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Best Campgrounds near Reserve, NM

214 Reviews

Camping in the Reserve, New Mexico area spans across several national forest sites with varying amenities and natural settings. The Gila National Forest surrounds Reserve, offering options like Apache Creek Campground and Cottonwood Campground for established camping, while Luna Rodeo Grounds provides dispersed camping opportunities. Most camping areas accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some sites offering picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Cosmic Campground, an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, draws visitors seeking exceptional stargazing experiences in a primitive setting.

Road conditions and access vary throughout the region, with many campgrounds accessible via dirt roads that may require high-clearance vehicles during wet weather. Most camping areas remain open year-round, though higher elevation sites like Pueblo Park Campground operate seasonally from April to November due to winter conditions. Campgrounds are predominantly free or low-cost, with most operating on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell service is limited or nonexistent across the region, making advance planning essential. As one visitor noted, "No T-Mobile cell service anywhere in the area though."

Campers consistently praise the natural setting and tranquility of camping near Reserve. Apache Creek Campground receives particularly positive reviews for its spacious sites amid ponderosa pines. A camper described it as having "large camping sites, clean campgrounds and restroom. Was able to have campfires. Cool in morning and evening but plenty of wood around to collect." Sites around Luna offer similar forest experiences, with elevations providing cooler temperatures even during summer months. Most campgrounds feature clean vault toilets but limited amenities, with visitors needing to pack out their trash and bring their own water. The camping experience focuses on natural surroundings rather than facilities, with many sites offering access to hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Map showing campgrounds near Reserve, New MexicoExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Reserve, New Mexico (94)

    1. Cosmic Campground

    26 Reviews
    Glenwood, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 539-2481

    "There are about 6 spots when you drive in and around the bathrooms. If you go farther in there are many more sites away from the crowd. It was quiet and peaceful camping spot."

    "About 10 designated sites around a loop. The sites are set up as to where you pull/back your vehicle/camper into the site. There is a picnic table. The site itself is compacted gravel."

    2. Apache Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Reserve, NM
    11 miles
    Website

    "I hiked a trail nearby and relavl Ed arpund the fire at nighst and in the mornings. Nights were average if 55 and mornin' were around 30-40. Very quite and tranquil."

    "I hiked a trail nearby as well. 11 miles into the town of Reserve there is a butcher, geocery store, cafes and automated ice/water machine"

    3. Head Of The Ditch Campground

    7 Reviews
    Alpine, AZ
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 547-2612

    "Easy to locate right off the high way. Just needed easy access to campground and was amazed at this place. Clean areas easy to see even at 1030pm. Canon areas well spaced out for nice privacy."

    "Lovely place and pretty quiet at night even though it's close to the hwy."

    4. Cottonwood

    3 Reviews
    Reserve, NM
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 539-2481

    "Shaded, near road but little traffic."

    5. Luna Rodeo Grounds Dispersed Camping

    1 Review
    Alpine, AZ
    14 miles
    Website

    "Every year my wife and I attend the Luna New Mexico Rodeo. This is one of our favorite places to visit, it always rains when we are there but this could not dampen our fun!"

    6. Upper Blue Campground

    2 Reviews
    Blue, AZ
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 339-4380

    "Minute walk to blue river. Lots of fun to play and climb/ hike"

    7. Cosmic Campground - Dark Sky Sanctuary

    3 Reviews
    Glenwood, NM
    18 miles

    "Dispersed sites around campground. Dark sky. 5g cell. We camped dispersed one night."

    8. Pueblo Park

    1 Review
    Blue, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 539-2481

    9. Apache National Forest Luna Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Alpine, AZ
    20 miles
    Website

    $20 - $125 / night

    "The spaces are large and nestled in a pine forest near the lake.  Clean restrooms and water available.   You can walk to the lake.  A nice place to kayak, bird watch and the sunsets are amazing. "

    "Site 40 next to bathroom and dumpster"

    10. State Line

    1 Review
    Alpine, AZ
    17 miles
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Recent Camping Photos near Reserve, NM

53 Photos of 94 Reserve Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Reserve, NM

214 Reviews of 94 Reserve Campgrounds

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Black Jack Campground

    No frills relaxation

    No hook ups, no water, just well spaced campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Very quiet and peaceful, although some road noise, but not distracting at all. Stayed 2 nights in a 20 ft. TT. Will definitely go back and stay longer! So relaxing!

  • M
    Aug. 17, 2025

    KP Cienega Campground

    Beautiful and quiet

    We stayed here one night in our camper van. There was only one other camper. We enjoyed the beautiful meadow, with its wildflowers and wildlife. The pit toilets were maintained. No trash cans, so take out what you bring in.

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    State Line

    Tall Pines & Open Spaces

    I’ve stayed here a handful of times. It’s never crowded unless you count elk, hummingbirds and squirrels. Summer temps in in 70s and 80s.

  • John H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Dipping Vat Campground

    After a torturous drive in, the campground was... meh.

    We were warned.  The trip to the campground was 50ish miles of very rough dirt roads.  Took over two hours to make the drive.  We arrived at the campground mid-day and were pretty surprised.  As mentioned in another review, there are two loops.  There is a sunny loop and a shady loop.  We opted for the sunny loop for the view of Snow Lake.  We tow a 19' travel trailer and there were very few sites that would accommodate it.  I have to say that the sites were very overgrown and far from level. In the sunny loop, you can see every other camper there.

    The shady loop seemed pretty nice although again, the sites were smallish and not at all level.

    The bathrooms were clean and well cared for and there were well maintained water spigots for drinking water.

    Dripping Vat is on the Continental Divide Trail (hiking) and we had a steady stream of through hikers.

    Snow Lake is a small 90-acre lake with a nice boat ramp.  The scenery was spectacular and overall, we enjoyed our stay.  Its Just not a place we will return to.

  • Kay B.
    Jun. 11, 2025

    Buckhorn RV Park

    Family vibes!

    We absolutely loved our stay at Buckhorn RV Park! This place is family-owned and run, and you can really feel the care and pride Polly and David put into it. Everything is clean, spacious, and peaceful with gorgeous views all around. They truly go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and at home.

    One of the best parts was the sense of community—fellow campers were incredibly friendly and helpful, making it feel like more than just a stopover. Plus, we discovered the local Gila Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings just a short drive away. It was filled with amazing people, fresh produce, and handmade goods—definitely worth checking out!

    Whether you're passing through or planning a longer stay, Buckhorn RV Park is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. Can’t wait to come back!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2025

    Head Of The Ditch Campground

    Amazing/Beautiful/Peaceful Place to stay and enjoy the outdoors.

    Nice campground, lots of space for RVs, Tents, Vehicle, And even Glamping. Easily Accessible from the Road. Bathroom is cute and placed in the middle.

  • Christopher P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2025

    Head Of The Ditch Campground

    Free NFS

    National Forest campground. Free. Sites spread out. Light usage. Recent tree maintenance has resulted in several large piles of cut down trees. Pit toilet.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2025

    Gabaldon

    A nice quiet place

    No one else was there when I went. Nice stalls for horses, though I had none. Right next to a nice little trail that crosses the creek. Quiet and peaceful

Guide to Reserve

Camping near Reserve, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and peaceful retreats. Whether you're looking to stargaze or hike, this area has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Stargazing: The Cosmic Campground is known for its incredible night sky views. One camper said, "What amazing 360 views of the sky. You feel like you are in a globe."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Apache Creek Campground. A visitor mentioned, "The hiking in the national forest was fabulous and this was a good base to get to hikes from."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, head to Big Lake Campground. One reviewer shared, "The scenery is beautiful. The weather was beautiful and the fishing was good."

What campers like

  • Peaceful Environment: Campers appreciate the tranquility at Head Of The Ditch Campground. One visitor noted, "Only one other family here, and we only saw them when hiking towards them. Cool and in the trees!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the sites. A review for Apache Creek Campground stated, "Large camping sites, clean campgrounds and restroom."
  • Free Camping: The opportunity to camp for free is a big draw. A camper at Forks Campground said, "This campground is really nice for being free."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Many campgrounds, like Gila Hot Springs Campground, have few amenities. One camper mentioned, "The campground itself is nice enough, but the owners are downright rude and creepy."
  • No Cell Service: Be prepared for no cell service in most areas. A visitor at Cosmic Campground warned, "No AT&T service for 30 mins from East and for over an hour from west."
  • First-Come, First-Serve: Many sites operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. A camper at Upper Scorpion Campground noted, "There is also the lower scorpion campsite, plus a few others along the way."

Tips for camping with families

  • Bring Extra Supplies: Since some campgrounds, like El Caso, have limited resources, make sure to pack enough food and water. A camper advised, "Make sure to bring toilet paper."
  • Plan for Weather: Nights can get chilly, especially at places like Apache Creek Campground. One visitor said, "Cool in morning and evening but plenty of wood around to collect."
  • Engage in Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby activities. A family at Big Lake Campground enjoyed fishing and hiking, saying, "Great place to disconnect from life for a while."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds, like Forks Campground, may have tricky access roads. A camper mentioned, "I don't recommend towing something this big to this area, but it can be done safely."
  • Look for Spacious Sites: RVers appreciate campgrounds with ample space. A review for Springerville RV Park noted, "The spots are big and spread out."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Many campgrounds lack full services. A visitor at Rolfe C. Hoyer Campground said, "There is no trash service up there, so prepare to pack out all trash."

Camping near Reserve, New Mexico, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With stunning views and a variety of activities, it’s a great spot for families and RVers alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a reservation for camping at a national park?

For most national parks, make reservations through Recreation.gov, where you can search for specific campgrounds, view availability calendars, and book your stay. At Rainbow (AZ), reservations are processed through Recreation.gov, where campground hosts will expect you upon arrival. Some campgrounds, like Luna Rodeo Grounds Dispersed Camping, operate on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations. For popular parks, have alternative dates ready as prime weekends fill quickly. National park reservation windows typically open 6 months in advance, though some high-demand parks may have different timeframes.

When should I book a campsite to ensure availability?

For popular destinations like Big Lake Campground, book 4-6 months in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays. This remote, scenic location fills quickly during peak seasons. For more secluded options like KP Cienega Campground, where wildlife viewing is excellent, reservations 2-3 months ahead are typically sufficient. Holiday weekends require booking as soon as the reservation window opens (usually 6 months in advance for federal sites). For fall and spring camping, 1-2 months notice is often adequate. Winter camping generally needs less advance planning, except for warm-weather destinations. If you're flexible with your site selection or camping midweek, you might find availability with shorter notice.

What fees are typically associated with campsite reservations?

Campsite reservation fees vary widely based on location, amenities, and booking platform. At Benny Creek Campground, sites cost $12 per night with basic amenities and reservoir access. Many national forest campgrounds charge $15-25 per night, while national parks typically range from $20-50. Beyond the nightly fee, expect a non-refundable reservation fee of $8-10 when booking through Recreation.gov. Some locations like Apache Creek Campground offer free camping, providing excellent value. Additional fees may include extra vehicle charges ($5-10), dump station use ($5-10), firewood purchases, and premium site locations. Many campgrounds offer discounts for seniors and access pass holders.

Can I modify or cancel my camping reservation?

Yes, you can modify or cancel most camping reservations through the same platform you used to book (typically Recreation.gov for national parks). At Brook Char Campground, reservation changes are possible but subject to availability. Cancellation policies vary by location, with many sites offering partial refunds if canceled within a specific timeframe, usually 48-72 hours before arrival. For last-minute changes, contact the campground directly. Some remote locations like Dipping Vat Campground may have limited communication options, so plan changes well in advance. Remember that modification fees may apply, and some special event weekends might have stricter cancellation policies.

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