Best Tent Camping near Santa Clara, NM

Recent Tent Reviews near Santa Clara, New Mexico

241 Reviews of 17 Santa Clara Campgrounds

• 

  Mandy E.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 29, 2019

  City of Rocks State Park Campground

  Beautiful park.

  We parked our cargo van in the tent camping spot since we dont need water or electric hookups. The tent sites are up in the rocks and they are very cool. The bath house is new (located at the visitors center) and has clean showers and toilets. We really enjoyed staying here for the night.

• R

  Robert H.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 16, 2023

  Sunrise RV Park

  Desert camping

  I have to change my review, we spoke with Wayne the day before either he is forgetful or doesn’t listen well. We are looking for tent camping and always state that upfront because many camping grounds don’t allow it. He told us yesterday that the office closes early 1:30 pm, but just pick a spot and pay the next morning. When ever I go to settle up at 1030. Am he had forgotten the conversation. We have to pack up n leave. So no tents.

• L

  Lara S.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 6, 2020

  Kingston Campground

  This is a cute little campground

  This campground is right off the highway, but not too much traffic. The small creek bed has nice water depending on the time of year. Too hot in the summer. Gets cold I. The winter, but it is a nice place when the weather is too cold to go further up the mountains to other campgrounds in the Gila. Vault toilet is clean. Only a couple of camp spots. We tent camp, but I think you'd be able to park a small camper or trailer.

• 

  David R.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 1, 2023

  Upper Scorpion Campground

  Awesome Cliff Dwellings - not a Bad Site

  The Gila cliff dwellings are awesome. Well worth the 1.5 hour drive in from Silver City. The Upper Scorpion campground is really a parking lot with nearby tent sites. Campers park in the lot. With that said I was the only occupant of the campground. It was very quiet with a spectacular night sky. The Lower Scorpion campground is the same. The host was very friendly and helpful. No services except pit toilets.

• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 30, 2020

  Wagon Wheel RV Park

  No thanks

  Shabby, looks like for long term residents. Tight spaces. Run down appearance. Off of main road so there is loud car as well as train noise. 55+ age restrictions. Checked it out but would not stay here. No tent sites available.  Has wifi, cable, and laundry. 30 & 50 amp as well as pull through sites. 

  There are other RV parks in this area that are much nicer and more welcoming and at around the same price.

• 

  Sierra N.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 16, 2023

  Meadow Creek Dispersed Camping

  Legendary creek side camping in a valley

  This trail requires 4x4 and high clearance. It is a bumpy road for all 3+ miles into the mountainside. But it is far worth the drive for the seclusion. There are plenty of spaces to camp before the creek. But we kept going for about 3 miles, hit a road gate, and started traveling into the valley. It will eventually open up and you will see meadow creek. Spots to the left and right of the fork, we settled at the bottom. No service in the valley. Extremely magical, and serene. Leave it better than you left it please! If you want a camp spot off the beaten path, this is it. Perfect for tent camping/car camping.

• 

  Jacob W.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 23, 2023

  Cherry Creek Campground

  Has lots of potential but . . .

  We tent camped at Cherry Creek campground in late July 2023. We arrived about 4pm on a Saturday and there were like 2 sites available. First come, first serve, no fee, but a ranger told me that could change soon. Lots of nice tall pines. The creek was dry. Very scenic valley. There’s a short, informal trail at the north end of the campground past the bathroom. The trail goes about 0.25 miles out; so 0.5 mile round trip. A nice evening or morning stroll or both. But…there was a big group next to us that partied loud and late—with a generator that lit up their site, and ours. Oh well! At least they were enjoying the outdoors like we were, I think.

• s

  samphrone J.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 2, 2021

  Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area

  lovely

  with our rv in the shop we've been getting some tent camping in. we were headed to another campground and had been on the road too long, sun dipping towards dusk, so we saw this turnout, easy to miss, and drove on in. lovely and spacious as others have said. not much litter. we picked up what little we saw. zero cell signal with verizon.

  what we especially enjoyed was being able to furrow way back in our 4x4 to a secluded spot. halloween weekend and we could hear some revellers but enough distance made it a bit charming rather than annoying. so much open land for hiking and the cdt meanders through.

  leaving we lost our way and found a small group of campers even further back in. really wonderful. chilly nights and early mornings. secret gem.

• k

  kr S.

  Traveler

  

  Mar. 27, 2022

  Ridge Park RV

  Roomy sites, quiet, near Gila NF, CD trailhead and Silver City

  This is an awesome park. The RV sites all have full hookups and are extra long and wide. Because the rv sites are situated around the perimeter of the very large greenspace and dog park, all sites have expansive views in all directions. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets! There are tent sites in the central green area with picnic table, firepit and shade trees. There is a great hiking trail, about 1/2 mile, that makes a loop. It is comfortably wide so you and your dog can see the trail and won't accidentally run into cactus. The park is a straight-shot easy 15 minute drive into Silver City and is convenient to Gila NF trails, several Continental Divide trailheads, the Catwalk and lots of other natural areas. Rosie and Bill, the owners are a wealth of info about the local sites and trails. The campground has a bathhouse, laundry, gym, communal library with books, games and puzzles.

• E

  Eugenie B.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 10, 2021

  Gila Hot Springs Ranch

  Close to Gila National Monument

  We pulled right into our campsite with hot and cold water at our site. I believe they pull it from the natural hot springs that run beneath the mountain. What a treat! Even if you're not glam camping with a fancy RV it's perfect! How many times have you had to wash your dishes in cold water st a campground. I pull a 37ft gooseneck horse trailer that is now used for camping. No amenities but next best thing to camping in a tent. There is a short walk to the natural hot springs down by the river which is really rustic and relaxing. Especially after climbing the step to the cave/cliff dwellings which are approximately 4 mi further up the road. The restrooms are flush toilets, hot water and a heated floor. Super clean! You can pay a small fee to utilize the "hot tub" which is more modern but the best part is that there's no ceiling! That means as you sit in the hot tub you're privy to the unobstructed view of the Milky Way! Bring a pair of binoculars! We saw several shooting stars and we blown away by the majesty of the heavens which were out "ceiling"!
  You can get out of the hot tub, go directly into the restroom/shower. There's a code to enter the two shower/hot tub complex. Great because it keeps unexpected/uninvited guests from entering. We parked at site #08 close to the restrooms. There are hookups for more luxurious RVs. We ran out of propane and were easily accommodated with a fire ring and wood for a small fee. Well worth it! Mornings were in the 30's. It warms up quickly so layering worked for us. The camp host were very accommodating and friendly. I loved watching them round up their herd of horses that roam freely through the campground from time to time. At sunset we watched deer in the pasture grazing happily. Then watched them hop right over the fence one by one! How fun is that! Sunrise and sunsets there cast the most beautiful hues on the rock formations surrounding the area. While walking down to the natural hot springs we were delighted to see sheep who had given birth to a couple sets of black & white faced twins! Too cute for words... Bring a lunch as there are picnic tables next to the creek. Great after soaking in the three separate soaking areas. I was told you could arrange pack trips on horses and explore any of the back country areas. This is love to return and take advantage of! As amazing as it is on foot and in the car it Hass to be mine blowing on the back of a horse! I was also told that they do trail rides for those less experienced riders. 

• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 30, 2020

  Sunrise RV Park

  Barren but Nice

  This park is off of a 4 lane main road so road noise is an issue. Trains and highway noise can also be heard throughout the night. The facilities are clean and well kept. Full hook ups 30/50 amp sites, no tents. Sites are a bit close to your neighbor. Large flat gravel lot typical of RV parks. 

  Have yearly rates so some spaces are occupied by residents. 

  This is a 55+ park. Pet friendly, WiFi/cable and laundry available.

• 

  Cari E.

  Guide

  

  May. 20, 2024

  City of Rocks State Park Campground

  Quiet & Unique

  I spent two weeks here at three different sites, and while I was ready to get back to civilization (the park is fairly remote), I genuinely had a relaxing time.

  The bathrooms/comfort station are clean and fairly new—the only downsides are they’re only open from 7am-5pm to conserve water and it’s a bit of a trek by foot if you’re at one of the far campsites. I also had strong enough reception with T-Mobile to work remotely, and good service through Verizon as well.

  Site 25 (Crab): a truly iconic site within a park where nearly every site is a gem. Downside: very little privacy and no shade from the afternoon sun. Upside: Site is level, great sunset views and a quick walk to the pit toilets.

  Site 24 (Hercules): Connects to site 25 via a the rock formations, but more private as it’s not directly on the main loop. Again, close to the pit bathroom. There’s a fun and semi private climb up into the rocks to the left of the picnic table that will give you a stellar sunset view. Site is level and protected from the worst of the south/SW winds. I also saw the most wildlife from this site (marmot, roadrunner, jack rabbit, and more). Downside: the site curves rather drastically and is best suited for vans, tent camping, or very small RVs; little shade as the tree that used to offer shade was removed.

  Site 30 (Triangulum): hands down, the best site in the park IMO. Lots of shade and privacy as it’s set far back from the main road; it almost feels like you have the park to yourself. Pit toilets are conveniently at the end of the drive. Downside: people climbing through the rocks occasionally end up near your site, but no one ever wandered too far; the windmill does makes some noise but it’s really not too bad; this site has FULL shade, which is ideal unless you run on solar panels. For a few hours a day I had to back my van into the sun, which put it at a fairly severe angle as the drive slopes once you back out of the sweet spot by the picnic table; very little protection from the wind, but there is some.

• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 30, 2020

  Little Vineyard RV Park

  Has it all

  New Mexico safe certified, trained in Covid-19 safe practices. 

  This is a well run secure park with clean grounds. Bathroom and showers are clean and sanitized regularly. 

  All pull thru sites with full hook ups 30/50 amp, max length 65ft, no tents. 

  It is off of a main road and the highway and trains can also be heard. Walmart and other shopping further down the street. 

  Other useful info: 

  Good Sam, AAA and Military discounts 

  Laundry 

  Clubhouse 

  Library 

  Playground 

  Dog park 

  Wifi/cable 

  Pool

• 

  Lisa S.

  Ranger

  

  Jan. 29, 2021

  Lordsburg KOA

  Convenient

  This KOA is a convenient pit stop when crossing Southern New Mexico on Rt. 10. The gravél covered acre has been nicely landscaped around the perimeter. Road noise from the highway is heavy. The very clean shower dressing area was barely big enough to turn around in. All amenities are available including propane, which was served up by a grumpy technician.

  It’ll be nice when New Mexico opens its’ State Parks to camping again so touring the State becomes possible.

• 

  Gary C.

  Traveler

  

  Jan. 9, 2022

  Gila Lower Box Canyon

  A true paradise in southwestern NM

  Don't go to the Gila Lower Box looking for formal campsites and places to hook up an rv. This is primitive camping at one of New Mexico's truest oases. 

  Why? Because in 1990, cattle were prohibited from grazing this stretch of the Gila River. 

  The result? One of the lushest, most verdant riparian environments left in the desert southwest.
  For those with a 4wd or very high clearance, you can camp down along the cliffs right at the edge of the river corridor. Being a birders paradise, it's a very unique experience to sit on the edge of the cliffs, 20-30 feet above the tops of the cottonwoods and watch all the bird activity below. 

  You can also watch bands of coatimundis grazing through the bosque. Watch out for rattlesnakes and Gila monsters during the warmer months though. 

  I rate this as one of New Mexico's best outdoor experiences. (A note: I camp to the west of the location shown on the map.)

• C

  Court M.

  Guide

  

  May. 28, 2018

  Black Canyon Campground - Lower

  Santa Fe National Forest

  Beautiful campground in Santa Fe New Mexico. We came to stay one night to go to Meow Wolf and ended up staying 3 nights I liked it so much. Would be 5 stars but the water spigot only worked intermittently, and it was difficult to get a site due to online reservations, some of which weren't even used but sites were still considered occupied due to reservation. I dislike National Park Campgrounds utilizing online reservations, it makes it hard for those of us who wish to ramble aimlessly.

  The birds are abundant here. I wore a red winter hat and had at least 10 hummingbirds buzz my head in one day. I could hear their wings and feel the breeze from them they came so close. Tons of shade here, and nice cool days with chilly nights in May. We had a night of sleet after a rainstorm with hail but the next two days were gorgeous. Conveniently located to Santa Fe amenities. I highly recommend this campground. Pit toilets were minimally smelly and relatively clean.

• 

  Myra T.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 18, 2022

  City of Rocks State Park Campground

  Peace and Quiet!

  Last week I visited Faywood, New Mexico which is located about halfway in between Silver City and Deming, and I came across a unique terrain with structures of Boulder rocks that are “formed of volcanic ash and sculpted by wind and water into rows of monolithic blocks”, according to stateparks.com; I had never seen anything like it.

  This unique and tucked-away gem has all the perfect essentials for a State Park including a Visitor Center, hot showers and clean restrooms, dry camping, picnicking and a Botanical Garden .

  I absolutely enjoy being in a place that is preserved in its authenticity and City of Rocks State Park is all of that and a bag of organic chips. It is not just another “area of attraction”, but it is a place for healing, stillness, discipline and community. The miles of hiking and biking trails through rolling grasslands gives you an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, walking into the fields to sit in stillness and listen to the migration of the numerous bird species disciplines your senses, and for those of you who enjoy making new connections you will quickly find yourself in conversations with humans alike or vastly different in ways that allow you see yourself, and others, in the form of how God sees us all — in love and in truth.

• 

  Felix G.

  Scout

  

  Dec. 25, 2023

  Ridge Park RV

  Nickel and dimed to death

  This is a very nice park as far as scenery, the staff which is a husband and wife, are friendly enough. With no offense to anyone else who has written positives on this park, we don't mean to rain on your parade. But the one thing that really threw us back was, is that there are virtually no amenities, that come without a cost, if a person wants to take a shower, let's say for 5 minutes, that cost you$3, for yourself, and three more dollars for your spouse, add that up daily then multiply by weekly and then by monthly. And you can see that that is insane for the cost, and one does not find out about this until you get to the campground and fill out the paperwork and then they let you know this at the last minute, I am a handicap person, and needless to say, I count on Campground showers as there are roomier, and we make sure that we pay more than enough in our stay, so that we can enjoy such. But sadly for the month that we were there between November the 20th to December 20th. There was nothing very pleasurable, about our stay there. On top of that, there is no internet, nor do they have any Commerce with any service that has internet service, even though other RV parks in that region have them. There is no cable either. So basically the only thing that you get is your spot, running water, trash, and Sewer, for 425 per month. Needless to say as a forwarding to anybody, if you plan to travel between that park there and Silver City New Mexico it is approximately 12 miles between the two, but the expence gets up there quik, bth ways if you drive a truck. We camped at Ridge Park RV& Campground in a Travel Trailer.

• M

  Meghan D.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 5, 2020

  Faywood Hot Springs

  Best. Place. Ever.

  I was worried that this place wasn’t open due to the fact there were only two reviews and it had been a while since a review. I can happily share that they are open and thriving. I was driving from Gila Cliff Dwellings towards White Sands NP and needed a place to camp. I passed some dispersed camping along the way, but most of the cultivated sites were closed, I’m guessing due to COVID as New Mexico has really cracked down on their camping and I ran into lots of sites that were either closed or only open to residents. Anyway, this place was a STEAL. For only $21 (the typical price of most regular vault toilet and picnic table camp sites), you get heaven on earth. You wouldn’t expect it driving in from either direction, but the sites themselves are extremely shaded and surrounded by trees and as private as possible given the close proximity to neighbors. I stayed at site #47 and even though I was right next to the pools and bathhouse, I couldn’t be seen at all from those places. There’s a potable water tap at EACH campsite, free showers, unlimited 24/7 access to hot springs (clothing required & clothing optional pools), a clubhouse to wash dishes or cook or simply hang out inside in a comfortable chair to read or play games at a table), several bathrooms, phone service (and I didn’t have any driving in or out), peacocks and other wildlife to admire, friendly staff, firewood for sale, labyrinth maze, short scenic trails to watch the sunset and rise, inside facilities, amazing cabins (cheapest one is only $60 and comes with an hour long soak in a private pool which is otherwise $28 for one hour), etc. I could go on and on about this place. The best $21 I have ever spent to spend the night anywhere in my entire life and I am always camping and traveling. A literal oasis. I soaked from 7pm-11pm and had the pools to myself several times on a Sunday evening. Everyone was respectful and there was no sense of party / loud groups as so common is seen at hot springs. Alcohol allowed.

• E

  Elisa P.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 16, 2021

  Gila Hot Springs Campground

  Really peaceful and pretty

  Love the hot springs, great hosts, calm, and not too many people.

  Can get cold at night if you are in a tent, bring warm clothing

• P

  Peter M.

  Scout

  

  May. 30, 2019

  Rocky Canyon Campground

  Worth the effort

  This camp site is off a forest service road that gets pretty rough. Definitely tents only Recommend that you have 4wheel drive, motorcycle or atv. Right on the continental divide trail. Very quiet

• m

  mitchd

  Guide

  

  Dec. 19, 2022

  City of Rocks State Park Campground

  Great park

  Clean, well run park with many nice sites tucked in the rocks. Best for small rigs and tents, though there is an electric section also. Wander through the rocks or take a longer hike up a nearby butte.

• C

  Cathy C.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 22, 2021

  Lower Scorpion Campground

  Visited but did not stay

  We didn't actually stay there but leaving this review to explain why RVs and camper vans are discouraged. The campground is a small parking lot surrounded by walk-in campsites. If you are tenting it, a beautiful place!

• 

  Laura M.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 30, 2020

  Hitchin' Post RV Park

  Convenient RV parking lot

  This park is right off main road so can be noisy, there is also highway and train noise. Sites are close together but overall grounds are clean and well maintained. 

  Gravel lot

  Laundry 

  No tents 

  Full hook ups 30 amp only 

  Walmart nearby 

  Showers and bathrooms 

  Trash

• 

  Jessica M.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 2, 2018

  Lake Roberts

  Lake Roberts summer visit

  It’s a few minutes from the lake but it’s nice and open.. both times we’ve gone it’s had quite a few people but beyond being able to hear them we weren’t running into each other. Great for tents, or campers.. They have metal fire rings to help which was nice.

  Only drawback was one time people were running generators which were pretty loud.. but we’d still go back!

• 

  Beth G.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 19, 2023

  Mesa Campground

  Nice spot for trout fishing

  We stayed at Mesa Campground during a tour of the Gila National Forest with friends.

  The lake views aren’t great, but you can easily walk down to the shore.

  The trash bins and running water are really nice amenities. Our site had a table and grill and we were able to fit our truck with a rooftop tent and a truck with a small pull behind, but we were really close to each other.

  We’ve also caught and ate trout from Lake Roberts.

• 

  Beth G.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 19, 2023

  Sapillo Dispersed Camping Area

  Free and shaded

  This is one of our favorite springtime camping spots. There aren’t any numbered sites, but there are makeshift campfires and flat areas all around. The site also has trash disposal and vault toilets. Lots of trees for shade and hammocks.

  This spot is popular with large crowds and off road vehicle enthusiasts. Expect music until 10pm and the sound of engines. It’s a great place to boondock with a generator.

  Lots of easy trails to ride around on with our mini bikes. Plenty of space to set up camp with 2 families and a few smaller tents.

  Lake Roberts is just zip the road for fishing opportunities.