The best camping near Valles Caldera National Preserve
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Valles Caldera National Preserve adventure.
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Community favorites near Valles Caldera National Preserve
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Top-rated campgrounds near Valles Caldera National Preserve
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Santa Fe Treehouse Camp
58 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents156 acres · Santa Fe, NM
This is a non-smoking, no candle facility.
The camp was founded 40 years ago as a summer camp for kids. Now we welcome adults, and other groups to enjoy the vast and wild high desert nature up on this ridge.
There are beautiful views and access to Shaggy Peak, the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountains and the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range. Wander our land to enjoy various level hiking trails including a 20 minute hike to a creek and waterfall in the forest (some steep spots and creek is intermittent) or climb up Shaggy Peak (seasoned hikers only please).
NOTE:
We are up 1.3 miles of dirt road and are not near public transportation so you will need your own vehicle! Be aware that the roads can be snowy, icy or muddy and rutted ( 4-wheel or All-trak recommended in certain times of year). We don’t guarantee the road will be plowed.
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$25
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Star Dance High Desert Retreat
9 sites · Tents100 acres · Youngsville, NM
Visit the startling beauty of the plateaus above Lake Abiquiu in northern New Mexico. Star Dance provides a secluded experience for travelers, artists, fishermen, birdwatchers, stargazers, and more. Star Dance sits above the upper Rio Chama canyons on 30 acres of trails and undisturbed natural terrain.
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$30
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River Sanctuary by Ojo Hot Springs
4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · La Madera, NM
Learn more about this land:
Lush high desert river oasis nestled in a fertile valley in the Carson National Forest right between the fiery expanse of Taos and the rolling colorful formations of Abiquiu. Peaceful and private 3 acres right by the river at the edge of a little quaint town called La Madera (145 people, no shops)- just 6 miles to the healing mineral Hot Springs of Ojo Caliente, a place of emergence or rebirth as known to the local Natives.
Right by the river, held by a ridge (that makes for amazing sunset hikes), I have a 16ft Yurt Canvas set up with furnishings (desk, couch, wash stand) and a wooden Queen Bed with down bedding. This site can only be reached by foot across the river via stumps- a car can be parked near by.. approx. 50ft.
I also have a Vintage Camper that can be heated, has a kitchen, electricity and plenty of outdoor furniture with a fire pit and serene mountain views. As well as a monastic and very grounding Ensuite Bedroom, or a simple campsite if you want to bring your own camper or tent. All facilities have access to a guest bathroom inside the main house.
I offer dog sitting while you soak at Ojo, healing modalities that you'll find in the Extras section, and my dear neighbor Jackie takes appointments for massages with homemade essential oils.
+++ 6 miles to Ojo Caliente Hot Springs. There you will find the best restaurant in the area, with locally/organically farmed produce. Very yummy!
The land is naturally and beautifully wild- it is not a manicured campsite. The dirt rd down to the property is best suited for higher clearance vehicles, but is manageable for city cars.
Waterhole, Waterfall and climbing sites near by, as well as Plaza Blanca, Abiquiu, Ghost Ranch and the Taos Gorge are 30 mins drive away.
*No cell service in the greater area. WiFi reaches around the house/deck and allows for WiFi Calling: that’s a setting in your phone that enables phone calls & texts beside usual internet access.
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$50
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Mesa top camping
1 site · RV, Tent20 acres · Madrid, NM
Set above the historic town of Madrid N.M. is Waldo Mesa. The location of past mining operations and stunning Vista's.
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$35
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Javali River Glamping Resort
9 sites · Lodging5 acres · Abiquiu, NM
Nestled in the bosque of the Abiquiu valley, filled with tall, majestic cotton woods and softly fragrant Russian olives. At sunset, the sky opens up to amazing beauty and the swallows begin their nightly swooping over the river.
Very near by are locally owned cafes and historic places to visit. The Abiquiu valley is filled with music, arts, studio tours, spas, hot springs, lake recreation, fishing, hikes, and so so many spectacular things to see and experience. Some nearby highlights include Abiquiu lake, Plaza Blanca and Ghost Ranch, with many hidden gems in between.
Reach out to us if you have any questions about local activities.
We have uniquely remodeled vintage and modern, trailers and an Airstream available to rent in a lush, grassy field .
The field is very open, we have some mature trees and have just planted some new, baby cottonwoods.
We have a couple of communal seating areas and a propane fire pit for all to enjoy. Please do not be shy. Introduce yourself to the other campers. Share stories, make s’mores. Sing songs!!
Our yoga, meditation and meeting space is now open. If you are interested in booking this space for private use, please contact us to tell us what you are planning.
We have several daily yoga classes available. Please book to ensure a spot!
We, live onsite at the edge of the resort area.
Please respect our neighbors by remaining within the "Glamp Zone"
This glamp zone occupies only 1.25 acres. Part of our mission in creating this space is to bring folks together. We encourage campers to mingle. Maybe organize a group float down the Chama. The float from just above Bodes to our very own shore is wonderful. It takes about two hours. There is one challenging spot, but beside that, the float is calm and tranquil.
Please be aware, we have cats, chickens, goats and dogs that live on the property. Your pets are welcome only if they are guaranteed to not pester or hurt our gang of pets. Also, we will not tolerate excessive barking or inappropriate running around or bothering ourselves or other guests. You must pick up all your and your pets waste and take it with you when you leave.
We look forward to hosting you and sharing the fortune of this beautiful and stunning place. See you soon!!!
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$90
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RoadRunner Coyote Retreat
5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Coyote, NM
Nature's allure knows no bounds at RoadRunner Coyoté Retreat:
Embrace Mother Nature as she guides you to discover the depths of your soul.
Find sanctuary here, tailored to your desired level of comfort and simplicity.
Choose accommodations that resonate with you, whether you seek comfort or a closer connection to nature.
With 40 gated acres, come with just your basic needs, and let RRCR cater to your wide range of accommodation preferences.
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$15
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Rio Grande Gorge National Monument
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Embudo, NM
Learn more about this land:We are at the entrance to the Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument. The Rio Grande River is a quarter mile away. Fishing Hiking Biking Boating Climbing. Historic Taos NM is 15 miles to the North. Santa Fe Nm is 50 miles to the south.
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$20
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Crow's Nest
1 site · Lodging1 acre · NM
Welcome to the Crow’s Nest!
A tranquil retreat, relax and enjoy the hot tub spa filled from the healing waters of Jemez Springs.
You'll have everything you need in this cozy and artfully crafted tiny home high up in the Jemez Mountains nestled in with the tall Ponderosa trees.
Hike the trails to the top of unique mesas with spire formations or take a casual stroll to the breathtaking vistas.
Enjoy peaceful time sitting and relaxing around a campfire. Stargazing like no place else.
10 min from Jemez Springs art village. Very close to the river, hot springs, fishing, and nearby Fenton Lake.
There is a trundle bed in the home which is 2 twin mattresses. An inflatable twin mattress is also available. There is adequate outdoor space for you to bring your own outdoor tent. Up to 5 guests total are allowed.
Message me for availability November thru February.
A patio shade is located over the hot tub spa and another by the grille.
Plenty of space for RV and vehicle parking.
Pets are welcome.
Wi-Fi is available!
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$149
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Tierra del RavenTree
1 site · RV, Tent18 acres · Placitas, NM
Ultimate peace and privacy. Nestled in juniper-wooded hills with sweeping views. Close to Albuquerque (20 minutes) and Santa Fe (40 minutes) but feels like a secluded retreat.
Most people have no problem finding my place by entering my address in their GPS. However, I have had 2 HipCampers report their GPS directed them to a road called Camino de las Brisas or Las Brisas Loop.
Turning here will lead you to a steep, dangerous road where it will be very difficult to turn around if you're in an RV and impossible with a trailer. Continue on Camino de Las Huertas to Senda Osa Vieja. It's marked with a street sign, a stone monument with brass plate. There's also a blue "private road" sign with a dragon.
This land was purchased in 1956 by my archeologist parents because of the ancient pueblo site (dating from 1000 A.D.) and pit house sites (dating from 800 A.D.) Until the mega drought seriously impacted the land, a stream ran through it year round. Now it is only intermittent. Across the valley from this property, and within view of the campsite, is the site of a Spanish Colonial village, San Jose de las Huertas. It dates from the 1700s and is now owned by the Archeological Conservancy. This area is rich in history both Native American and Spanish.
Learn more about this land:
Located in the high desert 20 minutes from Albuquerque and 40 minutes from Santa Fe. Views of Sandia mountains, and near historic archeological sites. Within a 10 minute drive are popular mountain biking trails. Petroglyphs are a 20 minute, moderately strenuous hike from property. Very peaceful, quiet and safe.
Read all the Rules and Safety info before booking so you understand exactly what facilities are and are not available, particularly if you in an RV or trailer.
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$25
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Two Hawk Ranch
8 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Llano, NM
Two Hawk Ranch is comprised of 12 acres of high mountain valley meadows, hay fields, Acequias, trees and the Rio Chiquito. Yes, we are located at approximately 7,800ft elevation. My husband and I stumbled across this beautiful and serene property by accident in 2020 just as Covid hit. We feel blessed to be here and feel the need to share it’s calming, restful qualities. We have three adult children and have three grandchildren. We also have eight international children as we hosted international students for four years. You are welcome to come sit by the fire and be social or just do your own thing.
Learn more about this land:
Sites located across the property for up to 8 groups. The RV camping is located near one of our horse corrals and above our irrigation Acequia, above or next to the house, or in the field down by the arena after haying is complete (usually after the first week of July as long as the rain cooperates). Can back in or pull through and has 110v power nearby. No water to hook up to, but we can fill your tanks via hose by the house or arena. Other sites available if you don’t need power, or have a generator.
Property is within a 100yds of national forest service that gives access to off-roading, hiking, biking, horse riding, fishing, and winter snowshoeing, cross country skiing, etc. We are located just off the High Road to Taos in Llano, 29 miles south of Taos and 55 miles north of Santa Fe. We are eight miles from Ski Sipapu and eight miles from Rio Santa Barbara Canyon.
Your well-behaved pets are welcome. We also have one great dane (Raggy), a great dane mix (The Morrigan), one ranch cat (Sasha) and four horses (Gentry, Shadow, Mattie & Jr G). The dogs are a rescue of some kind. The Morrigan is black, 3.5 yrs old and comes out of a rescue in AZ. She went in with her litter as a 5 month old puppy, and she came here about a year later. She is reticent and suspicious, so ignore her and she will come up to you on her own; continue to ignore her. Ragnar (Raggy) is our most recent rescue and is from Las Cruces. He's 3 yrs old and a merle. He suffers from anxiety and fears children. We are working him through his fears, and he is doing really well.
The weather here tends to run cooler, as we are located in the mountains in a small valley at approximately 7,800 ft above sea level. In the spring through fall, temps will average from mid 40°F up to mid 60°F at night and mid 60°F up to mid 90°F during the day. Temps can get into the 100°F's in the summer, but that is rare. Generally if the sun is out, it is warm or hot even tho the actual temps are not. It's a high-altitude affect. The opposite is true as well. Cloud cover will feel cooler. We also experience monsoon style rains that occur in the afternoon generally starting in July and running into August or later.
In the late fall through early spring during winter, the average temps usually run from 0°F up to mid 20°F at night with occasional dips into negative temps and in the day generally run from mid 20°F up to the mid 40°F range. Same as above - if the sun is out, it will feel warmer, etc.
We do hay the fields, so we may have tractor activity going on in the late spring and early summer. In the winter we will be clearing snow from the roads and feeding hay.
Can't wait to see everyone this year!
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$45
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(64)
Elk Ridge Ranch
1 site · RV7 acres · Placitas, NM
Park your RV up to 40 foot overlooking a beautiful pond and endless Mountain Views. Enjoy our Bison and Elk roaming near your campsite, you can even feed them apples out of your hand! You can swim in the crystal clear pond and enjoy the endless stars at night. We have 50 amp service and sewer hookup. Pets are welcome if well behaved and leashed because of the resident animals. Only 45 minutes to Santa Fe and 20 minutes to Albuquerque. Explore the great Southwest attractions: Tent Rocks, Bandolier National Monument, Chaco Canyon, Coronado Monument, and Sandia Tramway. Excellent hiking and biking area. Less than an hour to Santa Fe Ski area and 2 hours to Taos Mountain.
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$75
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Abiquiu Tiny House
1 site · Lodging10 acres · Abiquiu , NM
Situated at 6300 ft. above sea level the Chama River Valley is surrounded by forested mountains. There is white water rafting on the Rio Chama and Rio Grande Rivers nearby during spring and summer. Within an hour there are ski areas at Taos and Santa Fe during the winter. Ojo Caliente Hot Springs is 17 miles away and has a full spa and restaurant. There are beautiful hiking trails throughout the area and Abiquiu Lake is less than 20 minutes away.
The location of the Tiny House is in a quiet, private and beautiful setting.
Abiquiu Lake is only 15 minutes away for fun swimming, Ghost Ranch is 20 minutes away and has 3 beautiful hikes. Santa Fe and Taos are 60 minutes away. The tiny house is a healthy house built on the golden mean and has no electrical radiation inside except wi-fi. All material used are nontoxic.Notable aspect. There are no pets allowed on the property.
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$75
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The best camping near Valles Caldera National Preserve guide
Overview
About
When a volcano erupted 1.25 million years ago, it laid the foundations for this breathtaking park. A volcanic depression 13 miles wide astounds even the most cynical traveler. Explore this 89,000-acre preserve, and enjoy outdoor recreation year round.
Unique landscapes surround the crater of a dormant supervolcano. See volcanic domes, sweeping valley meadows, and streams. Explore the Historic Cabin District. There's no camping in the park as of 2018. However, there are miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders (strictly BYOH—Bring Your Own Horse). Our advice: Hike La Garita on the north rim for the best views of Valles Caldera.
The park's elevation is 8,000 feet, so packing plenty of water is a smart move. Cell coverage in the park is also limited, so get ready for an unplugged experience. Stop by the Valle Grande Bookstore to stock up on drinks and snacks.
If fly-fishing is your vice, don't miss the 6.5-mile segment of the Jemez River. Thousands of brown trout inhabit the river and nearby streams. While you're casting a line, keep an eye out for prairie dogs, mountain bluebirds, and elk—the park has the largest population in New Mexico.
Each season at the Valles has its highlights. Spring and early summer are the time to see wildflowers. Fall is gorgeous (think golden aspens). But if you're traveling from September through December, keep in mind it's elk hunting season—wear orange to stay safe.
Visit in the winter to enjoy cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing. Traverse miles of groomed trails, or chart a course through the backcountry. You can rent snowshoes and poles (but not skis) at the Valle Grande Bookstore.
Valles Caldera is one of the wildest spots in the state. While it may be rustic, the park is truly a nature lover's paradise.
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