Best Tent Camping near Newcomb, NM

Tent camping options near Newcomb, New Mexico are limited, with several primitive established campgrounds located in neighboring Arizona. Buffalo Pass Campground offers walk-in tent sites without amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash services. Other nearby options include South Shore Campground, Black Pinnacle Campground, and Wagon Wheel Campground, all designated as established tent camping areas with minimal infrastructure.

Most tent sites in this region lack basic amenities. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including water, as none of the established campgrounds provide drinking water. Buffalo Pass and South Shore campgrounds allow fires and pets, while Black Pinnacle and Wagon Wheel prohibit fires. Buffalo Pass features picnic tables, but other facilities are generally absent across all sites. The terrain typically consists of undeveloped natural surfaces without designated tent pads. All sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservation systems.

The primitive nature of these campgrounds provides a rustic experience for tent campers seeking solitude. South Shore Campground offers multiple access options including walk-in, drive-in, and boat-in camping. During peak seasons, sites may fill quickly despite their remote location. One camper noted significant cleanliness issues at Buffalo Pass Campground, reporting: "I saw trash everywhere including the parking area. The place looked like it had a huge party recently." This highlights the importance of practicing Leave No Trace principles when visiting these remote tent camping areas. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this high desert region, requiring tent campers to prepare for temperature fluctuations and possible wind exposure.

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Best Tent Sites Near Newcomb, New Mexico (4)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Newcomb, NM

99 Reviews of 4 Newcomb Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 6, 2022

    Cottonwood Campground

    Nice & Right Outside of Canyon de Chelly

    This is a really nice peaceful campground at the entrance of the Canyon de Chelly National Monument.  Canyon de Chelly is beautiful and amazing and worth going out of your way for.  Be sure to pre arrange with an authorized tour guide, if you want to go down into the canyon. We didn't plan ahead and didn't get to go down, though driving all the way to the end of the canyon (we went along the south side) was beautiful on its own.  Just about each pull off has native vendors selling handmade art and goods.

    $14/night (cash only!) for a tent site, and $5 for day use. Camp fee includes use of dump station and water fill, but heads up that the water is turned off for the winter. Dump station open year round.

    There are flush toilets but no showers. 2 of the restrooms were closed for the winter as well. 

    Sites come with a picnic table and grill, no fire rings (fires not allowed here). There is no privacy or any kind of barrier between sites. It was not a big deal when we were here as there were only a few other campers, but I could see it feeling crowded during busy season. Some sites have a lot of shade and some are in full sun, so there’s something for everyone. 

    Heads up - this is Navajo Nation and there is no alcohol or marijuana use allowed, and there are loose dogs hanging out everywhere. 

    ATT had LTE, and Verizon and TMobile were roaming.

  • 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!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 11, 2018

    Gallo Campground — Chaco Culture National Historical Park

    Car camping tucked Away from the world

    The campsites here are incredible! They are peaceful and tucked under an amazing starry sky. The ruins are unlike any other; visitors walk through the rooms sculpted by the puebloans a whole millienium earlier.

    Gallo is a great car campground that still feels remote and tucked away from the world. Park is accessed from 17 miles of passable dirt road. Driver beware: wet conditions may make muddy roads temporarily impassible by cars not up to the task—call ahead if concerned. Flush toilets are available in campground, but there are no showers or other amenities. There is drinking water by the visitor center, which is only another short drive down the road. Bring all food and supplies because there are no supplies available within 40 minutes of the park and that is at a gas station.

    Note about the few secluded tent only sites (sites 41-49): these sites do not allow you to park directly beside the site. You must walk your gear a short+ distance to a defined tent pad (mind the sizes when you reserve). Also, the way the wind blows through the canyon, sites 46-49 have no wind break, and fires may become too dangerous to light up. We camped in one of these and loved our experience. They have more space, are more private, and quieter. But setting up camp was more of a workout too!

  • Kelsey M.
    Oct. 24, 2018

    Gallo Campground — Chaco Culture National Historical Park

    Pretty Nice, No Water

    The Gallo Campground is the only campground in Chaco Canyon National Park so reserving ahead of time or getting there earlier in the day depending on the season are very important. The park is very remote so it's a long drive on a potentially very rough road to get in but once you're there the route is well worth the visit.

    I visited on a Wednesday night in mid October. The campground had filled up by about 2pm Wednesday and but was full by about 11am on Thursday.

    There is currently no potable water at the campground but water is available at the Visitors Center a short drive down the road. There are however flushing toilets and running water in the bathrooms. The campsites each have a picnic table and fire pit. I thought the set up of the tent only area was interesting. There is a parking lot area with sites surrounding it on three sides. The set up allows for privacy between the sites which are nestled in among the rocks and plants.

    I wish I had spent more time in Chaco Canyon exploring the sites, hiking, and going on tours. The daily tours and ranger talks provide more insight into the canyon's history than you can get with the self guided booklets.

  • Sandra W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2023

    Brown Springs Campground

    Great Free Spot

    This was our first boondocking experience and we were very pleased. The area was beautiful with lots of OHV trails. We had a few spots to choose from and all were spaced out nicely. There was a clean vault toilet. We camped in our bronco but there was plenty of room for trailers. All sites had a covered picnic table and fire ring.

  • Kelsey M.
    Oct. 24, 2018

    Gallo Campground — Chaco Culture National Historical Park

    Lovely

    Gallo Campground is the only campground in Chaco Canyon National Park so reserving ahead of time or getting there earlier in the day depending on the season are very important. The park is very remote so it's a long drive on a potentially very rough road to get in but once you're there the route is well worth the visit.

    I visited on a Wednesday night in mid October. The campground had filled up by about 2pm Wednesday and but was full by about 11am on Thursday.

    There is currently no potable water at the campground but water is available at the Visitors Center a short drive down the road. There are however flushing toilets and running water in the bathrooms. The campsites each have a picnic table and fire pit. I thought the set up of the tent only area was interesting. There is a parking lot area with sites surrounding it on three sides. The set up allows for privacy between the sites which are nestled in among the rocks and plants as well as ruins!

    I wish I had spent more time in Chaco Canyon exploring the sites, hiking, and going on tours. The daily tours and ranger talks provide more insight into the canyon's history than you can get with the self guided booklets.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Gallo Campground — Chaco Culture National Historical Park

    Absolutely worth the effort!

    This campground is not easy to get to, so get your head around that. The last 5 miles of the unpaved road getting to the park boundary will be a challenge, so take it slllooow. It is worth it, and you’ll have fewer crowds at this amazing place. 

    The campground is similar to many national parks, with nicely spaced out, no hook up campsites. The toilets are clean and well maintained, flush toilets, and sinks, but no showers.  Water is available throughout the campground, and there’s a big sink for dumping your dish water. 

    The campground is ideal for solar power, as is the New Mexico weather.  We also had no problem connecting with Starlink, but there was no LTE or phone service to speak of. 

    Hiking in the park is simply stunning. With the ruins of the Chaco Culture all around, you can pick your adventure or simply drive the park loop road, stopping to wander through the remains of this vibrant place that was once the heart of a vast cultural empire. 

    Cycling is also a great option -- bike/ hike your way around the park from the campground. The visitor’s center is good, and worth spending some time in.  The closest town with services is a long long way away, in any direction, so come prepared with your supplies, food, etc. 

    There is a convenience store/ gas station about 20 miles out, but the drive back along the rough road will take an hour in an RV.  

    This park is so worth a visit and the campground makes it easy to stay for as long as you can to soak up the solitude of this simply amazing place!

  • Elsa L.
    Sep. 3, 2021

    Cottonwood Campground

    Cottonwood Camphround

    We stayed at this campground at Canyon De Chelly in a 35' Motorhome towing. No hook up but there is a dump station & potable water. Restrooms & showers are available & clean. Barbecue & picnic table at every site. $14 a day. They only accept cash. It was quiet & clean. Great place to stay and explore the Canyon.


Guide to Newcomb

Tent camping near Newcomb, New Mexico, offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various amenities and activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a spot to enjoy outdoor adventures, there are options available.

Tent campers should check out secluded spots for tranquility

  • The South Shore Campground is known for its low traffic and serene environment, making it ideal for those seeking solitude.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Buffalo Pass Campground, you'll find features like picnic tables and the allowance of pets, enhancing your camping experience.

Specific local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

  • For those who enjoy fishing, the South Shore Campground offers access to Tsaile Lake, where you can catch rainbow and brown trout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Newcomb, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Newcomb, NM is Buffalo Pass Campground with a 1-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Newcomb, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.