Best Tent Camping in New Mexico
Searching for a tent campsite in New Mexico? It's easy to find a New Mexico campground for tent camping with the Dyrt. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of New Mexico's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites in New Mexico (113)
1. Backcountry Primitive Sites — White Sands National Park
Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico23 Reviews•123 Photos•266 SavesDue to rehabilitation of camping sites, backcountry camping is closed.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Market
- Trash
- Drinking Water
2. Dispersed Camping off FS 542
Tijeras, New Mexico23 Reviews•40 Photos•429 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
3. Joe Skeen Campground
San Rafael, New Mexico11 Reviews•12 Photos•33 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
4. Big Tesuque Campground
Tesuque, New Mexico9 Reviews•30 Photos•135 SavesBig Tesuque is a walk in campground not conducive to trailer or RV campoing. There are 10 units, Picnic tables and grills, and Vaulted toilets in the parking lot. There is no potable water and no Campground Host. The entire area is very scenic, and NM 475 is also designated as the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. Because of the large stands of aspen, the area is very busy, especially in the fall aspen viewing season. There are additional recreation opportunities along NM 475, both above and below Big Tesuque Campground, including hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and in the winter. both nordic and alpine skiing. Tesuque is pronounced "Tess-U-key"
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
5. Silver City KOA
Arenas Valley, New Mexico8 Reviews•28 Photos•18 Saves- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
6. Enchanted Circle Campground E<< - #1 Campground in NM
Angel Fire, New Mexico7 Reviews•29 Photos•78 SavesPLEASE READ ALL OF THE DESCRIPTIONS OF EACH SITE BEFORE YOU BOOK. NOT ALL SITES ARE ACCESSIBLE TO RVs.
PLEASE READ…
Nestled in the Carson National Forest@ 9000ft in the Sangre de Cristo mountains in the southern region of the Colorado Rockies lies Enchanted Circle Campgrounds. E<< is a quiet, exclusive, totally unique, primitive campground that generally has open camping sites during the camping season of May 1st until October 31st.
E<< was Voted #1 Campground in NM for 2020, 2021, and 2022." Number #4 in the Country by Forbes!
There are 7 Private campsites.
Site#1: This is the smallest campsite, but it overlooks the valley and lakes and is most often the favorite. It is not large enough for any camper beside teardrops, popups, and anything smaller than 16 ft. It is best served as a tent site.
Site#2: is located in the middle of the ranch. It is one of the larger of the spots and perfect for campers and trailers. It overlooks the valley and has 2 fire pits and hammocks. A great site for more than one trailer or RV. It is also easily accessible.
Site#3: It is the most remote. It sits on top of a pretty large cliff system that the Ute Indians actually lived in and has some of the best views. It is on top of a cliff though and is not the best fit for groups with small children. TRAILERS CANNOT GET TO SITE 3, due to tight turns.
Spot 4. This spot is great for larger groups. It is the furthest spot from the gate. It is nestled in the middle of a valley full of Aspens. There are Hammocks, giant fire pits, pergolas, Log Benches, and plenty of space to explore.
Spot 5. It is the flattest spot on the entire ranch, and the easiest to access. This spot is our stargazer site, it has the biggest views and is the most open site@ECC. There are trees, but it is mainly the sky. This site was built and intended for Large RVs and Motor Homes larger than 34 ft. But, If it is available, feel free to book it whether or not you are in a tent or RV.
Spot 6 was also built for Larger Rvs Or larger Groups with multiple tents. It is also very accessible to Motorhomes and large units. It is a mix of all of the environments we have here, with Big skies, Big trees, big views, and great privacy.
Spot 7 is Identical to spot 6. Big RVs, Big Skies, Big Views. Easy accessibility.
Spot 8 is only accessible to tents. It is the newest and most remote site. Surrounded by forest it is tucked away and feels the wildest.
At ECC, you are surrounded by trees and wildlife no matter what spot you choose. Each spot usually has a campfire grill, cast iron skillet, dutch oven, coffee pot, grilling utensils, shovel, hatchet, trash can, hammocks, and other small necessities. With Covid 19, we have removed all of the cooking utensils, cast iron, and coffee pots. You will need to bring these items with you. We have also added handwashing stations and Antibacterial hand soap at each site. We are also Sanitizing the entire campsite after each checkout to ensure all of our guest Safety to the best of our abilities. Numerous trails wander their way through the pine forest, with many more hiking opportunities within a short drive. The Ranch has both long and short nature hikes that allow for views of local flora, fauna, and wheeler peak. We have too many to count, primitive and natural mountain bike trails, and many more to discover or trail blaze. We also offer Coleman 49CC mini bikes for rent by the day to explore all over the ranch. They are great fun.
ECC has 7 natural ground(underground) fed springs that run year-round. 3 spring-fed ponds, 2 of which are stocked with rainbow trout as well as native brown trout, and crawfish. The natives are very picky eaters and require more patience than I usually have. Many of our campers seem to have what it takes as they are caught often, but the rainbows bite on a few different things, you just have to find the right one, and then it's game on. We stock the ponds at the beginning of the season each year. You can keep what you catch, up to 2 per person per day. But, you are also more than welcome to catch and release as often as you like. We have just about every terrain here as well, from prairie and marshland to cliffs and mountainous forests. We have a little over 900 feet of elevation change on the ranch. We have numerous species of wildlife that call the ranch home. We have elk, mule deer, turkeys, bobcats, prairie dogs, beavers, bears, and the occasional mountain lion. We also have our horses, goats, pigs, and chickens free-roaming within the fenced ranch. It is really important to leave all objects you find on the land where you found them(bones, things at the sweat lodge, etc) because this is sacred land and we all need to respect that.
Our Ranch can accommodate individuals, families, and both large and small groups. We also love to support Veterans, LEO, and Emergency Services. We will cover one night, for up to 4 campers, for any of those professionals.
The biggest draw to ECC besides ECC itself is its proximity to Angel Fire and the Ski and Mountain Bike Resort. Located just 5 miles from Town. There is plenty of exploring to do both on the ranch and in town. We are also located within 15 minutes of 3 State Parks. Come check it out! It might just be your favorite secret spot.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$75 / night
7. Fort Stanton Cave Campground
Capitan, New Mexico7 Reviews•18 Photos•77 SavesSeveral shelters, tables and fire rings are located here as well as a vault toilet. All sites are dry and on a first come/first served basis. The access road off of US 380 is graveled. There are no fees for camping in this area.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
8. Taos Junction Campground
Carson, New Mexico6 Reviews•7 Photos•125 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
9. Cuchilla Campground
Valdez, New Mexico6 Reviews•34 Photos•204 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
10. Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping
Valdez, New Mexico7 Reviews•19 Photos•481 SavesMany people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. It means no services; such as trash removal, and little or no facilities; such as tables, fire pits and toilets are provided.
There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It is your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
- Toilets
Recent Tent Reviews in New Mexico
3221 Reviews of 113 New Mexico Campgrounds
Brad H.
Traveler
Taos Monte Bello RV Park
Exceptionally Clean, Centrally Located, Amazing Owner
I stayed here the second week of a two week vacation to the Taos area. I had been at the State Park out of Pillar the week before. As a veteran RV owner and road warrior for many decades I know my stuff. This RV park is very well maintained and managed. The owner went out of her way to provide tips and maps of things to do in the area. It is out of the way yet close to everything you’d want to do. I highly recommend!
- L
Liz W.
Scout
Santa Fe KOA
Great Spot
Great location just outside of Santa Fe, super easy to get to off of I-25. Bathrooms are clean and showers are comfortable. Everything is well maintained and the dog park is a massive plus if you have pups. There’s a little road noise, but not bad, and definitely worth it for ease of use. Would recommend!
- tthomas V.
Guide
Bosque Redondo Park
Basic quiet layover
Site is about 2 miles of main highway on paved road. Sites look like they double as day-use, with small shelter, picnic table, trash, grill, and fire pit. Some right on pond. Park has playground and vault toilets. Very quiet. Good star gazing.
- TTeresa A.Guide
Swingle Canyon
Overnight stay
Easily found the dispersed sights from the app. Spent a very quiet night nestled back off the highway under the stars.
Luke M.Guide
Big Tesuque Campground
Stunning, Running Water, and Clean Restrooms
I will start with the only downside of this site: it is very active with hikers, families, dogs, and photographers. You can expect dozens upwards of a hundred faces a day hiking up here which can be extremely annoying and the car traffic can drive you nuts. That said, for the ease of access, for the beautiful trails, and for the clean amenities I think it is worth it. In the winter right before the ski area opens is your best bet for quiet camping. But in the summer, spring, fall, and during ski season you will have a lot of friendly faces. Again, not bad, but I know some folks are very interested in getting "away" from people while camping. To those I recommend this site for hiking and not staying. Highly recommend for folks who are less physically abled; I developed a heart condition which limits my abilities most days and the ease of access to these sites and close parking is great for someone who wants to be in touch with nature while enduring limiting conditions.
- JJosh F.Traveler
Sky City RV Casino & RV Park
Great overnighter for a awesome price $18
$18 rate if you mention the billboards on the highway, but $22 otherwise so it's a good deal. Park is close to the casino, pretty level sites, clean, with full hookups (including sewer), no riffraff. Call the casino hotel front desk, or stop in at the front desk to register. Only about 10% of sites occupied when I was there in December.
Big truck stop gas station across the street if you need anything. Casino has a buffet restaurant and another bar to watch the game. Ended up staying an extra night to get prime rib on Saturday.
Security will drive you back and forth to the casino if you request, but it's only a 5 minute walk.
Ryan S.Scout
Jemez Falls Campground
Nice, clean, and comfortable
Stayed here 2 nights and had a great time. This campsite is in a great location to see the falls, and has a good layout. The pit toilets were clean, and well maintained. The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful when we had questions. I’ll definitely be back at some point!
Teresa T.
Legend
Desert Cove — Elephant Butte Lake State Park
Desert Cove is actually a campground and also dispersed camping area
This is a very nicely spaced campground. Can't really see the water from here but the sites have water and electric. The bathroom was being worked on so not open during the visit and the water level is at like 5 % capacity but there are lots of places to walk and bike and camping here in the winter provides very livable temperatures.
- Teresa T.Legend
Appaloosa Area — Caballo Lake State Park
Flat spots with hook ups
This is a pretty normal lake campground. Not a lot of shade or privacy but picnic tables and covered outdoor spaces. There are bathrooms close by and they seem fine. Quiet during the off season and nice hiking trails.
- Teresa T.Legend
Stallion Campground — Caballo Lake State Park
These spots are great
If it were to stay here again, I'd stay in this campground as the layout is a lot nicer and more private. This campground is full and none of the others are right now. Nice walking trails and spots with some privacy and full hook ups.
- Teresa T.Legend
Percha Flats Camping Area - Caballo Reservoir — Caballo Lake State Park
This is a dispersed camping area
You can camp right up next to the lake if you want. This appeals to certain campers. No services and you are literally just parking. I'm not sure what the above review is on about, this would be just like camping near any other lake in NM.
- Teresa T.Legend
Riverside Campground — Caballo Lake State Park
Very nice
Caballo is kind of hidden between Percha and Elephant Butte but has lots of places to camp and is well maintained. This has a nice paved road leading to it, tons of spots where you can have privacy and trees. During the spring, it would keep you out of the wind.
- Teresa T.Legend
Percha Dam State Park Campground
Not as nice as in the past.
I stayed here in 2018 and the trees didn't look very good. They must have had to remove a lot of them and the spots are now in the sun. Very hot and dry most of the year and the river doesn't run most of the year either. Stickers everywhere and the trails are not well maintained.
- TTessa T.Scout
Oregan Wilderness Dispersed
Lots of dispersed sites Mountain View’s
Lots of dispersed sites but looks like a very popular area we passed over 20 campers before finding a spot. Spots are pretty well spaced out with lots of vegetation inbetween. Road is a little rough 4x4 definitely recommended.
- Teresa T.Legend
Leasburg Dam State Park Campground
Very nice
I had hiked here before but staying was nice. Quiet and somewhat off spaces but very well maintained. Do not expect any privacy in spots.
- Teresa T.Legend
Manzanos RV Park
Next time I'm in the area, I'm staying here
I chose to stay in town this visit but these spots are much nicer and there are trails and things to see very close.
- Teresa T.Legend
Silver City RV Park
Well maintained town park
I think the campground is very nice and convenient to downtown. Full hookups, clean bathrooms and for the summer, nice shade. A lot of local tenants but it was quiet and well cared for with just a few spots coming and foing.
- Teresa T.Legend
Lower Gallinas Campground
If it were open, would be great
As the photos show, I'm not sure this is open. Nice long and private spots if it were open.
- Teresa T.Legend
Upper Gallinas Campground
Strip along the road
This is the most exposed of the campgrounds to the road. Nice and close to get to a picnic table but I'd stay at one of the others before staying here.
- Teresa T.Legend
Railroad Canyon Campground
Nice campground
Of the handful of formal places to camp, this is very small but very nice. Trees, a decent hike on a maintained trail. Only a few spots to take but cute if you get one.
- Teresa T.Legend
Wrights Cabin
Not maintained
This is a picnic ground and you park on the road and walk up to. It is not maintained and I don't think the pit toilet is open
- Teresa T.Legend
Kingston Campground
Free place in a cute town
I walked through Kingstown and which is a friendly, adorable town. It is just up the road from their provided campground.
The campground is really just a couple of spots with a picnic table and not a destination but worthy of stopping if the mountains are cold.
- JJosh M.Guide
FR376 Dispersed
Amazing !
There was a decent amount of snow but the road was easy enough to navigate. I came in from Las Alamos and went in about 7-8 miles. The site I found was amazing. There was a site available right as you pulled in and about 3-4 more half developed sites (fire rings) within a quarter mile walk in. It looks like there’s a bit of an OHV trail leading up the mountain, halfway. From there if you want to reach a peak you do have to bushwhack a bit. This was easily by top 10 dispersed campsites I’ve even been to and will definitely be coming back. Little to no service, roughly an hour 45 minutes from Albuquerque stayed 2 nights.
- Marcus W.Scout
Sands Motel & RV Park
Bad dump
This is a very run down park, do not stop here! We stopped to dump and was told by the manager to go dump anywhere and then as soon as we dumped, it started back filling out. Then a lady came up to us and told us they were having sewer problems. Crazy that the manager would tell us yes when he knew it wouldn’t work for us.
Mark D.TravelerFR376 Dispersed
Temporary Closure
After a long drive I found this site to be posted and closed. I’m a newbie so I could be incorrect but check USFS closures.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/santafe/alerts-notices/?aid=88339
- cchris H.Scout
Jal Lake Park
Shady
Initially we thought the place was great after dinner we decided to go for ice cream when we came back there was a car parked in our spot a woman got and got into a truck so we parked one spot over after 15 minutes they returned and she got back in her car pretty sure she was a “professional” wink wink lol then two trucks pulled in parked next to each other in opposite directions one passed cash to the other then was handed a small bag. Not a safe vibe if we weren’t with our son we might stay but now looking for a new spot
Eliza M.ScoutGallinas Site
Great Site
Lots of dispersed camping along A027, with some being very private. The main site mentioned here also has bathroom facilities. It was a bit crowded, so I chose a private spot up the road with no issues. Beautiful area!
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
- Arroyo Seco Dispersed NF Camping boasts numerous campsites along the Hondo Rio, offering a tranquil atmosphere and opportunities for river play.
- Carson NF - Forest Service Road 578 - Dispersed Camping is known for its secluded spots and stunning mountain views, ideal for those seeking a more primitive experience.
- Lower Karr Canyon Campground features a remote setting with abundant wildlife, making it a great choice for nature lovers.