J
Jim Z.
Traveler
TravelerJoe Skeen Campground - El Malpais NCA
Nicest BLM spot I have found.
Nicely set up. Sand for my tent, concrete pad under a gazebo and picnic table, fire ring and grill. Places to dump trash.
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 (916)
1. Lea Lake Campground — Bottomless Lakes State Park
79 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 lake was open all night for swimmers, and it was enjoyable to hear the young people laughing and playing in the water as the sun went down."
2. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground
69 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. "
3. USA RV Park
64 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
50 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
48 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. City of Rocks State Park Campground
44 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."
9. Limestone Campground — Brantley Lake State Park
46 ReviewsCarlsbad, NMWebsite+1 (505) 690-2757$10 - $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."
10. Albuquerque KOA Journey
46 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."
Recent Camping Photos in New Mexico
895 Photos of 916 New Mexico Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews in New Mexico
5096 Reviews of 916 New Mexico Campgrounds
David B.
GuideYucca — Ute Lake State Park
Beautiful, serene lake with nicely spaced spots and a serious trash problem
Ute Lake is much larger than it appears when you first enter the Yucca camping area. This site, Yucca #1, looks directly at trees with a partially obstructed lake view, but a short and pleasant walk around the shore offers numerous grassy areas, some with shade, and several small beaches and a boat ramp.
The open sighting and small loop design mean that you can see clearly into and around most areas, which is great for dog walking, something I do lot of in these parks. There are burrs in what appears to be grass, so be careful as you and your dog will pick them up without seeing them. Birds are abundant here, although not species that I recognize being from Texas. I would definitely poke around on eBird and study the ornithology here if I were spending more time.
Water quality is good. I wonder if it comes from the lake, which was dammed from the Canadian River for that purpose in 1963. Running through my RO system shows 15 PPM, meaning it was very clean going in.
Now for the downside. The entire camping area has a serious trash problem. The on-site hosts and staff either don't actually look around or they don't consider it their job to pick up trash.
Every site and day use area is littered with plastic, clothing, cans and bottles, cigarette butts, and dog poo. While it's not the "fault" of the staff that people do this, it is their responsibility to fix it because I would never come back here and camp around trash. The Texas State Park system clearly holds itself to a different standard than New Mexico as I didn't see one piece of stray trash in any Texas park. This is disappointing, especially when New Mexico camping spot fees and passes are quite high, much more than Texas charges.
If you're with the New Mexico park system and reading this, please hire or recruit some volunteers to clean. Why have a camp host if they're just camping themselves? And if you visit these parks and can't pick up after yourself, please stop coming and keep your trash at your own house.
- DDominic B.
ScoutOrgan Mountain Area Dispersed
Great dispersed spots
Easy in had a very calm night.
James F.GuideCoyote Creek State Park Campground
Nicely maintained
This was our first trip to Coyote Creek State Park. We heard about the new loop and that appeared to have some great new sites. We were surprised on how great the new sites are. The shelters over the nice picnic table is huge! We walked the park and it was clear that the entire park was meticulously maintained. The only down side was a slip and fall on the drainage concrete in the road. Luckily, it was only a minor wrist sprain. The local ranger saw the fall and asked if I was ok. Apparently, the concrete has been an issue for some trailers and people. The toilets in the campground are clean and well maintained. We routinely visit NM state parks and this one has to be the best maintained. The side by side electrical sites isn't for us and there are other options. We plan to be back.
ane9109TravelerLavaland RV Campgrounds
Everything you need
Check in was super easy. Online or at the front desk computer. 3 showers,3toilets. Has a laundry but didn’t use it. Booked same night we arrived with plenty of availability. $50with tax
Jay L.ScoutForest Road 5 - Dispersed campsite
Good campsite
Got to see the cows, they were chilling. Great vibes on the way to the campsite, a little noisy in the early mornings but overall great spot.
- BBrooke P.Traveler
Love's RV Hookup-Santa Rosa NM 285
Says only 1 hour parking
Says no loitering but went in and asked and they said overnight stays where okay, saw many people in there cars
- NNicola P.Traveler
Black Canyon Campground
Great campground. Peaceful campsites
Such a nice campground. The sites are small due to the terrain but they are well spaced. Although someone mentioned generators, we heard none. Some of the sites are reservable but we found quite a few FCFS sites available. We did not see this campground on the map and had not filtered it out. It’s just before Big Tesuque Campground which is a walk in campground.
- JasonGuide
Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
Great, quiet RV park.
Clean park, really nice bathhouse. While it is dusty here in ol Carlsbad, the park was great. Filled with oil men, they still had some open spots. Little dog parks on each corner of the park. 45 mins to Carlsbad Caverns, 5 mins from downtown, and lots of great hiking nearby.
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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