Best Campgrounds near Mills, NM
The Mills Canyon area within the Kiowa National Grasslands hosts a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed camping options within a dramatic canyon setting. Mills Canyon Campground provides tent and RV sites with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while Mills Canyon Dispersed offers more primitive camping experiences along the Canadian River. Additional options include Lake 13-Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge, approximately 30 miles northwest, which features free camping with vault toilets and picnic tables. The Cove and Bell Point campgrounds at Conchas Lake State Park, located about 35 miles southeast of Mills, offer more developed sites with electric hookups and shower facilities.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the region, with access to Mills Canyon requiring careful navigation. The descent into the canyon involves a two-mile dirt road that presents challenges for larger vehicles or during wet conditions. According to feedback, "The road down into the canyon was fine with a few legit ruts but easy to navigate" though "if it's wet be careful, the mud is super slippery." Most campgrounds lack drinking water and cell service, requiring visitors to be self-sufficient with supplies. Summer temperatures can become extremely hot, while spring may bring mosquitoes after rainfall. Many sites are accessible year-round but differ dramatically in comfort level by season.
Campers consistently highlight the scenic beauty and solitude found in Mills Canyon. The dramatic canyon setting provides opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring historical ruins from an old orchard and stagecoach stop. Reviewers particularly value the remoteness, with one visitor noting it's "a hidden gem with a rich history." The camping experience varies by location, with rim sites offering expansive views and canyon floor sites providing access to the river. Wildlife sightings, including owls, turkeys, and deer, enhance the experience for many visitors. While free and primitive, the developed campgrounds feature well-maintained facilities including cement picnic tables and clean vault toilets. Stargazing opportunities are exceptional due to minimal light pollution, with one camper describing the Milky Way views as "to die for."
