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Best Tent Camping near Sunspot, NM

356 Reviews

The Lincoln National Forest surrounding Sunspot, New Mexico offers several primitive tent camping options within the Sacramento Mountains, with established sites in James Canyon Campground and Lower Karr Canyon Campground providing access to tent-only areas. Located in the high desert mountains of southern New Mexico, tent campers can find sites at elevations ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 feet, providing cooler temperatures than the nearby desert floor. Most tent campgrounds in the region are situated within pine forests offering natural shade and seclusion from nearby communities.

Tent sites throughout the area feature basic amenities, with vault toilets available at some locations while others remain completely undeveloped. James Canyon Campground provides fire rings, picnic tables, and designated tent pads at its walk-in sites, which are accessible via a small footbridge. Lower Karr Canyon requires campers to carry gear a quarter-mile from the parking area to reach the most remote tent sites. Many dispersed camping areas in the Lincoln National Forest require high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough dirt roads. According to one visitor, "Lower Karr Canyon is about 6 miles from the main highway at High Rolls, NM, with the last 2 miles being rather rough dirt. Most cars should be able to make it if driven with care."

The tent camping experience near Sunspot offers opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing away from city lights. Campsites in higher elevations provide relief from summer heat, with temperatures often dropping significantly at night even during warmer months. The Sacramento Mountains create a natural backdrop for tent campers, with several sites positioned near hiking trails and forest roads. Walk-in tent sites offer increased privacy and separation from other campers, making them ideal for those seeking quieter camping experiences. A review mentioned that Lower Karr Canyon provides "very remote and quiet" camping where visitors "didn't see a single other soul" and observed "plenty of wildlife including elk, wild turkey, and mule deer."

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Best Tent Sites Near Sunspot, New Mexico (11)

    1. Lower Karr Canyon Campground

    6 Reviews
    Lincoln National Forest, NM
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-7570

    "Easily accessible and had vaulted toilets available. Saw plenty of wildlife including elk, wild turkey, and mule deer."

    "Lower Karr Canyon campground is about 6 miles from the main highway at High Rolls, NM. The last 2 miles or so being rather rough dirt."

    2. Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

    23 Reviews
    Holloman Air Force Base, NM
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 479-6124

    "This isn’t a campground but backcountry camping with a hike to the site of under a mile, so it’s perfect for backpacking trips for families."

    "Currently the sites are closed due to Covid (as of 10/28/20), but the ranger said they were putting a plan in place. I believe there were 8 spots, all in the Interfunks area."

    3. Lincoln National Forest Slide Group Campground

    1 Review
    Cloudcroft, NM
    11 miles
    +1 (575) 682-2551

    "We have rented Slide Campground several times for group RV & tent camping."

    4. James Canyon Campground

    7 Reviews
    Mayhill, NM
    20 miles

    "The site stayed at had a fire ring/grill, picnic table and a tent pad. One of the sites had an Adirondack shelter. This site is close to US 82 which means road noise but I ignored it after 20 minutes."

    "Located just a couple miles outside of Mayhill, NM inside the Lincoln National Forest, this primitive camping spot is directly off of US 82 and has a 5 spots total."

    5. Dry Canyon Near Hang Glider Launch

    1 Review
    Alamogordo, NM
    12 miles

    "However, the trail up to the camping spots is steep, washed out, and tight. Can be navigated with a stock 4x4 pick up. Also, there is a gun range at the bottom, so you'll hear gun shots til sundown."

    6. Hoosier Canyon

    Be the first to review!
    Weed, NM
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 682-2551

    7. Skyline Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ruidoso, NM
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 257-4095

    "You have 360 views of the region, but beware, the wind can get quite torrential and there is not a ton of shade but there is some!"

    "Me and two of my buddy's went there and had a great time hiking and just hanging around camp and chilling."

    8. Monjeau Campground

    4 Reviews
    Ruidoso, NM
    45 miles
    Website

    "The drive up is full of narrow switchbacks that you just hope and pray nobody else happens to be coming around at the same time as you are. There are some quite steep grades as well."

    "We have a Tacoma with a rooftop tent and the road leading to the campsite wasn’t an issue at all. In fact, most vehicles are more than likely to make it if they aren’t too long or pulling a trailer."

    9. Upper Bonito Dispersed Recreation Area

    5 Reviews
    Nogal, NM
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 257-4095

    "Not much privacy when it's busier (warmer months).
    Good base camp for some of the best hiking around Ruidoso (Big Bonito Trail, Argentina Trail, etc.)"

    "It’s a nice area to spend with another person and even with kids, restrooms are clean, there’s some privacy if you find s good spot, could be busy during the weekend, but it’s worth visiting"

    10. Cedar Creek Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Ruidoso, NM
    40 miles
    Website
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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Sunspot, NM

17 Photos of 11 Sunspot Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Sunspot, NM

356 Reviews of 11 Sunspot Campgrounds

  • Jacob W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2022

    Eagle Creek Mescalero Cabins

    A good, open Mescalero alternative to the closed Lincoln NF

    We tent camped at Eagle Lake aka Eagle Creek campground on the Mescalero Apache Reservation over Memorial Day weekend 2022. The surrounding Lincoln National Forest was closed because of extreme fire risk, so there were very few places to camp in the Sacramento Mountains and escape the heat of El Paso. We used camp stoves because of a fire ban. We camped among the pine trees in the first tent area. There were clean porta-johns in that area. The showers and permanent bathroom were located up in the RV park about a 3-mile round trip walk on the road from the first tent area, so it’s more practical to drive to the showers. The permanent bathrooms and showers were clean.

    Very pretty scenery, surrounded by mountain ridges and peaks and pine forest. There were two small lakes and a small creek flowing through the campground.

    The campground format is kind of laissez faire because there aren’t assigned sites and it’s first come, first serve. The first tent area seemed about half full and we found a good site. We didn’t scout the second tent area because the host said there weren’t as many trees there. The first tent site was developed on a forested slope albeit they built flat rectangular-like terraces into the slope where you can pitch a tent(s) and park your vehicle(s).

    Eagle Creek, near Ruidoso, had a similar feel to the Mescalero Nation’s Silver Lake campground near Cloudcroft, but Eagle Creek had a more quiet vibe. The main drawback was the 10:00 am checkout time, but we were still able to cook up some breakfast burritos as we broke camp. Good times.

    Update 6/22/2022: At some point after my review, the Dyrt deleted the actual campground, which is where the road forks and moved my review to the nearby and similarly named RV resort, which is totally different. I love the Dyrt and I’m a pro ranger but sometimes c’mon man.

  • R
    Oct. 28, 2021

    Lincoln National Forest Slide Group Campground

    Great location for group camping ($$$)

    We have rented Slide Campground several times for group RV & tent camping. It features vault toilets if you Ed them, a tent area, a very large covered pavilion for those rainy days, large firepit area, cooking grills & a large parking lot for RVs & kids to play. Also has bear proof garbage and food storage. It easily held 3 RVs and 20 people. They provide 300 gallons of water in a tank. Behind the campground is a hiking trail. Loved it.

  • J
    Sep. 2, 2021

    Apache Campground

    Sweet retreat

    This is a sweet little quiet campground that offers paved or gravel parking along with picnic tables fire rings and grills at each camping spot. There are no hookups, dry camping only. Firewood available at camp host for $6 a bundle.

  • Irene L.
    Sep. 30, 2017

    Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

    Surreal park with easy backcountry camping

    I won’t even say anything about the park, it’s something you need to experience and you’ll be convinced just by looking at any photos. This isn’t a campground but backcountry camping with a hike to the site of under a mile, so it’s perfect for backpacking trips for families. BUT walking on sand is a lot more tiring than you think it’ll be and water is heavier than you think it’s be!! You need to get a permit, which is very cheap, and forces you check in with the rangers about weather and whatever other issues there may be. Read up about leave no trace and specific rules for the sand dunes. ...the weird thing is that there could be missles on the sand sometimes!! So if you see something weird stay away and tell the rangers asap!! This will be one of the best camping trips you’ll ever be on, no contest. ENJOY!

  • John M.
    Aug. 27, 2021

    Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground

    Super-clean restrooms & showers

    As of May 2021, through end of Sep 2021, camping is BY RESERVATION ONLY, via reserveamerica.com. 

    The amenities of each campsite, as well as "driveway" length, are listed on that website.

    All campsites have a picnic table and a fire ring with grill.  

    Only some have shade shelters.

    Hydrant water is potable (except from blue hydrant at dump station).

    Pets on leash (6' or less) at all times;  lots of garbage cans to dispose of pet waste.

    After recent rains, the park is strikingly green for being in the desert.  The Nature Trail is a bit challenging, not having been reconstructed after the 2019 flood, but still offers a short easy hike to where there is flowing water prior to requiring you to clamber over boulders either up or down the canyon.  The Dog Canyon Trail is steep -- bring lots of water!  The Visitor Center is open each morning except Monday, and staffed by knowledgeable volunteers.  Call the park phone # and listen to the recording to find if there are any changes.

    At this time (through Sept 15) MASKS ARE REQUIRED in the VC and comfort station.

    Volunteer camphosts keep the comfort station spotless.  They also sell firewood for the Friends of Dog Canyon (cash only), and if the VC is not open can sell you an annual pass (also cash only).  They will loan you a free sled/saucer for White Sands.

    Glass containers are prohibited (outside your RV).

    ATVs/OHVs are prohibited.

  • S
    Apr. 18, 2022

    James Canyon Campground

    Quick access, but a little too much trafffic

    04/14/22 James Canyon, Lincoln National Forest, NM

    Thursday night/Friday morning.

    I arrived a little after 5 am and found a couple campsites that had parking pads. One pad was already occupied by a single vehicle so I took the last open spot. A car full of young adults pulled up about five minutes later and they just set up their tent right in the overflow parking area. They were packing up when I woke up a few hours later and the car camper was long gone.

    There was an additional tent site with an open cabin shelter next to the first two spots and five additional spots across a footbridge that goes over a creek bed. All of the spots have nice level areas for tents, and picnic tables and fire rings. None of the area had cell coverage, however an occasional text would get through. There are bear proof trash cans at the entrance, along with an outhouse at the far edge of the parking lot. With easy access right off the main road. It’s a “dispersed” camp so there’s no fee.

    A scenic bluff behind the sites provides a great backdrop, with rolling hills across the street. While the view is great, the camp is right next to a fairly busy road so there was a lot of noise from traffic during the day. It was calm and quiet when I arrived, but that quickly changed once the sun came up. It also became very windy the day I camped so I ended up using the open cabin as a wind shelter, as I was the only camper left in the morning.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 17, 2024

    Three Rivers Petroglyph Site

    Clean spacious safe at major pertroglyph site

    Has one handicap accessible & next to bathroom). There is a group site that has three picnic tables under a shelter and two grills. 2 RV sites have covered picnic tables and grills and water and electric hookups. Five tent sites. One of the tent locations is at the handicap accessible site. CLEAN restrooms with flush toilets and drinking water are available. Pets are allowed in the campground(on leash), but are not allowed on the trails. Petroglyph trails are rocky, but not difficult (keep your eyes peeled, there are petroglyphs everywhere). Hosts were very nice. Campground has well-functioning electronic/pay check-in. Great BLM campground. Other places in area include Malpais lava flows. Sierra Blanca hovers to the east. Sunset was early in Nov. so if hiking trails in late afternoon take a flashlight. Nearby Carrizozo reportedly has a photo gallery or three that we were told were well worth checking out but we did not get chance to do so.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 4, 2024

    James Canyon Campground

    Great for a One Night Stopover

    James Canyon, NM: This is right off the highway, so easy access. There are only two sides when you can accommodate an RV.. A couple folks parked in the parking lot overnight. Ad jacent highway noise is very noticeable, however, traffic is pretty light and very late at night time. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (71 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: For a stop over: 4.
    Price 2024: Free Security: no Usage during visit: two RV sites filled up. Ted sites for him to. Room in the parking lot. Small Riggs only Site Privacy: no Site Spacing: good Pad surface: RV sites Reservations: no Campground Noise: no, no Outside Road Noise: noticeable Through Traffic in campground: no, except for stopping to use the bathrooms Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no, no Dump Station: no Potable Water Available: No Generators: allowed Bathroom: very clean pit toilets Showers: no Pull Throughs: both RV sites are back in. A little bit of extra work is required to back the trailer down to go to one of the two site. Cell Service (AT&T): no Setting: just off the highway Recent Weather: cool nights Solar: some Insects: none Host: no Rig Size: much over 22’ would be difficult

  • M
    Oct. 5, 2020

    Silver Campground

    Really nice, but overpriced

    Coming from the stark heat near White Sands, it is pretty remarkable that just 40 minutes away you can find a cool, windy, shady oasis. I give this campsite good remarks due to the fact it’s the only one open in the area (all the others marked on this app nearby are closed), it is the only campground I’ve seen in the past 30 days on the road that has only ever other site opened to ensure social distancing, a clean vault toilet (and 3 toilets on site), beautiful sites full of shade equipped with picnic tables, ample space and parking, and fire rings. Perhaps this site is usually cheaper (I don’t know) and maybe it’s only this much due to COVID and lack of other options, but $23 seems remarkably high for the type of site it is. I’ve been through 8 states in the past month and stayed in much more “expensive” camping areas (i.e. primitive sites that know they can charge an arm and a leg due to being close to parks like the Tetons or Yellowstone or glacier) and I have not found any other sites expecting $23 for this type of space. If they were not doing every other site being open, you would be veryyyy close to your neighbors. That being said, it’s a great spot and if you can afford it, go for it.

Guide to Sunspot

Tent camping near Sunspot, New Mexico offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers should check out James Canyon

  • The James Canyon Campground is conveniently located just off the highway, making it an easy stop for travelers.
  • This campground allows pets, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
  • With clean pit toilets and a fire ring at each site, it provides essential amenities for a comfortable stay.

Explore the natural beauty of the area

  • The Monjeau Campground offers stunning views and a chance to see wildlife like deer and wild horses.
  • Nearby, the Skyline Campground provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the region, perfect for sunset watching.
  • For those seeking a more remote experience, the Dry Canyon Near Hang Glider Launch offers amazing views, though the terrain can be challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sunspot, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sunspot, NM is Lower Karr Canyon Campground with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Sunspot, NM?

TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Sunspot, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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