P
Paul R.
Scout
ScoutClines Corners
Easy stoo
Easy in and out without having to unhook toad. All services provided. Its a gravel lot with no trees, but is perfect for a days layover
Best Campgrounds in New Mexico
New Mexico camping encompasses a diverse range of environments, from high desert landscapes to mountain forests and lakeside settings. State parks like Bottomless Lakes near Roswell and Oliver Lee Memorial near Alamogordo provide established campgrounds with amenities, while free dispersed camping can be found on BLM land near Carlsbad and White Sands National Park. KOA locations in Albuquerque and Las Cruces offer convenient access for travelers along major highways. Campers at Raptor Lake Dispersed report spectacular sunsets, with one visitor noting that "the wide open range has everything you need for solar power and Starlink" despite the lack of traditional services.
Most New Mexico campgrounds are open year-round, though seasonal considerations are important. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F in southern regions, while northern mountain areas may see snow in winter. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, particularly from May through September. Many state parks require reservations through an online system. Cell service varies dramatically across the state, with good coverage near cities but limited or non-existent reception in remote areas. Wind is a consistent factor throughout the state, with campers often advised to "keep your elevation low because the wind always blows in New Mexico."
Camping options range from primitive to full-service. RV parks with full hookups are concentrated near population centers and along interstate corridors, particularly I-25, I-40, and I-10. Many state parks offer a mix of electric and non-electric sites, with varying levels of amenities. Dispersed camping on public lands typically requires self-sufficiency, as most locations have no water, toilets, or trash service. Visitors seeking lakeside recreation can find options at Navajo Lake, Elephant Butte, and Conchas Lake, though water levels can fluctuate significantly. Pet-friendly policies are common throughout the state, with most campgrounds allowing dogs with standard leash requirements.
Best Camping Sites in New Mexico (918)
1. Lea Lake Campground — Bottomless Lakes State Park
79 ReviewsDexter, NMWebsite+1 (575) 988-3638$10 - $35 / night
"I bought a year pass during covid for New Mexico State park in 2019. I only used it 2 times and parks shut down. Now due to fires many parks have had to close."
"The lake was open all night for swimmers, and it was enjoyable to hear the young people laughing and playing in the water as the sun went down."
2. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park Campground
69 ReviewsSunspot, NMWebsite+1 (505) 660-7381$15 - $30 / night
"Very beautiful hidden away RV and Raised Primitive State Park full of marked and unmarked foliage and a nice museum reflecting on the surrounding area of New Mexico."
"I like heat and live in New Mexico. Northern new Mexico, in the mountains, where no one needs air conditioning. "
3. USA RV Park
66 ReviewsMentmore, NMWebsite+1 (505) 863-5021$25 - $35 / night
"Needed an overnight stay along Interstate 40 in New Mexico. "
"We were so grateful to stumble upon USA RV Park on our recent trip through New Mexico. "
4. Chosa Campground
59 ReviewsCarlsbad Caverns, NMWebsite+1 (575) 234-5972"It's a large, level, gravel parking lot a quarter mile off of Hwy 62/180 8 miles north of the Texas border in New Mexico."
"Nice open spot right off the highway. Drive up the paved road and it’s on your left. Gravel has been laid down so it’s nice and firm for campers/RVs. Also has a garbage can there."
5. Aguirre Spring Recreation Area and Campground
58 ReviewsWhite Sands, NMWebsite+1 (575) 525-4300"Southeast New Mexico has mountains believe it or not. The camp is nestled up against one. It’s Memorial Day weekend and not too crowded. Highly recommend for the price (basically free)."
"I've been on a nationwide roadtrip for a few months that now and I have tent camped alone in many sites from Florida to Arkansas to, now, New Mexico."
6. Las Cruces KOA
50 ReviewsMesilla, NMWebsite+1 (575) 526-6555"We stopped at this KOA for one night while passing through New Mexico. We had a great view of the valley below and our site had everything we needed--full hookups."
"We only stayed one night but this was a convenient location or far off the highway. Bathroom was clean and staff was nice. Large clean dog park. Nice views of the city."
7. Sunset Reef Campground
48 ReviewsCarlsbad Caverns, NMWebsite+1 (575) 234-5972"Sunset reef is small and does fill up quickly as there is limited spots but you can always park on the outskirts of the corral like fencing and there’s still plenty of space."
"It’s only 10 minutes to the entrance, and about 25 minutes to the visitor center."
8. Albuquerque KOA Journey
48 ReviewsMonticello, NMWebsite+1 (505) 296-2729"New Mexico is a land of wonders and beauty in every turn."
"They have a seasonal pool and a year round 18+ hot tub which was really nice when it was cold outside. It is close to shopping and RV parts stores."
9. City of Rocks State Park Campground
43 ReviewsFaywood, NMWebsite+1 (575) 536-2800$15 - $30 / night
"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"
"Found out that if you sit behind the rocks there was no cell service. But step out and phone work well."
10. Limestone Campground — Brantley Lake State Park
47 ReviewsCarlsbad, NMWebsite+1 (505) 690-2757$10 - $35 / night
"Brantley Lake State Park Campground offered a pleasant camping experience. The spacious sites, complete with picnic tables and shade shelters, provided a comfortable base for our explorations."
"This is a peaceful campground located between Carlsbad and Artesia, New Mexico. Sites have covered picnic tables, but that is about the only shade you’ll find."
Recent Camping Photos in New Mexico
895 Photos of 918 New Mexico Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews in New Mexico
5116 Reviews of 918 New Mexico Campgrounds
Jeff V.
GuideSoda Pocket Campground — Sugarite Canyon State Park
Great Park, good hiking & fishing, cheap and has showers!
I live in Raton 5 miles from Sugarite State Park and hike there frequently. The campground is still $10/night a serious bargain, given the sites are spaced out and sheltered by oak trees and brush, creating privacy, and come with bear boxes, and a metal shade structure. The showers are down by the park entrance, but that's either a 4 mile hike or about the same by road.
The access road is dirt and the Soda Pocket campground is only open in the warmer months, although there is a second campground open year round off the paved park road.
The views from Soda Pocket are gorgeous, and there are nearby hikes. Raton has a grocery store and ample repair and equipment shops for vehicles, a few restaurants and other amenities like a swim center (best for kids, but has showers as well).
It's an overlooked gem of a park and campground right on the state line (some of the trails cross over to Colorado, although none connect easily to Trinidad, the nearest town to the north.)
- Jeff V.Guide
Black Canyon Campground
Good but not as good as free camping just a few miles further
Hyde Memorial State Park, like many NM state parks, is more campground than park. There are additional campsites, some with 3 walled shelters at the park, so you're not limited to this particular campground, whose only real advantage is an illegal trailhead to the city reservoir, left by firefighters a couple of decades ago (look for a trail near the top off the campground loop hike).
It's illegal to go to the reservoir, but enough folks do it to keep the use trail well trodden. It's doubtful you'd be cited, but possible.
Personally I'm allergic to paying for camping if I can and still sore about paying $70 a night in Big Sur a decade ago when everything but a private campground was fully booked. So here's my cheap advice:
Drive another 6 miles to Big Tesuque, a free Forest Service campground with picnic tables, vault toilets, fire rings and a stream for water and enjoy the freedom from fees. If Big Tesuque is packed, drive up to the Ski Basin at the top and camp there, it never fills up for some reason, and also has picnic tables, vault toilets and fire rings.
There's also a dirt USFS road off the north side of Artist Road just above Hyde Park and a trailhead at the eastern edge of the stat epark that leads to the stream: this means shelpping your stuff a couple of miles though, downhill on the way in.
Point is, you can pay for camping here, but you need not if your prefer holding onto your cash, by driving just a few miles further.
- Jeff V.Guide
Jemez Falls Campground
It's okay, but...
Look, this is a perfectly fine trailhead campground. There's nothing wrong with it.
That said, it's a quarter miles walk to the falls, and 3 miles to the warm springs, which are barely tepid. Both trails can and are frequently visited by day hikers, some using the same parking lot shared by the campground. It's not tranquil if the weather is good, as both the warm springs and falls are popular.
The real kicker though is the whole area has much better dispersed camping in all directions. If you have to stay on paved roads, go to this campground: any RV can do it. If your vehicle can handle even gravel Forest Service roads drive elsewhere and save $20 a night: it'll buy a tank of gas if you're camping even for a 3 day weekend, and gas being expensive, eliminating additional fees makes sense for many of us.
I'd head up 376, out of Jemez Springs, where one could spend the savings from camping for free on a genuine hot spring, several available in the small town. Or get a meal and a few drinks at the local bar.
Paying for camping when you don't have to has never made any sense to me, but I'm not rich. Plus the dispersed camping gives you privacy you won't get in an official campground where everyone is packed together like so many sardines in a can.
- SSandraGuide
Rocky Point Campground — Santa Rosa Lake State Park
Okay for a night
Nothing special. You can’t see the lake but the spots were pretty spacious. We stayed at A14 and it was pretty private. Bathrooms were clean. Just passing through and it was good for that.
Gail G.GuideQuail Run Campground — Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Loving the quiet beauty
Certainly not big rig friendly, we have a 30 ft motorhome. Was to big for the pull thru we booked, but were able to change our site to 30 ft back in site. They have shelters at every site, but many to close to campsite. Have 50 amp service, and some pretty awesome views of mountains, lake view, and desert views out or bedroom windows. Water and electric only, but has dump site. Not much for cell service here at state park.
- aamber H.Guide
Forest Rd 568 Dispersed
came here in the rain
Close to cloudcroft Had a fun 2 nights here great views between the trees. it rained all night before leaving and had no trouble getting out in a truck and trailer
Kelly H.
TravelerJames Canyon Campground
Super nice, elk bugling
This was a beautiful stop with a nice pit toilet. The elks bugled a lot and it was so cool to hear. It was a cool night with lots of stars. The pine trees smelled great too
- Gail G.Guide
Coronado Campground
Like it, but has lots od road noise
Have pull thru, 50 amp site, with water and electric. Does have a dump site, on the way out. Great view of Sadia mountain, and saw a few awesome sunrises from our bedroom window
Guide to New Mexico
Camping in New Mexico offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and diverse campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet place to unwind, there's something for everyone.
What to do
- Explore the outdoors: New Mexico is known for its beautiful parks and recreation areas. Check out the Valley Of Fires Recreation Area for hiking trails and breathtaking views. One camper said, “The RV area sits on a ridge. Great views.”
- Visit local attractions: The Albuquerque KOA Journey is just a short drive from city attractions. A visitor noted, “The site is spotless and the security (urban location) is excellent.”
- Enjoy stargazing: Many campgrounds in New Mexico are away from city lights, making them perfect for stargazing. One camper at The Box Recreation Area mentioned, “Great views and incredible star gazing.”
What campers like
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A reviewer at the Valley Of Fires Recreation Area said, “Park and bathrooms are very clean.”
- Family-friendly amenities: The Albuquerque KOA Journey has a pool, playground, and mini-golf, making it a hit with families. One parent shared, “Jump pad, playground, mini golf and a really nice pool were the highlights.”
- Scenic views: Many campgrounds offer stunning landscapes. A camper at the Turquoise Trail Campground remarked, “Great spot not too far from Albuquerque, very peaceful and quaint.”
What you should know
- Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near highways or train tracks, which can be noisy. A visitor at Isleta Lakes & RV Park noted, “The trains sound their horns very late at night and early in the morning.”
- Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Escondida Lake Park & Campground mentioned, “The campground has the basics but that's it.”
- Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at San Antonio Bosque Park shared, “There is a lot of fresh black bear scat throughout the campsite.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose kid-friendly spots: Look for campgrounds with activities for children. The Albuquerque KOA Journey has a playground and pool, which kids love. A parent said, “Clean, modern and convenient showers were pluses for Mom and Dad.”
- Plan for noise: If you're camping near busy roads, bring earplugs for the kids. A reviewer at Route 66 RV Park mentioned, “While it seemed close to I40 you could not hear the traffic.”
- Pack snacks and games: Keep kids entertained with snacks and games during downtime. A camper at Turquoise Trail Campground noted, “The campground is clean, the sites are well groomed with camp pads level.”
Tips from RVers
- Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Route 66 RV Park said, “The spot I was assigned had a 30-degree drop and 6-foot reach to the utilities...not doable for my 18-foot camper van.”
- Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. The Valley Of Fires Recreation Area offers some sites with electric hookups, which is a plus.
- Arrive early: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Isleta Lakes & RV Park advised, “Campground doesn’t take reservations so arrive early.”
Camping in New Mexico can be a fantastic experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the beautiful landscapes and unique campgrounds this state has to offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best tent camping destinations in New Mexico?
What are the best tent camping destinations in New Mexico?
New Mexico offers exceptional tent camping destinations with diverse landscapes. Jemez Falls Campground is consistently rated as one of the best places to camp in the state, providing access to beautiful hiking trails and natural scenery. For those seeking a lakeside experience, Limestone Campground — Brantley Lake State Park offers spacious sites with picnic tables and shade shelters, plus clean facilities with hot showers. Other excellent options include Bottomless Lakes State Park near Roswell and Aguirre Spring Recreation Area near Las Cruces, which provides stunning desert mountain views. Many tent campers also enjoy Elephant Butte Lake State Park for its water recreation opportunities during warmer months.
Where can I find dispersed camping in New Mexico?
Where can I find dispersed camping in New Mexico?
New Mexico has abundant dispersed camping opportunities throughout its national forests and BLM lands. Oak Point Campground offers a prime example, with forest roads filled with pull-off sites where you can camp freely while enjoying canyon views and stargazing. Chosa Campground provides a large, level dispersed area just 8 miles north of the Texas border, making it an excellent base camp for exploring Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. The Santa Fe National Forest also offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities along forest roads. Most dispersed sites are primitive without facilities, so come prepared with water and pack-out waste. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as bans are common during dry periods.
When is the best season for camping in Northern New Mexico?
When is the best season for camping in Northern New Mexico?
Late spring through early fall (May-September) offers the most pleasant camping weather in Northern New Mexico. Comales Campground in Carson National Forest, located about 30 miles south of Taos, is particularly beautiful during this period with its mountain stream setting. Summer (June-August) provides warm days but comfortable nights at higher elevations. Cove Campground — Conchas Lake State Park is excellent for June camping with opportunities for hiking and water recreation. Fall brings spectacular foliage colors, especially in September and October. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to cold temperatures and potential snow at higher elevations. Always check weather forecasts and road conditions when planning trips to Northern New Mexico, as mountain weather can change rapidly.
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