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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.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Valles Caldera National Preserve

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Valles Caldera National Preserve

99%
(753)

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
 / night
100%
(7)

Casa de KAMA (The Silo)

1 site ¡ Lodging4 acres ¡ Abiquiu, NM
Kasa de KAMA (The Silo) is a repurposed grain Silo brought in from Kansas! It sits on 4 acres of it's own but Many more expansive acres support the Fabulous Panoramic views of Mountain ranges , Chama River, Sunrises and sunsets. Completely Peaceful and Gorgeous landscape with Vista de Pedernal (the mountain Georgia O'Keeffe painted so much she decreed God would Give it to her!) out many of the windows...
from 
$125
 / night
Booked 5 times

Handy Spot RV Space Rentals

1 site ¡ RV1 acre ¡ Espaùola, NM
Spacious RV Spaces with Stunning Mountain Views. Located in the Heart of the beautiful Espanola Valley. These RV spaces are situated on a 0.34 acre lot with mature landscaping. The spaces are equipped with full hookups and easy access to local amenities. Handy Spot RV Space Rentals is close to many different activities including, three local Casinos (Santa Claran, Ohkay Owingeh, Cities of Gold, and Buffalo Thunder), two beautiful Lakes (Abiquiu Lake, which offers some of the finest fishing in northern New Mexico and Santa Cruz Lake which is located at the base of the Sangre De Cristo mountains and offers boating, fishing, and hiking and very close proximity to the Famous Santuario de Chimayo), two awesome golf courses (Black Mesa Golf and Towa Golf Resort), and short drives to Jemez Hot Springs, Ojo Caliente Hot Springs, Ghost Ranch, Taos, Santa Fe, and Los Alamos. Did I mention Handy Spot is also conveniently located to some of the finest restaurants in Northern New Mexico including Rancho De Chimayo Handy Spot offers full hooks ups (electric and water), pet friendly, picnic area and plenty of green trees and shade. Both spaces are back in spaces and can accommodate different types of RVs.
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$40
 / night
95%
(134)

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.
from 
$50
 / night
100%
(57)

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
 / night
97%
(119)

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
 / night
100%
(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.
from 
$25
 / night
100%
(1)

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!
from 
$149
 / night
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.
from 
$25
 / night
98%
(26)

High Desert Oasis by Ojo HotSprings

1 site ¡ Lodging3 acres ¡ La Madera, NM
Monastic earthy Bedroom with ensuite bathroom in 1,700 sqft adobe house in a High-desert River Oasis. Three serene acres by the River Vallecitos, and moments away from the healing waters of Ojo Hot Springs (6miles). Lush vegetation with lots of trees and shade to relax, ground, and explore the enchanting natural phenomena all around. Lots of hiking tips. Where the fiery Taos (45mins) desert expanse and its majestic mountain ranges merge with the colorful rolling hills of magical Abiquiu (30mins) lies a fertile valley in Carson National Forest. There the old town (145 people) of La Madera sits, where you'll find this quaint private room with its own bathroom. A nourishing hide out to center and ground into Earth and melt with the elements, listen to the birds, mountains and your self.
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$99
 / night
100%
(15)

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 Espaùola. 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.
from 
$20
 / night
99%
(69)

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 began to have a serious impact on the land, a stream ran through year round. 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.
from 
$25
 / night

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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