From the vast Chihuahuan Desert to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, New Mexico has a wealth of opportunities to get outside and explore. For outdoor adventurers, there’s skiing in Taos, whitewater rafting on the Rio Grande, and plenty of hiking, from the Southern Rockies to dusty desert canyons. That’s what makes camping in New Mexico such a varied and fulfilling experience.


Carlsbad Caverns provides ample opportunities to hike, explore, learn about desert wildlife, even appreciate a few thousand Mexican free-tail bats take flight. They swarm out of the cave every night at dust for an audience that often numbers in the hundreds. It’s a perfect excuse to stick around the park after dark and do some camping in New Mexico.


Of course, the only camping available within Carlsbad Caverns National Park is backcountry camping, so come prepared to Leave No Trace. Keep in mind that the desert landscape is often dry, so fire bans, even some backcountry cooking bans, are frequently in effect in the drier months. On the upside, backcountry camping permits are free and you can grab one at the visitor center when you arrive.


Visit White Sands National Monument for an unmatched, natural experience. Acres upon acres of white gypsum dunes stretch into the distance, offering hours of diversion, be it hiking across the dunes or sledding down them. If you forgot your sled, don’t worry, you can pick one up in the gift shop. Just be sure to enjoy these activities early in the morning or late in the evening during the summer months; it gets hot in the desert during midday!


As for camping in White Sands, it’s backcountry camping or nothing and sites require a short hike through the dunes. You’ll be camping on the gypsum, surrounded by shifting white hills, dark night skies up above, and no other campers in sight. It’s definitely a unique experience. Permits are $3.00 per person and can be picked up at the visitor center.


Wherever your adventures take you in the Land of Enchantment, get out there and let The Dyrt help you locate the best camping in New Mexico.

New Mexico

The Best Camping in New Mexico | 100+ NM Campgrounds

Seven Rivers is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Seven Rivers is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Seven Rivers, reviewed by campers like you.

Seven Rivers

The Best Camping Near Seven Rivers, New Mexico

The Ranch SKP Co-Op

From the KOA website:
Kick back with family and friends at this beautiful desert oasis built in 2000. This award-winning KOA is big rig friendly: All sites are huge 30/50-amp pull thrus with free Wi-Fi and free cable TV. The staff will spoil you as you enjoy the 2,000-square-foot community room, meals delivered to your site, a beautiful commercial laundry, outstanding restrooms, a fenced dog park and a heated pool. From this KOA in the heart of SE New Mexico, visit Carlsbad Caverns, Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park, Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area, Roswell's International UFO Museum and White Sands National Monument. Check out the Robert H. Goddard rocket collection at the Roswell Museum and Art Center and the "Billy the Kid" history at the campground. A horse hotel also is available. See how this KOA is going green with the help of a wind turbine. Pool: March 15 - October 15. Max pull thru: 75 feet. Your hosts: Scott, Susan and Brian Bacher.

Carlsbad KOA

Located twelve miles North of Carlsbad, NM, the park offers boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking trails, exceptional bird watching, developed and primitive campsites and restrooms with showers. Whether you’re picnicking for the day, or camping in your RV for a week, you’ll be sure to find adventure at Brantley Lake State Park!

Brantley Lake State Park

With the Best RV park amenities in the area, Bud’s Place RV Park offers green lawns, large pull-through RV spaces, city water/sewer/power hookups, a stocked fishing pond, children’s playscape, 24-hr laundry, bathroom, and shower facilities, and cabins for those without their own motor home. Conveniently located across the street from the renowned Carlsbad Softball Complex, hosting some of the largest softball tournaments every year in the U.S., Bud's place location serves as a strong attraction for families traveling through the area, softball tournament participants, and longer-term visitors who appreciate the park’s central Carlsbad location and lifestyle amenities.

Bud's Place offers 98 total RV spots, with 30/50 amp, direct city water, and sewer hook-ups, and 28 cabins (2 -ADA compliant cabins) year-round on our spacious park that's pet friendly, with a dog run, fishing pond, and spots with grass and trees in most spaces. It is perfect for families looking for a clean and economical RV site, sports tourney stays, and adventurers looking to explore.

Buds Place RV Park

Carlsbad's Horseshoe Creek RV Park!

- 214 pull-through and 51 back in 50-amp RV Spaces with city water and sewer
- 19 Crew Housing Sites offering 200-amp electrical, city water and sewer.
- Water and Ice Machine!
- High Speed Internet available through PVT!
- Onsite Laundry!
- Basketball court!

Horseshoe Creek RV Park

Carlsbad RV Park & Campground

Artesia RV Park

Dark Canyon Dispersed

Carlsbad BLM Land Dispersed

High ancient sea ledges, deep rocky canyons, flowering cactus and desert wildlife - treasures above the ground in the Chihuahuan Desert. Hidden beneath the surface are more than 119 caves - formed when sulfuric acid dissolved limestone leaving behind caverns of all sizes.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers no overnight lodging or campgrounds. Primitive camping is allowed in the backcountry only and requires a free permit which is issued at the park's visitor center when you arrive (not reservable in advance). Overnight RV parking is not permitted in the park. Seven miles (11 km) from the visitor center you will find a campground (RV/tent/cabin) and amenities in White's City.


Rattlesnake Canyon - Backcountry Camping

Join the fun near Malaga. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Malaga, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Malaga

The Best Camping Near Malaga, New Mexico

Probably the Land of Enchantment’s most well-known city, Albuquerque, New Mexico deserves a spot in your next travel itinerary. In the city itself, you’ll find a handful of KOAs and private campgrounds to accommodate tents and RV camping.

You don’t have to go far to find the best camping near Albuquerque. The Sandia Mountain Wilderness is US Forest Service land just east of the city, between Albuquerque and Tijeras, NM. It’s a great place to spend a night or two! On the city’s west side, you’ll find Petroglyph National Monument. Though there are no campsites there, it’s worth a day trip to enjoy the area and learn about the history.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Discover great camping spots near Albuquerque, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Albuquerque Camping | New Mexico Campgrounds

Are you in need of a campground near Las Cruces, NM? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Las Cruces and user-submitted reviews.

Las Cruces

The Best Camping Near Las Cruces, New Mexico

Join the fun near Rio Rancho. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Rio Rancho, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Rio Rancho

The Best Camping Near Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Are you in need of a campground near Enchanted Hills, NM? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Enchanted Hills, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your New Mexico camping adventure.

Enchanted Hills

The Best Camping Near Enchanted Hills, New Mexico

The Sangre de Cristo foothills offer some of the best camping opportunities near Santa Fe, NM. Get supplies in the city before venturing out to campsites. Surrounded by national forests and natural areas, Santa Fe has plenty of campgrounds to offer. Camping in the national forest by the badlands gives outdoor enthusiasts plenty of opportunities for adventure from hiking the trails to riding ATVs. Campers looking for stunning views of these New Mexico foothills and valley will want to make the drive up to Santa Fe Skies Park. It’s RV-friendly and campers won’t complain about the views no matter where their site is located.

Santa Fe

The Best Camping in Santa Fe | New Mexico Campgrounds

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Roswell, NM is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that New Mexico camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Roswell camping trip.

Roswell

The Best Camping Near Roswell, New Mexico

Farmington, NM is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Farmington is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Farmington

The Best Camping Near Farmington, New Mexico

South Valley is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. South Valley is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near South Valley, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

South Valley

The Best Camping Near South Valley, New Mexico

Are you in need of a campground near Clovis, NM? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Clovis campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Clovis, NM. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Clovis

The Best Camping Near Clovis, New Mexico

Searching for the best camping near Carson National Forest, NM? Carson National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Carson National Forest

The Best Camping Near Carson National Forest, New Mexico

Lincoln National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Lincoln National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Discover great camping spots near Lincoln National Forest, reviewed by campers like you.

Lincoln National Forest

The Best Camping Near Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico

Santa Fe National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Santa Fe National Forest campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Santa Fe National Forest

The Best Camping Near Santa Fe National Forest, New Mexico

Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands camping trip.

Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands

The Best Camping Near Cibola National Forest and National Grasslands, New Mexico

El Morro National Monument is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of El Morro National Monument. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your New Mexico camping adventure.

El Morro National Monument

The Best Camping Near El Morro National Monument, New Mexico

Searching for the best camping near Chaco Culture National Historic Park, NM? Chaco Culture National Historic Park is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Discover great camping spots near Chaco Culture National Historic Park, reviewed by campers like you.

Chaco Culture National Historic Park

The Best Camping Near Chaco Culture National Historic Park, New Mexico

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Gila National Forest, NM is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Gila National Forest, NM. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Gila National Forest

The Best Camping Near Gila National Forest, New Mexico

Are you in need of a campground near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, NM? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that New Mexico camping has to offer. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Cibola National Forest and Grasslands camping trip.

Cibola National Forest and Grasslands

The Best Camping Near Cibola National Forest and Grasslands, New Mexico

Looking for the best campgrounds near Conchas Lake, NM? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Conchas Lake. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Conchas Lake and user-submitted reviews.

Conchas Lake

The Best Camping Near Conchas Lake, New Mexico

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Rufus Woods Lake, NM is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Rufus Woods Lake campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Rufus Woods Lake, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Camping in Seven Rivers

Top Campgrounds in Seven Rivers (25)

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