Best Campgrounds near Prewitt, NM

Prewitt, New Mexico provides a range of camping options within the high desert terrain of northwestern New Mexico. Bluewater Lake State Park Campground represents the primary developed camping area, offering lakeside sites with various amenities including electric hookups, showers, and dump stations. Campground options extend to nearby Grants KOA Journey and Six Mile Canyon dispersed camping, creating a mix of developed facilities and primitive backcountry sites. Most camping areas accommodate tents and RVs, while Bluewater Lake and Grants KOA also offer cabin accommodations for those seeking more shelter from the elements.

Seasonal considerations significantly affect camping in this region, with many campgrounds operating on limited schedules. Bluewater Lake State Park's modern facilities operate primarily from April through October, though some visitors report using the campground during winter months. Several campgrounds in the area feature uneven terrain that may challenge RV campers seeking level sites. Most dispersed camping locations lack amenities such as drinking water, restrooms, or trash service, requiring self-sufficiency. A visitor noted: "Very nice park and camping area. Wild horses and jack rabbits present. We dispersed and parked our truck camper right on the shoreline for $8."

Campers consistently mention wildlife encounters as a highlight of staying in the Prewitt area, particularly the wild horses that roam freely around Bluewater Lake. The region offers a mix of lake views, desert landscapes, and forested areas at higher elevations. Elevation changes create diverse camping microclimates, with cooler temperatures in pine-covered mountain sites compared to lower desert areas. Reviews indicate that campgrounds near water features receive higher satisfaction ratings, with several campers specifically mentioning sunset views over Bluewater Lake. Some visitors report challenges with algae blooms in the lake during certain seasons. According to one camper, "Great campground. Not far off I-40. Lots of sites. Most have a level, gravel tent pad, table and fire ring. Vault toilets in abundance."

Best Camping Sites Near Prewitt, New Mexico (33)

    1. Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    Prewitt, NM
    5 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."

    2. Grants KOA Journey

    20 Reviews
    Grants, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 287-4376

    $45 / night

    "General: Conveniently located close to I40, there are 20 pull-through 50-amp sites, 16 pull-through 30-amp sites, five back-in water/electric sites (ok for tents), five tent-only sites (no hookups)"

    "Close to Hwy 40. There is a walking path next to the campground that is in a lava field and there are signs along the path with fun facts of the history of the lava field."

    3. Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    31 Reviews
    Jamestown, NM
    25 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."

    4. Bar S RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Grants, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 876-6002

    $20 - $22 / night

    "Spots are right next to each other but it’s a super quiet and safe campground. It has trees throughout so you don’t feel like you’re in the dessert."

    "The campground is conveniently located off I40 and is very reasonable priced for full hookups. The campground is clean and the office staff were very nice."

    5. Ojo Redondo

    2 Reviews
    Bluewater Village, NM
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 287-8833

    "For those of us who were not in the mood for miles and miles of rugged hiking there is a road to drive along with incredible views. Dog friendly!"

    6. El Morro National Monument

    21 Reviews
    Pinehill, NM
    28 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."

    7. Lavaland RV Campgrounds

    7 Reviews
    Grants, NM
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 287-8665

    $40 - $50 / night

    "It’s not scenic by any means but, it is close to Mal Pais National Monument (across the street) and the people that work here are super nice."

    "Sites are very close to each other and there are no tables. The dog run is very small. Road noise from I40. There is a small brewery on site, hence upgraded to 4 stars."

    8. Blue Spruce RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Grants, NM
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 287-2560

    $40 / night

    9. Joe Skeen Campground - El Malpais NCA

    25 Reviews
    San Rafael, NM
    32 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."

    10. Quaking Aspen Campground

    15 Reviews
    Fort Wingate, NM
    28 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."

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Recent Reviews near Prewitt, NM

316 Reviews of 33 Prewitt Campgrounds


  • Brittany M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Straight forward area

    I stopped in what seemed like the first camping spot, so I didn't risk the harder road further down. I'd say I was only a half mile in. Witnessed a tow truck come and pick up an Audi, but it may have just broken down. Saw several other trucks but no RV/campers. Was on and off windy while I was there for the day. Would try for further down the road next time.

  • Robert N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Bluewater Lake State Park Campground

    Calm and quiet

    It is after Labor Day, the Canyonside Campground is deserted except for myself. I can hear the breeze moving through the pinions. Beautiful New Mexico sunset.

  • Kenny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Turkey Springs

    Don’t recommend if it’s muddy!

    Great spot! Lots of options and tons of open space. Beautiful area. I decided to stay at the nearby Quaking Aspen Campground (0.5 mile away) due to this dispersed camping area kinda being a mudpit after the rain 😂

    Would be awesome during a dry time!

  • Zoey T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Quaking Aspen Campground

    Wonderful primitive campsite

    Campsites well maintained with a grill and firepit on each one. All seem pretty level. We were here in August and it was pleasantly cool. Also plenty of firewood. No running water but there’s an outhouse toilet that’s clean enough and a dumpster for waste. Currently their payment system is broken so it’s free! I only took one star off because the sites are all pretty exposed to each other. About 20ish sites and only 4 were taken but there wasn’t one that wasn’t visible by at least 2 of the other sites being used.

  • Jeff V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Gallo Campground — Chaco Culture National Historical Park

    Camping in an archeological wonder still part of current indigenous culture

    Reading through earlier reviews a few concerns jumped out: the road in is a decent gravel road, but side roads often require 4x4 and may not be suitable for trailers.  

    The rough drive is intentional, to keep out too much traffic for Navajo who live nearby.  Please do remember you're on another people's homeland, and treat all interactions with respect, like a polite guest should. 

    Most park staff are local hires from the Navajo Reservation, which surrounds the park.  They'll be some bilagaana (white) rangers too, most likely LEOs and any archeology staff.  The astro-archeology park staff talks by the telescope are well worth it, and show how the ruins line up with canyon walls and celestial phenomenon.  

    Chaco is a dark skies park, so night sky gazing is fantastic on clear nights when the moon isn't shining. 

    There are ruins right in the campground and you can hike to other ruins directly from camp as well.  I've found a bicycle the perfect way to get around as the whole park loop is too far to easily walk and traffic slow, with parking sometimes limited at peak times. 

    Chaco is one of the few archeological parks where one can easily access amazing monumental architecture: in nearby Mesa Verde most sites are off limits or require ranger guided tours.  

    For those who are interested in learning about Ancestral Puebloan cultures, this is literally a sacred site.  Indigenous people, the descendants of Chaco's creators, still live nearby and make use of Chaco today for ceremonies.  The place deserves respect from all who visit. 

    Fall is the best time to visit, combining the golden cottonwoods and bright yellow Aspen foliage with cool nights for easier sleep and no bugs.  Spring works too, but can be windy, with winters being sometimes frigid and summers often broiling. 

    Off season makes scoring a spot easier as well, and even winter will have reasonable camping temperatures some weeks.

  • Gordy Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Six Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping

    Prius approved

    I drove my Prius in during the summer and it was fine. Granted, I could see how this would be hazardous if the ground was soft and muddy.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 13, 2025

    USA RV Park

    Great place!

    Clean showers ,a nice heated pool very friendly staff.

  • Janie O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Joe Skeen Campground - El Malpais NCA

    Car camping newbie

    This was my first car camping site, and it was beautiful. It was very clean. The compost commode was very clean, a campfire ring was available, and there was a covered picnic table area. Overall an excellent site.

  • Edith L.
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Grants KOA Journey

    Excellent RV Park

    We were happy to end up at this RV park, when we needed a place to figure out what to do after our tow vehicle broke down. We have been here for 5 nights and have been grateful for their help. The staff and the person who runs it have been immensely friendly and helpful. Kevin, the owner, even drove my husband to get a U-Haul and waited for him at the post office to get a part we needed delivered. He wouldn't take any money for the ride. Other staff helped us research options and were always courteous and friendly. In terms of the park, it is well run and has a walking path through a lava flow in the park. It has excellent bathrooms and showers, which are set up in separate rooms. Their wireless connection and speed were the best! They have the normal KOA set up with long leveled gravel drive throughs with hookups, cabins, tent sites, and some sites have small trees. They have dog areas and a small playground. They also have a store with souvenirs, local pottery, and essentials, and a reasonably priced coin-operated laundry. They provide free breakfast with pancakes and you can order dinner to be delivered to your site. Their brisket and ribs were delicious! It is a high desert location, with the corresponding vegetation in the surrounding areas. The mesas and the volcanos in the background were beautiful at sunset, along with the distinct lava rocks. We are the forest-campground type, but appreciated the conveniences of this excellent RV park. The only downside was that the water didn't taste great. Even as it got hot during the day, it cooled nicely at dusk and in the evenings. Overall, we highly recommend it!


Guide to Prewitt

Camping near Prewitt, New Mexico, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot by the lake or a more rugged camping adventure, there are options for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are great trails nearby. One camper mentioned, "Good trails for hiking" at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, making it a perfect spot for those who love to explore nature.
  • Fishing: The lake views are stunning, and fishing is a popular activity. A reviewer noted, "Nice view of the lake" at the same campground, highlighting the scenic backdrop while you cast your line.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper shared, "There were horses roaming through the campground" at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground, adding a unique touch to the experience.

What campers like:

  • Affordable Rates: Many campers appreciate the low costs. One happy camper said, "Beautiful lake view for only $8 (dry camping)" at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground.
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the layout of the sites. A review mentioned, "Sites were spaced far enough apart we hardly knew there were others camping nearby" at Quaking Aspen Campground.
  • Clean Facilities: Cleanliness is a big plus. One camper remarked, "The bathrooms were spectacularly clean" at Quaking Aspen Campground, making it a comfortable place to stay.

What you should know:

  • Windy Conditions: Be prepared for strong winds. A camper at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground warned, "Only drawback was the all-night incessant winds," which can affect your sleep.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have fewer facilities. A review noted, "There is no water or dump facilities" at Joe Skeen Campground - El Malpais NCA, so plan accordingly.
  • Seasonal Access: Check the seasons. One camper mentioned, "If you're coming after November you need to be here before 5:00 or the gates are locked" at Bluewater Lake State Park Campground.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities. A reviewer said, "Playground for the kiddos" at Grants KOA Journey, making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games or outdoor activities. One camper suggested, "I discovered a fantastic game called pico park" to keep kids entertained during downtime.
  • Pack Snacks: Having food on hand is essential. A camper at Sky City RV Casino & RV Park mentioned, "They have a nearby casino with excellent prices," so you can grab a bite nearby.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some roads can be rough. A reviewer at 6 Mile Canyon - Dispersed Camping noted, "The wash areas are really poorly maintained," so be cautious.
  • Get There Early: Arriving early can help secure a good spot. One camper said, "These fill up fast, so come early" at Joe Skeen Campground - El Malpais NCA.
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds lack hookups. A camper at Joe Skeen Campground mentioned, "There are pit toilets, but no water or dump facilities," so plan your needs accordingly.

Camping near Prewitt, New Mexico, offers a variety of experiences, from serene lakeside spots to rugged adventures. Whether you're with family or exploring solo, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Prewitt, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, Prewitt, NM offers a wide range of camping options, with 33 campgrounds and RV parks near Prewitt, NM and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Prewitt, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Prewitt, NM is Bluewater Lake State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 35 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Prewitt, NM.