Searching for a tent camping spot near San Mateo? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of San Mateo's most popular destinations.
Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Learn more: https://www.campendium.com/camping/boondocking-101/
The Hiker Hideout is primitive, hike-in, wilderness campsites. There is no water or showers. There is an outdoor-composting toilet. The property once had a historic cabin, unfortunately the cabin and outhouse were destroyed by wildfire in 2022. The Hiker Hideout is an inholding surrounded by El Malpais National Monument, all park rules apply.
$15 / night
The picnic ground is located 10 miles northeast of Grants at an elevation of approximately 7,437 feet. Ponderosa pine, pinon, and juniper trees provide shade and some privacy for visitors. There is a group picnic area that was built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Remember to pay attention to road conditions and your vehicle's abilities before driving off of the main road.
Traveler
This is an amazing little free first come first serve campground. Well maintained gravel roads. Each site has a nice covered picnic table with pedestal grill and fire ring. Sites can accommodate tent/car camping up to larger travel trailers/rv’s, we camped in a 30ft class c and there was a 35-40 ft bus in one site. Beware there is a large dip in the road as you enter the campground we drove through at an angle but still drug the rear bumper skids. There are pit toilets and garbage boxes but no water available.
Ranger
We picked this free area for convenience (easy to get to from I40) and how it looked in photos.
What other reviews say about the start of the road being rough is correct. The wash areas are really poorly maintained. Once you get past this the road is pretty good.
We found a nice campsite and were able to get level in the pickup camper. Stayed two night and enjoyed the beauty.
Some complain about noise form I40, but if you come back into the area you can’t hear it.
Scout
Campgrounds easy to access. I did not have a site reservation, buit there were lots of vacent pads available. Nice view of the lake. Only drawback was the all night incessant winds. They were strong, gusty and loud. So strong they collapsed my tent on top of me. Notmuch sleep that night. It might have been where I was (pad 44), They were still strong in the morning, but I noticed they were less/non existant at the campsites near the main entrance. Just bewaye and be prepared.
TravelerI’m actually stuck here as I’m writing this because the rain washed out the road, and everything is so muddy. I was tired and the weather app said only a 50% chance of rain for an hour, but boy was that wrong. A nice spot besides that, close to the highway but far enough away to not have much noise. I would avoid it in the future without something 4x4 though.
Traveler
There were several spots. We did have to drive a couple miles to get away from other campers. Was perfectly fine after a day of cross country driving. Camped in a Jeep.
TravelerThis was a great find along the 40. The road is a bit long but it follows the 40 most of the way and is accessible for most cars. Though lower clearance may need to be careful at certain points. We found that the spots were far apart so we didn't have anyone near us.
I would definitely stay here again.
Traveler
Was pleasantly surprised by how nice this free campground was. Each site has a covered picnic table, grill, fire pit & garbage bin. They are spaced out nicely. There are pit toilets, but no water or dump facilities. These fill up fast, so come early. Most people leave early in the morning, so if you can get here before noon, you may get lucky. We arrived around 11 am & there were only 2 sites open. The road coming in was a bit rough and has quite a deep dip in the road. We were here in April and it stayed full.
TravelerWent about 2 miles up the road to find the last good spot. Found a few sites off of the road before this but all occupied. We got a site for 2 RVs that protected us from an impending windstorm. Sites not very level but managed to get the RVs level enough. Thoroughly enjoyed the area. Biked 6 miles up the road. Had cell service (Verizon and T-mobile).
ScoutBeautiful spot hard to find
ScoutStayed for ten days only saw three other campers. Very peaceful, rough in and out but made it with ease. wAtch out if it rains very muddy roads
Ranger
Great quiet dispersed camp ground. There were plenty of spots to choose from. The surrounding area is gorgeous! The camp spot is nestled in the trees and has plenty of shade for the summer months. Currently in April the picnic area was closed.
ScoutGreat Spot! Clean and easy to find. A bit bumpy to access. 2WD will only bring you to the first two sites. We were told from another camper that for all others you will need 4WD . Also it seems the access can become muddy after rain. You will probably need 4WD in that case too.
GuideFound this using this app. Spent three days/ two nights here. Set up by the little canyon and hiked down. Very peaceful.
TravelerI enjoyed my week at Joe Skeen in April 2024. If you camp near the top of the loop, overlooking the road below you'll get some cell service. I was in camp site 8 and have Tmobile I had 5G 2 bars, but it came in and out. I was still able to stream and use my phone hot spot. Nice cement pads with picnic tables, pavillion, fire pit and BBQ stands. Vault toilets with trash bins, but NO WATER! Be careful if you're towing anything, as my trailer bottomed out and bent the jack stand on my brand new car hauler trailer at the gulley in the road on the way into the campground. They should fill that in!! Check out my Utube journey's at: Candy's Catmobile RV Life on Utube. (:
GuideThe area is beautiful with a winding road that takes you farther if you want to go. I drove in about .25 mile and found a nice spot that others had used as a camp site.
The road getting to Six Mile Canyon is a little rough due to ruts, but we did fine in a Class C. Just went really slowly.
TravelerGreat campground. Not far off I-40. Lots of sites. Most have a level, gravel tent pad, table and fire ring. Vault toilets in abundance. One bathroom with sinks and flush toilets. Separate shower house was closed when we were here. Some electric sites. Some large level pull thrus. Most sites have at least a glimpse of the lake. There were horses roaming through the campground. Mostly empty this April midweek. Good trails for hiking. I only saw one water pump in the park. There is an EV charging station.
RangerJust off & along the interstate, you’d never know. The valley road cuts through green canyon bluffs and rolling hills with good tree coverage. Lots of fun and scenic driving. Spur trails are good 4x4 drives. The main road is 2wd friendly for a long way, with probably 10-15 camping sites/options along the way. Very beautiful and peaceful.
Scout
Not sure if my last one saved, this campground was awesome!! Clean facilities, free showers, free breakfast!
ScoutWe just stopped by overnight, but they have amazing FREE showers, very cheap laundry services, amazing views, FrEE breakfast. Awesome KOA!!
TravelerHad a lovely 1 night stay. The toilets & showers are unisex however they’re in individual little “restrooms” so there are not any gaps in the door etc, it’s your own little bathroom. Staff were lovely, smaller campground compared to other KOAs but perfect for our little RV. They also did a free breakfast!
ScoutThis is a great campground! We came in with a 34' toy hauler and there was plenty of spots that would accommodate our size. Their website says there are spots to accommodate up to 50'. There are 10 spots and it is first come, first serve, so make sure you get here early. At the end of December, there were plenty of open spots. There is a little dip when you turn off the main road which we made it through without any issues. Campground was clean, had outhouses, and covered seating areas. Great find!
ScoutNot too far from I-40. The campground was clean and free. Even though this was the off-season and a weekday, it was almost full.
Scout
Clean and free campground. We were there in the off-season, and I can imagine it getting busy in the summer.
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Scout
What do you usually do during this trying epidemic season? I found a cool game called monopoly online to keep you entertained throughout the chilly weather. Come with me right now.
Scout
This campground was gorgeous and well-maintained. The only disadvantage is that if there were a large number of people, it would not be very private. If you have the time, I have discovered a very interesting game called geometry dash lite that you are welcome to join and play with me.
TravelerNot far from I40. Very quiet and beautiful lake view for only $8 (dry camping). Hook up optionally available.
Camping near San Mateo, NM, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and unique experiences. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to explore, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.
Camping around San Mateo, NM, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near San Mateo, NM?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near San Mateo, NM is Joe Skeen Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near San Mateo, NM?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near San Mateo, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.
