The best camping near Bandelier National Monument

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Bandelier adventure.

100% (8 reviews)

Discover ancient Native American history in these sublime Southwestern lands.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Bandelier National Monument

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Bandelier National Monument

Ponderosa Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents In Bandelier National Monument

Fire after the junior ranger experience... fresh paved road in background.

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(7)

Juniper Campground

3 sites · RVs, Tents In Bandelier National Monument

Juniper Group Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents In Bandelier National Monument

Top-rated campgrounds near Bandelier National Monument

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(1169)

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.

97%

(123)

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.

98%

(196)

Agua de Vida

10 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · NM

This charming land has been in the family since my husband was a young boy. The Indian ruins and artifacts fascinated him then and he is still happy to share this history with whoever shows an interest. With all the improvements made by his father and family through the years, you will also learn to have a love for the history and beauty here on this unique 30-acre treasure. You can explore Native American ruins that were inhabited by some 2,000 people between 700-1100 AD. The grounds are wonderful to walk with a little lake which draws elk, deer, hawks, blue herons, etc. Easy to access just 3 minutes off I-25. We are 5 minutes away from the Pecos Natl Monument and 15 minutes away from the Pecos River with plenty of great fishing spots…Visit Santa Fe (20-minute drive) or Las Vegas (30-minute drive) with dozens of restaurants, museums, art galleries, etc. We look forward to your stay!

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(756)

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.

Veggie Farm North Of Santa Fe

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Santa Fe, NM

Escape to Back Porch Greens, a charming working eggs and veggies farm nestled in the heart of the Pojoaque Valley, just 18 miles north of downtown Santa Fe. Our humble five-acre market garden offers a simple dirt and gravel lot near our family farmhouse, where you can immerse yourself in the rustic beauty of farm life. As our guest, you're invited to enjoy the amenities of our property, including a Breeo fire pit and a wood-burning sauna tent—both at your disposal. Please remember to bring your own wood for these amenities. For Saturday stays, indulge in a complimentary farm-fresh breakfast served at 8 a.m. on Sunday, a delightful start to your day. Conveniently located, our farm is a short 20-minute drive from Santa Fe, 44 miles from Valles Caldera National Preserve (with hot springs just 10 miles further), and less than five miles from the Nambe Badlands, a popular destination for mountain biking enthusiasts. For those seeking a historic day trip, venture 26 miles to the renowned Bandelier National Monument. As avid outdoor enthusiasts ourselves, we're delighted to offer personalized recommendations and directions for hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, and more. Additionally, we're happy to share insider tips on the best attractions and activities in Santa Fe. Our farm tours offer a delightful experience for guests of all ages, with the chance to interact with our flocks of chickens, miniature goats, and Hophops, the resident bunny. We welcome pets of all kinds but kindly request that they remain on leash or under voice command and that you pick up after them. Please note that we do not currently have toilet access, but we have plans to implement this in the near future. Whether you arrive in a tent, van, RV, or anything in between, we offer a warm welcome to all guests. Please be aware that we do not have a platform for tents, so you'll need to set up on dirt or gravel. Experience the tranquility of farm life and create unforgettable memories at Back Porch Greens Farm.

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(140)

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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(211)

Healing on the Rio Grande !

18 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Albuquerque, NM

Come to New Mexico ! The Land of Enchantment. Sing Chants to the Moon, The Sun, The Rain, The Stars , The Beautiful Land and the Ancestors ! HAPPY 2024, The Year of the Dragon. We won , an award with Hipcamp, Best of 2023 !!!! - out of a list of many great places in NM . 2024 will be yet another great year ! We love hosting, this will be out 7th year . We are so happy to Host . Come enjoy organic . Urban Permaculture . Awesome, thanks for loving on our peaceful garden. It is an honor to serve the traveler, the camper, sweet tourist , wild vacationer , folks visiting friends and family , the many folks who explore and folks on grand adventures. We love to camp as well. BE OUTSIDE ! Heal from Nature . We have a lot to offer. Our place is good for folks who work on the road, Great WIFI ! Easy to manage a job while on the road . Eat flowers and herbs. There is a great herb store , herbal clinic and more . Just down the road, called, RED ROOT , next to the Food Co-op on Rio Grande Blvd. Our Space is in the heart of the Griegos Neighborhood , A very old style , old world area. Safe area. Same Hispanic families have lived here since 1712, no joke, that is real. Rural feel for an urban / suburban setting , space space, off street parking. We are NOT an RV park nor are we a " camp ground " . We Are an Organic Garden ( Urban Permaculture ) that you can stay inside a magical, growing goodness space . This place is very, very private . The parking area is not private . Our road is dead end , very low traffic . The garden wall around the whole tent area has a 6 foot tall , very thick wall , and trees , surrounding every thing. There is a forest and pond for ducks behind the garden . Our place is for Wildlife, to be fed, and given water and safe space to raise young. We are located in an area where the birds of the world fly from the north to the south and then change direction each season. Many lizards . Many wild mammals . There are many farms in the area. With Horses , goats , chickens , ducks , mules, donkeys , other livestock . We have no pets and no livestock. At night this is dark ( we do have solar lights on walk ways ) and it is peaceful. A safe zone for travelers . Serene , gentle and lovely . You get your privacy . New Mexico is so amazing, all year . We have inside space in Fall / Winter . Welcome to Mother Bosque Garden . Started in Corrales NM in 2010 . We are in the North valley of Albuquerque New Mexico 87107. The same families have lived here for 100, 200, 300 plus years . 1000s of years . Native people have lived in this valley for close to 20,000 years more . The Rio Grande is very close by ( 2 miles west of us ) bike or by car . We are close to route 40 and route 25, just 7 mins. away . There is a Food Co-op with in a 5 mins. drive . And a regular store and gas within one mile of our place. Come eat Traditional New Mexican Foods and Heal with Very Living Traditional New Mexican Herbal Medicines . Relax, rest, find repose. Happy travels, happy hiking, happy sleeping under the stars, happy home made food, happy resting. Old Town is close by, so is the Rio Grande River and Nature Center ( 2 miles up the street ) . So many things in our area to see, to do, learn history . Awesome food, music and arts/ crafts, everywhere. So much activity all over. SO MANY CULTURES and Languages , so much diversity !

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(16)

Campo San Pedro RV Site

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Sombrillo, NM

Location has easy access from 285 High way. A 20 minute drive to famous Chimayo Church, 30 minutes from historic Santa Fe and 10 minutes from plenty of restaurants, laundromat mat and grocery stores in charming Española. Learn more about this land:Peaceful, secure location situated in rural residential area, mid-way between Santa Fe and Taos, New Mexico. One mile off highway 84/285.

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(59)

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.

86%

(11)

Last Stand

1 site · Lodging8 acres · Santa Fe, NM

The property is located about 30 minutes from downtown Sante Fe. About 8 miles of dirt roads to the property. Feel like you are farther from civilization than you are. Designated dark space and great for star gazing. Seven acres with Yurt with a bed and desk inside and simple amenities. Small water tank on property and a portable camping toilet. Comes with internet access and some solar electricity and generator on property. The city is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant art scene, and delectable cuisine. From world-class art galleries and museums to charming adobe architecture and historical landmarks, Santa Fe offers a diverse range of experiences to explore.

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(6)

Sky Mesa Ranch

7 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · NM

10 flat acres Close to all the Abiquiu and Northern New Mexico Activities. A very quiet community tucked about about a mile off highway 554. Currently we are working on utilities. There are no utilities available to you, you will need to be self sufficient. However there are a handful of convenience store south and north of the property. A very safe and beautiful piece of property. Camp at the edge of the Mesa for an unobstructed view of Pedernal.

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(274)

Sunny Mellow Eco Villa

4 sites · Lodging8 acres · Tijeras, NM

Sunny Mellow Eco Villa is the land with a great history. The QUIET, secret Shangra-La Valley just over the ridge from Route 66 (and I-40) was the camping place for Billy the Kid and his gang! They could quickly saddle up when the posted lookout on the ridge above signaled the passing of the stagecoach! Even more stunning, it was the Tijeras Indian Pueblo Tribe's place of roaming and rest. The land now sports an Organic Vineyard, Orchard and Vegetable Garden that guests my forage from when in bloom. A Large, Clean, Secluded Redwood Yoga Deck, Ping-Pong, Horseshoes, and a Giant Swing Set, along with patios and lounges that are found over the 8 acre land, and all joined by a network of Scenic Pathways and Bridges that connect The Vineyard, The Orchard, The Garden, The Solar Array, The Swing, The Yoga Deck, Ping Pong Terrace, Horse shoe Pit... Perfect Place and Feel The Akashic Records of Where Billy the Kid and his gang camped and the Tijeras Indians Lived! 8 Minutes to Albuquerque. 7 minutes to Cedar Crest, 20 minutes to The Infinite View off the Sandia Crest, 10 minutes to Edgewood. 50 minutes to Santa Fe. Located in THE CENTER of The ZIA of NEW MEXICO! Views of meadows, mountains and the Enchanting New Mexico sky from the Every stopping point on the Eco Villa Trail System. Ride a bike, take a sauna, Read a book... Take a nap. Enjoy the Unique Feel and Romance of the Yoga Yurt, The Awesome Modern Outdoor Kitchen, The delicious KING Bed. Watch 4K TV with 900 download and 35 upload! Enjoy Dining at your Private HipCamp Site! Hike into the Cedro National forest a short walk to the end of the road. If you feel sociable, join in a campfire with the guests at The Chi-Treehouse or Invite guests to the Fire-pit at your own Yoga Yurta! Sit in the Secluded "Starchamber" by day for a sun tan, or by night for moon glow and infinite star gazing. Drive to Sandia Peak, Hike, Ski, Mountain Bike (Even out your back door if you do not want to drive). Albuquerque and The East Mountains has more trails in proximity to a metropolis than an city in the country. Pick sandy, rocky, or meadow, or a forest ascent. Grove at top notch restaurants in ABQ and some local ones just down the street.

The best camping near Bandelier National Monument guide

Overview

About

Hipcampers interested in Native American history should definitely schedule a trip through this expansive park. Ancient caves and cliff dwellings abound in this one-time home of the Ancestral Pueblo people. The Ancestral Pueblo ruins date back to 1150, but they weren't the first people here. There's evidence humans lived here as many as 11,000 years ago!

As such, there are multiple trails that take you directly past or through archeological sites. The fairly flat, short Tyuonyi Overlook Trail is a good choice for beginning hikers. Looking for more of a physical challenge? Try the Frijolito Loop Trail. This demanding hike takes you close to the unexcavated Frijolito Pueblo site.

If you're looking to bag a peak, set your sights on the Cerro Grande Route. This one isn't for the faint of foot, though. Cerro Grande Peak's the park's highest point at 10,200 feet, and the terrain can be unforgiving. Bring water and good gear if you want to conquer this one!

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book your campsite well in advance to secure your spot amid the park's popular seasons.
Check the park's official website for updates on campground availability and reservation windows.
Consider visiting during off-peak times for a better chance at snagging a reservation.
Explore nearby camping options if Bandelier's campgrounds are fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Bandelier National Monument is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the park's full splendor can be enjoyed. Summer brings heat and crowds, while winter may present challenging conditions with snow and ice.

Know before you go

Check current conditions and alerts before your visit for any closures or safety information.
Pets are not allowed on trails or in buildings, but are welcome in parking areas and the campground.
Accessibility varies across the park; inquire ahead for specific needs.
Remember to bring water and sun protection, as the high desert climate can be intense.
Respect the cultural significance of the area and stay on designated paths.