M
Matt G.
Traveler
TravelerValley Of Fires Recreation Area
Amazing views, great value.
Tent Camping near Lincoln, NM
Search destinations
Add dates
Tent campgrounds in the Lincoln National Forest near Lincoln, New Mexico offer several primitive options for campers seeking scenic mountain settings. Skyline Campground and Monjeau Campground provide established tent sites at higher elevations, while Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area offers more secluded tent camping experiences with fewer amenities. These sites are primarily situated within the Sacramento Mountains, providing access to hiking trails and forest environments.
Most tent sites in this region feature rustic amenities with basic fire rings and picnic tables, though drinking water is typically unavailable. Vault toilets are present at several locations including Skyline Campground and James Canyon Campground. The higher elevation tent sites at Monjeau (9,500 feet) experience significant wind and cooler temperatures compared to lower areas. Road access varies considerably, with some tent campgrounds requiring high-clearance vehicles to reach. A review mentioned that "the drive up is full of narrow switchbacks that you just hope and pray nobody else happens to be coming around at the same time as you are," particularly for Monjeau Campground.
The tent camping experience in this region offers notable solitude with excellent stargazing opportunities in mountain settings. Primitive tent setups at Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area provide creek-side camping with toilet facilities not commonly found at dispersed sites. One camper noted that sites have "lots of camping spots and great hiking trails to go on." Many tent-only camping areas experience strong winds due to their exposed mountaintop locations, with Skyline Campground particularly known for this condition. Cedar Creek Recreation Area offers smaller tent camping options with good access to hiking trails, though it has a three-night limit. During summer months, tent campers benefit from cooler temperatures at these higher elevations compared to surrounding lower-elevation areas.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Lincoln (10)
1. Skyline Campground
"You have 360 views of the region, but beware, the wind can get quite torrential and there is not a ton of shade but there is some!"
"The weather was chilly, and there was still some snow on the ground. The campsite is on a mountain. The dirt road up to the mountain is very well kept. Overall very nice campsite I would go again."
2. Monjeau Campground
"The drive up is full of narrow switchbacks that you just hope and pray nobody else happens to be coming around at the same time as you are. There are some quite steep grades as well."
"We have a Tacoma with a rooftop tent and the road leading to the campsite wasn’t an issue at all. In fact, most vehicles are more than likely to make it if they aren’t too long or pulling a trailer."
3. Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area
"We had 3 kids with us age between 3-10, lots of room to run around and adventure. Amazing views with deer sightings and wild horses. Dirt/rock roads, Fire rings at almost every campsite."
"Not much privacy when it's busier (warmer months).
Good base camp for some of the best hiking around Ruidoso (Big Bonito Trail, Argentina Trail, etc.)"4. Nogal Lake Campground
5. Cedar Creek Recreation Area
6. Antalope Trail Ñogal New Mexico
7. James Canyon Campground
"The site stayed at had a fire ring/grill, picnic table and a tent pad. One of the sites had an Adirondack shelter. This site is close to US 82 which means road noise but I ignored it after 20 minutes."
"Located just a couple miles outside of Mayhill, NM inside the Lincoln National Forest, this primitive camping spot is directly off of US 82 and has a 5 spots total."
8. Lower Karr Canyon Campground
"Easily accessible and had vaulted toilets available. Saw plenty of wildlife including elk, wild turkey, and mule deer."
"The biggest issue is campers not packing out trash and food. The animals are a bit habituated towards getting food"
9. Lincoln National Forest Slide Group Campground
"Great site for a small group. 4 official camp sites with fire ring and picnic benches. Great group fire pit with benches. Fantastic group canopy site with picnic tables."
"We have rented Slide Campground several times for group RV & tent camping."
10. Dry Canyon Near Hang Glider Launch
"However, the trail up to the camping spots is steep, washed out, and tight. Can be navigated with a stock 4x4 pick up. Also, there is a gun range at the bottom, so you'll hear gun shots til sundown."
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 26 min from Las Cruces, NM
- 2 hrs 33 min from El Paso, TX
- 2 hrs 39 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 3 hrs 1 min from Santa Fe, NM
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Lincoln, NM
14 Photos of 10 Lincoln Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Lincoln, NM
284 Reviews of 10 Lincoln Campgrounds
Audrey C.
ScoutGrindstone lake
Campground is closed permanently
- HHope H.
GuideDeerhead Campground — Lincoln National Forest
Beautiful, Hilly
This small campground is basically in a ravine below the U-Bend of a mountain road (in the middle of the U). The location is a little noisy with local cars, but it didn't keep me up at night. It is stunningly beautiful and lush and the highway in from the east was a gorgeous drive.The deer are close, but thankfully have not been fed human food, so they keep their distance as it should be.
Chilly at night due to the high elevation. Camp host was super and the vault toilets very clean.
- RRichard M.Guide
James Canyon Campground
Out of the desert, into the pines
What everyone else said is true. It's good to be out of desert heat. Very clean. Nice stop over for a nite or two or a week or two. And my cheap Walmart phone with straight talk gets 3-4 bars.
Sandy H.GuideBaca Campground
Stunning
This place is absolutely stunning. The view of the mountains is amazing. You do have to take a gravel / dirt road about 6 miles to get to it. Be prepared to take it slow. We did it in a Ford Maverick pulling a light weight trailer. The campground road is actually worse than the main road. Once you here though it is worth it.
David B.GuideMidtown Mountain Campground & RV Park
A place with vibe in a cool mountain town.
If Ruidoso is your kind of town, Midtown Mountain is your kind of RV park, and I'll tell you why...
First off, a tiny bit of explanation. Ruidoso is a tiny mountain village from the 1840's, carved out along the river it's named for.
The business district with historic shops, restaurants, and Tahoe-type vistas is called Midtown, and the park is right at its edge so you can literally walk everywhere, thus "Midtown Mountain." No other RV park in town is located like that.
Everything about the mountain is different from the desert that surrounds it, from the scenery to the climate. Be prepared for several kinds of weather and temperature changes in one day, along with the scented air that will make you think you're in a Glade commercial.
I like my bathroom and shower and never tried theirs, but the laundry is nice, clean, close, and cheap.
The park is very professionally run with on-site management present 24/7. A general policy of "be nice!" seems to be retained by everyone, both staff and guests, and this goes a long way toward making the park special.
Wi-Fi signal is strong and fast. Cellphones work as expected. Consistent high water pressure (bring a regulator) and good shore power.
The Midtown location does mean more road noise, especially on weekends when tourism soars. Nights are quiet aside from a few bikers and UTV people who like to be noisy.
As a special bonus, wild elk, deer, and mustangs have full run of the campsite, like they do the entire town! You could see a pretty pony on a dog walk, or meet an elk at the gas station. No joke!
- aamber H.Guide
Forest Rd 568 Dispersed
came here in the rain
Close to cloudcroft Had a fun 2 nights here great views between the trees. it rained all night before leaving and had no trouble getting out in a truck and trailer
Kelly H.TravelerJames Canyon Campground
Super nice, elk bugling
This was a beautiful stop with a nice pit toilet. The elks bugled a lot and it was so cool to hear. It was a cool night with lots of stars. The pine trees smelled great too
Jon C.ScoutMountain High RV Park
Mountain High RV
Nice camp, lot of full time residents.
Guide to Lincoln
Tent camping near Lincoln, New Mexico offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Tips for Tent Camping Near Lincoln
- For a secluded experience, consider the Lower Karr Canyon Campground, where you can enjoy plenty of wildlife and peaceful surroundings.
- Be prepared for chilly nights at the Fort Stanton Cave Campground, as temperatures can drop significantly after sunset.
- If you're looking for a quiet spot with clean facilities, James Canyon Campground offers well-maintained pit toilets and a serene atmosphere.
Local Activities for Tent Campers
- Hiking enthusiasts will love the trails near the Monjeau Campground, which provide breathtaking views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
- Enjoy fishing and kayaking at nearby lakes while camping at the Nogal Lake Campground, although be aware that the lake may not always have water.
- For those seeking adventure, the Skyline Campground offers stunning mountain views and access to hiking trails, perfect for a day of exploration.
Local Attractions to Enhance Your Camping Experience
- Explore the historical significance of Fort Stanton, located near the Fort Stanton Cave Campground, which adds a cultural touch to your outdoor adventure.
- Visit the scenic Lincoln National Forest, where you can find multiple camping spots like the Cedar Creek Recreation Area that provide access to beautiful hiking trails and picnic areas.
- Don't miss the chance to see the stunning views from the Dry Canyon Near Hang Glider Launch, where you can enjoy the thrill of hang gliding or simply take in the breathtaking scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Lincoln, NM?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lincoln, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lincoln, NM is Skyline Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Lincoln, NM?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lincoln, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near Lincoln, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring