Best Campgrounds near Pinehill, NM

Campgrounds around Pinehill, New Mexico span from established facilities with full amenities to primitive dispersed sites on public lands. El Morro National Monument campground, approximately 15 miles from Pinehill, provides free tent and RV camping with basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables. For those seeking more developed options, El Morro RV Park and Cabins offers electric hookups, showers, and accommodations including cabins, glamping, and yurts. Six Mile Canyon provides free dispersed camping opportunities for visitors preferring a more primitive experience.

Road access varies significantly throughout the region, with some campgrounds requiring careful navigation on rough roads. Elevation changes affect temperatures, with cooler nights even in summer months. "We stayed here in February on our drive to the Grand Canyon. It was beautiful and FREE! It was also extremely cold in February, like my water bottle froze overnight," noted one camper about El Morro National Monument. Water availability is limited at dispersed sites, though developed campgrounds typically offer drinking water. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, but visitors should check seasonal closures, especially for high-elevation sites like Quaking Aspen Campground, which typically operates only from May through September.

The camping experience near Pinehill features remarkable stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. Many visitors highlight the dramatic landscapes, particularly the volcanic features at nearby El Malpais National Monument. Several campgrounds provide access to hiking trails and cultural sites. One reviewer mentioned, "El Morro is a great place to explore. The monument is a must see." Mixed-use campgrounds accommodating both tent campers and RVs are common in the region, though site limitations exist—many areas cannot accommodate larger RVs. Travelers seeking solitude report high satisfaction with the area's remoteness, while those wanting more amenities gravitate toward established campgrounds with electric hookups, sewer connections, and shower facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities and archaeological sites add significant value to the camping experience throughout the Pinehill region.

Best Camping Sites Near Pinehill, New Mexico (31)

    1. El Morro National Monument

    21 Reviews
    Pinehill, NM
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 783-4226

    "An extremely well maintained campsite situated on a bluff with distant views over the desert and only a short hike to the visitor center."

    "The sites are pretty close to each other and there only 1 bathroom that gets very used. It’s kept clean but smells awful. Drinking water is available as well as grills and fire rings at every site."

    2. El Morro RV Park and Cabins

    2 Reviews
    El Morro National Monument, NM
    5 miles
    Website

    $30 - $94 / night

    "It is just minutes from El Morro Nat’l Monument and close to Mal Pais Volcano flows. I recommend the place."

    "Morro National monument nearby is spectacular. We’d love to return and stay for a few weeks. Special spot."

    3. 4 R's Primitive camping

    2 Reviews
    Pinehill, NM
    8 miles
    +1 (505) 519-0504

    $10 / night

    "With gorgeous views and close access to the Wolf Sanctuary near by, this is a fun stay! Come and check them out and leave them a review here!"

    4. Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Prewitt, NM
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 876-2391

    $15 - $90 / night

    "This was the only lake we saw on our trip to the cattle ranch in New Mexico ;) The park is lovely and we truly enjoyed our time here. There is a nice beach as well as boating and fishing."

    "Beautiful New Mexico sunset."

    5. Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano

    6 Reviews
    San Rafael, NM
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 783-4303

    $15 - $40 / night

    "There are no hookups but you’re in a remote part of New Mexico under pines with a Giant night sky above."

    "Site Quality: The tent section is behind the cabins, but RVs park in the gravel parking lot with no clearly defined spaces."

    6. USA RV Park

    60 Reviews
    Mentmore, NM
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 863-5021

    $25 - $35 / night

    "Needed an overnight stay along Interstate 40 in New Mexico. "

    "We were so grateful to stumble upon USA RV Park on our recent trip through New Mexico. "

    7. Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    31 Reviews
    Jamestown, NM
    33 miles
    Website

    "Some highway noise if you stay near the entrance but once you head back, it gets quiet. No services or amenities so pack in and pack out. There’s a gas station about 7 minutes away."

    "Quick drive to this surprisingly secluded place to spend the night on our way through."

    8. Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout

    1 Review
    El Morro National Monument, NM
    17 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    "Surrounded by El Malpais National Monument, all park rules apply at this location. If you're up for an adventure, book this site and leave your experience here!"

    9. Quaking Aspen Campground

    15 Reviews
    Fort Wingate, NM
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 287-8833

    $5 / night

    "I hadn't spent much time in this part of New Mexico, and assumed that the trip was going to be hot and sun-bleached, similar to the desert exposed in nearby Gallup, NM."

    "Located about 15min from I-40 is this campground. It offers everything you would expect including tables, fire pits, restrooms, and trash. For only $5 a day you can't beat it."

    10. Joe Skeen Campground - El Malpais NCA

    25 Reviews
    San Rafael, NM
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 280-2918

    "We walked to the top of the adjacent hill for sunset which was very nice."

    "BLM dirt road near the entrance you can walk / hike down. Brochures of El Malpais at the entrance to the campground. Got there at 4 pm and only half the sites taken."

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Recent Reviews near Pinehill, NM

300 Reviews of 31 Pinehill Campgrounds


  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2025

    Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    Beautiful stop

    Have this 4 stars instead of 5 cause literally almost all of the sites are unleveled so it was hard to find the right fit but other than that, it’s beautiful here! The lake is gorgeous, easy access and the sites are from above allowing a high view of the lake

    There are also sites with electric and water (no lake view) but near bathroom and a playground

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    USA RV Park

    Great location for a short stop over.

    Easy access. Free for veterans. Store, laundry, pool and propane. Pool and cabins. Tight sites.

  • Stacia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Ice Cave & Bandera Volcano

    A little run down but nice people

    We planned on staying the night here but ended up moving on because the lack of space. Nice if you’re just stopping in for the hike and to see the volcano & ice cave!

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Six Mile Canyon Road Dispersed Site

    Great spot

    Six Mile canyon road off I40 is a bit rough in places. I did fine in my pro master but if it's muddy or wet I wouldn't attempt it without 4WD. Beautiful spot once you find a place though. Not many pull outs

  • Kimberly L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    USA RV Park

    Family owned and friendly

    Nice place for an overnight or longer if you don't mind close neighbors. The family running it are friendly, welcoming, and respectful. Amenities are above par and everything is real clean. You can tell they take pride in the establishment. I prefer more room between sites and less highway noise but they're not overly crowded and it is a convenient location for just traveling through. I went back and forth between giving 4 or 5 stars.

  • Nathan T.
    Oct. 1, 2025

    USA RV Park

    Very nice park

    Showers and restroom are available and very clean, well maintained and quiet.

  • j
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Red Rock Park & Campground

    Very relaxed camping site

    We were looking for a site near Gallup NM to camp for a few days to checkout 4 corners and other places. We read some bad reviews of the campground but decided to give it a try. The online booking was super easy. Almost immediately got conformation with site number and bathroom codes. We were in our RV so the codes were not needed. There is no camp host or office. Just go to your site and hookup. The site was clean with 50 amp power and water, it also had a small BBQ, picknick table and was fairly level. The site was under $25 for the night. We stayed for a couple of nights. The red rocks around the camp were awesome. Trash cans were close to our site and someone picked it up daily. The RV dump was near our site with water to flush the system and top off water before the next adventure. 

    We recommend this campground and would stay here again if in the area.

    John & Meme, Roxy & Zeke

  • Lauren W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Red Rock Park & Campground

    Easy access and great price

    Stayed here after a long day on the road for some shut eye. Booked online and confirmation was immediately sent via email that included the bathroom door code. Arrived after hours without issue. Showered in the morning and left without ever having to talk to any staff. Would not recommend for tents due to sandy and small sites, but great option for sleeping in your car. Make sure to select dry camping if you aren’t using water or electricity at the site for a discount. One night total was $13.81. Can’t beat that.

  • Jordan A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    BLM land near Grants, NM

    It's a place to stay

    Road is a little rough getting in and can be bad if it rains. Plenty of room to park. No fire rings. There is an unofficial shooting range on the property.


Guide to Pinehill

Campgrounds around Pinehill offer varied terrain from 7,500 to 9,000 feet elevation, creating significant temperature variations between day and night. The Continental Divide passes near this region, influencing weather patterns and creating unique landscapes shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 75-85°F, dropping to 45-55°F at night.

What to do

Explore volcanic landscapes: El Malpais National Monument showcases dramatic lava flows and volcanic features accessible from nearby camping areas. "We only hiked the Inscription Rock Loop but were impressed with the way the park integrated features like water channels into the land using natural elements. Everything was organized and impressive," notes a camper at El Morro National Monument.

Hike historic trails: Many campsites provide access to trails with cultural significance. "The 200 ft stair climb wasn't bad at all and the views and trail up top were incredible. I would recommend going up this way and down the switchbacks instead of the reverse," shares a visitor describing hiking at El Morro.

Visit ancient inscriptions: Historical carvings and petroglyphs can be found throughout the region. "El Morro National Monument features some amazing petroglyphs and the remains of a pueblo, offering fun hikes," reports a camper from Joe Skeen Campground.

What campers like

Free camping options: Many visitors appreciate the no-cost camping available in the area. "Camping here was free when we went, you just had to reserve a site using a little tag. We stayed for 2 nights. There were toilets and running water, so we filled up our 5 gallon jug," notes a camper at El Morro National Monument.

Dark sky viewing: The remote location provides excellent stargazing conditions. "Amazing dark sky view of the stars. Mostly empty," reports a visitor to Joe Skeen Campground, highlighting the benefit of minimal light pollution in this rural area.

Quiet, secluded atmosphere: The region's remoteness appeals to those seeking solitude. "Small campground with massive campsites. This campground could easily squeeze double, if not triple, the sites out of these woods, but someone decided to let everyone breath a little here," writes a visitor to Quaking Aspen Campground.

What you should know

Seasonal water availability: Water sources vary by season and location. "There's water available except in winter (and then you can fill containers at the visitor's center) and vault toilets," explains a camper at Joe Skeen Campground.

Road conditions: Some campsites require careful navigation. "The wash to get into the campground is steep on both sides. We drug a bit on the way in and a lot on the way out," reports an RV owner at Joe Skeen Campground.

Weather extremes: Temperature fluctuations can be significant. "When summer heat was beginning to knock everywhere else in late May, it was serious blanket weather up here," notes a visitor to Quaking Aspen Campground.

Wilderness precautions: Wildlife encounters are possible in this region. "We saw abundant wildlife while working in the Zunis, including several brown bears, deer, and elk. While we didn't have any run ins with these guys in camp, be aware that large animals are present," advises a camper at Six Mile Canyon.

Tips for camping with families

Watch for natural hazards: The landscape contains features requiring caution with children. "Careful of the grass if you have small children. When the prickly pear cactus die and rot away their little hairy spines remain. My toddler fell in a patch of invisible spines and it was a challenge to remove them," warns a visitor to El Morro.

Consider shorter trails: Some areas offer family-friendly hiking options. "The monument is really cool and the campground is very nice. Clean, quiet, beautiful, everything you would want in a campsite!" shares a family that visited El Morro RV Park and Cabins.

Plan for temperature swings: Even summer nights require warm clothing. "We got there about 8pm on a Monday in July and only saw one other spot taken. My 2wd car had no problem getting in and out and the ground was great for tent camping," notes a solo camper at Joe Skeen Campground.

Tips from RVers

Watch for clearance issues: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for larger vehicles. "We have a 34' class A. Only about 10 sites each one has a fire pit, grill, tables and cover. Some sites are pull through. No water or any kind of hook ups," reports an RV owner who stayed at Joe Skeen Campground.

Electrical hookups are limited: Full-service sites are concentrated at specific campgrounds. "Full hookups with military and good sam discounts. We've stayed here before and we will again. A dog park, showers, rest rooms and laundry available," explains a camper at USA RV Park near Gallup.

Consider elevation when planning: Higher elevations affect vehicle performance and comfort. "In our little sedan we didn't have trouble, but I think there are other forest service roads you'd want a jeep for," advises a visitor to Quaking Aspen Campground, which sits at approximately 8,000 feet elevation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pinehill, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pinehill, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 31 campgrounds and RV parks near Pinehill, NM and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pinehill, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pinehill, NM is El Morro National Monument with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pinehill, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Pinehill, NM.