Looking for the best options for tent camping near Las Vegas? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Big Tesuque is a walk in campground not conducive to trailer or RV campoing. There are 10 units, Picnic tables and grills, and Vaulted toilets in the parking lot. There is no potable water and no Campground Host. The entire area is very scenic, and NM 475 is also designated as the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. Because of the large stands of aspen, the area is very busy, especially in the fall aspen viewing season. There are additional recreation opportunities along NM 475, both above and below Big Tesuque Campground, including hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and in the winter. both nordic and alpine skiing. Tesuque is pronounced "Tess-U-key"
22 miles north of Pecos on NM 63. Uses: Camping, picnicking, and trailhead access. Facilities: Tent camping only, Vaulted toilet, Trash bins, Tables and grills, 3 three-sided shelters, 19 parking spaces, Drinking Water. Fishing in Cave Creek. Special Instructions: NO HORSE TRAILERS ALLOWED.
The Aspen Basin Campground is located adjacent to the very large parking area at Santa Fe Ski Basin. There are 10 units, Picnic tables, and fire rings. There is a vaulted toilet at the far west end of the parking lot. This campground is less developed than most, and primarily serves those who use it for an overnight stay before embarking on a backpack into the Pecos. There is ample space for trailer/RV camping, but no dump station is available. There is no potable water and no Campground Host. The entire area is very scenic, and NM 475 is also designated as the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. Because of the scenic quality and the easy access from Santa Fe, the area is very busy, especially in the summer and in the fall aspen viewing season.
Cowles Campground sits at the base of the Winsor Canyon where it meets the Pecos Canyon and is in walking distance of Cowles Ponds, Winsor Creek, Pecos River, and Winsor Ridge Trailhead. Uses: tent camping, picnicking, fishing, & hiking. Facilities: 1 vault toilet, 9 camping units with tables, fire rings, & grills, 2 covered three-sided shelters with fire places, and trash bins. No potable water, untility hook-ups, dumpstations or showers. Special Instructions: Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics at www.lnt.org.
Winsor Ridge Trailhead is access point for Winsor Ridge Trail #271 and trail to Panchuela Campground and Trailhead. Located 20 miles north of Pecos on NM 63. Uses: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding. Facilities: vaulted toilet, trash bins, trailhead kiosk, parking for passenger vehiles & trailers. Special Considerations: Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics www.lnt.org.
Primitive dispersed camping, 16 miles north of Pecos on NM 63, then 1 mile on FR 646. Uses: Camping. Facilities: Pit toilet, tables, and few fire pits. No water is available. Special Instructions: Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. There are no fees.
Panchuela Campground is nestled at the edge of the Pecos Wilderness, with Panchuela Creek flowing gracefully along its eastern side. Situated at over 8,300 feet in the Santa Fe National Forest, this campground offers a refreshing escape from the warmer temperatures of the city, allowing visitors to enjoy the moderate climate of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The campground features six units, all within walking distance of the parking lot, making it easily accessible. Typically open from mid-May to mid-November, Panchuela Campground serves as an ideal base camp for those looking to embark on day hikes into the surrounding wilderness, providing a perfect blend of comfort and adventure.
With the nearby Panchuela Trailhead, visitors have easy access to the expansive trail system of the Pecos Wilderness, making it simple to explore the natural beauty. Panchuela Campground is also just a short drive from the Winsor Trailheads each offerings cenic views of the surrounding mountains. For those who enjoy fishing, Cowles Fishing Pond and the wild and scenic Pecos River are popular nearby spots. Excellent fishing opportunities can be found along Panchuela Creek and the Pecos River, all just minutes from the campground, making it a perfect destination for anglers seeking a tranquil retreat. Visit New Mexico Game and Fish for updates on stocking and regulations.
With the nearby Panchuela Trailhead, visitors have easy access to the expansive trail system of the Pecos Wilderness, making it simple to explore the natural beauty. Panchuela Campground is also just a short drive from the Winsor Trailheads each offerings cenic views of the surrounding mountains. For those who enjoy fishing, Cowles Fishing Pond and the wild and scenic Pecos River are popular nearby spots. Excellent fishing opportunities can be found along Panchuela Creek and the Pecos River, all just minutes from the campground, making it a perfect destination for anglers seeking a tranquil retreat. Visit New Mexico Game and Fish for updates on stocking and regulations.
The campsites at Panchuela Campground are surrounded by mountain views with mixed conifer and aspen trees. In the fall, the landscape transforms as the aspen leaves turn a brilliant gold. Wildlife is abundant in the surrounding forests, with deer, elk, various songbirds, raptors, and the occasional black bear often spotted nearby. Just a short distance from the campground, an open meadow reveals rustic cabins used by forest service volunteers and employees while they work in the wilderness, adding a unique touch to the serene environment.
There are several State Park fishing areas along the Pecos River, offering great opportunities for anglers. Just 50 minutes away, Pecos National Historical Park features prehistoric archaeological ruins, 19th-century ranches, and a Civil War battlefield, providing a rich glimpse into the area___s history.__ For those seeking similar scenic camping experiences to Panchuela, nearby options include Cowles Campground and Holy Ghost Campground, both available on a first-come, first-served basis. These locations offer the same beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities, making them perfect alternatives for your adventure.
$5 / night
Located at the top of Glorieta Baldy with great vistas. Uses: picknicking, hiking. Facilities: tables. NO WATER. Special Instructions: Forest Road 375 rough, low clearance vehicles and trailers not recommended. Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics at www.lnt.org.
Traveler
The place was clean. Our issues were two.
Traveler
We paid $75 for one night and the WiFi was weak and we had no cell service. The place was lovely and the bathrooms were clean and easy to use. It’s located 12 miles out of the city. There is a grocery store near by with a good selection of food and alcohol.
Guide
Sadly, the Lake is low, but it is a great overnight spot. Can’t beat the price. Just a bit off the beaten path. It was quite windy though.
Ranger
Stayed in #21. Sites 13 and 30 a!so good but avoid campsites downwind of toilets. No water while we were there. Very nice & helpful host. Several 1st come/1st serve sites but seems to fill up fast. Bathrooms cleanish & well used. Several convenient to back of campground. Trees. Good spot for screen tent.
Guide
This place sufficed due to the need to have somewhere for the night, if we had the chance we’d have gone somewhere else. Massive piles of trash everywhere, sites strewn with people’s leftover garbage from camping there.
Due to its close proximity to the landfill, it was extremely loud during the morning from around 7am onwards.
There was a partial closure banning camping in a section of the landfill, which was incredibly difficult to figure out where we could camp, as the map is not clear at all,
Coyotes at night were really cool.
Overall disappointing but glad we managed somewhere to sleep for the night
ScoutWe loved it. Very spacious. Fire pits here and there.
Traveler
We loved the location. The hiking trails were awesome. We booked a reservable with hydro for one night and decided to extend our stay with the first come first serve system. The self pay stations are at each of the teo campground loops. The 2nd and 3rd night didn’t have hydro however the size of the site and view more than made up for it.
To use the dump station, you have to go to the Rangers Station and ask them to unlock the gate. The access is a bit tight and we were not able to fill our fresh water tank due to the State Park having to bring their water up by truck. All in all, it was worth it.
Guide
Very small, but quiet and secluded primitive campground. Several sites appear to be overgrown or have too much debris to be usable. There are a couple sites that could fit a small trailer. All are suitable for tents or a van. The bathroom is still out of order. Mobile coverage was spotty, worked better if you went up to the nearby trailhead. The road up to the campground is in good shape, 4x4 not required. Overall traffic was very low. There was a little bit of firewood cutting nearby, with a few trucks making multiple trips. A few families were up on Sat for picnics. UTVs were minimal. There are a few dispersed options in the area.
Traveler
Yes, it can get packed but be prepared to go early enough to find a good spot. I prefer camp sites 7 through 10, even the very first site when you first come in since they are right near the river. If you really want to experience the haunt of the campground I prefer the campsites in the back 11 through 16.
I have not experienced the haunts until I camped at spot 15, this past Labor Day weekend on Friday night August 30, 2024. I went to bed and about 12 am I heard a voice say Hello to me. Then the last night my friend and I were by the fire we did not have any more neighbors as they left that Sunday, we had our trash bag hanging from my friends canopy there was no wind and that trash bag was swaying back and forth rapidly. Was definitely an experience.
The hikes are the best especially if you have time to go to the lake which you want to get an early start, just follow the trail in the back past the reservation spot to get to the trail and follow up get to the fork in the trail and hang a left to the lake. I love the camp site always clean restrooms and fun experience for the paranormal.
GuidePlenty of spots and easy to get to. The only catch is you will need to find a spot away from the multiple large piles of trash.
The surrounding area was pretty and sunset was great!
Traveler
I pull a small trailer and the road in was rough. I was concerned about being able to turn around. When I got to the spot where there are six or eight camping spots, finding one suitable for a trailer was difficult, but I did it. This is more suitable to car camping.
There is an open area that would be good for group camping. There are three or more RVs that appear to be permanent features. That was strange. Looked like fishing camps. I didn't want to drive the steep road down to this area.
Personally, I wish I had stopped a the forest service campsites up hill from this location, but if you are in a car and want to tent camp here, I don't see a problem,
Guide
Really like this KOA. At first thought it was out of the way but really like it. Just off I25. Nice Big Rig friendly. Some of the sites I went by thought was not level but then you look closer the pad itself was very level. Nice pool.
Legend
The location is close to stores and restaurants that are about 10 minutes away...that we needed after discovering a damaged tire. The front desk recommended a tire store that was just north of the park. Thank you...The park has been set up nicely. The sites are a bit tight from the adjoining sites. Site were level and all the hook ups worked without issue. The location made for an hour's drive to Los Alamos and Bandelier national monument. Both great visits if you haven't been there before.
Traveler
Pros:
Cons
Chilly, even in July, just FYI, come prepared.
Picnic table, fire ring provided
ScoutWe found this campground on our way to Colorado and spent one night. Would have loved to stay longer. Friendly host, well-maintained, vault toilets available. Hostess advised we could drive short distance to Fort Marcy Community Center for hot showers (available for a small fee), which we did.
GuideA reasonably priced campground near Santa Fe NM. Campsites have picnic table, fire ring and paved parking. Several were large and can accommodate big Rvs. No electric, water, sewer or dumpstation. Pit toilets and dumpsters are available.
The campground is at 8400' elevation. Summer temps were very comfortable during the day and cool overnight. Perfect camping weather. The sites were mostly sold out while we were there.
Camp hosts were seen busy tending to the sites and pit toilets. The campground was very well maintained.
Scout
Some sites sit high above, and view Santa Cruz Lake, others don't have the lake view. No water or electricity, one little vault toilet. Some sites have more privacy than others. Over all a nice little campground about a 15 or 20 minute drive to the lake, where no wake boating and fishing happen. No swimming due to potentially dangerous currents.
I think there is some cell service due to the camp's high and unobstructed location.
Guide
Loved camping here! Arrived late Sunday night, whole park was pretty busy. Found a spot right by the river with lots of shade, downside was it was super close to the road. Wasn't too bad since park closes relatively early. Got a crazy thunderstorm after sunset, but decided to hunker down for the night, instead of dashing. We stayed warm and dry, thankfully. Campground ranger came around to check if we were okay, and to give a verbal warning about leaving if we need to. For me personally, I wouldn't come on the weekends due to how populated it was, but perfect and quiet during the weekdays.
Scout
Everyone, this is a beautiful site with Lots of trees. The camp ground is nestled up in the mountains several miles from town. The stream is nice and comforting and the camp host was very informative and helpful.**** HOWEVER, there are herds of cows that roam the campground. They defecate EVERYWHERE!!! The cows keep you up all matters of the night. You can’t take 4 steps without stepping in poop-It’s EVERYWHERE!!!( Flies included) This site would be so perfect but you can’t eat or cook around the pit because it is surrounded by cow poop. We cut our camping trip short because it was just too much.
TravelerWe stayed here in June for two nights. The days were warm, but the nights were lovely. We were in spot 53 which was a long pull through, but very narrow and close to the neighboring spots. We were lucky that they were not reserved so we had a little more room. We were glad we were in the trees due to the daytime temps. If you need a large spot, 1 through 7 have a nice view of the valley, but no trees. Resident and neighboring dogs and cats roam throughout and may come visit your campsite. The county road to the campground is nice and quiet and makes for a good place to go for long walks.
GuideRocky Point was one of two campgrounds we saw in Santa Rosa Park. All sites had picnic tables, some sites had electricity and water, and some sides just had water. The bathrooms in Rocky point had flush toilets and showers. The bathrooms were very clean. The camp host was very friendly. This was a very nice campground and not too far from Highway 40.
LegendThis small state park, located just 6 miles outside of downtown Santa Fe, might provide the least expensive lodging options for visiting this wonderful city. Like many of NM state parks, the camping fee is $10 for a non-electric site, and $25 for electric sites (reservable).
The vault toilets were clean and well-stocked, and water was available at the central office/ visitor center area, even in winter. One of the most charming aspects of our campsite was a small picnic shelter with built-in fireplace. During the fall, winter, and spring, most of the camping loops are closed, but they keep one open year round as well as a few scattered along the main road through the state park.
The campground has a lot of evergreen trees, so solar power needs to be on an extension cord. Our site down the road from the main campground had a bit more open sky, so we had pretty good solar power between 11 am and 4 pm in November. We also had no problem connecting with Starlink and had some spotty cell phone service.
A few of the sites in the year-round loop, and dozens in the summer loops have lean-to structures (3 sided cabins) with enough space to set your tent up inside.
Access to the Santa Fe Ski slope is just up the hill about 8 more miles, and of course all that Santa Fe offers is just down the hill, museums, restaurants, music, galleries, and so much great culture (the original Meow Wolf is worth a look). The park has great trails and borders the national forest with tons of other hiking options.
LegendI can’t remember when I’ve seen a better view for less than$10 per night. New Mexico, in general, has some of the least expensive camping in the contiguous 48 states. The road in is a little rough in spots, but a pretty short drive along dirt from the pavement.
Backing up the rig to the overview of the lake is something else. Just waiting for the sun to set over the Nacimiento Mountain range is worth the price of admission…what a show! With just a few trees the campground is great for solar power, while still providing shade for cooling off. We also had no problem connecting with Starlink to get some work done and had some LTE in the campground.
Each campsite has a picnic table with shade structure, and a fire ring. The vault toilet was clean and well supplied, but there is no fresh drinking water. Come prepared, because the nearest town (Espanola) with food and water is about 20 minutes or so away.
The area is good for hiking, biking, paddling and getting your fishing grove on, but there’s no easy access to take boats down to the water from the campsite. There is an excellent trail leading down for everyone to enjoy. But the boat launch is on the north end of the lake, in the aptly North Lake Campground. We stayed here for a couple of days in late fall and temperatures were just lovely!
Guide
We had been boondocking for a few nights and "needed" hookups and showers for a night of relative luxury. This place is a little outside town but not too bad. We checked in late and our electric didn't work, but the park was half empty - I just grabbed another site and everything was fine - good showers and bathrooms.
I've seen other reviewers say the place is a bit dated and while I'll echo that, my kids really enjoyed the "OG" type playground - much steeper/faster/FUNNER slide than the new stuff they're used to.
Little $ relative to what you get, but a lot of that is just location/Santa Fe IMO.
GuideSo the info on Dyrt and the parks website in inaccurate. There are 35+ first come first serve tent spots (none of which have water as of May 2024) and 10 ish RV spots on a separate loop, only 2 of which are first come first serve and electric only - all the rest are reservation only...
The tent spots aren't accessible with anything bigger than a regular car/SUV - class B with an experienced driver and short wheel base might be able to fit, no way a class C would. No way a trailer (even a teardrop) would fit in the parking spots for tent spots if you strike out on the RV spots.
The drive up is GORGEOUS and almost worth it regardless of camping, and super convenient to downtown Santa Fe, but if you're in a RV have your water straight and HAVE A RESERVATION! We ended up just parking in a trailhead parking lot (that said no camping) and rolled the dice (successfully).
Guide
Tons of Boondocking spots.
Not ideal for long wheel base as it’s an out and back without turn around spots.
Best pull outs are to the left as the road forks after the cattle guard.
ScoutIt's a pretty nice and mostly flat area of land with dirt roads. Most vehicles can access the roads we went on. Pretty quiet and while we did have neighbors we were by no means packed in there like sardines.
Explore the beauty of tent camping near Las Vegas, New Mexico, where stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures await. With a variety of campgrounds offering unique amenities and activities, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Las Vegas, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Las Vegas, NM is Big Tesuque Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Las Vegas, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Las Vegas, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
