The best camping near Bluewater Lake State Park

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

100% (5 reviews)
100% (5 reviews)

Discover Bluewater Lake State Park's scenic vistas and thrilling outdoor activities.  

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Community favorites near Bluewater Lake State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Top-rated campgrounds near Bluewater Lake State Park

99%
(183)

Victoria & Harry's get away.

4 sites · RVs, Tents158 acres · Prewitt, NM
We are a retired couple who have lived high in the Colorado Rockies for the last 48 years. We camped at this property last summer as many of you will do. We immediately fell in love with the beauty and peacefulness. Native Americans inhabited this area over thousand years ago as evidenced by the Petrogylphs around the ranch. We feel honored to have the opportunity to preserve and share this ancient art. We had the opportunity to purchase the ranch from a lady who had an animal rescue on the ranch. Come and enjoy the beauty and peace that The Golden Rose Ranch provides. The name, Golden Rose, comes from the restaurant that we owned in Leadville, Co, through much of the 20th century. Learn more about this land: We warmly welcome you to come and camp on our isolated 160 acre New Mexico ranch and experience peace, tranquility and breathtaking scenic beauty. Whether you're headed here or there on I-40, we're located just 5 miles off of the interstate. After a long days' drive, we offer a peaceful experience. Pitch a tent on one of several designated camping spots (or pick your own) or bring your RV or camper trailer and prepare yourself for amazing radiant sunsets, jaw-dropping night skies, and rejuvenating sunrises. During the day hike the surrounding red cliffs and mesas, view the ancient petroglyphs and find amazing pottery shards scattered throughout the property, or just hang out. Occasionally a herd of elk will venture out. At night you will be serenaded by the neighboring coyotes and resident spotted owls. Feel like exploring off the ranch? Visit the nearby Casamero Pueblo ruins a 1/2 mile down the road, Bluewater Lake State Park or drive to the small post-mining town of Grants and explore the Mining Museum, Bandera Volcano & Ice Cave, El Malpais National Monument and many other nearby interesting sites!
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$40
 / night
96%
(170)

Raven's Nest On Route 66

2 sites · RVs4 acres · Church Rock, NM
A beautiful location located within Cibola National Forest boundaries (Mt. Taylor Ranger District West). Direct access to Six Mile Canyon and Mc Gaffey Lake via improved forest road. We are seasoned camping travelers and enjoy meeting other travelers on their journeys.Learn more about this land:18 miles East of Gallup, NM. Exit 39 on I-40, Jamestown, NM.GPS coordinates: N 35.46445  W 108.44220Beautiful red rock views on the Continental Divide. An amazing vibe delivered by The Land Of Enchantment. Peaceful, yet still connected to the pulse of the old Route 66. This campsite is in a second RV driveway next to our home.
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$22
 / night
100%
(2)

Lobo Canyon Mountain View Camping

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Grants, NM
Discover our prime location nestled near the stunning Mt. Taylor and other picturesque surrounding mountains! The area boasts numerous hiking and ATV trails, providing outdoor enthusiasts with endless opportunities for adventure. Only 12 minutes away, Grants, NM, offers convenient access to a grocery store for your essentials. Our site offers full hook-ups with 30 amps, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Explore the rich cultural and natural attractions nearby, including El Morro National Monument, El Malpais National Monument, Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano, La Ventana Natural Arch, New Mexico Mining Museum, Wolf Sanctuary, and Acoma Sky City. We are close to the Continental Divide Trail also. Immerse yourself in the beauty and history of the region, and make the most of your outdoor experiences while enjoying the comfort of our well-equipped site.
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$40
 / night
100%
(65)

Wifflebird Ranch

2 sites · Tents56 acres · Grants, NM
Once part of a large cattle ranch, Wifflebird Ranch is located in the beautiful Zuni mountains of west central New Mexico. These mountains were major hunting grounds for the Zuni, Acoma, and Navajo peoples. It teams with, deer,elk, turkey, bear, mountain lion, lynx, fox, coyotes, and a wide variety of birds including 4 different species of jays, 3 different species of blue birds, tanagers, gross beaks,canaries, humming birds and if you're lucky, a golden eagle. In the 30's these mountains were logged off. There are the remains of old logging camps, railroad tressles and miles of dirt roads scattered throughout the area.Learn more about this land:Secluded high country camping in open ponderosa pine forest adjacent to large tract of national forest, a great place for mountain biking, hiking, or bring your own horse and ride. 20 minutes from El Malpais and El Morro national monuments. For that wilderness experience, sites are 300 yards from parking and 300 yards apart.
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$20
 / night
Booked 1 time

Chain of Craters Hiker Hideout

1 site · Tent40 acres · San Rafael, NM
** ATTENTION: If you do not have a high clearance 4-wheel drive do not book this site! The Hiker Hideout is an in-holding inside El Malpais National Monument. The Continental Divide Trail goes through the property. The Hiker Hideout was purchased by the Lava Flow Hostel to be a place for hikers to rest, congregate, and socialize. The property once had a cabin and an outhouse, unfortunately a wildfire in June of 2022 burnt the cabin and outhouse. The property now has just primitive campsites. Lava Flow Hostel is working on rebuilding the cabin and water storage. There is an outdoor composting toilet.
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$15
 / night
100%
(6)

Flying Horse Retreat

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · El Morro, NM
El Morro is rich with history. Home to the ancient Pueblo Indians, what is now the monument was once their settlement and visited by Conquistador's and explorers during early explorations. It's famous Inscription Rock has over 2000 names carved in sandstone, including one from Conquistador Coronado. Geronimo, and Billy the Kid are said to have frequented the area and even lived in nearby Candy Kitchen. But today, a rich group of homesteader's make up the community. Artisan's, actors, musician's, writers, spiritual healers, organic farmers, and free thinkers inhabit the Valley. The land here hosts retreats and workshops for those wishing to enrich their nighttime dream life. We provide a place for vision quest and have an emphasis on sound healing. Our SolTec Lounge is perfect for stress relief and can help induce lucid dream experiences. Sitting near the top of Oso Ridge at approximately 7700', we have one of the most inspiring views in the area. From our firecircle, El Morro Monument, Los Gigantes, and numerous mesas are in complete view. Learn more about this land: Flying Horse Retreat is a place for spiritual seekers to find vision and renewal through sound healing and retreat. We offer private retreat, sound healing chair sessions, vision quests, and Summer Camp (coming soon), but we are very excited about opening up the land to campers. It is a unique opportunity to experience normally private areas of this sacred land. Our remote and quiet 20 acres of heavily forested mountainside includes deep gorges and rocky terrain, while Ponderosa Pine canopies offer shade from the sometimes intense NM sun. Wildlife is plentiful, though sometimes elusive. Deer, Elk, Fox, Bobcat, Lynx, Wild Turkey, Roadrunners and Coyotes are all regularly seen on the land. El Morro Monument, easily seen from our Firecircle on the opposite end of the Valley, is a world class travel destination. The water tank at the base of it's rock was a relied upon water source during early expeditions. Conquistador Coronado, Lt. Beale and other famed explorers stopped here before traveling further west. Flying Horse Retreat is across El Morro Valley, near the top of Oso Ridge in the Zuni Mountains, and has a panoramic view of the surrounding mesas. You may want to get a closer view of Los Gigantes - amazing sand sculptures carved by the wind and sacred to ancient tribes. We're just a few miles from the Continental Divide and Pie Town is a couple of hours further south. Though our location is pristine and remote, we do have a restaurant nearby. Ancient Way Cafe in El Morro Village is well known locally - and according to the National Geographic, one of the best restaurants in New Mexico. They have amazing pastries and desserts, and are open Thursday through Sunday, 9:00 - 5:00. They also have showers. Two art galleries, a Feed Store, a Holistic Food Store, and a gift/coffee shop are right across the highway and next door to the Cafe. Come visit our eclectic community of actors, healers, artisans, writers, organic farmers, and unique thinkers. (We are 50 miles from a town where supplies can be purchased, though the nearby Feed Store has a few camp related supplies and their holistic and organic food selections may surprise you.) You may also want to visit the local Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in Candy Kitchen. At any one time they are host to 50+ Wolves and Hybrids. Note: The Google Maps indicator is at the gate. There is an additional 3 mile drive up the mountain to my home. (Special pricing for longer stays. Campers can add $25 for a dream chair session, regularly $50.) Projects under way: Outdoor Solar Shower B&B Room nearing completion
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$22
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100%
(9)

Sky View New Mexico, Near El Morro

15 sites · RVs, Tents636 acres · Pinehill, NM
Our Land includes 636 acres of high desert beauty. The top of the land is a Mesa that looks over the valley and allows you to see El Morro National Monument. In the center of the property is a Gorge surronded by trees on on side and amazing rock face on the other. If you were looking for the only place in the USA that you can enjoy a blazing fire all year, you found it. We have a grill cabin that is open on one side and closed on three sides, now you can relax with wine or grilling great food or just take in the view no matter what the weather conditions are, rain, snow, wind, sun....... You're going to want to experience this. See the entire area of amazing views. We are located in the Navajo Indian Reservation. Our land will become a cycling park and campground. Cabins are being put up but are not yet ready. Plenty of room to park your Van, RV or pop up a tent. You may see Elk, there are about 75 of them that roam the land. There are lot's of great places to see and visit close by. You will know you are at the entrance when you see the shed on the road. There are several miles of road inside the land and if you follow any road it will lead you to the top of the property where you can enjoy the stunning views from the Mesa. Have you ever stood at the top of a Mesa? It's pretty spectacular.
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$30
 / night
100%
(1)

El Malpais National Monument

7 sites · RVs250000 acres · Pinehill, NM
El Malpais National Monument Private Camping Area in the West Malpais Wilderness, Chain of Craters Wilderness Study Area close to the Continental Divide Trail, Big Tubes Caving Area, Back Country Byway 42, Lava Falls, Ventana Natural Arch, Ice Caves and Bandera Crater, El Morro National Monument, Cibola National Forest, El Malpais Lava Fields, Zuni Acoma Historic Trail
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$18.50
 / night
100%
(3)

Cubero Goat Farm and Gallery

7 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Cubero, NM
Located in the wild Wild West of Northwest New Mexico. The tribes of Navajo, Zuni, Acoma, Apache all surround this wonderful watering hole. Frequented by traders, outlaws, artists and those who appreciate and enjoy nature. Hawks, Eagles, Owls, Mountain Lions, Bobcats and our other relatives frequent this beautiful piece of heaven as well. Old adobe ruins are located on the property to show old architecture and the civilizations that have been here long before the formation of the United States. The view of the stars are unobstructed and the sunsets and sunrises are breathtaking. Come share this piece of heaven with us.
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$45
 / night

The best camping near Bluewater Lake State Park guide

Overview

About

The best way to cure your summertime blues is a trip to Bluewater Lake State Park. The serene and glassy lake, with killer views of the Zuni Mountains, offers incredible canoe and kayaking opportunities or just lay back on your paddle board and stare at the picture perfect sky! Anglers are going to be super stoked on the world class tiger muskie fishing; you can even snag a guide to find all the best spots for a record catch. Water lovers who don’t want the day to end can boat into primitive campsites, or pitch your tent at one the parks campgrounds. Hiking at Bluewater is the perfect way to catch panoramic views of the lake and mountains, and there’s tons of gorgeous spots for a picnic lunch. You will be worry free after a trip to Bluewater Lake, say buh-bye to those blues!

Notable campgrounds

  • Developed Campsites: Offering 149 sites, these campgrounds provide the perfect balance of nature and convenience.
  • Electric Sites: With 14 electric sites available, enjoy the great outdoors without forgoing modern comforts.
  • Group Campsites: Ideal for larger gatherings, these sites allow for memorable group camping experiences.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, especially for peak season, to ensure your spot amid the park's natural beauty.
  • Consider mid-week stays for better availability and a quieter camping experience.
  • Keep an eye on cancellation policies for last-minute openings.
  • Explore nearby camping options to maximize your chances of securing a reservation.

When to go

The best time to visit Bluewater Lake State Park is from April 1st to October 30th, when the park is open from 6am to 9pm, offering longer days for exploration. Winter months bring shorter hours, from 7am to 5pm, and can be quite cold, so prepare accordingly if you choose to visit during this time.

Know before you go

  • Check park alerts for any closures or restrictions before your visit.
  • Life jackets are a must for water activities – safety first!
  • Accessibility is a priority, with amenities to accommodate diverse visitor needs.
  • Remember to pack out your trash and respect the park's pristine environment.
  • Visitor center and staff are available to enhance your park experience and provide information.

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