers trails for various skill levels. "We were only driving through, but what a beautiful location. We stayed at site 25 and no one stayed camped next to us. Pure heaven: trees, water, mountains, and silence," reports a camper at Mancos State Park, which connects to several mountain biking trails in San Juan National Forest.
What campers like
Yurt accommodations: Yurt camping near Kirtland, New Mexico provides a comfortable alternative to tent camping. Mancos State Park, about 75 miles from Kirtland, features "two all-season yurts" that remain available during winter months when other accommodations close.
Train viewing: United Campground in Durango offers a unique experience where the historic train passes directly through the property. "The greatest thing about this campground though is that the Durango steam train goes right through the campground. To see the historic train right from your camper or tent window is pretty great," explains Nick S. at United Campground of Durango.
Community spaces: Some campgrounds create social environments for meeting fellow travelers. "The amenities are good. Showers, bathrooms, ice, strong wifi, a kitchen, and a very fun communal patio space. Come here if you're camping near Mesa Verde and want to meet other travelers!" writes Cooper H. about Bright Star Campground.
What you should know
Tent pad surfaces: Many campgrounds in this high-desert region have challenging tent sites. At Target Tree Campground, one camper advises: "IF you are tent camping, the tent pads are chipped rock, not round gravel. Bring an extra tarp or two to protect your tent footprint."
Drought conditions: Water levels at lakes can vary significantly due to ongoing drought. "So many of our fine bodies of water boaters and anglers have come to rely on for recreation are in serious jeopardy due to a 10 year what is termed 'Exceptional' drought conditions," reports a visitor to Sims Mesa at Navajo Lake.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require traveling on rough roads. "The road in from the main highway was pretty rough and had lots of potholes. That road is about 17 miles long," notes a camper at Sims Mesa Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: During hot summer months, swimming pools provide welcome relief. "The campground was relatively small so nothing was too far away... Very clean non-heated pool was a plus," reports Larry K. about Lightner Creek Campground.
Playground options: Durango RV Resort offers activities for children. "Has a really nice playground, putt putt and pickle ball courts," notes one reviewer about the facilities.
Lake activities: Sims Mesa at Navajo Lake provides less crowded water access than other areas. "If you don't have a boat or fancy water toys... Sims Mesa is where you should go. Much less crowded than the main marina. We camped at the Lakeshore Camping area. Several sites available right on the lake, just steps away from the water," shares Charlene H.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require extra equipment for proper RV setup. "Sloped towards lake. At least this site and 26 would be difficult to find level spot for tent and requires lots of rocks or blocks to level RV," cautions Michael about Mancos State Park.
Electrical testing: Always check power pedestals before connecting. "Thank God we had the surge protector and that I tested the outlet before plugging into the RV. The monitor indicated reverse polarity so we ended up having to move to another site. Always check your hookups before settling in," advises Glenn F. about Lightner Creek Campground.
RV sizing considerations: At Mesa Verde RV Resort, the site design accommodates larger rigs. "We stayed in a full hook up site. Some of the sites were a little tricky to get in for big campers. We were in site 171 and have a 33 ft 5th wheel," explains Sarah L. from Morefield Campground.
