Best Tent Camping near White Rock, NM

Tent campgrounds near White Rock, New Mexico range from established sites with amenities to remote dispersed camping areas in surrounding forests. American Springs offers primitive tent camping with views of Los Alamos and snow-capped peaks, while Big Tesuque Campground provides a more developed experience with picnic tables and access to trails in Santa Fe National Forest, approximately 20 minutes from downtown Santa Fe.

Access to tent sites varies considerably throughout the region. Many dispersed camping areas near White Rock require high-clearance vehicles, with several reviews noting rough roads leading to American Springs. A camper mentioned, "Probably not a must have, but I highly recommend a four-wheel-drive high clearance to get back into the camp spots here." Most established campgrounds provide fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities are generally basic. Several locations have vault toilets but limited or no potable water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. Seasonal considerations include colder temperatures at higher elevations, with Big Tesuque Campground sitting at nearly 10,000 feet elevation.

Tent campsites in the area typically feature stream access, mountain views, and forest surroundings. Aspen Basin Campground offers tent sites within aspen groves and nearby hiking trails. At higher elevations, campers can expect cooler temperatures even in summer months. Most primitive tent sites provide greater solitude than developed campgrounds, particularly on weekdays or during shoulder seasons. Areas like Road 378 near Fenton Lake offer secluded clearings with minimal neighbor disturbance. One camper noted, "The clearings are far enough apart that you can make some noise without bothering the other campers. Even on July 4th this site wasn't busy." Many tent-specific areas are positioned near streams or small lakes, adding to the camping experience but requiring proper waste disposal practices.

Best Tent Sites Near White Rock, New Mexico (23)

    1. American Springs

    4 Reviews
    Los Alamos, NM
    10 miles

    "Just sad to see bullet casings litter ground and these trees that survived the most intense fire in new mexico are being shot up and destroyed. Shame on anyone doing this"

    "Any SUV could handle it but being in an extended length van limits where I can go. Very peaceful with a nice view down the canyon. Elk grazing below were the cherry on top."

    2. Big Tesuque Campground

    10 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 753-7331

    "- Nice babbling brook alongside campsites, fun for kids to play in (COLD, but shallow), and makes for great white noise.

    • Convenient to Santa Fe (20-25 min from downtown)
    • drive up the mountain 4"

    "If you're tent camping, Big Tesuque is AMAZING!! It's small, but absolutely beautiful. Each site has a picknick table and a tent pad. There are basic toilets. No showers, no sinks."

    3. Aspen Basin Campground

    5 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 753-7331

    "Coming from Texas, I almost turned around to go back home with only 4 hours left of my drive because I was so terrified."

    "Most campers pitch tent in the wooded area in the center of the parking lot - this is off the west end of the parking lot. Wonderful trails and you get to camp right in the middle of an aspen grove."

    4. Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Jemez Springs, NM
    29 miles
    Website

    "The road is a bit rough, but easy access and close enough to the lake that I drove over to kayak after setting up camp."

    "This campsite is beautiful and right next to the lake. Perfect for some chill camping. There are multiple clearing along this road. Each one is big enough for several cars and even a couple groups."

    5. Panchuela Campground and Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    Tererro, NM
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 757-6121

    "We drove out to the Pecos Wildness and decided to backpack a trail called Cave Creek, this is a mild trail about 2.8 miles in and 2.8 out."

    "Campsite is situated at the Cave Creek trailhead, a cool hike to some local caves. It's 5 bucks for the night, 2 dollars day use, all backpacking tent sites. Some shelters."

    6. Cowles Campground

    2 Reviews
    Tererro, NM
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 757-6121

    "Stay limit: 14 days

    This spot really has a lot to offer. There are trees on one side, a creek on the other, and 2 sites with shelters directly next to the parking lot."

    "Cowles campground in the Pecos Wilderness area is a launching point for the Windsor Trail which travels alongside beautiful Windsor Creek to Stewart Lake and Pecos Falls."

    7. Cow Creek Dispersed Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    Tererro, NM
    33 miles
    Website

    "2 wheel drive accessible, fresh water source, fire pit ring, room for 3 vehicles near camp, very peaceful, and zero noise and no light pollution."

    "It was a longer drive out there than expected, but there’s a sign that lets you know your in the National forest and out of peoples private property."

    8. Trampas Trailhead Campground

    2 Reviews
    Llano, NM
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (505) 632-2956

    "The Trampas Trailhead campground gets 4 stars not because it's a great campground (it's good, don't get me wrong) but because it provides great access to an amazing trail."

    "Wonderful trails and mountain views, I have been there 2 times in the last 10 years..."

    10. Taos Junction Campground

    6 Reviews
    Carson, NM
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-8851

    "They have nice grills at the tent sites along 28th tables. Bathrooms were nice and clean and a close walk. With lots to do including fish and hiking trails. We look forward to going back."

    "The shelter provides nice shade. Bugs & dust were only real drawback. Oh, and it was hot!"

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Tent Camping Reviews near White Rock, NM

742 Reviews of 23 White Rock Campgrounds


  • M
    Aug. 7, 2021

    Jacks Creek Horse Camp

    Jack’s Creek

    Lovely small camping area about 15 mi north of Pecos, NM on NM 63. 2 loops. Good sites for car/tent camping. Well maintained with clean vault toilets. Fire rings and picnic tables. Rained every afternoon (real boomers!) while we were there, but no problem for us. Will definitely visit again!

  • A
    Aug. 13, 2020

    Jacks Creek Horse Camp

    Gorgeous but busy campground

    We arrived early on a Tuesday and snagged a tree heavy site on the upper loop. The sites on the outside of the loops are decently wooded, smaller and not well suited to RVs. The sites on the inside of the loops have longer, RV sized pull in and little trees. Vault toilets are well maintained by the very active camp host, Mark. There is potable water from a well two miles down the mountain and trash, but packing out much that can’t be burned is encouraged. Pick up firewood in Pecos, there is enough dead & down tinder at the site. Dogs allowed on leash at all times, quite time begins at 10pm. The closer we got to the weekend, the more crowded and noisy the site became. One night, multiple campers arrived after dark and noisily set up camp. I’m sure the state parks being closed forced more people into the National Forest, but it’s a great site. There are several trailhead and just down the hill is easy access to creeks and fishing. We had great weather, upper 70’s during the day, dipping to low 50’s overnight. Each site has large fire rings with cooking grates and at least one picnic table, some with two. Sites are close together so try to grab one at the end of the loop for a little privacy.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 3, 2024

    Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument

    Fascinating National Monument in Northern New Mexico

    This was our first time at this lovely National Monument and we simply loved it. The campground was small with only a few spaces for bigger rigs, but we fit without any problem. Love those small spaces! 

    The campground is perched on the mesa above the monument’s protected dwellings, artifacts and trails at the valley. You can get there by walking about 2.5 miles from the campground along a stunning trail, or driving around the road. We simply loved hiking here, choosing a different way each day over the four days we were there.  So much to explore!

    Campsites have the standard picnic table, bear box locker, and fire ring. The trees were mostly shorter scrub junipers and other high desert trees so there was lots of sunshine for solar powered rig, but no electrical service at any sites.  Nice privacy between sites.

    The bathrooms were clean, heated, and had flush toilets and running sinks with potable water, plus a small dish cleaning sink, but no showers. 

    The Visitor Center is an awesome CCC structure from back during the depression as are many of the hiking trails in the valley.   We were here for Halloween, so carved our pumpkins in memory and celebration of the people who lived here so many years ago.

    Nearby Los Alamos has all the services you need as far as supplies, services and restaurants. But if you can plan your hike to end before 4pm, the cafe at the VC is really worth it!!

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2023

    Riana - Abiquiu Lake

    Great views, great hosts

    Camped 2 nights at site #38 on the Puerco Loop. Reserved thru rec.gov while at the site. Wonderful campground hosts. Site was not quite level for our campervan, but close enough. Good views of lake & surrounding area from site. Vault toilet & drinking water a short walk away. Juniper provided minimal privacy. Site has lantern poll, fire ring, trash can & table. No hookups at this site. $6/night with senior pass. Restroom/shower house within walking distance. Facilities & vault toilets were very clean. Hiking trail in campground. AT&T & T-Mobile service. Overall, quiet & peaceful stay.

  • marycatmathis  ..The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2020

    Oak Point Campground

    Lovely, Beachy, Scenic

    These coordinates are a rough estimate, but this entire forrest road is filled with amazing campsites you can simply pull off and camp in. currently there’s a fire ban, so it makes it hard to stay warm at night, but the stars are amazing. it’s quiet. it’s lovely. there’s canyon walls for miles. it’s really amazing. some of these pics are from the nearby canyon that’s a bit of a walk up the road, but most are from our campground. loved our first experience camping in New Mexico!

  • Lisa C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2019

    Mora Recreation Area Campground — Pecos Canyon State Park

    Hike-In Only - Stunning Area

    My first backpacking adventure in Northern New Mexico took me from Iron Gate Campground to Mora Flats. BEAUTIFUL!

    A quick 4-5 mile hike in, we crossed the Pecos River and found a nice, shady spot in valley. It was peaceful, quiet and surprisingly cool for late-July. It rained each afternoon, but we had everything we needed to stay dry and cozy.

    The river provided plenty of trout for a nice rice and fish dinner. The sky provided plenty of stars for gazing.

  • Tim W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2023

    Whirlpool Dispersed Camping Area

    Will go again

    We got there on a Friday and had our pick of sites. We picked one right on the river. No electricity. No water. No picnic tables. No trash receptacle. Vault toilets. Camp spaces are spread out. Some of the roads on the campground had deep ruts and pools of mud water but not all. You can see every star on a clear night. The road to the campground is about 6 miles of curvy dirt and gravel single lane. But a woman managed it in a Jaguar so not too bad just go slow. Rustic and relaxing.

  • T
    Jan. 23, 2018

    Santa Fe KOA

    Romantic Tent for Two Please

    My husband had the great idea of tent camping just the two of us. Up to this point our tent camping adventures were reserved for grandbaby time. But I said What the hey! Let's do it. I wanted somewhere cooler than home. The Santa Fe area had plenty to keep us busy for the week.

    We did not get a tent spot but opted for a small trailer site with electric and water. Our spot was near the bathhouse but not too close. Each site has native trees and plants, so everyone has privacy. The site had a nice flat spot for the tent, picnic table, fire pit and grill. We had more than enough room to set up our awning for a dining area. We loved our little spot for the week.

    The bathhouse was clean and very nice. New tile and fixtures. It was a little small for the size of the campground.

    They have plenty of activities there for everyone and in the evening it is very quiet.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2018

    Redondo Campground

    Set back in the pines

    A nice campground set north of the town of Jemenz Springs. There was a fire ban in place and the Forest Service was planning on closing the entire forest the morning after I showed up. I had enough time to camp and get in one hike to a social spring before they came through and closed everything up for safety. The campground was nice, but there was no water available (it had been shut off in preparation for the closure). The campsites were nice and well spaced with lots of pine trees around each site, so there was a lot of privacy. There was an abundance of pine needle duff covering the ground which would have been great until you considered the fire danger. Each site had a picnic table and fire pit (with bright tape over it to remind you not to use it).


Guide to White Rock

Tent camping near White Rock, New Mexico offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities.

Tips for Tent Camping Near White Rock

  • For a beautiful and remote experience, consider staying at Big Tesuque Campground, where you can enjoy a babbling brook and picturesque mountain views.
  • Be prepared for chilly nights, even in summer, at Aspen Basin Campground, which is nestled among stunning aspen trees and offers plenty of shade.
  • If you're looking for a quieter experience, Panchuela Campground and Trailhead is a great option, providing access to beautiful hiking trails and breathtaking views.

Local Activities for Tent Campers

  • Enjoy hiking and exploring the scenic trails around Cowles Campground, which is a great base for fishing and family-friendly activities.
  • Experience the thrill of fishing in the streams surrounding Panchuela Campground and Trailhead, where you can also discover local caves on nearby hikes.
  • Take advantage of the stunning vistas and sunset views from Big Tesuque Campground, just a short drive from Santa Fe.

Features of Campgrounds Near White Rock

  • Many campgrounds, like Aspen Basin Campground, allow pets, making it easy to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
  • Facilities such as picnic tables and fire rings are available at Cowles Campground, enhancing your camping experience with convenient amenities.
  • For those seeking a more secluded experience, Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed offers spacious clearings away from the crowds, perfect for a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near White Rock, NM?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near White Rock, NM is American Springs with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near White Rock, NM, with real photos and reviews from campers.