The best camping near Lincoln National Forest
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Lincoln National Forest adventure.
87% (28 reviews)
87% (28 reviews)
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Community favorites near Lincoln National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
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Stay at a public campground in Lincoln National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near Lincoln National Forest
95%
(196)
Camp Rio
59 sites · Lodging, Tents9 acres · Mayhill, NM
Camp Rio, formerly named Camp @ Cloudcroft is located in beautiful SE New Mexico! The park is surrounded by thousands of acres of the Lincoln National Forest. The forest is laced with small villages, picturesque roads, riding, hiking, golf, and walking trails. Small valleys, surrounding mountains, racing streams, wildlife, birds, mountain glens and outdoor activities are available to Camp Rio guests. The small towns around us are Mayhill, Cloudcroft, Weed, and Pinion. These towns have scheduled activities such as arts and craft fairs, car shows, bluegrass festivals, dog shows, and Lumberjack days. Additional day trips to Alamogordo, Capitan (Smokey the Bear), Carlsbad, Las Cruces, Lincoln (Billy the Kid), Ruidoso (skiing), Sunspot (National Solar Observatory, Truth or Consequences (Hot Springs) and White Sands National Monument! Guests enjoy our upgraded free wifi to have the best of both worlds, surrounded by beautiful nature, while still being able to connect with family/friends/work. Our location is superb to use as a base camp for numerous attractions as a centralized location to have many adventures.
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$35
/ night
100%
(8)
Mars Research Base (MRB)
3 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Boles Acres, NM
Nestled amid the breathtaking mountains near Alamogordo, New Mexico, our off-grid camping haven is a gateway to the untamed beauty of the desert. Campers can enjoy the serenity of nature while being just a stone's throw away from the Oliver Lee Memorial State Park, offering fantastic hiking opportunities. Whether you choose to pitch a tent or park your RV, our property is the perfect base for outdoor adventures, complemented by wildlife, mesmerizing sunsets, and the warmth of a campfire shared with friends.
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$25
/ night
Booked 2 times
OliverLee Culinary Camp
3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Alamogordo, NM
Just three short miles from Oliver Lee State Park, our primitive camp doesn't yet have all of the amenities of the state park, but we offer amenities the park doesn't! We offer a 15amp electrical connection, access to clean running water, and access to our 4 acre back pasture. And if you prefer a more luxurious camping experience, we offer a BnB experience in our amazing rooftop tent!! This package includes exclusive use of the entire campsite, as well as one meal for two! We feature unparalleled views of the sunrise over the mountains, as well as convenient access to the park and Lincoln National Forest, White Sands National Monument, and nearby Alamogordo. Firewood available onsite for friendly prices (provided there isn't a current burn ban). And finally, the thing that distinguishes us from most other campsites in this area is your host, Chef Üdø and his yummy, homemade, healthy food options!!
Your Camp Host, Chef Üdø, is onsite most days and evenings, and has 30 years' experience in the catering and private chef biz, and as a camp host. He's happy to coordinate hot meals for you and your companions! No more need to go into town to get a pizza or some icky fast food! We will make you a homemade pizza, dry-aged steak, brined chicken, buffalo burger, or lasagna...all in-house. Vegan, vegetarian, kosher, low-sodium, and most other dietary restrictions are no problem! We'll bake you a birthday cake, brownies, pie, or even Crème brûlée! Contact Chef Üdø for more details and please check out our menu at the bottom of the campsite description. We can make just about anything in our sanitary kitchen facilities. We cook with a spirit of Love and inclusion in our kitchen, and it shows! ❤️
Chef Üdø maintains current local food handler's certification, as well as HAACP federal certification. Prices are friendly and competitive with local restaurants. Vacuum-sealed frozen meals, aka “sous vide” available for most recipes.
**Be among the first to experience the most luxurious tent camping in our SmittyBilt Overlander Gen. 2 XL rooftop tent! Crisp, freshly sanitized linens, soft fleece or cotton blankets available. (Please note rental is *only* for the rooftop tent. Jeep rental is not available). For warmer months, we provide Air Conditioning for the rooftop tent at no extra cost!
Additional onsite and backcountry packages are available, including fully-catered backcountry excursions in the Lincoln National Forest, wildlife spotting tours, photo tours, and even backcountry drive-in movies are available! Campfire setup, breakfast and omelette bar also available. ***Please note we do not yet have a handwashing sink but provide a spigot or water hose.
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$35
/ night
99%
(41)
Edge of the Rez
2 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Mescalero, NM
Learn more about this land:Its dark, try to setup your camp before the sunsets. No light pollution unless there is a full moon. We are a primitive site with safe well water drawn from a sandstone bed. Walking distance to National Forest and 8 miles from Cloudcroft. Free-roaming horses, elk, mule deer, whitetail, turkey, and all critters in between. Awesome sunsets and perfect for stargazing.
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$30
/ night
100%
(45)
Sugarhill Campgrounds🐞🙏
1 site · RV, Tent4 acres · Mescalero, NM
Sugarhill Campground is beautifully located on the Homelands of the Mescalero Apache. You will experience fresh mountain air in the cool pines, Native American Cuisine offerings and campfire storytelling. Enjoy nearby tourist attractions - St Joseph's Catholic Church, Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort & Casino, White Sands National Monument, Carlsbad Caverns, Space Hall of Fame, Historic Lincoln NM, Summer Horse RacingFitness Enthusiasts can enjoy mountain trail hiking, biking, golfing, disc golf, skiingLearn more about this land:Sugar Hill woodworks is nestled in the cool pines in the Mescalero Apache Indian reservation. Always nice meeting new friends and hearing their stories 😊..
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$45
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97%
(37)
Sugarhill Woodworks
2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Mescalero, NM
Learn more about this land:Nice outdoor views with elk usually in the yard in the early mornings, outdoor grills available outdoor fire pits available. Very nice view of the church, and we have a homemade zipline!
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$45
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94%
(31)
Timberon NM Golf & RV Camping Site
2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Timberon, NM
Timberon New Mexico is considered a small peaceful retirement community. The town is located within the Sacramento Mountains on the southern edge of the Lincoln National Forest. The town has a 9-hole golf course, lodge, pool, church, airstrip and a volunteer fire department. Guests in the area can enjoy many activities such as camping, fishing, swimming, golfing, hiking, biking, ATV/UTV, winter activities, local restaurant and two well equipped stores for groceries and other camping and RVing accessories. Check out Timberon.org for town details.
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$37
/ night
100%
(2)
Tularosa Vineyards & Winery
4 sites · RVs10 acres · Tularosa, NM
We are a winery and vineyard that offers RV parking, with 20/30/50 electrical hook ups. We have a tasting room and retail shop, our hours currently are 12-5 daily CLOSED on TUESDAY. Our Estate grown wines are produced and bottled on our site. We have pistachio trees and pecan trees, tranquil property that offers a beautiful redwood deck enclosed with Ivy outdoor patio with tables and chairs. Attractions located nearby include White Sands 30 miles away and Ruidoso.
RV Parking Pad with 20/30/50 Electricity is $40 / night
Dump station available for $20
Bring your picnic, we do not have food.
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$40
/ night
98%
(104)
Quail Run Tiny Guesthouse
2 sites · Lodging1 acre · Alamogordo, NM
Quail Run was delivered to us June 10th 2020. In decorating the house I wanted it to have the feel of the Old West so it is rustic and cozy at the same time. The outside was finished with American cedar and corrugated metal giving it a modern twist on the old west. Inside you'll find neutral tones, curtains made with from burlap bags, kitchen sink which is actually a galvanized pail. There are other surprises in the bathroom which is quite ample. Upstairs in the loft is a memory foam mattress, quilts, fluffy pillows and two small Windows which offer a pleasant cross breeze.
Also displayed outside on the fence is an old saddle which has seen better days. It was a gift from a Mescalero Apache fellow whose parents found that saddle in the woods in Mescalero in the 1950s. Although it's not beautiful I consider it a treasure. Make sure you take a look while you're here.
Once the house was delivered we went to town adding our own touches to the decor, actually reworking the kitchen and finishing all the wood. The fellow who built it also delivered it from Denver for us, set it up, and built a ramp right on site. We rewarded him with a spaghetti dinner and sent brownies later, hahaha!
Our tiny house is a little beauty and very popular! We hope you visit soon!
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$84
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99%
(181)
Dusty Rabbit Van Life
5 sites · RVs, Tents2000 acres · Roswell, NM
Learn more about this land:Dusty Rabbit Van Life @ Schrimsher Ranch is an alternative camping & Star Gazing location just outside of town, yet close to the open road. A great place to relax under the stars, have a camp fire, and kick back next to your travel rig after a long day. You are welcome to explore the 600+ acres of rolling hills and high desert of our ranch. If you cross a fence you've gone too far, so that makes it easy for you to know where you're at. You might just want to crash for the night in a safe location out on the rangeland or stay a day or two to enjoy the land to walk, mountain bike antelope trails, and maybe even Sniffers the pronghorn antelope will find ya before you head out. This is a primitive site, so leave no trace practice is appreciated and pack in/out is how we do it here. If you come in the summer prepare the morning coffee early and enjoy the desert sun's rays hit the Capitan, but by 9am it will be hot, so be ready! Best star gazing and satellite watching in the world!
I have several sites to choose from. But remember to keep an eye on the wind and weather as it can get crazy out here sometimes…..!!! I try to keep the sites stocked with firewood, but fill free to bring your own.
Lonely Bull Camp 1 is my most popular site. It is very private and is easily accessible by most vehicles and campers.
Ask about Lonely Bull Camp 4x4 if you have a capable vehicle. Amazing stars!!
Old Highway Camp is a great alternative if you want something closer to the highway and have a safe private place to pull over, camp, kickback, make a fire and get back to your life on the on the road in the morning. It is closer to the highway, but is quite at night and has great star gazing. Enjoy being greeted by The Mountain in the morning. Let me know where you would like to stay and I will do my best to accommodate you! Safe travels!
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$32
/ night
Booked 1 time
Midtown Mountain Campground and RV
32 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Ruidoso, NM
Midtown Mountain Campground and RV is one of the top 5 RV Parks and Campgrounds in New Mexico, as rated by RV Life Magazine. We have the fastest WiFi in any RV Park in New Mexico. And we are one of the top destination locations in the Nation! Ruidoso New Mexico has it all from horse racing, casinos, hiking, fishing, shopping and much more!!! Midtown Mountain Campground and RV Park is at it's center. Come stay here and get out there!!!
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$45.75
/ night
94%
(9)
Tin Roofed Cabin-White Sands
2 sites · Lodging5 acres · Tularosa, NM
Beautiful property surrounded by mountains and canyons. It's a hiker's paradise and with cooler weather will be perfect! It was raw land but with many years of hard work it is finally looking awesome and is ready to share the love. Many local places to explore for the true "Hippie Hiker" or artist.
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$100
/ night
The best camping near Lincoln National Forest guide
Overview
About
Lincoln National Forest is a delight for the senses! Gaze upon cacti, smell the spruce at the top of the Sierra Blanca mountains, and feel the cool water on your skin relaxing at Sitting Bull Falls. With a range of elevation comes a range of activities; trails for both beginner and experienced hikers or hop on your horse and explore Dog Canyon Trail that traverses up over 2,000 feet (gnarly!). Camping is cushy and available year round, allowing you to experience the vast array of wildflowers at Bluff Springs in the springtime, or surf the snow in the winter at Ski Apache. With scenic mountain views, ranger programs to brush up on the area, and easy access to the town of Ruidoso, Lincoln is a mountain lovers dream without the crowds!
Nearby attractions
Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument is a breathtaking destination offering unforgettable camping experiences beneath starlit skies, thrilling hikes through rugged peaks, and a chance to uncover ancient petroglyphs.
Top cities near Lincoln National Forest
- Lincoln National Forest
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