Best Tent Camping in New Mexico

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.

Best Tent Sites in New Mexico (109)

    1. Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park

    23 Reviews
    Holloman Air Force Base, NM
    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."

    2. Dispersed Camping off FS 542

    23 Reviews
    Tijeras, NM
    Website
    +1 (505) 346-3900

    "When you turn into Juan Tomas (FS 542) Rd - be sure to go straight down nearly to the very end of the road. You’ll see signs marking campsites (refer to photos). Sites were large with fire rings."

    "There are multiple site identified with lot signs and fire rings. Some of the spots are Easier to access than others. Be prepared for a road that in rough shape."

    3. Big Tesuque Campground

    9 Reviews
    Tesuque, NM
    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."

    4. Silver City KOA

    8 Reviews
    Arenas Valley, NM
    Website
    +1 (575) 388-3351

    "Clean all heating worked."

    "Nice weather."

    5. Enchanted Circle Campground E<< - #1 Campground in NM

    7 Reviews
    Angel Fire, NM
    +1 (254) 434-8657

    $75 / night

    "You will feel like you are alone in the back woods where someone set up a great camping site. The fire pit is huge and has benches all around."

    "No electricity but water is available near the owners home. This is boondocking in a very safe environment! You do not have to worry about anything."

    6. Sierra Vista - Back Side Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Organ, NM

    "But if you keep going all the way to the trail head and turn left, you can access more dispersed and remote camp sites just around the bend."

    "I got up the top trail fine in my f-150, it is kinda sketchy though so be careful , but the views up top are great , spaced out a lot better"

    7. Lower Karr Canyon Campground

    6 Reviews
    Lincoln National Forest, NM
    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."

    8. Taos Junction Campground

    6 Reviews
    Carson, NM
    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!"

    9. Cuchilla Campground

    6 Reviews
    Valdez, NM
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-6200

    "Sites are right on a creek & have picnic tables."

    "Picnic tables were marked up, but the sound of the River was so worth all of it."

    10. Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping

    7 Reviews
    Valdez, NM
    Website
    +1 (575) 758-6200

    "Right off the road, literally. it hidden behind some trees so the barrier between the site and road makes for a little privacy. Great spot for a day or two right next to a creek so you fall asleep to"

    "First coms first served with mostly tenting spaces."

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Tent Camping Reviews in New Mexico

3523 Reviews of 109 New Mexico Campgrounds



Guide to New Mexico

New Mexico offers a stunning backdrop for tent camping, with diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to forests, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tent campers should check out local activities

  • At Big Tesuque Campground, visitors can enjoy hiking trails that lead to breathtaking vistas and a serene babbling brook, ideal for family fun.
  • Cuchilla Campground provides easy access to the Taos Ski Valley, where campers can explore nearby trails and enjoy refreshing dips in the creek.
  • For those seeking solitude, Dispersed Camping off FS 542 offers a peaceful environment with opportunities for wildlife spotting, including coyotes.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Silver City KOA features clean facilities, including showers and picnic tables, making it a comfortable stop for families.
  • James Canyon Campground offers well-maintained pit toilets and fire rings, ensuring a pleasant camping experience.
  • Aspen Basin Campground provides a beautiful setting with ample shade and access to hiking trails, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Unique features of New Mexico camping