J
Joseph H.
Scout
ScoutDark Canyon Dispersed
Very Well Hidden
Surrounded by cattle fields, the road is rocky but my minivan handled it fine. I used the exact coordinates provided for the site.
Best Campgrounds in New Mexico
New Mexico camping encompasses a diverse range of environments, from high desert landscapes to mountain forests and lakeside settings. State parks like Bottomless Lakes near Roswell and Oliver Lee Memorial near Alamogordo provide established campgrounds with amenities, while free dispersed camping can be found on BLM land near Carlsbad and White Sands National Park. KOA locations in Albuquerque and Las Cruces offer convenient access for travelers along major highways. Campers at Raptor Lake Dispersed report spectacular sunsets, with one visitor noting that "the wide open range has everything you need for solar power and Starlink" despite the lack of traditional services.
Most New Mexico campgrounds are open year-round, though seasonal considerations are important. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F in southern regions, while northern mountain areas may see snow in winter. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly from May through September. Many state parks require reservations through an online system. Cell service varies dramatically across the state, with good coverage near cities but limited or non-existent reception in remote areas. Wind is a consistent factor throughout the state, with campers often advised to "keep your elevation low because the wind always blows in New Mexico."
Camping options range from primitive to full-service. RV parks with full hookups are concentrated near population centers and along interstate corridors, particularly I-25, I-40, and I-10. Many state parks offer a mix of electric and non-electric sites, with varying levels of amenities. Dispersed camping on public lands typically requires self-sufficiency, as most locations have no water, toilets, or trash service. Visitors seeking lakeside recreation can find options at Navajo Lake, Elephant Butte, and Conchas Lake, though water levels can fluctuate significantly. Pet-friendly policies are common throughout the state, with most campgrounds allowing dogs with standard leash requirements.
Best Camping Sites in New Mexico (886)
1. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground
68 ReviewsSunspot, NMWebsite+1 (505) 660-7381$15 - $30 / night
"Very beautiful hidden away RV and Raised Primitive State Park full of marked and unmarked foliage and a nice museum reflecting on the surrounding area of New Mexico."
"I like heat and live in New Mexico. Northern new Mexico, in the mountains, where no one needs air conditioning. "
2. Lea Lake Campground — Bottomless Lakes State Park
74 ReviewsDexter, NMWebsite+1 (575) 988-3638$10 - $35 / night
"I bought a year pass during covid for New Mexico State park in 2019. I only used it 2 times and parks shut down. Now due to fires many parks have had to close."
"The state park boasts several lakes, a mountain bike trail, views, playgrounds in the day use area, and many campsites. There is a RV area at Lea Lake, which is half reserved and half first come."
3. USA RV Park
61 ReviewsMentmore, NMWebsite+1 (505) 863-5021$25 - $35 / night
"Needed an overnight stay along Interstate 40 in New Mexico. "
"We were so grateful to stumble upon USA RV Park on our recent trip through New Mexico. "
4. Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
58 ReviewsWhite Sands, NMWebsite+1 (575) 525-4300"Southeast New Mexico has mountains believe it or not. The camp is nestled up against one. It’s Memorial Day weekend and not too crowded. Highly recommend for the price (basically free)."
"I've been on a nationwide roadtrip for a few months that now and I have tent camped alone in many sites from Florida to Arkansas to, now, New Mexico."
5. Chosa Campground
58 ReviewsCarlsbad Caverns, NMWebsite+1 (575) 234-5972"It's a large, level, gravel parking lot a quarter mile off of Hwy 62/180 8 miles north of the Texas border in New Mexico."
"Nice open spot right off the highway. Drive up the paved road and it’s on your left. Gravel has been laid down so it’s nice and firm for campers/RVs. Also has a garbage can there."
6. Las Cruces KOA
53 ReviewsMesilla, NMWebsite+1 (575) 526-6555"We stopped at this KOA for one night while passing through New Mexico. We had a great view of the valley below and our site had everything we needed--full hookups."
"We only stayed one night but this was a convenient location or far off the highway. Bathroom was clean and staff was nice. Large clean dog park. Nice views of the city."
7. Sunset Reef Campground
46 ReviewsCarlsbad Caverns, NMWebsite+1 (575) 234-5972"Sunset reef is small and does fill up quickly as there is limited spots but you can always park on the outskirts of the corral like fencing and there’s still plenty of space."
"It’s only 10 minutes to the entrance, and about 25 minutes to the visitor center."
8. Albuquerque KOA Journey
48 ReviewsMonticello, NMWebsite+1 (505) 296-2729"New Mexico is a land of wonders and beauty in every turn."
"They have a seasonal pool and a year round 18+ hot tub which was really nice when it was cold outside. It is close to shopping and RV parts stores."
9. City of Rocks State Park Campground
41 ReviewsFaywood, NMWebsite+1 (575) 536-2800$15 - $30 / night
"Last week I visited Faywood, New Mexico which is located about halfway in between Silver City and Deming, and I came across a unique terrain with structures of Boulder rocks that are “formed of volcanic"
"Found out that if you sit behind the rocks there was no cell service. But step out and phone work well."
10. Limestone Campground — Brantley Lake State Park
44 ReviewsCarlsbad, NMWebsite+1 (505) 690-2757$30 - $35 / night
"Brantley Lake State Park Campground offered a pleasant camping experience. The spacious sites, complete with picnic tables and shade shelters, provided a comfortable base for our explorations."
"This is a peaceful campground located between Carlsbad and Artesia, New Mexico. Sites have covered picnic tables, but that is about the only shade you’ll find."
Recent Camping Photos in New Mexico
879 Photos of 886 New Mexico Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews in New Mexico
4806 Reviews of 886 New Mexico Campgrounds
- MMark M.
LegendTatum Town Free Campsites
Three (stars) for free
Tatum, NM city park/ community Center AKA Rudolph Rampy RV "park." FREE with full hookups: water electric & sewer. We only used electric. We could not tell from reviews whether there is a bathroom available (reviews we saw gave conflicting info). There IS a men's & women's bathroom across the street at N Daniel/E Beech streets at the city park (see pics below). The men's toilet itself was clean & flushed. Urinal flushed. NO water at sink. There was a 3/4 toilet paper roll (take your own in case they don't restock). There are about 7 or 8 spaces. Info we saw said free with limit of 3 nights. There was an out of state camp trailer with skirts on it & so we surmise that it had been here a while- - later a Tatum City Police vehicle pulled up & an officer went inside (so whether he lives there or not, nice to know he's around. That said, the area is quiet and seems safe otherwise). RV lot is loose asphalt/gravel with small community center bldg on one corner that sounds like might be have church service (Sunday emerging as I write this). Park & baseball fields (see pics). No frills, but FREE! Would stay again if traveling thru on long trip. THANKS Tatum city, NM!
- EEmma S.
GuideDispersed Camping Near Taos
6⭐️ stay!
THIS IS CAMPING AT ITS BEST. Must stay!
These campsites overlook the Rio Grande Gorge and John Dunn Bridge, and they do not disappoint. The views are breathtakingly stunning and some of the most beautiful BLM campsites you’ll come across.
This is primitive, so bring all your amenities. There is a vault toilet down on the river next to the bridge but you’ll have to drive or hike down steep slightly rough switchbacks to get off the ridge.
There are lots of different spots along the ridge to choose from, but we were lucky enough to score a spot right on the edge overlooking the gorge, had a lovely fire pit. Sunsets are epic here. We had both hot and cool days, and dealt with some wind. March is the windy month for this area.
Both the roads coming from the bridge side and the hwy side are rough unpaved roads. If you have an RV, van or rig you should absolutely come in from Hwy 64. It’s about 4.5 miles from the hwy to the sites, so be prepared to drive slowly.
The switchbacks are high clearance recommended, I would not take a camper down or up.
Drive to Taos is 30 minutes going the bridge way, and about 40 minutes going the hwy route. But very accessible if needed.
We camped out for five days/four nights and even with other boondockers felt like we had plenty of space and privacy. We did get a visit from some bighorn sheep though!
Overall, this is a magical site and so worth the time to get there. Boondocking heaven!
- EEmma S.Guide
Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
Close to town, nice views, but noisy and lots of trash
This BLM site is okay. There are great views of Santa Fe and the surrounding mountains and there’s lots of sites and space for boondockers. It’s also very close to town. Sunset was beautiful.
Unfortunately there is a lot of trash here, people definitely don’t respect this land. Be very careful and watch for broken glass when driving around and choosing a spot to park. We ended up getting a flat here, but weirdly from a very sharp rock.
It’s also an off roading recreation area so expect noise at any time of day. The lower spots Caja and USFS are now closed to camping and day use only so park in the upper Santa Fe BLM area.
Overall, would stay here again if in a pinch but you’re better off doing a paid campground or staying a little further outside town.
- EEmma S.Guide
Rocky Point Campground — Santa Rosa Lake State Park
Great campground, clean bathrooms, beautiful lake
Santa Rosa Lake is a little gem in the middle of the New Mexican desert! Lake is stunning and has clear clean lovely water. It seems that most use the lake for boating and fishing, we saw some jet skis as well. However you can absolutely swim! Water was cold and perfect for a hot day.
Campground is well kept, with ample spots. It was pretty busy but we had no problem booking a day before. Bathrooms are clean and showers were great! They operate by button and each press is about a minute of water. It warmed up quickly and I love the sustainable way of conserving water.
Staff was very friendly and attentive. It was a little buggy at sunset but otherwise very lovely!
- RRodger Terence E.
TravelerAguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
Quite, beautiful view
Nice clean place with a great view. $7 per night camping and full of families.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Rose Valley RV Ranch
Make a reservation or have cash
Very limited office hours. Sites are full hookups and most have trees for privacy. Laundry, restrooms and showers. Good Sam discount.
- mmiquelita H.Scout
Datil Well Recreation Area Campground
Beautiful and Quiet
We arrived later in the day on a Saturday and were happy to find at least 5 open spaces. We camped in March, summer months might be a different story. Things were very well maintained, quiet and there was plenty of space between sites. We chose #16 which was very peaceful and private.
Christopher P.GuideSwingle Canyon
Nice forest disbursed
A few nice spots in the forest. 2WD ok near entrance.
Guide to New Mexico
Camping in New Mexico offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and diverse campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet place to unwind, there's something for everyone.
What to do
- Explore the outdoors: New Mexico is known for its beautiful parks and recreation areas. Check out the Valley Of Fires Recreation Area for hiking trails and breathtaking views. One camper said, “The RV area sits on a ridge. Great views.”
- Visit local attractions: The Albuquerque KOA Journey is just a short drive from city attractions. A visitor noted, “The site is spotless and the security (urban location) is excellent.”
- Enjoy stargazing: Many campgrounds in New Mexico are away from city lights, making them perfect for stargazing. One camper at The Box Recreation Area mentioned, “Great views and incredible star gazing.”
What campers like
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at the Valley Of Fires Recreation Area said, “Park and bathrooms are very clean.”
- Family-friendly amenities: The Albuquerque KOA Journey has a pool, playground, and mini-golf, making it a hit with families. One parent shared, “Jump pad, playground, mini golf and a really nice pool were the highlights.”
- Scenic views: Many campgrounds offer stunning landscapes. A camper at the Turquoise Trail Campground remarked, “Great spot not too far from Albuquerque, very peaceful and quaint.”
What you should know
- Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near highways or train tracks, which can be noisy. A visitor at Isleta Lakes & RV Park noted, “The trains sound their horns very late at night and early in the morning.”
- Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Escondida Lake Park & Campground mentioned, “The campground has the basics but that's it.”
- Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at San Antonio Bosque Park shared, “There is a lot of fresh black bear scat throughout the campsite.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose kid-friendly spots: Look for campgrounds with activities for children. The Albuquerque KOA Journey has a playground and pool, which kids love. A parent said, “Clean, modern and convenient showers were pluses for Mom and Dad.”
- Plan for noise: If you're camping near busy roads, bring earplugs for the kids. A reviewer at Route 66 RV Park mentioned, “While it seemed close to I40 you could not hear the traffic.”
- Pack snacks and games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games during downtime. A camper at Turquoise Trail Campground noted, “The campground is clean, the sites are well groomed with camp pads level.”
Tips from RVers
- Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Route 66 RV Park said, “The spot I was assigned had a 30-degree drop and 6-foot reach to the utilities...not doable for my 18-foot camper van.”
- Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. The Valley Of Fires Recreation Area offers some sites with electric hookups, which is a plus.
- Arrive early: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Isleta Lakes & RV Park advised, “Campground doesn’t take reservations so arrive early.”
Camping in New Mexico can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and unique campgrounds this state has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tent camping destinations in New Mexico?
What are the best tent camping destinations in New Mexico?
New Mexico offers exceptional tent camping destinations with diverse landscapes. Jemez Falls Campground is consistently rated as one of the best places to camp in the state, providing access to beautiful hiking trails and natural scenery. For those seeking a lakeside experience, Limestone Campground — Brantley Lake State Park offers spacious sites with picnic tables and shade shelters, plus clean facilities with hot showers. Other excellent options include Bottomless Lakes State Park near Roswell and Aguirre Spring Recreation Area near Las Cruces, which provides stunning desert mountain views. Many tent campers also enjoy Elephant Butte Lake State Park for its water recreation opportunities during warmer months.
Where can I find dispersed camping in New Mexico?
Where can I find dispersed camping in New Mexico?
New Mexico has abundant dispersed camping opportunities throughout its national forests and BLM lands. Oak Point Campground offers a prime example, with forest roads filled with pull-off sites where you can camp freely while enjoying canyon views and stargazing. Chosa Campground provides a large, level dispersed area just 8 miles north of the Texas border, making it an excellent base camp for exploring Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The Santa Fe National Forest also offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities along forest roads. Most dispersed sites are primitive without facilities, so come prepared with water and pack-out waste. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as bans are common during dry periods.
When is the best season for camping in Northern New Mexico?
When is the best season for camping in Northern New Mexico?
Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the most pleasant camping weather in Northern New Mexico. Comales Campground in Carson National Forest, located about 30 miles south of Taos, is particularly beautiful during this period with its mountain stream setting. Summer (June-August) provides warm days but comfortable nights at higher elevations. Cove Campground — Conchas Lake State Park is excellent for June camping with opportunities for hiking and water recreation. Fall brings spectacular foliage colors, especially in September and October. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to cold temperatures and potential snow at higher elevations. Always check weather forecasts and road conditions when planning trips to Northern New Mexico, as mountain weather can change rapidly.
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