Looking for the best campgrounds near Mills, 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. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Mills, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
"Mills canyon is a nice litttle camping spot with fun little secrets. Can you find them? There is a fire pit per site with a few restrooms between sites."
"A beautiful little campground of solitude was found if you drove on just past the Mills Canyon Campground."
"This canyon is a too little known gem tucked away in a corner of the state too few travel, as the near ghost town of Roy demonstrates. "
"Easy access and camping adjacent to a dam overlooking a lake."
"Camping is right next to the lake in an open field with picnic tables and trash.
We arrived and there was a schoolie and a van. "
"Just northwest of the town of Springer, the lake is also stocked regularly with rainbows, and bullheads are also taken.
Play elastic man game while enjoy its beauty."
$15 - $20 / night
"We stayed here primarily because it was on our route to Northern New Mexico and Colorado. It was exactly as we expected and we enjoyed an overnight here in June."
"We were parked right on the lake, and being right after a holiday the lake was pretty much empty. They have several different campsites, with a website that makes it easy to reserve a spot."
"We stayed here on route between Texas and Colorado - close to the volcano national park so popped in there too. This is a crushed rock lot with pull through sites - nothing scenic here."
$30 / night
"Cell service is spotty, but the view is amazing, beautiful lake, beautiful sunsets, all around a great place to stay. Off 40 a bit but 100% worth it. Great fishing, great camp host! Very very quiet."
"Love the views of Conchas lake! Clean and open space! Electric and water connections! No fires allowed during our trip. Fishing, hiking and boating!"
$47 - $57 / night
LegendOlder RV park. Staff was very nice, very friendly, and let us know we could choose any spot. Bathroom very clean, appear to have been re-done, good hot water (temp was perfect on full-on hot: hot but not scalding). Weather was so nice we did not need hookups (electric and water available). Visited Capulin Volcano (very cool). The volcano has several big but portable telescopes. During day we were invited to look at the sun through one. Would stay here again. Some beautiful cloud formations/storms with lightning in distance.
ScoutThe sites were well spaced out, everyone followed quiet hours and it was very peaceful. Bathrooms definitely need updating, sinks had bugs all over them, dead and alive. Showers never got cold and turned off after a couple minutes, can live with that, but a little frustrating that I’m paying $30 for a cold shower.
TravelerJust a small open area, three picnic tables, a couple of pit toilets, trash cans. Lots of birds, a couple of deer, lots of coyotes off in the distance. Fishing is allowed but I didn't see any.
TravelerThis canyon is a too little known gem tucked away in a corner of the state too few travel, as the near ghost town of Roy demonstrates. for those wondering why I'd part with secrecy and reveal a local treasure, that's why: we've far too few tourists, unlike Barcelona.
Back to the canyon, the key attractions are the river, often a rippling stream, and sometimes mere puddles, but still, water in a dry land, and the ruins of a thriving orchard and stagecoach stop, complete with an impressive hotel. The hotel is the largest ruin, abandoned after a flood destroyed the business more than a century ago. There are other stone buildings scattered about for those motivated to hike around the valley.
The canyon remains hidden until you reach the rim and peer down (an excellent method for spotting ruins), and the first Forest Service campground is there, and best for those with larger trailers or lower clearances.
The second Forest Service campground is by the river, complete with picnic tables, iron fire rings, and vault toilets. Both are free as of this writing.
I've never seen any explicit regulations beyond the obvious (don't do damage that gets us all a bad name) and 4x4 paths exist to get one further up and down the canyon for dispersed camping.
I'd certainly camp away from large or loud groups if I needed, but neither campground gets a rowdy crowd, or, indeed, much of a crowd.
p.s. If you read this far, I'll throw in some nearby treats: Charette Lake, Fort Union, Pecos National Monument and Sugarite State Park all offer insights into the history and natural beauty of this part of NM.
RangerFirst and foremost, the lady that helped us with the site was incredibly kind and helpful. Also it should be noted as in the other reviews the campsites are very close together. Finally, I must stay unequivocally this campground has the nicest bathrooms I've seen in a very long time. Very clean very modern and very well maintained!
GuideLove coming here in May b4 things get busy! Beautiful views & loved the wildlife! Drove to mine & enjoyed the history!
ScoutWe were looking forward to boondocking at Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge today, in early May - and we will try again in Oct when we come back this way. But north eastern and north central New Mexico have had days of heavy rain and flooding alerts. Today was dry until shortly after we arrived to check out the camping area. We deemed the ground too damp, figuring we would get stuck sinking into the soft earth if we drove onto the grass. Another rainstorm was coming in fast. The 2-3 miles of dirt washboard road was not a problem when dry, but would be a problem after rain. We were lucky to leave just as the rain started. We encourage folks to camp here. It's not a bad place! But don't bring a heavy big rig if it's been raining. We went on to a Harvest Host location (Calfax Bar and Diner, about 12 miles west, very nice people), but the ground was too soft there too. We ended up in the Raton, NM KOA. It's not free, but it's a fine place.
TravelerArrived late at night so didn’t get to take in the beauty until morning. Sensational sunrise and beautiful views of the dam. There are some pay to camp sites and some primitive, so helpful to arrive earlier to navigate as no cell reception most of way from highway.
GuideIt’s 15 dollars a night
Camping near Mills, New Mexico, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Mills, New Mexico, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a memorable experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mills, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mills, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 18 campgrounds and RV parks near Mills, NM and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Mills, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mills, NM is Mills Canyon Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 21 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mills, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Mills, NM.
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