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Best Campgrounds near Shiprock, NM

587 Reviews

Campgrounds near Shiprock, New Mexico range from developed RV parks to primitive dispersed sites on public lands. Brown Springs Campground, a free BLM facility about 30 miles southeast of Shiprock, offers 10 well-maintained sites with shade structures, fire pits, and picnic tables suitable for tents and RVs. Homestead RV Park in nearby Kirtland provides full hookups for RVs along with tent sites and cabin options. The region includes several RV-focused facilities in Farmington and Kirtland, while public land opportunities exist for those seeking more remote experiences.

Road conditions vary significantly between developed campgrounds and dispersed sites in the area. Most established campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though the dirt roads leading to Brown Springs Campground can become impassable during or after heavy rainfall. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, while winter brings occasional snow and freezing conditions, particularly at higher elevations. Limited cell service exists in more remote areas, though coverage is generally good near established campgrounds. Dispersed camping on public lands typically has a 14-day stay limit. A visitor noted: "The road was dry when we visited so we had no problems. The site itself was layered with gravel. There's a covered picnic table and large fire ring in each site."

Campers consistently praise Brown Springs Campground for its spaciousness and amenities despite being a free site. The covered picnic tables provide welcome shade in an otherwise exposed high desert landscape. Several visitors mentioned that while Brown Springs is located in a designated OHV recreation area, noise levels remain reasonable with most riders departing by evening. One camper described it as "such a gem" with "magnificent high desert" views and well-spaced sites. The Working Mans RV Park in Kirtland received positive reviews for being "clean, quiet and no frills" with reliable hookups. Visitors to dispersed sites noted varying experiences with road access, highlighting the importance of vehicle capability when venturing beyond developed camping areas.

Map showing campgrounds near Shiprock, New MexicoExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Shiprock, New Mexico (83)

    1. Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    104 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 449-2288

    "Good showers, some of the camp sites have decent WiFi connection, fairly quiet, and wildlife (deer and prairie dogs) in camp side. Toilets not the best, lots of wasps"

    "I'm not sure what the hook-up situation is for campers. We were able to enjoy cool evening walks; where we would often spot deer."

    2. Homestead RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Kirtland, NM
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 598-9181

    "Maybe a little pricey but we were running out of daylight - the staff were really nice and the park is quiet even though it's near a main road. Bathrooms were nice!"

    3. The Working Mans RV Park

    1 Review
    Kirtland, NM
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 330-1333

    4. Brown Springs Campground

    12 Reviews
    Farmington, NM
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 564-7600

    "We got our permit at the nearby BLM office. The sand/gravel road to the Campground is decent, but almost got stuck in soft spots in our 21' motor home."

    "We drove up Hwy 491 from I40 and were surprised there were no sites all the way up to Farmington or Shiprock. We chose this site but got there when it was already dark."

    5. Mesa Verde National Park Boundary (BLM Land)

    31 Reviews
    Mesa Verde National Park, CO
    42 miles

    "This is BLM Land outside of Mesa Verde National Park. Has quite a few different sites that are all free and have fairly easy access to."

    "This was such a nice spot super close to Mesa Verde national park. It was about a 5 minute drive from the park entrance."

    6. Bluffview RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Farmington, NM
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 278-8853

    $40 - $45 / night

    7. Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA

    20 Reviews
    Cortez, CO
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 565-9301

    "They even had Easter candy and eggs in the office and outside the door for the kiddos. They directed us to our site which was located just behind the teepees."

    "This campground has an updated playground, heated (seasonal) swimming pool, a 1-mile walking trail, dog park, and even tepees in addition to cabins for overnight camping."

    8. Sleeping Ute RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Towaoc, CO
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 565-6544

    $50 - $75 / night

    9. Ute Mountain Tribal Park Campground

    1 Review
    Towaoc, CO
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 565-9653

    10. Ancient Cedars Mesa Verde RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Mancos, CO
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (970) 565-3517

    "This rv park is right next to the entrance to mesa verde. It was a nice park and showers were included! There’s also a pool and mini golf if you’re interested in that."

    "Our back-side neighbors had to move their picnic table back in order to accommodate our driver-side slide (the distance between our extended slide and their trailer is about 8 feet."

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Recent Camping Photos near Shiprock, NM

140 Photos of 83 Shiprock Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Shiprock, NM

587 Reviews of 83 Shiprock Campgrounds

  • kszakos The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Brown Springs Campground

    Wrong coordinates, deep sand

    When I copied the coordinates from this site to my map app, they let us to someplace about 10 miles away. We were way up on a dirt track and ended up having to turn around when it ended. I looked up the campground on Google and we follow those directions to the correct site, but then we got stuck in a wash where the sand was so deep our bumper got buried. Fortunately, an off-roader pulled us out. We never did make it to the campground, but stayed in a lower flat place.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    Great campground in National Park that was open during government shutdown !

    Thanks to the non-government workers at MVNP some of the services were still available! Campground offers many different options for sites with flush toilets nearby most sites. Showers at central location. 24 hour laundry. 2 restaurant/gift shop locations. Of course the scenery is beautiful!

  • Julie F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Angel Peak Scenic Area

    Found a spot that’s just right!

    Wanted to camp at the Angel Peak campground but all spots were taken. Drove to the picnic area and found a little spot just right for us, just before the picnic area, with a great view is Angel Peak. It’s free! Zero amenities but there is a vault toilet at the picnic area.

    The road from hwy 550 is all washboard but nice and wide and flat.

    The wind just got crazy wild now though 🤷🏼‍♀️

  • Ricky R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Tico Time River Resort

    Quiet off season RV Park with full hookups

    Our site was full hook up 50 amp and pretty much level. The pad was rock and sand. Overall park occupancy was low due to off season. Good off season rate for 3 or more nights. Overall park was clean and quiet. Traffic noise from highway was fairly loud. Self check in during this time of year as office is rarely open. Best to make reservations online

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Sundance RV Park

    Super Nice

    The park is very clean, well maintained and quiet. The pull through we had was very wide. Laundry and bath house super clean and nice. Very nice dog park area. Really enjoyed it. Only issue was we arrived at 1230 so they charge me an early arrival fee of $5.00. It’s not about the five bucks, just the thought about 30 minutes. Oh well, I would stay again but make sure I show up at 1pm 😊u

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park

    Big but spread out

    Deer walking around on the campsite is always nice. It is a big campsite but very spread out. Showers and laundry were a bit far to walk, so we drove there. Toilets near every site.

  • John H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    San Juan McGee Park RV Camping

    Awesome stopover location

    We didn’t expect much but, were very pleasantly surprised. After 3 hours of fighting a crosswind, we needed a break. Checking in was super simple and the location is clean and well laid out. They also provide showers and toilet facilities a short walk away. There isn’t much shade available. Easy access from hwy 64 right between Bloomfield and Farmington. We will definitely be using this a layover in the future.

  • Jim M.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Lake Farmington

    Beautiful view

    Staff is very nice well maintained sites are large on top of hill looking over the beautiful lake.

Guide to Shiprock

Camping near Shiprock, New Mexico, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do

  • Explore the outdoors: The area is perfect for hiking and off-roading. One camper mentioned, "There is a trail right out of the campground" at Brown Springs Campground, making it easy to get out and enjoy nature.
  • Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, the night sky is breathtaking. A visitor at Angel Peak Scenic View Campground said, "Let me say WOW! Beautiful campground. Great facilities," highlighting the stunning views available at night.
  • Fishing and water activities: If you're near Lake Farmington, you can enjoy fishing or renting water gear like kayaks. One reviewer noted, "You can fish with a permit," making it a great spot for anglers.

What campers like

  • Peaceful surroundings: Many campers appreciate the tranquility of the area. A review from Brown Springs Campground states, "It was quiet and peaceful," which is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Clean facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. At Morefield Campground — Mesa Verde National Park, one visitor said, "Showers were immaculate and high class," which adds to the overall camping experience.
  • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming staff. A camper at Homestead RV Park remarked, "The staff were really nice," making it a pleasant place to stay.

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Farmington, do not have drinking water or electric hookups. A reviewer mentioned, "No showers but there is a place to use the restroom," so be prepared for basic facilities.
  • Road conditions: Accessing some campgrounds may require driving on dirt roads. A visitor at Brown Springs Campground noted, "It takes about 20-ish minutes to get to the sites once you get on the dirt road," so plan accordingly.
  • Weather considerations: Be aware of the weather, especially during rainy seasons. One camper warned about muddy conditions, stating, "If it is raining or has been raining it WILL be muddy and quickly becomes impassable."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose spacious sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. A review from Dolores River RV Resort mentioned, "Our site backs up to a fishing pond," which is great for kids to explore.
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. A camper at Echo Basin Cabin and RV Resort said, "This place has everything: a massive field for dogs to play off-leash," which can keep children entertained.
  • Pack essentials: Since some campgrounds lack amenities, ensure you bring enough supplies. A visitor at Mancos State Park Campground noted, "No water and just pit toilets," so be prepared for basic needs.

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: RVers should look for campgrounds that accommodate larger rigs. A review from Homestead RV Park mentioned, "They gave us an RV site because the tent sites were full," indicating flexibility in site assignments.
  • Be mindful of hookups: Some campgrounds, like Sleeping Ute RV Park, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "Electric Hookup: No," so plan your energy needs accordingly.
  • Explore nearby attractions: Many RV parks are close to attractions. A visitor at Cortez, Mesa Verde KOA said, "The view of Mesa Verde was incredible," making it a great base for exploring the area.

Camping near Shiprock, New Mexico, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation. With various campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot for your next outdoor getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping spots near Shiprock, New Mexico?

Several excellent camping options exist within driving distance of Shiprock. Brown Springs Campground is located off Highway 491, about 3 miles down a dirt road, and offers shaded picnic sites with level parking spots. For those seeking dispersed camping with breathtaking views, Angel Peak NM Badlands provides stunning vistas of the New Mexico Badlands about 6 miles down a gravel road. Other nearby options include Homestead RV Park near Kirtland for those wanting amenities like water and toilets, or Chutes and Ladders dispersed camping with 15 designated sites accessible from Highway 160. Most campsites in the region require driving on dirt or gravel roads, so check conditions before heading out, especially in wet weather.

What permits or regulations apply to camping around Shiprock, NM?

When camping near Shiprock, permit requirements vary by location. For Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness Area, no permits are required for dispersed camping, but you must follow wilderness regulations including Leave No Trace principles. The area has a pit toilet at the parking lot, but bring your own toilet paper. For BLM-managed lands like Dunes OHV Area, camping is generally allowed for up to 14 days. Some campgrounds require permits obtained from local BLM offices, so check ahead. Much of the land around Shiprock itself is part of the Navajo Nation, where camping requires special permits from tribal authorities. Always verify current regulations before your trip, as rules can change seasonally and may include fire restrictions during dry periods.

What is the best time of year to camp near Shiprock?

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant camping conditions near Shiprock. The New Mexico desert experiences extreme temperature variations, with summer days often exceeding 90°F. At Alien Run Trailhead Basecamp, spring provides moderate temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Moore's RV Park & Campground offers shade trees that provide relief during hot months, but summer campers should prepare for intense sun and heat. Late April through early June and September through October generally offer the most comfortable temperatures. Winter brings cold nights, sometimes below freezing, but days can be mild. Monsoon season (July-August) brings afternoon thunderstorms that can make dirt roads impassable, so check weather forecasts and road conditions before your trip during these months.

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