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

100%

(1)

Juniper Group 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

from

$12

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Bandelier National Monument

98%

(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.

Booked 1 time

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.

95%

(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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(197)

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!

99%

(757)

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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(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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(61)

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.

Booked 1 time

Ridgetop Oasis - Hike In

1 site · Lodging200 acres · Santa Fe, NM

Indulge in captivating sunrises and enchanting sunsets at your own private campsite. Nestled atop a ridgeline, this oasis is a mere 20 minutes from downtown Santa Fe and 10 minutes from the village of El Dorado, yet it feels like a secluded haven in the heart of the high desert. Your lodging experience includes an enclosed shelter with windows/sliding door, a cozy bed, solar power for lighting and charging phones, a propane camp stove, and an outhouse equipped with a composting toilet. Please read the following details carefully: This site requires a hike in. No vehicles are permitted beyond the cattle gate. Potable water is available upon request, but we prefer that you BYO. Please let me know what you need in advance of your arrival. This is a primitive shelter. There is no running water nor electricity. It's just like camping but with walls and a roof over your head - and the benefit of having no other campers around. You might see an occasional hiker with their dog. If you have a dog, take note. There is no heating or cooling. The desert gets quite cold at night. Hipcampers are kindly asked to park just outside our gate and embark on a picturesque 3/4 mile hike back to the shelter. The hike, though flat, offers scenic views and adds to the adventure of your stay.

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(26)

CAMP WITH

5 sites · Lodging15 acres · Los Cerrillos, NM

Joachim and Patience are two artists living in Santa Fe with an extreme admiration and passion for the outdoors, sustainability, off grid living and experimental architecture from reclaimed materials. Joachim and Patience both come from deeply rooted- generations of families with a shared love affair with all things historical. Camp With is an endeavor to connect more people with the distinct features the high desert landscape has to offer and ultimately foster growth with ones relationship to nature. Learn more about this land: ✨ Enjoy off grid curated camping at Camp With in the pristine foothills of the Ortiz Mountains, 30 miles south of Santa Fe. Camp with has expansive views of the Sangre de Cristos, The Cerrillos Hills, and the Jemez mountains. Camp With is 8 miles away from the artistic and historical coal town of Madrid and mining town Cerrillos. Our 210sq ft foot canvas bell tents Includes a super comfortable queen (Juniper) and full (Yucca) size bed, fresh cotton bed linens, towels, two headlamps, battery-powered lantern, games and a mix of eclectic, modern, and antique decor. Enjoy the sun, stars, and views, connect with nature, immerse yourself in rural off-grid living and unwind in the Ortiz mountains. Juniper Camp is set up for a couple in the queen-sized bed. Yucca camp has a full sized bed. We are happy to accommodate up to 2 extra guests inside each tent. Additional guests are responsible for their own sleeping bag, pad, and pillow. You will see this as an option while finalizing the booking. The campsites offers an open off grid private outdoor kitchen where we provide you a shade structure with cooking utensils (pots, cast iron pan, spatula, tongs), cutlery, 3 gallons of filtered water, propane bbq, propane two burner stove, plates, dinner linens, glassware, foil, paper towel, french press, bowls, and a platter. There is a table under the kitchen roof to enjoy your meals. There is no electricity, so bring your ice and coolers. We are doing several small permaculture projects sprinkled throughout the land. There is a chance you could run into us building or planting something on the far side of the 15-acre property, but we like to give our guests privacy, peace, and quiet (how we would want to be treated ☺️). The unpaved road to the campsite is 3 miles and filled with stones, hence our street name, Stoney Road. We highly recommend a vehicle with clearance as there are some rocks on the road that are "oil pan busters." There are no street lights on the dirt road; we recommend arriving at the site during the day. After rainfall and during the monsoon season (May-September), the road can be very muddy. We don’t want you getting stuck. Let’s be honest here: high clearance and or 4x4 on your vehicle is recommended. There is a communal composting outhouse as your bathroom during your stay. We have an open air seasonal hot outdoor shower. (May-mid October) Please be mindful and use the Castile soap we provide. The greywater from your bathing feeds the plants. We remind you that this is a rural off-grid campsite: there is no electricity. We have created this space for you to connect with your loved ones, play games, and enjoy being outside. The closest restaurants are in Cerrillos and Madrid, 8 miles away. You are responsible for your safety, food, ice, and relaxation. We have items for sale in a cool, old, Kelvinator fridge (acts as a vending machine) if you forgot things like batteries, an extra pair of socks, a beanie, sunscreen, eye drops, canned goods, tums, ibuprofen, flashlight, etc. You will receive the key code upon your booking to access items for sale. Come enjoy the impeccable views, INSANELY spectacular stars, and a genuinely unique, curated, off-grid camping experience. Message us if you have any questions, concerns, or inquiries!✨ Please, no mean humans. We appreciate kind people only.

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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.

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(7)

The Dove

3 sites · Tents38 acres · NM

Located in the Santa Fe National Forest. A beautiful secure wooded retreat filled with gorgeous landscape of mountains, caves and scenic hikes. World class mountain biking trails and hiking trails on and near property. The trailhead for Cairn Me Up and Jagged Axe Loop and the High Five Zipline is 4.5 miles from The Dove. Seasonal creek and rock formations. 3 very private and quiet tent sites. Cell reception for most carriers and wifi at the shared guest pavilion. Retreat is 30 minutes to the Santa Fe Plaza and all that Santa Fe has to offer. Non-aggresive dogs can be off leash and there are endless trails for hiking them. There are 4 on-site dogs. There is a large pavilion for guest's use. One person privy. Potable water available for filling containers.

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.