If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near San Mateo, look no further. Find the best tent camping sites near San Mateo. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your New Mexico tent camping excursion.
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.
Scout
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.we have a silverback 37bh that specs say is 39'11". Would not try it again. The campground is awesome though. Quiet with trash receptacles and vault toilets. Amazing dark sky view of the stars. Mostly empty.
ScoutGreat Dispersed Camp Ground less than 20 minutes off of I-40 that will accommodate all types of camping from tents to large trailers. (There is a dip in the gravel road leading up to the camp ground that did scrape my jack but I think if you hit it at an angle it might be OK.)
Within 20 feet of my campsite site I could see for miles of the gorgeous valley.
Each camp site has a fire pit, grill, and picnic tables covered with a roof and has a nice pit toilet and trash within a very short walking distance.
I am here in the beginning of November and it is chilly and about to get downright cold with expected snow tomorrow, down to 16 degrees the next night, even though it looks more like the desert.
I have a very good signal with Verizon, TMobile is low.
Water is available at the Ranger Station up the road, and Walmart Super Center and other stores within 20-30 minutes.
TravelerThis 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.
Guide
Great rate for 30 A. I love to see the wild horses roaming the park.
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.
ScoutCampgrounds 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.
ScoutWhat should you do if an outbreak occurs? I discovered a fantastic game called pico park to keep you engaged throughout the cold winter. Right now, come with me. Thank you for giving such useful information.
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.
