Best Tent Camping near Navajo Dam, NM

Tent campsites around Navajo Dam, New Mexico range from established group sites to dispersed walk-in areas, with several options providing access to water features. Navajo Lake Relax Wild-u-can offers a group campsite with pre-set tents for campers seeking a more organized experience, while Simon Canyon Trailhead Basecamp provides dispersed tent camping with more primitive conditions. Both locations offer tent-specific accommodations without RV hookups or other vehicle amenities.

Campers should prepare for minimal facilities at most tent camping areas near Navajo Dam. While Navajo Lake Relax Wild-u-can includes toilet facilities and trash disposal, many dispersed sites like Simon Canyon Trailhead have only basic amenities such as picnic tables and vault toilets. Most tent sites permit campfires where fire rings are present, but firewood is rarely provided. The area experiences seasonal closures, particularly at higher elevations where roads may become impassable during winter and early spring. Tent campers should bring their own water supplies as drinking water access is limited throughout the region.

Primitive tent sites in the Navajo Dam area provide scenic outdoor experiences with varying levels of seclusion. The walk-in tent sites require extra effort but reward campers with enhanced privacy and natural surroundings. Sites along water features are particularly sought after, offering both scenic value and recreational opportunities. Tent campers often find the region less crowded than established RV campgrounds, with greater flexibility in site selection at dispersed locations. A visitor commented, "There were plenty of camping areas along the river, some large enough for groups while others offered more seclusion."

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Tent Sites Near Navajo Dam, New Mexico (11)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Navajo Dam, NM

457 Reviews of 11 Navajo Dam Campgrounds


  • Andrea P.
    Jul. 28, 2025

    Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping

    Beautiful spot! Can get some intense winds

    I loved my stay here--absolutely incredible views, not too crowded.  Covered picknick tables and good pit toilets.  

    I left my tent up while visiting Chaco.  Some wild weather came through and when I got back my tent had nearly gone over the canyon rim despite being staked down and weighted with my sleeping bag and pad.  I'd strongly recommend tying at least one tent line to the shade structure around the picknick table in times of iffy weather.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Brown Springs Campground

    Very Nice Campground & Free

    Brown Springs OHV Campground : (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 4.5 Price 2024: $ Free Security: No, though patrolled Usage during visit: 3/4s Site Privacy: Dispersed junipers Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Gravel Reservations: No Campground Noise: No Outside Road Noise: If there are OHVs then there will be a lot. Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: No Generators: Allowed Bathroom: Pit toilets , moderately clean Showers: No Cell Service (AT&T): 4 bars Setting: amongst rolling hills, juniper and sagebrush Recent Weather: 70s Solar: Great Insects: None during our stay Host: No Rig Size: Large Sites: All 9 or so sites are nice w covered picnic tables.

  • Texas Roving Ranger
    Jul. 11, 2024

    Junction Creek Campground

    Quiet but busy campground

    Stayed 2 nights in July 2024. The campsites are well spaced apart with a variety of sizes for just about anyone except large Class As and long toy haulers. Most sites were occupied. You can reserve sites in advance. I would recommend booking at least a month out. Most sites were densely shaded. Not much option for solar. Quiet hours 10pm-6am. Generators allowed. Sites in the E loop have electricity. Restrooms were well maintained vault toilets. No showers anywhere in campground. Park host live on-site. Firewood for sale at host sites. Potable water is available. The gravel road leading to the campground is VERY rough wash-board. Secure your stuff and be ready for the bumpy ride.

  • Susan H.
    Apr. 23, 2018

    Angel Peak Scenic View Campground

    Stunning Views

    The entrance is very understated and underwhelming, you will pass a oil construction area as you enter the park. As you continue driving almost instantly notice the gorge. You will pass three day use areas all of which offer amazing views. Continue to drive until you reach the campground (which by the way is free) there are six campsites situated on the rim of the canyon. All campgrounds have picnic tables, some have covered picnic tables with fire rings. There are very well maintained trails that offer spectacular sights from all direction. There is vault toilets that are very clean, but no electricity, trash or water. So trash in, trash out.

  • Nicole J.
    Jun. 27, 2022

    Lake Farmington

    Nice camping spot

    It's a decent place to campout. There is no showers but there is a place to use the restroom. Restroom facilities were very clean and stocked with toliet tissues. The surrounding area was fairly clean. There is a picnic table available at every site with shade. Right now due to fire restrictions, there is no fire or charcoal fire allowed, only camp stoves are accepted. There is a fire burning pit for whenever the fire restrictions are lifted. We got a site near the lake which was very nice and peaceful. You are allowed 2 vehicles per site, up to 8 people per site. There is spaces for small/ large tents and RV as well. (No hookups). At night the gates do locked by themselves so you are unable to leave or enter the Lake after 10pm, gates unlock at 6am. There is a beach like area west of the camping area that allows people to rent any water gear(paddle board, kayak, lake floats). You can fish with a permit. You can call ahead to reserve a spot or you can walk in there is FCFS spots available!

  • Texas Roving Ranger
    Jul. 9, 2024

    Angel Peak NM Badlands | Dispersed Camping

    Tranquil, secluded and scenic boondocking sites

    Just arrived at Angel Peak dispersed campground near Bloomfield NM. It's Monday July 9th 2024. We stayed one night. The gravel road from HWY 550 is in good shape. Only one other camper in the entire area. This is completely dry camping. No potable water nor electricity. However, each site has a fire ring, picnic table and shade shelter. Everything is very tidy. Only a small bit of litter in the fire ring. Clean vault toilet nearby. Strong 5G TMobile cell signal.

  • Kristina H.
    Aug. 10, 2019

    Florida Campground (CO)

    By the river

    Single campsites available as well. No reservations, only group site has reservations. All the other 15 sites are FCFS. Sites have picnic tables, fire ring. Campground has vault toilets, water and trash collection. Camp host from May-Sept, has firewood for sale.

  • Hayley K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 27, 2020

    Angel Peak Scenic View Campground

    Perfect Hidden Gem when visiting Bisti Badlands

    Access to the Angel Peak Scenic Area is off US Highway 550, 15 miles south of Bloomfield on County Road 7175. Follow the gravel road along the canyon rim for approximately six miles to reach the campground. It is important to note the gravel road may become dangerous in bad weather. 

    First of picnic areas is a mile down a gravel road. Many RV's seem to be using this for boondocking. I don't blame them, but try and keep them open for day trippers if possible. The Picnic areas are on the rim of the canyon. The campground is 6 miles down the same road.

     Three picnic areas and a campground are located along the canyon rim overlooking Angel Peak and the Kutz Canyon badlands. Three picnic areas(Sage, Castle Rock, and Cliffs). In total there are seven developed sites located along the rim road. Each site has a shelter, tables on a concrete slab, a gravel pathway, and a fire grate. Trash cans are located in all three picnic areas. There are vault toilets available at both Sage and Cliffs picnic areas. These are BLM sites and are incredibly well maintained in the Winter. No electrical hookups or water is available.

    Angel Peak Campground has nine sites available for tent camping. They each have picnic tables on a concrete underfoot, gravel pathways, and fire grates. Picnic shelters are located at three campsites; two with single shelters and one with a double shelter that seems to be a great spot for larger groups. Two accessible vault toilets and trash receptacles are in the campground. 

    There is a nature trail that heads though light brush and along the rim to a beautiful bench that overlooks the incredible canyon.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Junction Creek Campground

    Great Sites Near Town

    Junction Creek, CO 6/24: Great location and remarkably large sites.

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 5 Price 2024: $ 29 w interagency pass for electric site. Security: No, however the host is along entry road. Usage during visit: Pretty full on the weekend. Site Privacy: Nice. Sites on outside of loop are better.
    Site Spacing: GREAT , well spaced sites.
    Pad surface: Blacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet.
    Outside Road Noise: No Through Traffic in campground: No Electric Hookup: Some sites. Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: Yes, near restrooms. Bathroom: Very well maintained pit toilets Showers: No Pull Throughs: Some sites. Cell Service (AT&T): No Setting: Ponderosa Pine Forest with oak shrub understory. Recent Weather: highs in the low 90s, made more comfortable by the forest shade. Solar: Some sites.
    Insects: Mosquitoes are a bit bothersome at dusk and dawn .
    Host: Yes Rig Size: I saw 30’. I’d imagine that large rigs would have to be careful. Sites: I didn’t see an outside site that I wouldn’t be happy with. The least desirable would be the few B loop sites that are near the entry/ host area. Still they are pretty good.


Guide to Navajo Dam

Nestled in the scenic landscapes of New Mexico, Navajo Dam offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and relaxation.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Navajo Lake Relax Wild-u-can (group campsite) features separate sites for tents, allowing for privacy and space for groups, along with essential amenities like toilets and trash disposal.
  • At Buzzard Park, campers can enjoy a natural setting, although it lacks some conveniences like drinking water and firewood.
  • The Cedar Springs Campground offers a rustic experience for tent campers, providing a peaceful environment without electric hookups or showers.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $25

Local activities to enjoy while tent camping

  • While staying at the Navajo Lake Relax Wild-u-can (group campsite), visitors can partake in fishing and boating on Navajo Lake, making it a perfect spot for water activities.
  • The Lower Piedra River Camp is an excellent location for hiking and exploring the surrounding wilderness, with trails that lead to stunning views and wildlife encounters.
  • Campers at Buzzard Park can enjoy birdwatching and nature walks, taking advantage of the park's serene environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Navajo Dam, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Navajo Dam, NM is Navajo Lake Relax Wild-u-can (group campsite) with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Navajo Dam, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Navajo Dam, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.