From the vast Chihuahuan Desert to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico has a wealth of opportunities to get outside and explore. For outdoor adventurers, there’s skiing in Taos, whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande, and plenty of hiking, from the Southern Rockies to dusty desert canyons. That’s what makes camping in New Mexico such a varied and fulfilling experience.


Carlsbad Caverns provides ample opportunities to hike, explore, learn about desert wildlife, even appreciate a few thousand Mexican free-tail bats take flight. They swarm out of the cave every night at dust for an audience that often numbers in the hundreds. It’s a perfect excuse to stick around the park after dark and do some camping in New Mexico.


Of course, the only camping available within Carlsbad Caverns National Park is backcountry camping, so come prepared to Leave No Trace. Keep in mind that the desert landscape is often dry, so fire bans, even some backcountry cooking bans, are frequently in effect in the drier months. On the upside, backcountry camping permits are free and you can grab one at the visitor center when you arrive.


Visit White Sands National Monument for an unmatched, natural experience. Acres upon acres of white gypsum dunes stretch into the distance, offering hours of diversion, be it hiking across the dunes or sledding down them. If you forgot your sled, don’t worry, you can pick one up in the gift shop. Just be sure to enjoy these activities early in the morning or late in the evening during the summer months; it gets hot in the desert during midday!


As for camping in White Sands, it’s backcountry camping or nothing and sites require a short hike through the dunes. You’ll be camping on the gypsum, surrounded by shifting white hills, dark night skies up above, and no other campers in sight. It’s definitely a unique experience. Permits are $3.00 per person and can be picked up at the visitor center.


Wherever your adventures take you in the Land of Enchantment, get out there and let The Dyrt help you locate the best camping in New Mexico.

New Mexico

The Best Camping in New Mexico | 100+ NM Campgrounds

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Milan, NM has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Milan, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Milan

The Best Camping Near Milan, New Mexico

The Hiker Hideout is primitive, hike-in, wilderness campsites. There is no water or showers. There is an outdoor-composting toilet. The property once had a historic cabin, unfortunately the cabin and outhouse were destroyed by wildfire in 2022. The Hiker Hideout is an inholding surrounded by El Malpais National Monument, all park rules apply.



Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout

## Overview

Coal Mine Campground is situated in the upper portion of the Cibola National Forest in west-central New Mexico. Visitors enjoy hiking the Coal Mine Canyon Nature Trail, as well as picnicking and scenic driving.

## Recreation

The Coal Mine Canyon Nature Trail begins in the campground and leads hikers less than half a mile on a path through the forest. A variety of additional hikes and points of exploration are nearby.  
  
  
  
Visitors also enjoy picnicking in the surrounding area. The Sandia and Manzano Mountains offer extensive stretches of scenic drives.

## Facilities

The campground offers more than a dozen sites for tent or RV camping. Each site can accommodate up to 10 people. Utility hookups are not available. Some parking spurs are paved, while others are gravel.   
  
Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets are provided. Drinking water is not available in the campground; visitors must bring their own supply.

## Natural Features

The campground is located northeast of the town of Grants at an elevation of 7,400 feet. It lies on the top of a hill, with campsites situated on gently sloping ground. A forest of mature pine, juniper and oak trees surrounds the campground. 

## Nearby Attractions

The El Malpais National Monument and Conservation Area can be accessed from various points within a short drive of the campground. Its extensive, ancient lava flow landscape and other scenic features draw tourists year-round.   
  
Points on interest within the monument and conservation area include the Northwest New Mexico Visitor Center, Sandstone Bluffs Overlook and La Ventana Natural Arch. A portion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail parallels the Zuni-Acoma Trail as it passes through the monument.   
  
The city of Grants is about 12 miles from the campground, offering dining and lodging options. The city also boasts a mining museum with gem and mineral displays and a self-guided tour into an underground world.

## Charges & Cancellations

A $10.00 service charge will apply if you change or cancel your reservation. Late cancellations are subject to additional fees. For full details see NRRS Reservation Policy.

Coal Mine Campground

Cibola National Forest Lobo Canyon Campground

End your travel day where we'll spoil you, and explore the beauty and history of the high desert.
Setup is a breeze at this award-winning KOA! Enjoy 85-foot-long Pull-Thru RV Sites with up to 50-amp service and plenty of room for slide-outs, as well as Tent Sites and Camping Cabins. Let the staff provide supper (March-October), with Campground Cuisine dinners delivered to your site. Kids will enjoy a romp on the playground, and your K9 pals can get their exercise at the on-site KampK9. You can also take a relaxing stroll among ancient lava beds here. End the evening with free wireless internet and cable TV as you rest up for your next day's adventures, then start your morning with a free continental breakfast. Perhaps you'll extend your stay to explore more of the beauty and history of northwestern New Mexico. Grants KOA makes it easy for you to have an enjoyable time while you are in the area. Max pull thru: 85 feet.  

Grants KOA Journey

Lavaland RV Campgrounds

Lavaland RV Park

Convenienty located off of I-40 at exit 79, Bar S RV Park is your home base to explore the wonders of Northwest New Mexico. If you are just passing through, we have easy access, off and on I-40. Our rates are very reasonable so stay the night or stay a while! 

   If you want to stay with us a while, visit our activites page to find out how much very there is to see and do while staying with us in Grants, NM!  Whether you are a history buff, enjoy water sports or just want to hike the great outdoors, there is something here for everyone. We are also conveniently located near restaurants and shopping.

Bar S RV Park

This campground is located southwest of Mt. Sedgwick, the highest peak in the Zuni Mountains. It is situated in ponderosa pine, douglas fir, and aspen trees, with a scenic meadow adjacent to the campground. Be advised of road conditions due to elevation and precipitation.

Ojo Redondo

Hill side ruggid/primitive camping, no hookups. Wifi in common area. Wolf spirit wolf sanctuary less than a mile away! Pinehill is about a 5 minute drive for supplies. Great views and good hiking!



4 R's Primitive camping

Bluewater Lake State Park

Join the fun near Malaga. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Malaga, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Malaga

The Best Camping Near Malaga, New Mexico

Probably the Land of Enchantment’s most well-known city, Albuquerque, New Mexico deserves a spot in your next travel itinerary. In the city itself, you’ll find a handful of KOAs and private campgrounds to accommodate tents and RV camping.

You don’t have to go far to find the best camping near Albuquerque. The Sandia Mountain Wilderness is US Forest Service land just east of the city, between Albuquerque and Tijeras, NM. It’s a great place to spend a night or two! On the city’s west side, you’ll find Petroglyph National Monument. Though there are no campsites there, it’s worth a day trip to enjoy the area and learn about the history.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Albuquerque, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Albuquerque Camping | New Mexico Campgrounds

Are you in need of a campground near Las Cruces, NM? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Las Cruces and user-submitted reviews.

Las Cruces

The Best Camping Near Las Cruces, New Mexico

Join the fun near Rio Rancho. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Rio Rancho, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Rio Rancho

The Best Camping Near Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Are you in need of a campground near Enchanted Hills, NM? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Enchanted Hills, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your New Mexico camping adventure.

Enchanted Hills

The Best Camping Near Enchanted Hills, New Mexico

The Sangre de Cristo foothills offer some of the best camping opportunities near Santa Fe, NM. Get supplies in the city before venturing out to campsites. Surrounded by national forests and natural areas, Santa Fe has plenty of campgrounds to offer. Camping in the national forest by the badlands gives outdoor enthusiasts plenty of opportunities for adventure from hiking the trails to riding ATVs. Campers looking for stunning views of these New Mexico foothills and valley will want to make the drive up to Santa Fe Skies Park. It’s RV-friendly and campers won’t complain about the views no matter where their site is located.

Santa Fe

The Best Camping in Santa Fe | New Mexico Campgrounds

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Roswell, NM is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that New Mexico camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Roswell camping trip.

Roswell

The Best Camping Near Roswell, New Mexico

Farmington, NM is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Farmington is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Farmington

The Best Camping Near Farmington, New Mexico

South Valley is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. South Valley is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near South Valley, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

South Valley

The Best Camping Near South Valley, New Mexico

Are you in need of a campground near Clovis, NM? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Clovis campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Clovis, NM. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Clovis

The Best Camping Near Clovis, New Mexico

Searching for the best camping near Carson National Forest, NM? Carson National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Carson National Forest

The Best Camping Near Carson National Forest, New Mexico

Lincoln National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Lincoln National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Lincoln National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.

Lincoln National Forest

The Best Camping Near Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico

Santa Fe National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Santa Fe National Forest campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Santa Fe National Forest

The Best Camping Near Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico

Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands camping trip.

Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands

The Best Camping Near Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, New Mexico

El Morro National Monument is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of El Morro National Monument. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your New Mexico camping adventure.

El Morro National Monument

The Best Camping Near El Morro National Monument, New Mexico

Searching for the best camping near Chaco Culture National Historic Park, NM? Chaco Culture National Historic Park is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Chaco Culture National Historic Park, reviewed by campers like you.

Chaco Culture National Historic Park

The Best Camping Near Chaco Culture National Historic Park, New Mexico

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Gila National Forest, NM is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Gila National Forest, NM. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Gila National Forest

The Best Camping Near Gila National Forest, New Mexico

Are you in need of a campground near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, NM? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that New Mexico camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Cibola National Forest and Grasslands camping trip.

Cibola National Forest and Grasslands

The Best Camping Near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, New Mexico

Looking for the best campgrounds near Conchas Lake, NM? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Conchas Lake. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Conchas Lake and user-submitted reviews.

Conchas Lake

The Best Camping Near Conchas Lake, New Mexico

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Rufus Woods Lake, NM is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Rufus Woods Lake campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Rufus Woods Lake, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Camping in Milan

Top Campgrounds in Milan (32)

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